Greetings PR and Communications professionals of the Blue Ridge!

I am honored to serve you as the 2012 Blue Ridge Chapter president. I am lucky to be working with a great group of professionals who have agreed to serve with me this year. Please take a moment to visit our website and review our board of directors and committee chairs.

PRSA Blue Ridge is in its third year of a strategic plan that was adopted in 2010.

1. To stabilize membership and begin to grow again. With a tough economy, the chapter has been able to maintain a membership of about 85. This year, we will work to grow our membership by getting to know our members and meeting their needs as a professional service organization.
2.  To play a larger role in advocating our profession. This year we have an impressive list of speakers confirmed for our 2012 professional development luncheons. These programs, in addition to the professional development seminar that will be held later this year, will appeal to all business professionals. By the way, have you prepaid for the 2012 luncheons? The deadline is approaching. Click here to save money and download the prepay form.
3. To enhance the value of membership. We want to know what our members (you!) want from your PRSA Blue Ridge membership. Please take this survey (click here!) and help us build a better value for your membership dollars.

We have an exciting year ahead of us as our chapter celebrates 20 years of serving public relations and communications professionals in the Blue Ridge.  I look forward to getting to know you all better and working together to advance the profession.

Nancy C. Simmons

President 

Past Presidents Council Spearheading Anniversary Activities

PRSA Blue Ridge has been serving public relations professionals since 1992. For 20 years, the chapter has assisted in advancing the profession through professional development luncheons and seminars, awards programs, mentoring, networking, and offering many resources to area practitioners. In mid-2011, the Board of Directors approved the formation of the Past Presidents Council to develop plans to celebrate the PRSA Blue Ridge Chapter’s 20^th anniversary in 2012. 

The council is currently made up of about 11 past presidents who have been meeting since the middle of last year.  This group initially focused on the 20^th anniversary celebration, but also proposed staying an active committee going forward where each outgoing president joins the council.  The council will elect a chair to represent the group at board meetings during the year and will develop duties and responsibilities for the council beyond the 20^th anniversary celebration.  In addition to and after the 20^th anniversary celebration, the council will work on activities to recruit, retain, and develop the chapter. 

The Past Presidents Council played a key role in assisting with the development of the 2012 Anniversary Professional Development Luncheon Series. During 2012, each bimonthly professional development luncheon will feature a member of the Past Presidents Council, who will take an “Anniversary Minute” or two to reflect on milestones and experiences at the helm during the past 20 years. 

In February, 1994 President Linda Staley, APR will speak about the history of the formation of the chapter and recognize past chapter past presidents. 

In April, 1995 President Anne Marie Greene, APR and 1997 President Teresa Gereaux will speak about the importance of the Universal Accreditation program and recognize chapter members who have earned their APR.

In August, 1993 President, Jeff Douglas, APR, Fellow, will speak about the creation of the chapter Summit Awards program and recognize past awards winners and awards committee chairs.

In June, 2008 President Amy Whittaker will speak about our soaring membership over the past 20 years and will recognize the founding members of the chapter as well as past membership chairs.

In October, 2005 President Shelly Whitaker, APR will speak about our affiliation with and support of our five PRSSA chapters and recognize chapter members who were PRSSA members as well as the PRSSA advisors.

In December, 2010 President Thomas Becher, APR will speak about the significance of our association with PRSA on a national level and recognize our chapter members who are a member of the College of Fellows, and who have served on the district and national level and as assembly delegates.

The Public Relations Society of America, Blue Ridge Chapter, in partnership with its Past Presidents Council, has announced the 2012 Anniversary Luncheon Series, designed to continue a legacy of “advancing the public relations profession and professional.”

The anniversary series will kick off Thursday, Feb. 9, with John Martin presenting “Turning Silver into Gold: New Rules for Communicating with Baby Boomers” at Sheraton Hotel & Conference Center.

Martin is chief executive officer of the Boomer Project and president/CEO of the Southeastern Institute of Research. His golden insight will include tactical tips and practical techniques for connecting with the expanding 65-plus Baby Boomer population.

The term “Baby Boomers” is given to the generation following World War II born between 1946 and 1964. The first turned 65 on Jan. 1, 2011 and, every day since, 11,000 more have reached this important milestone creating a new world for companies, organizations, and communities.

Each bimonthly professional development luncheon also will feature a member of the Past Presidents Council, who will take an “Anniversary Minute” or two to reflect on milestones and experiences at the helm during the past 20 years.

The 2012 Anniversary Luncheon Series 

Thursday, Feb. 9*

John Martin, Boomer Project

“Turning Silver into Gold: New Rules for Communicating with Baby Boomers”

Sheraton Hotel & Conference Center, Roanoke

Sponsored by National College 

Thursday, April 26*

Jill Vaughan, APR, Virginia Lottery

“A Winning Combination: Innovative Partnerships, Effective Measurement & Social Media”

The Inn at Virginia Tech, Blacksburg

Sponsored by the Department of Communication, Virginia Tech

Thursday, June 21*

Glenn Kent, Ph.D., Jefferson College of  Health Sciences

“What Makes Americans Super Size: Are You Part of the Reason?”

Hotel Roanoke, Roanoke

Sponsored in part by Carilion

Thursday, Aug. 9

Bob Holsworth, Ph.D., Virginia Tomorrow

“PR Strategy and the Influence of Elections”

Hotel Roanoke, Roanoke

Thursday, Oct. 11

Guest speaker to be announced

“PR Messaging & the Appeal of Safety & Innovation in a Down Economy”

Hotel Roanoke, Roanoke

Sponsored by Access Advertising & Public Relations 

Thursday, Dec. 13

Joe DellaVedova, F-35 Joint Strike Fighter Program

“Advising a 3-Star Admiral on Public Affairs”

Hotel Roanoke, Roanoke

Sponsored by tba

*Note fluctuations in usual bimonthly dates and/or locations. The February luncheon will be at the Sheraton near the Hershberger Road/I-581 interchange. The April luncheon will be the fourth Thursday of the month at The Inn at Virginia Tech in Blacksburg. The June luncheon will be the third Thursday of the month.

The cost to attend is $17 for students, $22 for members, and $30 for nonmembers. Please register online and you may pay by credit card or check.

For more information on the 2012 Anniversary Luncheon Series or chapter sponsorships, contact Heidi Ketler, APR, Chapter President-Elect and Program Chair, at 540-650-3696. Or, visit the chapter website at www.prsa-blueridge.org.

Now through Feb. 1, reserve your space for all Blue Ridge Chapter professional development luncheons in 2012 at a discounted rate! Click here to see the scheduled speakers and presentations planned for 2012. We have a great lineup scheduled and for only $120 you can prepay for your attendance now. You may pay online or click here to pay by check using an invoice.

Local public relations professionals Rachel Spencer and Jen K. Ward were recognized Dec. 8, 2011, for their commitment and service to the PRSA Blue Ridge Chapter.

Sparky Award – Jen K. Ward
The 2011 Sparky Award was presented to Jen K. Ward, principal, Blue Filly Productions. This award is presented to an individual who exemplifies what it really means to be an active member of the chapter.  Ward, a member since 2007, has served as the Hospitality Chair since June 2010. She is also a member of the awards/gala committee and is regularly recruited to help several different committees in various ways each year.  As the Hospitality Chair, Ward manages the logistics for all eight of the chapter's annual events, including six bi-monthly professional development luncheons.  A skilled graphic designer, Ward often donates her time and talent to help produce collateral materials for the chapter as well. 

"I'm so glad we’ve managed to talk Jen into staying on in both of her positions for at least another year. She really is a shining star in our chapter," said Immediate Past President and Assembly Delegate Laura Neff-Henderson, APR. "I know she will continue to be a huge asset to the chapter.”

In addition to running her own marketing, graphic design and public relations company, Ward is the president of the Botetourt County Horseman's Association, a position she has held since 2006. She previously worked as the director of marketing and communications for the Girl Scouts of Virginia Skyline Council and was appointed to the national Marketing and Communications board for Girl Scouts of the USA. She is a monthly columnist with Bella Magazine as "The Blue Suit Mommy."

Illuminator Award - Rachel Spencer
The 2011 Illuminator Award was presented to Rachel Spencer, a senior account manager, with Access Advertising & Public Relations. The Illuminator Award is given to a member of the chapter who is a bright spot in the group; someone who lights up the organization with their positive attitude and many contributions. Spencer, who has been a member of the Blue Ridge Chapter since 2008, served as a Director at Large, as well as the Social Chair and a member of the awards/gala committee this year.  Always available to help, Spencer radiates creativity and enthusiasm. 

"I’m very pleased that we are lucky to be keeping her in both roles and I look forward to seeing what she brings to the table as she takes on her new role as our Public Service Chair," said Neff-Henderson.

Spencer joined Access in 2007 and manages the public relations team. Prior to joining Access, she held positions as a technical writer, a public relations fellow at a Washington, D.C.-based PR firm, and a media relations specialist with the American Diabetes Association national office in Alexandria. She is a member of the board of directors for the Council of Community Services.

Suni Heflin

Suni Heflin is a graduate of James Madison University. Currently, she is the Community Relations Specialist for Children's Miracle Network Hospitals at Carilion Clinic Children's Hospital.  Heflin brings experience from the nonprofit, marketing, and public relations arenas including local nonprofits and managing her own marketing and public relations consulting firm where she has served various local businesses. She is a member of the Junior League of the Roanoke Valley, a charter member of Young Rotarians Blue Ridge, board member for Living Waters Children's Home, and an active member at Bonsack Baptist Church.  Heflin is married to Cameron, a career firefighter/EMTwith Roanoke County, and the couple have a beautiful black lab named Tigger. She is passionate about helping others and being an active catalyst for positive change in our community. 

As a way to give back, the PRSA Blue Ridge Chapter has chosen New Horizons Healthcare as a service project to assist in their public relations efforts. New Horizons is a not-for-profit, community-based family medical practice incorporated in 1999. This organization is committed to increasing access to affordable, high-quality, comprehensive, and preventive healthcare that is culturally sensitive for the citizens of the Roanoke area. More details about our partnership will be posted on the chapter's website in the near future.  If you are interested in helping the chapter support this deserving organization, please contact Public Service Chair Rachel Spencer at rachel@visitaccess.com.

We all expanded in 2011: January brings the diet craze back in full swing. We are all well aware of last year’s indiscretions, but we expanded? Who wants to talk about that? We're not referring to anyone’s waist size, but our network size. With a new year we are wiser, some of us are older, and we have expanded contacts with those we had the privilege to meet and work with in 2011.

Think for a minute about all you did last year and give yourself a pat on the back. Now think about all the people you met. Who did you meet that would be a natural fit for PRSA? Who is new to the area and/or the field of public relations? That person may have no clue about our chapter and all that it offers. Invite that person to come as a guest of the chapter to one of our luncheons.

With the slate of speakers already set, it’s easy to choose a topic that may be the most relevant to his/her work. You just might give that person the chance to do the best thing they do in 2012—join PRSA!

For more information about PRSA Blue Ridge Chapter membership, contact Membership Chair Alison Hammond at alison.hammond@cccofva.org.

Want to see what's going on with the PRSA Blue Ridge Chapter? "Like" us on our Facebook page at  www.facebook.com/PRSABlueRidge. Posts include photos, events, and updates. We also invite your feedback and comments on the page.

The Blue Ridge Chapter publishes an online newsletter several times each year to keep members tuned into the chapter's activities. The newsletters are coordinated by Treasurer and Publications Chair Melinda Mayo. To submit information for the newsletter, please email information to Mayo directly at melinda.mayo@roanokeva.gov.

Remaining 2012 Newsletters
March/April – Will be available Monday, March 12 (Submissions due March 1)

May/June – Will be available Monday, May 14 (Submissions due May 1)

July/August – Will be available Monday, July 16 (Submissions due July 2)

September/October – Will be available Monday, Sept. 17 (Submissions due Sept. 3)

November/December – Will be available Monday, Nov. 12 (Submissions due Nov. 1)