About Us
About PRSA
With the vision to unify and strengthen the profession of public relations, the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA) has established itself as the pre-eminent organization that builds value, demand and global understanding for public relations. The Buffalo Niagara Chapter, one of the nation’s fastest-growing local chapters, mirrors the national organization’s mission to advance the profession and the professional.
PRSA National
PRSA is the world’s largest organization for public relations professionals. Chartered in 1947, PRSA’s primary objectives are to advance the standards of the public relations profession and to provide members with professional development opportunities through continuing education programs, information exchange forums and research projects conducted on the national and local levels.
Currently, PRSA has more than 21,000 members organized into 110 chapters, with professionals represented from business and industry, technology, counseling firms, government, associations, hospitals, schools, professional services and nonprofit organizations.
The Buffalo Niagara Chapter
Founded in 1963, the PRSA Buffalo Niagara Chapter is one of the fastest-growing and most dynamic chapters in the country. Today, the organization boasts nearly 200 members representing all areas of business and industry including corporate, nonprofit, government, counseling firms, educational institutions and professional service firms.
Sponsors of the PRSA Buffalo Niagara Chapter include Eric Mower and Associates, Univera Healthcare, Canisius College’s Graduate Business Programs and PR Newswire.
PRSA Buffalo Niagara is part of PRSA’s Northeast District, which also includes the Rochester, Finger Lakes, Central New York, Capital Region, Boston, Southeastern New England and Yankee chapters.
Networking
The Buffalo Niagara Chapter is composed of entry-level to seasoned professionals from various sectors including corporate, agency, government and nonprofit. Ample networking opportunities exist year-round at monthly chapter-sponsored programs and events. Member services include an online job bank and member directory, as well as discounts on chapter programs and invitations to member-only functions.
Professional Development
The monthly professional development programs tackle a wide variety of topics relevant to today’s practitioner, including diversity, strategic communication, crisis communication and media relations. All workshops are designed to help members develop and enhance the skills necessary to practice effective public relations.
Signature Events
Two of the Buffalo Niagara Chapter’s signature events are the Excalibur Awards competition in June, and the Sunrise Seminar Series held each August.
The Excalibur Awards competition, established in 1990, is conducted annually to recognize and reward outstanding public relations programs and projects developed by practitioners throughout the region.
The Sunrise Seminars Program is a four-week, early-morning professional development initiative, which enables a topic critical to professionals for in-depth discussion. The series appeals to professionals from a wide assortment of disciplines.
Volunteering
Looking to get involved? In addition to joining, there are many ways to get involved! Chapter committees include: Membership, Finance/Sponsorship, Accreditation, Excalibur, Program, Scholarship, and E-Communications. The time commitment varies by committee, and we are happy to accommodate your schedule. For more information on committees, contact Brenda Schwamborn by e-mail.
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