May President’s Message

This year, my goal has been to find and solidify our value-add. With innovative programs and opportunities, we’re creating more valuable moments to help you bridge connections.

After COVID, I’ve noticed some of us are swapping professional relationships and connections for science and strategy.

I get it.

Sometimes, focusing on RPIE, ROPE, SWOT, PESO, or other strategic models are easier to focus on than pulling away from your screen and inviting a peer to coffee. This month, I challenge you to reconnect or create a new connection. After all, building relationships and connections are the core of our profession.

First up: Career Chat

This month, we are going beyond our JobLink to give advice from a regional PR recruiter. We have invited a powerhouse PR recruiter from PR Talent to tell us what they look for when placing professionals, compensation trends, and how to find your next opportunity. We will also offer free headshots. We know your professional goals and questions are private, so we’ve created a space for you to submit anonymous questions in advance.

Speaking of Careers: PRSA national is hosting a free webinar on May 23 on Online Reputation and how to fix your Google Results, Wikipedia pages, and more.

We Like to Party!

We are joining our advertising and marketing peers for the second ONE Party. We will catch up and rub elbows with the Advertising Club of Richmond and the American Marketing Association (AMA) Richmond at Hardywood Scott’s Addition on Wednesday, May 17.

Speaking of Party: It’s Awards Season

The winners are in, and will be notified this week! Tickets will go on sale May 8. This year, the awards ceremony will be in a new location – the Dominion Energy Center on June 7. We’re anticipating the tickets will sell out for this historic event.

Monthly Innovations

Our sections are busy creating new touchpoints to get you involved with your peers.

• Community Service: It’s essential that the community sees us not just throwing parties and having fun but supporting our neighbors. PRSA has created a DIY volunteer program to create nourishment kits for the Richmond Behavioral Health Authority.
• Spring into Space: As promised, we’ve moved beyond just happy hours and luncheons. We are visiting the Virginia Museum of History and Culture for our nonprofit section networking event.

Last word: We believe that public relations is an essential tool that strengthens our brand and helps us achieve our goals. Please send me a note to share how we can help you achieve your goals at president(at)prsarichmond(dot)org.

With motivation + support,
Taya M. Jarman, APR
PRSA Richmond President