We have several guest speakers confirmed for this season.

Please take a look at the 2009-2010 CRPRA Meeting Schedule and mark your calendars!

A note about Membership Rosters...

Going forward, CRPRA Membership Rosters will only be distributed electronically. Furthermore, only those persons who have attended a CPPRA meeting during the two most recent seasons will appear on our mailing list and membership roster. This fall, all persons listed on the roster will receive a PDF version of the roster via email. After that initial mailing, persons who are added to the roster will receive the PDF following the roster update and those currently listed on the roster may request a current copy anytime.

Student Fee Update

Effective with the September 2009 meeting, the fee for students attending a CRPRA meeting will be $10.00. The student fee applies to those currently enrolled full-time at a high school, college or university.

The regular meeting fee for all other attendees will continue to be $15.00.

 
        by Sher Jasperse

May 2009 Meeting: Perspectives from a Life in Journalism and PR

In our first-ever meeting at the Clarion Hotel, Liz Mathis, long-time local media professional and current chief information officer at Four Oaks human service agency, shared stories and perspectives from a colorful career that has ranged from broadcast journalism to academia to non-profit public relations.

Mathis advised communications professionals to remember what drives journalists: a love of words and writing, an urge to observe and share stories, and an obsession with speed and deadlines. In her storied career as a journalist, Mathis said, she covered hundreds of topics, from silly to tragic, always trying to educate the reader/viewer and capture something of the kindness and truth that would help guide people through difficult situations and issues.

In 2006, a mid-life course change nurtured during three months at the bedside of her dying father led Mathis to positions at Horizons and then Four Oaks. In this new environment, she said, she has learned more about human challenges and courage than she did during 20 years in journalism. Since arriving at Four Oaks, an agency that serves 12,000 neglected and troubled kids each year, she has focused on reevaluating the agency’s audiences, message and goals in order to create an integrated marketing and PR strategy in which every component has measurable results.

A Reminder Note About Meeting Introductions:

A popular feature of our monthly meetings is the opportunity to meet and network with other communications and public relations professionals. This happens informally around our luncheon tables, as well as at the point in our meeting when the host asks attendees to very briefly introduce themselves to the entire group.

We kindly remind all participants that your introduction to the room should include only your name and the business or organization you represent. CPRRA Steering Committee Members will also identify themselves so that you may feel free to contact any steering committee member with questions or comments.

Non-Profit Organizations
If you are affiliated with a non-profit organization with an upcoming event you wish to promote, or if your for-profit business sponsoring a non-profit event, you are welcome to very briefly highlight that event for the group. This opportunity is afforded to non-profit organizations to help them effectively get the word out without purchasing advertising.

For-Profit Businesses
Participants representing their own or another for-profit business (an endeavor in which money is exchanged for goods or services) should not provide descriptions of services or goods or business offers. This is out of respect for the limited amount of time we have available, and the fact that for-profit businesses are more likely able to purchase advertising on their own behalf. Of course, you are welcome to talk about any aspects of your business when engaged in conversation at your luncheon table. This restriction is only during the large-group introductions.

Door Prize Announcements
At the time that door prizes are awarded, any group or business that chooses to donate a door prize may make a brief commercial announcement about the item they are offering for the drawing. For example, "This beautiful, bright red Smith's Gift Shop coffee mug is a reminder that our annual red tag sale will be going on this month at Smith's Gift Shop at Main and 3rd Street. There's a five dollar gift certificate inside the mug. We hope you will stop in and see us."