January President’s Message

Happy New Year!

Welcome to 2022 and an exciting year for PRSA RVA. While 2021 did not end up being the return to “normal” that we were all hoping for after the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, it still provided us with an opportunity to think outside the box and continue to connect, learn and network virtually.

Under the leadership of Lindsay O’Bar, APR, and her board, the chapter thrived, held meaningful programming, and toward the end of the year we were even able to meet in person to celebrate the best in our industry at the PRSA Awards.

So, as we head into 2022 and I take the helm of the PRSA Richmond chapter, I am hopeful for what lies ahead. My theme for the year is “We’re in this together” because regardless of what 2022 has in store for us, we will persevere if we work together and deliver a great year for our chapter.

There are two important updates that I would like to share with you:

1. While the January and February luncheon programs will remain virtual due to the Omicron COVID-19 variant and our desire to keep everyone safe, we are hopeful that starting in March we will be together, in person, again at a new luncheon location. Because our previous host, the Lakeside Park Club, will only hold events for their members starting in 2022, we had to conduct a thorough search for a new location. I am pleased to announce that starting in March we will be meeting at the Westwood Club, located at 6200 West Club Lane, Richmond. More details will be shared ahead of the March luncheon.

2. The chapter has formed a committee to discuss a more inclusive and industry-related name for the highest individual award, the Thomas Jefferson Award. The chapter’s Rising Star award, which recognizes a young PR professional, describes what the award represents. Therefore, it is fitting that the career achievement award also models this approach and aligns the two most distinguished individual awards. You should have received an email with more information last week. If you have any questions or you would like to be involved with this process, please contact Taya Jarman, APR, who is our President Elect and leads the committee, at tjarman@institutephi.org.

Thank you for your continued support, and I look forward to a great year ahead.
Best,
Diana