January President’s Message

Happy New Year! I hope your holidays were very merry.

I’m honored and excited to be PRSA Richmond’s president. 2017 is going to be an awesome year.

The PRSA Richmond board met in December to start working on chapter initiatives for the year. Each of the programs, activities and resources this talented and inspiring group of volunteers plans for members will showcase our teamwork and highlight how PR professionals act as coaches, referees, cheerleaders and captains. If you had not already guessed, my 2017 theme is sports!

In keeping with that theme, we have released our schedule. Please mark your calendar for some important dates:

Luncheons: Most members know that luncheon programs are the last Wednesday of every month. But sometimes those dates sneak up on us and our busy work schedules get in the way. Go ahead and block that time on your calendar now so you ensure you don’t miss any of the amazing networking and engaging presentations that make up each luncheon. And remember, it’s already included in your membership so you don’t have to pay—just RSVP online and enjoy!
APR Boot Camp: PRSA Richmond will once again host the Mid-Atlantic APR Boot Camp April 5-8. This program has been a huge success the past two years it has been held in Richmond. If you have been thinking about getting your accreditation, this is the perfect opportunity. The four-day course allows you to prepare and advance through the Readiness Review and take the computer-based exam. Plus, PRSA Richmond will offer five, $400 scholarships to PRSA Richmond members participating in the boot camp. Applications are due January 23.
Virginia Public Relations Awards: The Virginia Public Relations Awards were so popular in 2016 that we maxed out space at the venue. The 2017 awards are heading back to The Jefferson on May 10. Start thinking about which programs, campaigns and tactics you would like to submit using the quick and easy online application process.
2017 International Conference: It’s not too soon to start planning for the PRSA International Conference October 8-10 in Boston. This event is an incredible resource for PR practitioners. The entire membership benefits from this event because several board members attend each year to bring back ideas for workshop and luncheon speakers.

Those are just a few of the events we have planned in 2017. Please stay tuned for details about items added throughout the year. The best ways to know what’s happening with PRSA Richmond is to follow us on Facebook and Twitter and visit our website often.

If you are interested in getting even more involved with the chapter, please reach out to me or any of the board members. We always welcome volunteers who want to serve on one of the chapter’s great committees.

Our 2017 playbook (the chapter handbook) will be posted online soon. I encourage you to take a look so you are informed about board decisions, discussions and activities. Please don’t hesitate to contact me if you have questions about PRSA Richmond or suggestions on how we can hit it out of the park.

Thank you for being a PRSA Richmond member. I may be the team captain in 2017, but each of you are MVPs. We have a truly incredible chapter, and I know we will continue to grow and thrive. I look forward to deepening connections I’ve already made through PRSA Richmond and making connections with new members.

I’ll see you at our January 25 luncheon.

Sincerely,

Jennifer Guild, APR
2017 PRSA Richmond President