One More Tool in the Communications Toolbox

Hello FPRA Treasure Coast!

What an exciting program we had last week! Nearly 60 people attended the LinkedIn, Blogging and FaceBook for Dummies event held last Tuesday at the Schreiber Center in St. Lucie West. Felonice Margasak, Scott Samples and Bryan Beaty each did an outstanding job, especially considering they each had only 15 minutes to give an overview and breakdown on the topics they covered. The presenters showed how to create a profile, join groups and promote themselves and their organizations while controlling the message they need to get out. As Scott Samples so aptly said, “It’s just one more tool in the communications tool box!”

After the meeting, Erick Gill, St. Lucie County PIO and Communications Chairman, e-mailed me this link on using YouTube to reach a demographic not necessarily reading the newspaper or watching television news. Check it out!
http://www.naco.org/CountyNewsTemplate.cfm?template=/ContentManagement/ContentDisplay.cfm&ContentID=28625

Also, Adrienne Moore, APR, CPRC, Immediate Past President, forwarded a story on NPR called, “The Calculated Risk of Blogging.” From NPR: Every time bloggers hit publish they risk being sued for copyright infringement, invasion of privacy or defamation. While the risk seems small, groups like the Media Bloggers Association say frivolous lawsuits are chilling free speech in the blogosphere. So MBA founder Robert Cox has helped start insurance for bloggers in an attempt to protect against costly litigation. http://www.onthemedia.org/transcripts/2008/10/03/06

Don’t forget to mark your calendars for the November 18th monthly program focusing on Government Relations ~ “How Did Public Relations Play a Role in the Elections?” We are still trying to finalize our speaker, as our first confirmed presenter had to cancel. However, with the elections behind us at that point, the program will examine how our profession played a key role in shaping perceptions and opinions for local, state and federal elections and voter turnout. This event will be held at the South Florida Water Management District’s Martin/St. Lucie Service Center located at 780 SE Indian Street in Stuart. You can make your reservations online now at http://www.fpratreasurecoast.com/ or by calling Programs Chairman Cara Perry at (772) 873-3339 or e-mail at ccarlton@fau.edu. Remember, beginning in November, the price for the monthly program is $15 for members and $20 for non-members.

Deck the halls and put on your Santa caps, FPRA, AdFed and AFP will join forces to mix and mingle holiday style at the newly opened Port St. Lucie City Center on Tuesday, December 9th from 4-7 p.m. Stay tuned for more details!

A special Thank You goes to Laura Kelley, APR, Chairman of the Indian River Council, who will conclude the Council’s four-part Professional Development Series on Wednesday, October 29 in Vero Beach. In partnership with the Cultural Council of Indian River County, this community service project is a complimentary series aimed at bringing a basic understanding of the value of PR using the RACE formula. Additionally, special thanks to the FPRA professionals who presented during the series including Laura Kelley, APR, Bev Paris, Pat Austin-Novak, APR, CPRC and Anne Satterlee.

Have a great week!
Linette