January President’s Message: PRSA in 2018

Happy New Year. I hope you enjoyed a restful and joyful holiday season.

Last fall, I had the pleasure of serving as one of the chapter’s four delegates to PRSA National’s Leadership Assembly. The assembly takes place the day before the annual International Conference and is an opportunity to update and review PRSA’s bylaws and discuss the public relations profession. The gathering also gives chapter leaders a chance to network with peers across the U.S.

Here’s my takeaway: PRSA Richmond is one heck of a strong chapter. In conversations between sessions, people were impressed at our average luncheon attendance and level of programming. Our success is due in large part to the smart and engaged members like you. Thank you.

I’m thrilled to jump into 2018 as PRSA Richmond’s president. Before the holiday break, our board met for a planning session to brainstorm the year ahead. Here are a few things I’m excited about:

• Updates to the Virginia Public Relations Awards: Late last year, a steering committee led by Casey Prentice looked at opportunities to improve the chapter’s annual awards program. In 2018, we’re rolling out updated award categories and a judging scorecard. To kick-off awards season, we’re hosting a free-for-members professional development session on Jan. 9 to share best practices. See you there?

• Membership Survey Feedback: We field a membership survey every other year. Nearly 100 members took the time to share their feedback in the 2017 survey, which we’ll be sharing at our January luncheon. We loved hearing about what you enjoy most about the chapter and your tips for improvement. You’ll see some changes based on your recommendations this year.

• Our Awesome Board and Volunteers: One of the great things about PRSA Richmond is our active and generous volunteers. We have a very strong board that’s excited to serve the membership in 2018. Additionally, I continue to receive emails from members asking how they can get involved. Keep them coming! There’s always opportunities to get involved, whether that’s serving on a committee or volunteering at the awards dinner or at a luncheon.

Finally, I want to get to know you. Let’s have coffee (on me) and chat about what keeps you coming to PRSA Richmond luncheons. Drop me an email at president@prsarichmond.org and we’ll set something up.

Cheers to a successful 2018. See you at a PRSA Richmond event soon.

Sincerely,

Cameron McPherson, APR
PRSA Richmond President