PRSA President’s Message
Barbara A. Byers, APR
Happy New Year and happy anniversary to the Buffalo/Niagara chapter! I am very excited about the year ahead as we celebrate our 40th anniversary as a PRSA chapter.
We’ve come a long way over the past four decades, and should be proud of our accomplishments. National board member Tony D’Angelo recognized our chapter during his remarks at the November annual meeting, saying that we are a shining example to the more than 100 other chapters across the country. He also acknowledged our citation for having achieved the largest increase in membership among medium-sized chapters (100-199 members) during a promotion last spring. I have every confidence this growth will continue in 2005.
You can expect another full slate of professional development programs this year, beginning with this month’s session on media gatekeepers, set for January 17. Subsequent topics include ethics, diversity and a look at PR from the CEOs’ perspective. Look for a special event in July to commemorate our anniversary. Be sure to bookmark our new website for the latest details on all our programs, events and news.
In addition to strong programming and celebrating our 40th anniversary, 2005 could be the year that you decide to become more involved with the chapter. Whether you have just joined or are a longtime member, I firmly believe that by volunteering, your connection to and satisfaction with the chapter will increase dramatically. There are many committees to choose from, and one will surely match your interest and availability, whether it is membership, programming, accreditation or even writing for this newsletter. For more information on volunteering, please contact Brenda Schwamborn, at b_Schwamborn@msn.com. We welcome your enthusiasm and new ideas!
Once again, I want to thank you for your commitment to PRSA Buffalo/Niagara.
Buffalo/Niagara Chapter Elects Officers For 2005
Barbara A. Byers, APR, an assistant director in the Office of Alumni Relations at the University at Buffalo, has been elected president of the Buffalo/Niagara Chapter of the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA).
A member of the local chapter since 1996, Byers served as chair of the chapter’s membership committee for three years and has been a member of the board of directors for the last two years. She holds a degree in communications from Penn State University and a master’s certificate in public relations management from Buffalo State College. She received her national accreditation in public relations (APR) in 1999.
Other officers elected at the chapter’s annual meeting were Jeff Paterson, APR, president elect; Michael R. Barone, treasurer; Lisa M. Anthon, APR, secretary; and Richard D. Shaner Jr. and Deborah A. Silverman, Ph.D., APR, assembly delegates.
Other previously elected members serving on the board of directors for 2005 are Karen L. Karaszewski, APR, immediate past president; Thomas R. Lucia and Debra S. Park, directors at large; and Nancy A. Fredrickson, APR, assembly delegate.
Membership Committee Update
The membership committee held a successful fall membership party on October 14, 2004, at the Sonoma Grille in Amherst. The party was attended by 110 members and guests, including 44 members of PRSSA. Our thanks to party co-chairs Kathryn Good and Jennifer Hickok for their hard work! Additional thanks go out to Digicon, our presenting sponsor.
Lisa Herman, last year’s University at Buffalo PRSSA chapter president; Jennifer Hickok of the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation International and co-chair of the membership party; Seema Bhalla of First Niagara Bank; new member Jennifer Malfa; Jacqueline Ghosen of the membership committee and the University at Buffalo School of Management; Deb Silverman, UB professor and faculty advisor for the UB PRSSA chapter.
Josette DiDomizio of The Princeton Review; Jessica Griffin; Therese Hickok of the membership committee and E-3 Communications; and Jill Storms Pawlik of Star Publicity.
We were pleased to welcome 26 new members to the chapter during 2004 (as of 12/1/04). Membership now stands at 154 members and growing. Watch for the membership committee to continue its work in 2005 through its ambassador program, information sessions and several new membership promotions.
If you know any professionals who might be interested in or who would benefit from an introduction to PRSA, please contact membership co-chairs Kathy Kirst (842-6600) or John Senall (845-1038).
PRSA Programming Committee Update
The program committee has begun planning for the 2005 season and we are currently seeking new members. If you are interested in assisting with chapter programming, please contact Kandis R. Fuller, APR, committee chair, at 857-4410.
Programs Coming Up In 2005
February
Gatekeepers Gone Wild: Assessing the Fallout of Media Scandals
How thoroughly are today’s news media organizations checking their facts before running with the story? And what is PR’s role in setting the story straight? We will have a stimulating panel discussion with journalists and media experts.
This will be an evening program, with date, location and fee to be announced.
February
BYOB: How to Prepare a Winning Excalibur Award Entry
(More information to come.)
Date and time: Thursday, February 24, 8 a.m.
Location: Univera Healthcare
Members may buy breakfast at the Univera Healthcare cafeteria or bring their own.
March
Inside the Mind of a CEO
How do today’s business leaders think of PR, and what role does it play, if any, in their day-to-day decision making? A panel of CEOs will share their insight.
This will be a luncheon program, with date, location and fee to be announced.
PRSA E-Mails: Too Much Information?
Several Buffalo Niagara PRSA chapter members have noticed they receive an abundance of PRSA e-mails. Keep in mind that many are from PRSA National regarding upcoming professional development opportunities and web seminars.
If you would like to opt out of the national e-mails, simply follow the instructions at the bottom of each message. If you wish to preview upcoming programs, visit the PRSA web site at www.prsa.org and click on Professional Development Seminars and/or E-Learning.
2004 National Assembly Proceedings
PRSA held its 54th annual assembly October 23; the proceedings, presentations and press releases covering the day are available on MemberNet (click on Member Resources). For help accessing MemberNet, e-mail membernet@prsa.org.
The assembly passed three bylaw amendments, accepted the 2005 slate of officers and dissolved the Central Massachusetts, Chesapeake Bay and Delmar chapters due to an extended period of inactivity, no chapter members, a lack of national members in the area and lack of interest in reviving the chapters.
Announcing PRC Search: A New And Exciting Member Benefit From The Professional Resource Center
Access to PRSA's knowledge repository is just a click away! Now you can search and retrieve answers to your most challenging public relations research questions from our proprietary electronic database of full-text articles from PRSA's award-winning publications, Tactics and Strategist, and hundreds of summaries for Silver Anvil winners. This database will expand to include historical case studies and articles from other PRSA resources.
Simply sign on to MemberNet and start searching for:
- Full-text articles from Tactics and Strategist from 1996 to the present
- Two-page outlines of Silver Anvil Award entries from 1996 to the present.
- Answers to your research challenges are at your fingertips. You can easily identify articles and cases:
- By practice area: for example, “crisis management” or “internal communications”
- By industry: for example, “food/beverage” or “sports”
- By communications channel: for example, “press releases” or “internet”
- By searching any word or phrase, locate precise information: for example, information on a company, product or person
- Or use the powerful search engine to combine a category and a free text search
For assistance using PRC Search or for other research/reference inquiries, contact us by phone at (212) 460-1459, by fax (212) 995-5024, or by email at resources@prsa.org. Not a PRSA member? PRC staff will conduct searches for you for a fee ($50 minimum).
PRSA Store - A Full Line Of Quality Products That Proudly Display The PRSA Logo
The PRSA Store offers PRSA-branded items especially designed as gifts for program speakers, exceptional volunteers or for chapter and district event or meeting use. Items include shirts and sweatshirts, backpacks, pens, PRSA name tags, note cards, picture frames, clocks, logo pins and many other high-quality items. You will be tempted to buy a treat for yourself, too.
Members can search and order PRSA Store products online. Log in to PRSA MemberNet and click on PRSA Store. You can also place your orders by phone by calling 212-460-1459.
APR Exam: Frequently Asked Questions
If you have been thinking about taking the APR exam, now is the time to get started. Ron Smith of Buffalo State College will be offering a six-week APR preparation course beginning in March. To find out more about accreditation, visit www.prsa.org or call chapter accreditation chair Julie Marranca at (716) 856-2932, ext. 238.
In the meantime, here are the answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about the exam:
What is accreditation?
A voluntary certification program for public relations professionals, administered by the Public Relations Society of America
What is the purpose of accreditation?
The purpose is to unify and advance the profession by identifying those who have demonstrated broad knowledge, experience and professional judgment in the field. The program seeks to improve public relations practice. The designation “accredited in public relations” (APR) signifies a high professional level of experience and competence.
Why become accredited?
Increasingly, job listings are specifying APR preferred. Senior public relations professionals have been outspoken in support of accreditation. According to Joe S. Epley, APR, Fellow PRSA, and president of Epley Associates in Charlotte, NC, “APR is a symbol of professionalism. It demonstrates that individuals have the knowledge, ethics and experience that set them apart. It also demonstrates that they care about their own profession and that they are dedicated to enhancing their own personal abilities.”
How old is the universal accreditation program?
The universal accreditation program was formed in January 1998. Nine public relations organizations now participate in the universal program, including the Agricultural Relations Council, Florida Public Relations Association, Maine Public Relations Council, National School Public Relations Association, Public Relations Society of America (PRSA), Religion Communicators Council, Society for Healthcare Strategy and Market Development, Southern Public Relations Federation, and the Texas Public Relations Association. The program is administered by PRSA, which operated its own accreditation program beginning in 1964.
Who governs the process?
The universal accreditation board – comprised of one chair and representatives from each partner organization dedicated to three-year terms – oversees the program. Providing a balanced blend of backgrounds in a number of public relations specialties, this group of senior-level accredited members meets four times a year. Day-to-day operations are administered at PRSA headquarters. Responsibilities of the universal accreditation board include the following:
- Develops and implements policy for the program
- Develops and maintains the accreditation examination
- Oversees the development of examination questions, answer keys, and ensures content is based on the body of knowledge
- Reviews appeal cases
- Grants accreditation
Who is eligible?
Members of partner organizations who have at least five years of paid, full-time experience in the professional practice of public relations, or in the teaching or administration of public relations courses in an accredited college or university.
Also, non-members who belong to member organizations of the North American Public Relations Council (NAPRC) and who meet the same requirements as members are eligible. Please contact PRSA headquarters for details.
What is the fee to take the Examination for Accreditation in Public Relations?
The fee for PRSA members is $275. The fee for members of partner organizations is $385. The fee for non-members equals the fully allocated cost of administering the exam. Additionally, non-members must pay an annual maintenance fee equal to PRSA member dues ($225).
Is accreditation good for life?
Yes, with fulfillment of maintenance of accreditation requirements. Every three years, professionals accredited after January 1, 1993, must accumulate the required number of points in continuing education, professionalism or service categories as part of the maintenance of accreditation program. This further strengthens the value of the APR credential and keeps professionals actively involved in the currents of the public relations profession. |
