2. The Gainesville Chapter of FPRA
Greetings [name]!
We are so excited to shareFPRA Gainesville with you! Here is a brief overview of our Chapter.
Sincerely,
The Gainesville Chapter of FPRA
FPRA New Member
Gainesville, Florida

3. The Journey
The theme for this year is about the journey we call public relations. The Gainesville Chapter of FPRA is on the road and headed to great places, so jump on board and join the ride.

4. New Member Overview About FPRA FPRA Leadership Introduction
State Board
Gainesville Board
Membership Benefits
About the Gainesville Chapter
Get Active!

5. About FPRA The Florida Public Relations Association
is dedicated to developing public relations practitioners who, through ethical and standardized practices, enhance the public relations profession in Florida.

6. Our History
Founded in 1938 by Col. John Dillon as the Florida Association of Publicity Directors
Oldest organization of PR professionals in United States
First Code of Ethics adopted in 1953
Visit for more information

7. FPRA Chapters
Nearly 1,500 Members Strong

8. The State Board President-Elect – Jeff Nall, APR, CPRC
Past President – Jennifer Moss, APR, CPRC
VP/Accreditation & Certification – Susan Ennis, APR, CPRC
VP/Annual Conference – Paul Ramey, APR
VP/Chapter Services – Courtney Holmes
VP/Communications – Gordon Paulus, APR
VP/Finance – Wendy Crites Wacker, APR
VP/Golden Image – Kathleen Taylor, APR
VP/Member Services – Tina Banner, APR
VP/Planning & Research – Ryan Gerd, APR
VP/Professional Development – Cindy Rodriguez
VP/Technology – Vivian Myrtetus, APR
FPRE Foundation Chair – Suzanne Sparling, APR
Counselors’ Network Chair – Jessica Rye, APR, CPRC
President
Melanie Mowry Etters, APR

9. State Contacts Co-executive directors Christopher Carroll, APR, CPRC
Cheray Keyes-Shima, APR, CPRC
State Office Contact Info:
40 Sarasota Center Blvd. Ste.107
Sarasota, FL 34240
Phone:
Fax:

10. The Gainesville Chapter
Established in 1968
Originally called the “Osceola Chapter”
Serves Gainesville, Alachua County and Lake City
More than 100 members strong representing not-for-profit, corporate, healthcare, education, agency, association, travel & tourism, politics & government, arts and students
Meetings held on 3rd Thursday of every month
Website:

11. Gainesville Executive Board
President – Morgan Lee
Immediate Past President - Katie Weitekamp, APR
President-Elect – Devon Chestnut
Vice-President/Member Services – Julie Frey, APR, CPRC
Treasurer – Kelly Donovan
Secretary– Kevin Coulson
Accreditation Director – Erin Morton, APR
Communications Director – Grace Flowers
Community Relations Director – Allison Downey
Educational Services Director – Steve Shepherd
Electronic Media Director – Amy Douglas, APR
Image Awards Director – Shelby Powell
Professional Development Symposium Director – Amelia Bell, APR
Programs Director – Laura Aguiar, APR

12. Membership Benefits Professional Development
Discount on monthly luncheons
Discount on annual FPRA State Conference
Discount on local professional development seminars and many other learning opportunities
Free publications (Gainesville E-Newsletter, FPRA White Papers, FPRA E-Facts, FPRA Website)

13. Don’t miss Annual Conference!
Membership Benefits
Annual Conference
August 2012
Most highly attended event for PR practitioners in Florida
Nationally recognized speakers
Case studies
Networking
Don’t miss Annual Conference!

14. The main attraction for members
Networking! (let’s have fun while we’re at it)

15. Get Active! Volunteer to Serve in Leadership Roles
Gainesville Chapter Committees
Gainesville Chapter Board of Directors
State Executive Board
Executive Board Committees
Counselors’ Network

16. Continuing on your professional journey…
Earn Accreditation/Certification
Accredited in Public Relations
Computer-based national exam you can take locally through FPRA
Local study groups
APR designation leads to recognition by employer
Certified Public Relations Counselor
CPRC designation
Exclusive to FPRA members

17. Gain professional recognition
Local Image Awards
Golden Image Awards (statewide)

18. Monthly Membership Luncheons
Sweetwater Branch Inn
Third Thursday of every month
$18 for members; $23 for guests
$10 for student members ($15 for student non-members)
Networking begins at 11:30 a.m.
Luncheon and program begin at 12 p.m.
Programs feature speakers and special events
RSVP at

19. Resources Gainesville Chapter FPRA State
Website:
Facebook:
Twitter:
FPRA State
Website:
Facebook:
Twitter:

20. Welcome! Welcome to the Gainesville Chapter of FPRA!
If you have any questions or would like more information about joining a local committee, contact Julie Frey, APR, CPRC at , ext. 221 or
Stay Tuned for more opportunities with FPRA Gainesville!