APR... |
Economic downturn?
Ensure your worth with the 'APR investment' behind your name
By Ann Peru Knabe, APR
In the last month I’ve received numerous e-mails from junior practitioners, mid-level supervisors and senior consultants who have lost their public relations jobs. Now’s no better time than ever to ensure your credentials help you stand above other practitioners in the PR pack.
Accreditation is one way you can show your current boss and future employers your public relations worth. The APR designation is a mark of distinction. It signifies a commitment to the public relations profession and to its ethical practices. Accredited practitioners demonstrate broad knowledge, a strategic perspective and sound professional judgment.
In today’s competitive employment market, companies exhaust tremendous resources to attract the best people. Talent, experience, dedication and enthusiasm are among the key performance areas taken into consideration when evaluating job candidates. The APR distinction helps practitioners distinguish themselves from other job candidates and rise to the top.
One of the most common excuses for not pursuing the APR is money. While on the surface this excuse sounds legit, it doesn’t fly in the PRSA Southeastern Wisconsin Chapter. The chapter currently reimburses the entire cost of the exam to its members who pass the exam.
Speaking of financials, the cost of the online study course is a mere $195 – that’s cheaper than one college credit at most universities. The cost for the entire course drops to $169 per person if a group of five or more enrolls at the same time. The online course undergoes continual revision to ensure it's meeting students' needs. Students study in a collaborative, virtual environment. Course completion has a high correlation to passing the exam.
Perhaps you're already facing unemployment. Earning your APR is one opportunity to refocus during the arduous job hunt. That’s what chapter member Carol Weber, APR, did when she was laid off several years ago.
“Studying for the APR was a positive way to look toward the future and focus on my career,” she said. “You can only spend so many hours a day looking for a job and sending out resumes. I made it a point to spend a couple hours a day studying for my APR when I was unemployed. I knew I was reinforcing my professionalism, knowledge and confidence.”
Weber’s studies paid off. She earned her APR during the time she was laid off, and successfully leveraged a higher salary with her new job.
“During the first interview for a PR job, I mentioned I had recently taken the APR exam,” she said. “When I interviewed with the same organization a second time, I was able to say I passed the exam, and leveraged a higher starting salary during the offer.”
Weber isn’t alone. A 2005 PR Week-Korn Ferry Salary Survey, found accredited public relations professionals, on average, earn $102,031 compared to $85,272 for those who are not accredited. That’s 20 percent more. Read more at the survey here.
Weber, who is now the director of public relations for the Wisconsin Dental Association, still contends earning her APR was one of the best things she did during a difficult time during her career.
“I’ve never regretted putting the time aside to pursue my APR,” she said. “It’s one of the best career decisions I’ve ever made that benefits me to this day.”
Ann Peru Knabe, APR, is a member of the Universal Accreditation Board. She is a public affairs officer in the Air Force Reserve, and teaches public relations at UW-Whitewater as a civilian.
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President's Message... |
I don’t know about you but I haven’t had the heart to open the financial statements from my investment accounts for the past…oh let’s see…three quarters now. The state of the economy is on everyone’s mind. We all know its affecting our businesses whether we work in corporate, non-profit, government or agency environments. Budgets are being cut, people are being laid off and we are all doing more with less.
PRSA is feeling the effects as well.
 We have heard from our members that they are not renewing memberships because their employers can no longer pay for them or because they have lost their jobs. National is addressing this by offering a hardship rate in which dues are discounted to $115.Our chapter hopes that members who may not be able to afford the national dues will still find a way to make the personal investment in local support. We have one of the most reasonable rates in the country at just $40 per year.
The PRSA Southeastern Wisconsin Chapter is very excited about our new leadership. We have a great mix of long-time and new members who are enthusiastic and dedicated to continuing to keep this chapter strong.
But, we can’t do it alone. We need your help. Our committees need to be revitalized.
We have openings for leadership and participation in several of our committees, including Community Service, Hospitality, Media Relations, Diversity and Sponsorship. If you are interested in learning more, please e-mail me at crystal.mcneal@bcw.edu. If this type of commitment is a challenge for you, please encourage other members of your staff to get involved. It’s a great way for our younger practitioners to network and develop the skills needed to be our future leaders.
I appreciate your patience and support as I get acclimated in this new role. I look forward to seeing you at our 2009 programs and events.
Happy spring!
Crystal McNeal, APR
crystal.mcneal@bcw.edu
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Professional Development... |
When times get tough, the pros get smarter
DATE: Wednesday, April 29, 2009
PLACE: Italian Conference Center, 631 E. Chicago St., Milwaukee (click here for directions; parking is free)
Leaders of PRSA Southeastern and Northeast Wisconsin and Madison chapters invite you to attend the third annual Wisconsin PRSA Professional Development Conference.
The conference offers a one-day program that public relations professionals will not want to miss.
A keynote address by Cheryl Procter-Rogers, past president of PRSA International and current CEO of A Step Ahead Public Relations in Chicago will discuss strategies on career building, networking and developing a work-life balance. In addition, attendees will choose workshops from two tracks: Getting That Next Position and PR Best Practices.
Special discounted rates will be offered to PR practitioners in between jobs.
The registration deadline is April 24. Check the chapter Web site for more information and to register.
Thank you to our GOLD SPONSOR:
and to
for their support of this meeting.
April, May, June - A programming trifecta!
In addition to the professional development conference, there are two more upcoming program opportunities:
On May 19, Tad Hutcheson, vice president of marketing and sales for AirTran Airways will share insights on the turbulence in the airline industry – from mergers and acquisitions, roller coaster fuel costs and a recession. His luncheon presentation titled “Navigating through the not always “friendly skies” will be held at The Pfister Hotel in Milwaukee. Attendees will gain insights from Hutcheson’s discussion of the myriad of complex PR issues surrounding this industry.
In addition, two lucky meeting attendees will win a pair of round-trip tickets on AirTran Airways, courtesy of AirTran. Marcus Hotels & Resorts will also hold a drawing for a $100 gift certificate to one of its restaurants.
Join us on June 8 at Miller Park to recognize the 2008 Paragon Awards winners. To ensure your company is represented in the winner’s circle, visit us at www.prsawis.org to download your entry form.
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National News... |
Discounted PRSA membership plan
PRSA is pleased to offer a Financial Hardship Plan to members who are unemployed or temporarily disabled. The plan was launched April 1. The terms are:
1. The Financial Hardship Plan is available to anyone who has been a member of PRSA for a total of five or more years and is unemployed, and who is currently up for renewal of his/her membership (has received one or more invoices).
- Those working part time — regardless of whether they are practicing public relations — are not eligible.
- Members who recently lapsed and who meet these criteria may apply.
- Members who recently renewed at the full dues rate and meet these criteria may request a refund of $110, the amount of the hardship credit.
2. Temporarily disabled members, including those on maternity leave, also are eligible for the plan provided they meet the terms of service stated above.
3. The hardship dues rate for regular national members is $115, a savings of $110 from the full dues of $225. Some chapters also have reduced their dues as part of this plan; ask your chapter. Professional Interest Sections and Fellows dues have NOT been reduced.
4. The hardship dues must be paid in full. The hardship rate cannot be combined with the Quarterly Payment Program.
5. This is a one-time offer of one year duration. In other words, an individual may only apply to have their dues reduced under the hardship program once.
6. Members who renew with the hardship plan will still receive all PRSA member benefits.
7. To apply for the hardship program, members must complete and sign a short application on which they attest that they are unemployed or temporarily disabled and must submit any applicable dues.
Members wishing to take advantage of the hardship plan should notify a member services representative at membership@prsa.org or 212-460-1400. Members will be sent a short application stating the terms of the plan and can pay the adjusted dues by mail to PRSA, Member Services Dept., 33 Maiden Lane 11th Fl., New York, NY 10038-5150; fax to 212-995-0757 or call the number above.
Online renewal is not available for those opting for the hardship plan.
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Chapter News... |
First PRSSA scholarships awarded
The chapter awarded three local Public Relations Student Society of America members a $500 scholarship each in February.
The winners were Mary Anderson and Krista Caiazza of UW–Milwaukee and Alyssa Westling of Marquette University.
Awards were given based on scholarship, professional work and a mission statement.
Chapter announces 2009 Board of Directors
The chapter has recently announced its 2009 Board of Directors:
President - Crystal McNeal, BloodCenter of Wisconsin
President-elect – Mary Scheibel, Scheibel Halaska
Treasurer – Karren Jeske, Primum Marketing Communications
Secretary – Erica Zipp, Bader Rutter & Associates
Immediate Past President – Dave Fantle, Visit Milwaukee
Ethics Officer - Maureen McNally, Froedtert Memorial Lutheran Hospital
Membership Officer – Helaine Johnson, UW-Milwaukee
In addition, the directors at large include: Stephen Johnstone, The Falk Group;
Janay Wittek-Balke; Don Klein, Seroka & Associates and Ann Peru Knabe, UW-Whitewater.
Assembly delegates include: Samantha Andrews, Froedtert Memorial Lutheran Hospital; Jerry Topczewski, Archdiocese of Milwaukee and Brenna Kriviskey Sadler, Zeppos & Associates.
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| Paragon Awards |
It is time to submit entries for the 2009 PRSA Paragon Communication Awards.
Entries and entry fees (see below) must be received before 4 p.m. on Monday, May 4. Entries received after this time will not be considered
Awards will be presented at the awards banquet on Monday, June 8 at Miller Park.
Submit entries and check payment to:
BloodCenter of Wisconsin
Attn: Crystal McNeal
638 N. 18th Street, P.O. Box 2178
Milwaukee, WI 53201
Entry fees:
Chapter members: $55
Non-chapter members: $95
For questions about the entry process or award categories, contact Paragons Chair Brooke VandeBerg at 414-232-5284 or bkvandeberg@aol.com. |
| Job Bank |
If you're looking to spread the word about a job opening within your company, or if you're looking for a PR position, check out the PRSA Southeastern Wisconsin Chapter's Job Bank. Take advantage of this fast, free and easy service.
Employers:
Post public relations job openings on the PRSA Web site for free! Contact Laurie Peterson at 414-276-6237 or e-mail lpeterson@zeppos.com and provide information about your organization and the job.
Positions will be posted on www.prsawis.org for up to 45 days.
Job Seekers:
If you're looking for a public relations position, check out our Job Bank.
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| Share the Wealth |
A benefit of being a chapter member is the chance to exchange best practice ideas.
If you have an idea or tip that makes life easier, more effective and/or more purposeful for you in the PR world, pass it along and we'll include it in a future issue of ...innercom. Graphics and photos are acceptable if they help explain your point.
Send your idea or tip to jjccomm@wi.rr.com |
| ...innercom |
Editorial Office:
JJC Communications
4777 N. Hollywood Ave.
Milwaukee, WI 53211
EDITOR
Jeff Cole
JJC Communications
414-763-8310
jjccomm@wi.rr.com
LAYOUT
Kelly Schottler
Wisconsin Dental Association
414-755-4112
kschottler@wda.org |
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