Dear PRSA-WF members and friends:

PRSA Westchester Fairfield has delivered excellent programs so far this year, and the upcoming schedule promises to be just as good! In March GE's Gary Sheffer and Jennifer Walsh shared their company's digital successes, notably GE Reports. GE hired a journalist to research and write engaging stories about the company that have built brand equity and enhanced GE's global reputation. New initiatives centered on sustainability and health issues are based on this model.

In April recruiter Dennis Spring, whose firm produces The Official Public Relations Salary and Bonus Report, reported highlights from the 2010 edition. We learned that healthcare, financial and high tech PR salaries were up at the end of 2009, and the trend is continuing. Dennis remarked that he may need to produce a mid-year update for the first time.

Upcoming Programs - Mark Your Calendars!

June 17: Meet the Media - We'll be back at The Hyatt in Greenwich to find out how to pitch Kristen Cusato, Rebecca Haynes and Camilla Herrera.

Peer Groups

Our peer groups, open to PRSA members, provide valuable networking, problem solving and sharing of trends. Non-members of PRSA may attend twice to get a flavor.

• Corporate Peer Group:  May 26
• Solo/Agency Peer Group:  May 28
• Nonprofit Peer Group:  Contact Bill Brucker for information about the next gathering

Fairchester Communications Council (FCC) 

Presidents and program chairs from the region's various communications professional groups met recently and agreed we want to continue to collaborate in ways that provide enhanced benefit to our members.  Did you know that, as a member of one of the participating organizations, you are offered the discounted rate for other FCC organizations' programs?

We looked at a variety of other ways we can collaborate and are currently discussing a July picnic where our members can network with one another. Watch for a date/location announcement coming soon.

Membership News

Are you a former member of PRSA? If you let your membership lapse, we've just received great news for you! PRSA wants you back and will waive the reinstatement fee if you re-join during June, July and August. (Note that you must be a member of the national organization to join our chapter.) 

The Public Relations Society of America (PRSA) is the premier professional organization for public relations professionals. PRSA offers special group rates (8 or more), as well as discounts for retired practitioners and those who are out of work right now and quarterly payment plans. Contact members@prsa-wf.org for more information or assistance in signing up.

Special Notes to Our Members

• Please login to your personal profile at http://prsa-wf.org/members.php and update any incorrect information. If you have misplaced your login information, send an email to secretary@prsa-wf.org.
• Have you created your My PRSA login on the National website? You'll have access to directories and special resources, including preferred rates on insurance and discounts for FedEx, car rentals and - just announced - SurveyMonkey annual subscriptions.
• PRSA Westchester/Fairfield has underwritten a subscription to O'Dwyer's website, which it offers as a benefit to Chapter members. To obtain the Password and User ID, contact us at info2@prsa-wf.org.
• There are many ways you can help your chapter while networking with your fellow professionals. Contact Kathy Failla, nominating chairperson, if you would like to explore committee openings.

2010 Mercury Awards Dinner

We are eagerly awaiting the unveiling or the 2010 Mercury Awards winners. All are invited to attend the dinner on Thursday evening, June 10, at Anthony's Ocean View in New Haven. Details are on our website. Mercury is co-sponsored by the Westchester/Fairfield, Southern Connecticut, and Connecticut Valley PRSA chapters and is open to members and non-members in Connecticut, Westchester, Lower Hudson Valley and Southern Massachusetts.

Advertising and Sponsorship Opportunities

• PR Agency Directory: Basic Listing for one year: Free to members, $100 non-members; Enhanced Listing: $25 members, $150 non-members
• Vendor Business Resources Directory: Basic Listing for one year $100; Enhanced Listing $150
• Website Banner Ads: contact Don Levin for details
• Meeting Sponsorship: contact Don Levin for details
• Newsletter Advertising: contact Don Levin for details

The Board is experimenting with providing a new advertising opportunity in this edition of President's newsletter. We're interested in your feedback. 

Job Bank

Is your company or agency looking for great job candidates or freelance help? The cost for listing up to 3 positions in our Chapter Job Bank, which includes both online posting and an email to over 900 qualified leads, is $50 for chapter members and $100 for nonmembers. Send your information to jobs@prsa-wf.org.

Social Media Communications Channels

Your chapter offers many ways to network and communicate with your professional colleagues. Connect with us on these social media channels. Ask a question. Start a discussion. Engage in the dialogue!

• PRSA-WF blog
• Twitter
• LinkedIn Group (open to PRSA-WF members only)
• Facebook Group for members and friends

Please feel free to contact me or any of our board members if you have questions or ideas for ways your chapter can serve you better!

Warm regards,

Wendy Van Parys
PRSA-WF President 2010

Title:  4-Month Marketing/Communications Project for Public Interest Non-Profit

Organization:  The Common Ground Committee

Description:  The Common Ground Committee, a non-profit public interest group, in partnership with The Christian Science Monitor, seeks a CT-based solo practitioner or small agency to develop and execute a marketing/communications plan for four months leading up to a major public forum in Fairfield County with well-known national speakers on the role of government in the economy. 

Requirements:  Need online and local media strategy/relations, event management skills and interest in "bringing light, not heat to public discourse."  Strong contacts with CT media and relevant bloggers and understanding of the use of social media for discussion of public policy issues. Local advertising also will be involved. Finalists will be requested to submit a brief proposal. 

How to Apply:  Send background and cover letter to judy.kudlow@commongroundcommittee.com.

Title:  Account Manager

Organization:  The Gold Standard

Description:    Katonah marketing communications firm with diverse client base has an opening for an account manager.  

Requirements:   Candidate must be detail-oriented with excellent oral and written communications skills.  Position requires prior experience in public relations, social media and e-mail marketing, plus good computer skills.  Professional attitude with sense of humor a must.

Candidates should be available to work approximately 20 hours per week or on a project basis. 

How to Apply:   Please e-mail cover letter and resume to Nancy Gold at marketing@thegoldstandard.com.

Title:   New Media Manager

Organization:   Mason, Inc.

Description/Responsibilities:   Mason, Inc., an award-winning resource for brand development and integrated communications, is seeking a new breed of communications professional to play a key role in leading social media planning and implementation programs. 

• Analyze and evaluate both existing and potential social media activities and strategies
• Conduct, gather and analyze market research to determine social media opportunities and competitiveness
• Plan, manage, coordinate and execute all social media programs and initiatives
• Participate and initiate online conversations across a variety of channels
• Work closely with digital and create team to ensure tight integration of all social media programs and initiatives
• Achieve targeted results and ensure timely and effective executions
• Compile reports with analytical breakdown
• Use social listening tools to monitor online conversations
• Plan, maintain, and execute a schedule for Mason's internal social media strategy and implementation

Requirements:  

• Background in Marketing
• Experience and/or interest in public relations and integrated communications programs
• 2-5 yrs work experience
• Basic knowledge of HTML
• Knowledge of website tracking tools like Google Analytics
• Social media marketing experience with proven track record and case studies
• Understanding of Search Engine Optimization (SEO)
• Outgoing and personable, looking to connect in the business community
• Comfortable in new business presentations

How to Apply:   Contact Fran Onofrio, APR at fonofrio@mason23.com if you are interested and qualified.

Special opportunity for PR practitioner (solo, small business) with solid book of business to join dynamic, growing Westchester-based full service PR firm.

Are you an independent PR consultant with your own practice-and would like to join team of highly talented PR and marketing professionals who can support you and work alongside you to grow our collective business and realize an inspiring vision?

Although we will entertain other possible arrangements, we are looking for someone who will:

• Come in with their own book of business which will be supported by them and an Account Team they will lead
• Take over, service and retain additional clients we already have
• Help generate new business and service them as our business/team grows.

Agency consists of diverse client base with focus in real estate, healthcare, non-profit, hospitality, and more. Candidate can have similar or divergent client base. Experience with social media a plus.

Contact:  Stacey Cohen via stacey@cocommunications.com or 914.666.0066.

All inquiries will be kept strictly confidential.