December Meeting Recap

We had the honor and privilege of hosting Lanette Hart, APR, CPRC as our December meeting guest speaker. Ms Hart presented on Leadership Communication in changing times.

Managing change is a constant challenge for an organization. Whether it’s a revised organizational structure, the introduction of new technology, entry into a new marketplace or a new company direction, change requires an organization to communicate with all stakeholders to maintain credibility and confidence through the transition.

Leadership communication in changing times can be successfully but it depends on the ability to inform, involve and inspire internal and external stakeholders, based on a proper understanding of what drives them and how they will react when faced with new challenges.

If you were unable to attend, Ms Hart will be providing her presentation to us and will be available upon request. Please contact us to receive a copy.

Partner Profile: Lanette Hart, APR, CPRC
Lanette Hart, APR, CPRC is the principal consultant of Hart & Associates, providing corporate communications/PR expertise and business management to private corporations and government agencies. She is a Florida A&M University alumna where she received her Bachelor of Science degree in Journalism and Public Relations in 1992. Lanette founded Hart & Associates in 2013 after a 19-year career with Bank of America, one of the world’s leading financial services companies. Lanette has more than 24 years in various aspects of corporate communications, public relations, marketing communications, media relations, and journalism. She specializes in strategic planning, effective internal and external communications, and development of behavioral and change communications strategy. She directs major communications programs and is accountable for the successful design, delivery, financial management, execution and administration of complex communication programs and events. Lanette is an award winning and recognized speaker with more than two decades’ experience helping organizations large and small deliver results by developing and executing on comprehensive communication plans. Lanette delivers big picture thinking combined with actionable tips you can use right away to make a difference in your organization.

September Meeting

The Nature Coast Chapter of the Florida Public Relations Association will hold its monthly professional development luncheon at the HPH Hospice 2939 W. Gulf to Lake Hwy, Lecanto. The luncheon is scheduled for Friday, September 5, 2014, networking begins at 11:30 a.m. and the program is 12:00 to 1 p.m. This meeting will start with an installation of new officers by Laura Byrnes, APR of CareerSource Citrus Levy Marion. Following the installation will be a planning session for the upcoming year with an open discussion on programming and speakers.

The Nature Coast Chapter invites all interested public relations practitioners to the luncheon. The cost is $15 for members and 18 for non-members. The reservation deadline is September 4, 2014. Please contact Mathew Baillargeon at 352-209-0772 or mathew@boomtownmedia.net for reservations.

Abramowich Earns FPRA Scholarship

The Florida Public Relations Association (FPRA) Nature Coast Chapter recently awarded the first of its three college scholarships to Kelly Abramowich of Citrus High School.

The scholarships are awarded to deserving Citrus County high school seniors who have an interest in pursuing a college education in public relations, communications or a related field such as advertising, journalism, radio/television, graphic arts or visual communication.

“Kelly has excelled both academically and athletically throughout her high school career,” said Katie Mehl, APR, president of the Nature Coast Chapter of FPRA. “She has been involved in a variety of extracurricular activities and is a true philanthropist. Her future goal to work with new media is both inspired and smart and I know her choice to major in Digital Media and Communication Arts will put her on the path to success in her chosen field.”

Funds raised at the Florida Public Relations Association Roast ‘n Toast of Mike and Rebecca Bays have been set aside for college scholarships for the class of 2015. Incoming high school seniors may download the scholarship application online, now. The submission deadline for next year’s graduating class is April 1, 2015.

FPRA is dedicated to developing public relations practitioners, who, through ethical and standardized practices, enhance the public relations profession in Florida. FPRA is comprised of 15 professional and nine student chapters throughout the state, providing professional development, networking, and professional recognition opportunities for their members. The Nature Coast Chapter of FPRA meets the first Friday of each month at noon at Citrus Hills Golf and Country Club.

FPRA Scholarship Deadline Nears

As an annual event, FPRA Nature Coast Chapter hosts a Roast ‘n Toast Scholarship Fundraiser. This event brings together business professionals and community leaders for a formal evening of laughs and excitement.

The money raised goes toward scholarships to benefit local students pursuing education in the fields of public relations, advertising, marketing, journalism, English and allied industries. Applications are available January 1 through May 1. Students can download the application below and follow the guidelines to successfully submit their information.

If applicants have any questions about the scholarship requirements or completing the application, please email Katie Mehl, APR or call (352) 344-6501.

Download FPRA Scholarship Application

FPRA to Roast Mike and Rebecca Bays

Mike and Rebecca Bays are the guests of honor for the 6^th Annual Roast ‘n Toast fundraiser hosted by the Nature Coast Chapter of the Florida Public Relations Association. This gala will be held the evening of Friday, April 11, 2014 at Citrus Hills Golf and Country Club.

Attendees of this year’s star-studded, hollywood themed event can expect a night of laughter and tears, rumors and hearsay, bad humor, good stories, strange comments and entertaining anecdotes. Roasters in attendance will include Roastmaster Josh Wooten along with Joe Meek,  HR and Terra Ross and Gerry Mulligan.

Additionally, a champagne toast will honor the Public Relations Professional of the Year.  All proceeds from the event enhance the public relations profession by making scholarships, training grants and accreditation rebates possible for Citrus and Hernando County public relations professionals and students.

Doors open at 6:30pm; dinner and program begin at 7pm. Tickets are $75 per person and table sponsorships are available. Tickets and sponsorships may be purchased online, or call Mathew Baillargeon at (352) 209-0772 for additional information or an invoice.

Download the event flier

Check out the sponsorship packet

Purchase Tickets Online

Nature Coast Chapter Earns Statewide Recognition

Hernando, FL, August 20, 2013 — The Nature Coast Chapter of the Florida Public Relations Association was named “Chapter of the Year” at the Association’s 75^th annual conference.

FPRA state president, Jeff Nall, APR, CPRC, presented the award to chapter president Katie Mehl, APR citing the chapter’s strategic and successful efforts to face the challenges of managing a chapter of public relations professionals in a rural community. The Nature Coast Chapter is one of 15 chapters statewide.

“This chapter is always optimistic and enthusiastic. This year they were also strategic and proactive,” said Nall. “They identified three key elements that would be crucial to the success of the chapter – membership, programs and fundraising.”

Throughout the 2012-2013 year, the Nature Coast Chapter focused on efforts to add value for members, plan professional development programs that would resonate with a broad range of practitioners, and held a successful Roast ‘n Toast event to provide student and professional development scholarships for local public relations practitioners.

“Being named FPRA’s Chapter of the Year is such an honor. Our outgoing board of directors is to be commended for their efforts,” said Katie Mehl, APR, Nature Coast chapter president. “Of course, we don’t plan to rest on our laurels. There are already plans in place to make our upcoming year even better.”

Kingery Earns Accreditation in Public Relations

CITRUS COUNTY, August 19, 2013— Amy Kingery of the Nature Coast Chapter of the Florida Public Relations Association (FPRA) recently earned professional public relations accreditation and received the designation of Accredited in Public Relations (APR).

Kingery joins 5,000 active public relations professionals worldwide who represent an elite group of highly skilled professionals committed to practicing with exemplary ethical standards.

Kingery has served as the public relations coordinator at Seven Rivers Regional Medical Center for eight years. She earned her bachelor’s degree in business administration from the University of South Florida. Kingery has been a member of the Nature Coast Chapter of FPRA since 2005 and has served on the board of directors for seven consecutive years.

To earn accreditation, candidates must pass an oral presentation and rigorous written examination administered by the Universal Accreditation Board (UAB), which is an alliance of eight national and statewide professional associations dedicated to furthering the field of public relations and the development of public relations professionals. FPRA is a member of the UAB.

The Nature Coast Chapter of FPRA hosts monthly professional development luncheons at Citrus Hills Golf and Country Club. The next meeting will be held on Friday, September 6 at 11:30am. To RSVP call Katie Mehl, APR at (352) 344-6501 or email kmehl@citrusmh.org.

 

FPRA Carillon Classic 5K Run/Walk at Bok Tower Gardens

POLK COUNTY, FL (May, 2013) – What may be the most challenging and picturesque 5K course in the Sunshine State awaits runners and walkers who compete in the 2013 Carillon Classic 5K Run & Walk on Saturday, May 25 on the grounds of  Bok Tower Gardens in Lake Wales, Florida. The event will feature individual and team competition for adults as well as students in grades 1 through 12.

The 5K course will test the athletic skills and endurance of runners and walkers alike, while giving them the opportunity to experience the rolling hills, unique terrain (some sections of the course are gravel and mulch), colorful gardens/citrus groves and beautiful vistas that make Bok Tower Gardens world famous. Soothing sounds of carillon music will accompany runners and walkers as they challenge the course situated high atop “Iron Mountain,” one of the highest points on the Florida peninsula.

Now in its second year, the Carillon Classic 5K is a charitable event sponsored by the Dick Pope/Polk County Chapter of the Florida Public Relations Association (FPRA) in partnership with Bok Tower Gardens, Youth and Family Alternatives, Inc. (YFA) and corporate sponsors.  The list of corporate sponsors currently includes SEMCO Construction, Heartland for Children, Watson Clinic LLP, the Mosaic Company, A-C-T Environmental Infrastructure, Phoschem Supply, Florida’s Natural brand juices and Hill Nissan.

Net proceeds from the event will be donated to the George W. Harris, Jr. Runaway and Youth Crisis Shelter in Bartow, an initiative of Youth and Family Alternatives, as well as the FPRA chapter’s educational and professional endeavors. Last year’s inaugural Carillon Classic 5K drew more than 300 runners and walkers, raising $3,100 for charity.

Runners and walkers can download an entry form, register online and/or find out more about the event, including team competition rules, by visiting the state FPRA Website at www.fpra.org and clicking on the Carillon Classic 5K link on the homepage. The nonrefundable registration fee is $30 for adults and $20 for students in grades 1 through 12.

Those who prefer to register by mail can send their registration form and check made payable to the Florida Public Relations Association to FPRA at 1606 Taylor Brooke Dr. Bartow, FL 33830.   Runners who are interested in the team challenge should indicate their team name upon registration. 

On race day registration begins at 6:30 am at Bok Tower Gardens, with competition starting at 7:30 am sharp, rain or shine. First, second and third place winners in standard age categories will receive a medal. 

For more details on the Carillon Classic 5K, including registration forms and complete team competition rules, please go to http://www.fprapolk.org/calendar-page/carillon-classic-5k-runwalk/. 

 “We are excited to be teaming up with Bok Tower Gardens, Youth and Family Alternatives and many community-minded corporate sponsors to present this very wholesome and entertaining family-oriented charitable event,” said Jennifer Baker, Website & Special Events Coordinator of Lakeland-based Watson Clinic LLP and president of the sponsoring FPRA chapter.

“In addition to featuring individual and team competition and raising funds for charity, the event will give participants and their families an opportunity to experience the splendor and beauty of Bok Tower Gardens, one of Florida’s most unique treasures, since everyone is invited to stroll through the gardens and enjoy carillon music free of charge after the races,” Baker added.

Regular updates on the 2013 Carillon Classic 5K Run & Walk can be obtained by visiting the event page on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/#!/CarillonClassic5kRunWalk.

Anne Black Named Public Relations Professional of the Year

The Nature Coast Chapter of the Florida Public Relations Association recognized member Anne Black as its first Public Relations Professional of the Year at its 5^th Annual Roast ‘n Toast Event in March.

The PR Professional of the Year award will be given annually to an FPRA Nature Coast member for demonstrating excellence in leadership, management and communication skills. Contributions made to the community and charitable organizations are also taken into consideration.

Black is the Marketing Communications Coordinator for the Citrus Unit of HPH Hospice and a leader in the public relations industry. She currently serves as the Membership Chair for the chapter and sits on both the Roast ‘n Toast committee and Scholarship committee. She also volunteers with several charitable organizations including Altrusa International, the Citrus County Senior Foundation, Citrus County Continuity of Care and the School Health Advisory Committee. Additionally, she serves as an advisory board member for Nature Coast Healthy Living Magazine.

To view photos from the Roast ‘n Toast event visit www.eventmugshots.com. Free downloads have been made available by our snapshot sponsor Inside Citrus!