Message from the president: APR = value
The Accredited in Public Relations (APR) credential is a valuable career achievement that benefits professional communicators, employers, clients and, perhaps most importantly, the public relations profession.
Established in 1964, APR is a recognized standard and the profession’s only national post-graduate certification program. It measures a public relations practitioner’s fundamental knowledge and application of communications theory; establishes advanced capabilities in research, strategic planning, implementation and evaluation; and demonstrates a commitment to professional excellence and ethical conduct. Currently, more than 5,000 professionals hold the APR mark.
Unlike other professional certifications, Accreditation in Public Relations is a voluntary demonstration of competency, reflecting a strong commitment to the profession. Earning Accreditation also distinctively identifies individuals as strategic communicators, often opening doors to career advancement and higher compensation.
Personally, I found the experience of obtaining this credential extremely rewarding not only as a professional skill-set achievement, but equally as importantly, because of the relationships it helped me develop with other communication professionals.
The Alaska PRSA Chapter is about to begin its next round of APR study sessions, directed by Cassandra Stalzer, APR. I encourage those of you who have five or more years of direct public relations experience to consider joining the energetic team of young professionals who are embarking on an exciting new aspect of their career.
For information regarding the PRSA APR program, application requirements and the Universal Accreditation Board, visit www.prsa.org/APR.
Sincerely,
Nance Larsen, APR, Fellow PRSA, 2010 PRSA Alaska Chapter President
Anchorage program to focus on communications following a natural disaster
Kelly Hurd, Director of Public Relations and Development for the American Red Cross in Southcentral Alaska, recently returned from Haiti. While there, Hurd coordinated media relations/messaging with national and international media as part of the International Response Team in addition to providing aid for earthquake victims. In her communications role, she worked with numerous other Red Cross communicators from around the world coordinating messages and strategies. She will discuss the strategies, tactics, obstacles and successes communicating the Red Cross’ message during this international crisis. Hurd will also tie her experiences and the Red Cross' communication tools to potential natural disaster preparedness in Alaska and discuss ways PR pros can help locally.
The program will be held on Wednesday, March 17, from 11:30a.m. - 1p.m. at the Hilton Hotel.
Sponsored by:
UAF alum to present on PR experience with Alyeska Pipeline Service Co.
The February meeting of the PRSA Alaska Chapter in Fairbanks will feature a presentation by Matt Carle, stakeholder relations manager for Alyeska Pipeline Service Co. in Anchorage.
Carle is a UAF graduate and former Alaska Nanook basketball player. He has been with Alyeska for the past eight years, and will discuss several unique Alyeska projects and media campaigns.
The meeting will be held at Zach's Restaurant on Monday, Feb. 22, at noon. To RSVP contact Sharon Burke at slburke@alaska.edu or 474-7587. For more information on Fairbanks membership in the PRSA Alaska Chapter contact Scott McCrea, sjmccrea@alaska.edu or Meadow Bailey, meadow.bailey@alaska.gov
PRSA Alaska Chapter honors statewide communicators
The Alaska Chapter of the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA) 
distributed 42 awards to its members at the 26th annual Aurora Awards banquet, Jan. 25.
The Aurora Awards banquet is held each year to recognize excellence in two areas: public relations campaigns and public relations tactics or tools. Aurora Awards honor a comprehensive public relations campaign that successfully communicates a message using a variety of tools, programs and components. Awards of Excellence recognize the design, creation and production of single public relations tools. The PRSA Reno Chapter judged all entries.
"The PRSA Aurora Award entries represent some of the best work in the state relative to communication strategies, covering many platforms and tactics that each year set a new standard for local professionals," said PRSA Alaska Chapter President Nance Larsen, APR, Fellow PRSA.
The University of Alaska Fairbanks led the way with a total of 10 awards. The Aurora Award Best in Show went to Southcentral Foundation for their 12th Annual Gathering event.
Introduction to accreditation conversation scheduled
Accreditation is an ideal way to enrich your industry knowledge, achieve a standard of education and distinguish yourself in an increasingly competitive industry. If you have a desire to advance, consider pursuing the Examination for Accreditation in Public Relations. If you have between five to seven years of experience (or feel that you’re ready), you can apply. Join us for an introductory discussion about the benefits of earning your APR, the process of study and preparation, and assistance that will be provided to candidates by the Alaska Chapter.
Date: Tuesday, Feb. 23, 2010
Time: 5:15 – 6 p.m.
Location: Rasmuson Foundation Board Room, 301 W Northern Lights, Suite 400
Or Via Teleconference: 1.877.903.2255, when prompted enter conference ID: 1964594.
Contact: Accreditation Chair Cassandra Stalzer via email or phone at 344-0520 with questions.
PRSA Teleseminar to Focus on Crisis Communication
Sponsored by ACS
This teleseminar is designed to give an overview of the knowledge, skills and abilities (KSAs) surrounding crisis communications and the crisis-planning process. Dealing effectively with crises demands the highest degree of public relations competence. Detailed planning — including brainstorming of possible threats and definitions of “who does what” when a crisis occurs — is a major key to an effective response. What is at stake is organizational credibility.
WHEN: Thursday, March 4, 2010 11 a.m.– Noon
WHERE: Alaska Mental Health Trust, 3745 Community Park Loop, Suite 200, Conference Room #210
FEE: Member Registration $25/Non-Member Registration $35
RSVP on Cvent by Thursday, March 4.
Get social (media) with the PRSA Alaska Chapter!
During the last year the PRSA Alaska Chapter has been using social media more and more as a way of engaging with its membership. Social media devices being used by the chapter include:
PRSA Alaska Chapter board member Sandra Yi is now coordinating social media for the chapter.
PR News announces events, award programs
PR News announces several high-profile networking and educational events, along with must-enter award programs for 2010.
Award Deadlines
Platinum PR Awards – Entry Deadline: May 7
Top Places to Work in PR – Entry Deadline: May 18
PR People Awards – Entry Deadline: September 10
Best of the Web – Entry Deadline: July 16
Nonprofit PR Awards – Entry Deadline: August 6
15-to-Watch Awards – Entry Deadline: August 27
CSR Awards – Entry Deadline: November 12
Webinars
How to Effectively Communicate Your CSR and Green Commitments - February 18
How to Adapt Twitter for Your Own Communications - March 1
Conferences
PR Measurement Conference - March 23, National Press Club, DC
PR Public Affairs Conference - May 25, National Press Club, DC
Media Relations Conference - June 17, National Press Club, DC
Digital PR Next Practices Summit - October 7, Grand Hyatt, NYC
How-To Conference - December 1, National Press Club, DC