In this issue

PRSSA 2008 National Conference: Important notice

For the first time in years, PRSSA National Conference participants are invited to attend the most distinguished social event of the PRSA 2008 International Conference, the Opening Night Reception.

PRSA's opening night events are renown for class and elegance, and this year's will exceed expectations as it showcases some of the best of Detroit - great music, hot cars and amazing cuisine - accompanied by the seamless, soulful harmonies of Day 26, winners of Sean "Diddy" Combs' "Making the Band: Season 4" on MTV.

To join us for one of the most exciting invitations extended to PRSSA members this year, be sure to check this option on the registration form when you sign up for the PRSSA 2008 National Conference before the Sept. 22 deadline. In addition to dinner and two beverages*, the $15 admission gives you an opportunity to socialize with many of the most prominent practitioners in our profession.

The reception is 7-9 p.m., Sunday, Oct. 26 in the GM Renaissance Center's picturesque Wintergarden. Thank you to General Motors' premier partnership and many other corporate sponsors that are supporting this event.

*Please remember this is a professional event. ID will be required for alcoholic beverages. Attire should be business professional.

Contact the National Conference Committee for more information. Register for Conference online by Sept. 22.

National Committee updates

Special invitation to National Conference
Brandi Boatner - National President

Welcome back PRSSA members!

Mark your calendars for the premier event of 2008 - the PRSSA National Conference in Detroit. Do your future a favor and join PRSSA members from across the country Oct. 24-28 for professional development sessions, fantastic speakers, chapter development sessions and social activities.

Best wishes for a successful school year. We look forward to seeing you drive to distinction in Detroit.

Contact National President Brandi Boatner.

Fall FUNdraising ideas
Tiffany Riggs - Vice President of Chapter Development

One of the best ways to enhance the quality of your Chapter and have fun with your members is fundraisers. To see a list of ways to raise money, look at the FUNdraising Playbook.

For more information, contact Vice President of Chapter Development Tiffany Riggs.

Let PRSSA put money in your pocket
Rebecca Timms - Vice President of Member Services

Apply for a PRSSA scholarship.

The Altschul Champions for PRSSA Outstanding Internship Award, Norman S. Fenichel, APR, Scholarship and Codispoti Technology Grant applications are due Monday, Sept. 15.

Contact Vice President of Member Services Rebecca Timms about PRSSA scholarships.

Call for PRSSA Blog submissions
Tyler Page - Vice President of Professional Development

Each of us has experiences and perspectives that can greatly help one another. To facilitate an exchange of learning, I am calling for blog posts. Participants will be recognized for their contributions and get the chance to discuss important public relations issues. Submissions should be no longer than 300 words.

Please send submissions to Vice President of Professional Development Tyler Page.

Post your Chapter news
Courtney Meyers - Vice President of Public Relations

As your Chapter creates memories, capture some to share. St. John Fisher College and Michigan State University already displayed their news and now it's your turn. Don't delay; post your Chapter news today.

Contact Vice President of Public Relations Courtney Meyers for more information.

Find an internship and share your JobCenter experiences
Cecilia Hughes - Vice President of Internships/Job Services

Seeking an internship this fall? Check out JobCenter. We've posted more than 50 positions around the globe just for you. Visit www.prssa.org/jobcenter to browse.

Also, if you have applied for an internship or job through JobCenter, please tell us your story.

Contact Vice President of Internships/Job Services Cecilia Hughes for more information.

Want to enhance your résumé and portfolio? Host a Regional Activity
Jena Johnson - Vice President of Regional Activities

Looking for ways to beef up your résumé and portfolio? Plan, promote and host a nationally recognized event, a PRSSA Regional Activity. Professional development conferences, career fairs, case study competitions - your event options are endless.

Contact Vice President of Regional Activities Jena Johnson if you are interested.

Ways to participate in PRSA/PRSSA Ethics Month
Courtney Olson - Vice President of Advocacy

September is PRSA/PRSSA Ethics Month. Recognize this event by recommitting to practicing and promoting ethical communication. Review the Fair and Ethical Campaigning Initiative, which helps members expand their understanding of ethical communication and hold themselves and others to a higher standard.

Signed contracts (available here) can be returned to Vice President of Advocacy Courtney Olson.

News from FORUM
Cindy Badger - FORUM Editor-in-Chief

FORUM, the PRSSA national newspaper, contains Society news, profession trends, writing advice, job-hunting tips and other relevant information.

The first issue of FORUM will go to Chapters soon, so start the look out.

Check out the online version of FORUM, live Sept. 4. Members can comment on articles, as well as share them on your favorite social networking sites.

All members are encouraged to submit articles for FORUM. It's a great opportunity to build your portfolio by being published nationally.

If you would like to write for FORUM, contact FORUM Editor-in-Chief Cindy Badger.

Best practices: Michigan State University's social media skills

With nearly 73 percent of active online users saying they have read at least one of the 200 million blogs published today, and 57 percent of people saying they have joined a social networking site, according to a 2007-2008 study by Universal McCann, the PRSSA executive board at Michigan State University decided to work through the summer using social media, such as Facebook and LinkedIn, to supplement daily e-mails. The 12-member executive board sent alumni updates, shared informative news articles and constantly reported their activities via Twitter (@MSUPRSSA). They also redesigned their Web site (http://msuprssa.org), giving it an easy-to-navigate, informational look the whole team is likes.

For more information about MSU PRSSA, contact Chapter President Nick Lucido.

Celebrating PRSSA/PRSA Ethics Month? Come up with a creative National Conference FUNdraiser? Planning an event with PRSA? Send a paragraph-long submission detailing your work to Vice President of Member Services Rebecca Timms, and gain publicity for your Chapter.

Dates to remember

September - PRSSA/PRSA Ethics Month

Sept. 5 - Bi-monthly mailing to Chapters and FORUM

Sept. 15 - Three scholarship and award applications due to PRSSA National Headquarters:

  • Codispoti Technology Grant
  • Altschul Champions for PRSSA Outstanding Internship Award
  • Norman S. Fenichel, APR, Scholarship

Sept. 22 - Deadline to register for the PRSSA 2008 National Conference and reserve a hotel room

Sept. 30 - Deadline for 40/40 Club submissions (send to: Vice President of Chapter Development Tiffany Riggs)

October - PRSSA/PRSA Relationship Month

Oct. 3 - Deadline for Regional Activity applications (send to: Vice President of Regional Activities Jena Johnson)

Check this out
For more information regarding PRSSA updates, contact:
Rebecca Timms
Vice President of Member Services - timms.rebecca@gmail.com

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