PRSA Young Pro Happy Hour: Bradford Beach

Hey PR Young Pros!

You’re not experiencing Déjà vu. We got rained out last time so let’s try it again!

The PRSA Young Pros Committee invites you to Bradford Beach on June 28, 2011 at 6:00 p.m. for a Young Pro Happy Hour.

RSVP on Facebook: http://goo.gl/4ipNo

Stick your toes in the sand, breath the fresh air, play some beach volleyball, and relax with some tunes as the sun sets on Lake Michigan, while hanging out with other like-minded professionals.

Did I mention that there will be a bonfire with live music? Bradford Beach is still finalizing the schedule but starting at 6:30 p.m., a local musician will perform until dusk. Three large bonfire pits available f

or public use. All you’ll need is your blanket on the sand.

Happy Hour Specials are available at the Tiki Hut from 5-7pm.
Specials include:
· $10 – iced buckets of Corona or Pabst (4 cans / bucket)
· $5 cocktails- Cuervo Margarita, Smirnoff & Lemonade, Bacardi Mojito, Jeremiah Weed & Lemonade
· $3 Pabst

Purchase a drink on the beach and receive a wristband good for one free drink at one of the following establishments following the musical performances on Thursday evenings:
· BelAir – BelAir Margarita
· Hi Hat Garage – Pint of the Day

Questions? Contact Andrew Wiech (Andrew@CometBranding.com)​ or Megan Sullivan (megans@bvk.com).

PRSA Young Pros offers an outlet for professional development, best practice sharing and niche networking in a social setting for young professional in the Metro-Milwaukee Area.

Why do you love PRSA?

The PRSA Social Media committee got together and started to talk about why we are PRSA members. Read their responses below.

Take a look at what our committee loves most about PRSA. It’s interesting to see everyone in this groups finds value in different ways.

Emily Lenard – PR + Social Media Strategist at Hanson Dodge Creative

While there are many benefits to being a PRSA member, I find that I most value the daily Issues & Trends PRSA email newsletters. These daily newsletters include insightful, relevant articles from both industry publications and mainstream media. In the past, I have found blog inspiration and creative solutions for the clients I represent. With countless resources available online, I greatly appreciate being able to go to my PRSA Issues & Trends email to find that the most beneficial, credible articles are at my fingertips.

Jenna Kashou – Development Director at Notre Dame Middle School

PRSA has been a hotbed of ideas and knowledge for me. I moved from the PR to the nonprofit sector, but remain a member of PRSA because of the professional connections I have made and because the programming really gives me an edge in my career. The best benefit – I’ve met great friends through my involvement in PRSA.

Meghan Welch – Marketing Communications at Derse

Why is PRSA awesome? Because of the networking, of course! Whether you’re looking for a new job, another way to get involved in the community or just to meet new people, PRSA can help. The group is comprised of passionate PR pros that span a variety of industries and disciplines, so you’re guaranteed to meet a wide variety of people.

I joined PRSA about four years ago. In that time, I have changed jobs, started volunteering and widened my social circle. Networking through PRSA has helped with all these changes. The experience has been invaluable and the people in PRSA are constantly helping me to reach my goals, both professionally and personally.

Andrew Wiech – PR + Social Media Specialist at Hanson Dodge Creative

I really didn’t know what to expect when I joined PRSA. I was pretty nervous at my first luncheon. It was like freshman year of high school all over again. I walked into the Rouge Ballroom at the Pfister Hotel and thought to myself, “Where do I sit?” But this chapter embraces with open arms and the relationships I’ve formed over my first year of membership have been extremely valuable.

I love how malleable PRSA can be. Personally, I dove in head first and started getting involved and I love the experiences I’ve gained by being a member of the organization. From leading educational sessions on social media tools and strategies for the Social Media committee’s Friday morning training sessions to co-chairing of the Young Professionals committee and setting up events to get our younger PR professionals involved in the chapter, I feel connected to the chapter and love to see it continue to grow and evolve.

Laura Stanelle – Account Executive at Emerald Isle Marketing + PR

What’s so great about a PRSA membership? Is it the trove of resources made available via email, blogs and social media? The monthly luncheons that feature engaging, educational speakers? The delicious desserts that end those valuable luncheons? Yes, yes and definitely yes. For me, though, the things that make joining PRSA a no-brainer are the abundant networking opportunities that exist for members. As a young PR professional, starting out in this industry can be daunting, but talking to that agency founder would be much more difficult had I not sat next to him at last month’s meeting. And getting to know those women at that other PR firm? Much easier now that I’m serving on a committee with them.

Public relations is, by nature, a social profession. What better way to exercise the very tenants of our industry than by meeting and networking with others like you? From helping advance your career to providing insight into new client opportunities to just being really great friends, the people you meet through PRSA prove a membership’s value time and time again.

Mo Moorman – Public Relations Director at Jockey International 

I enjoy being involved with PRSA because it is focused on advancing the PR profession and it provides excellent personal and professional growth opportunities through initiatives like networking events, shared resources and seminars. Sharing suggestions, challenges and opportunities with fellow PR pros brings to light best practices that strengthen my ability to provide excellent service as a PR practitioner. Getting actively involved is key: Serving on PRSA committees; contributing to and sharing association resources; and attending events are just a few of the ways that I find help me maximize my membership with PRSA.

Now it’s your turn! What do you love about PRSA?

PRSA Young Pros Happy Hour: Replay Sports Bar

UPDATE: Hey PR Young Pros! Change of plans. Bradford is taking this Thursday off to let the beach recover from all the rain, so we’ve decided to switch things up. 

The PRSA Young Pros Committee invites you to Replay Sports Bar on June 23, 2011 at 6:00 p.m. for a Young Pro Happy Hour. 

Let’s play some foosball, shuffleboard, flip cup, or billiards insides, shielded from mother nature. 

RSVP to our Facebook Event.

Happy Hour Specials are available all night. 

Specials include: 

$2 tap beers
$3 rail cocktails
Plus I’m pretty sure they have $2 Tall Boy PBRs all day, every day. 

Hopefully, we can hit up the beach next month for a PRSA #YPHH. 

Sorry for the change of plans. 

Hey PR Young Pros! The PRSA Young Pros Committee invites you to Bradford Beach on June 23, 2011 at 6:00 p.m. for a Young Pro Happy Hour.

RSVP to our Facebook Event.

Stick your toes in the sand, breath the fresh air, play some beach volleyball, and relax with some tunes as the sun sets on Lake Michigan, while hanging out with other like-minded professionals.

Did I mention that they have a bonfire going with live music from the Marc Ballini Trio?

Starting at 6:30 p.m., the Marc Ballini Trio will perform until dusk. Three large bonfire pits available for public use. All you’ll need is your blanket on the sand.

Happy Hour Specials are available at the Tiki Hut from 5-7pm.

Specials include:

  • $10 – iced buckets of Corona or Pabst (4 cans / bucket)
  • $5 cocktails- Cuervo Margarita, Smirnoff & Lemonade, Bacardi Mojito, Jeremiah Weed & Lemonade
  • $3 Pabst

All that purchase a drink on the beach will receive a wristband good for one free drink at one of the following establishments following the musical performances on Thursday evenings: BelAir – BelAir Margarita or Hi Hat Garage – Pint of the Day.

Meet the Members: Shana Pawlowicz

Each month, on the PRSA Southeastern Wisconsin blog, we will feature one of the members of our fine organization. Get to know a little bit about who they are, why they joined and what they are most looking forward to about being a part of the PRSA SEW Chapter. And maybe a few random facts here and there. 

This month, we are featuring Shana Pawlowicz!

Name –  Shana Pawlowicz

Most of your experience falls in the in non-profit sector. What’s motivates you to work in that field? I have volunteered with several organizations now for over 7 years. While I am quite open to working in a variety of different markets within the creative field, I really do enjoy the sense of good I feel when not only I see all of my hard work pay off with a successful event, but also the joy from those in attendance who will directly or indirectly benefit from my hard work.

One of you recent positions was with ABCD and their event Date with a Plate that just happened last month. How’d the event go? The event went great! We had about 18 different stations from local restaurant groups who donated fabulous food for everyone to try. Our silent auction was also a big hit with over 100 items that help to raise over $26,000 for that section alone!

With many professional organizations available, what drew you to PRSA? In college I was a member of PRSSA and not only did I find the knowledge I received during that time rewarding but also the camaraderie of my peers who were also excited to start their careers. So I knew out of college that PRSA would certainly be a great place for me to belong and now that I have moved to Milwaukee and ready to establish my career and home here, I am very excited to be apart of the local chapter.

As a new member of the organization, what aspects are you most looking forward to (luncheons, newsletters, networking, young pros, awards)? Can I say all of it? haha. But really I am a very outgoing person and a person who loves challenges and learning daily. What’s great about this organization is that I am surrounded by individuals who feel the same way. PRSA offers so many opportunities to be able to continually learn and grow in this field, and I hope to continue to do so through PRSA.

What’s your favorite aspect of the Public Relations industry? (Media relations, special events, social media, crisis communication, community relations, ect.) And why? I feel so many of those areas tie together well that you can’t really choose one in order to do your job effectively. While I’m still looking currently for a full time home with a local company, I hope that in my future position I am able to tackle each of these areas. I think what is most intriguing to me right now however is social media, for the simple fact that it is changing at such a fast pace and is so cutting edge. Well that and the fact that I just (and finally) got an iphone to putz around on all my social media avenues with!

What’s your favorite blog that you follow? I’m a huge foodie! Everyone who really knows me knows the way to my heart is with a good meal. So as much as I hate to give this little hidden gem away I will, so that others may enjoy this amazing website and create scrumdiddlyumptious treats too. http://macaroniandcheesecake.blogspot.com/ Check it out…she’s a food genius!

Tell us something we don’t know about you? I am a former Miss Oshkosh with the Miss America Organization and during my year of service I made 82 volunteer appearances. During that time I was able to raise thousands of dollars and volunteer for various non-profits which includes: St. Baldricks Day, Children’s Miracle Network, American Cancer Society, Multiple Sclerosis Foundation, Children’s Hospital of Milwaukee and many others. And while I do get lots of flack from people about this, I am very proud of the accomplishments that have come from it and just goes to show, “You can never judge a book by its cover.”

Next time you see Shana at a luncheon, be sure to introduced yourself. Or you could connect with her on LinkedIn or Twitter.

– Andrew Wiech (@AndrewWiech)

Meet the Members: Kate Clough

Each month, on the PRSA Southeastern Wisconsin blog, we will feature one of the members of our fine organization. Get to know a little bit about who they are, why they joined and what they are most looking forward to about being a part of the PRSA SEW Chapter. And maybe a few random facts here and there.

This month, we are featuring one of our newest members to the organization. Welcome to the club, Kate Clough!

Name – Kate Clough

Position/Company – Public Relations Assistant, Robert W. Baird & Co.

I see you graduated from Boston College! What brought you to Southeastern Wisconsin?

Follow Kate on Twitter: @kjmclough

As a native of Rhode Island and a graduate of BC, I grew up with Manhattan and Boston right around the corner. I wanted to challenge myself with a new city and a new experience. After graduating in May 2010, I first started interning with Edelman’s strategic research firm, StrategyOne, in Chicago. As my internship was nearing its end, I started to look at other marketing and PR opportunities in both Chicago and Milwaukee. The one presented by Baird in Milwaukee was a perfect fit and I couldn’t resist starting my business career at such a great company as a junior practitioner within the internal PR team. At Baird, I really enjoy working with highly seasoned PR vets, and in my first four months with the firm, I have learned an incredible amount.

With many professional organizations available, what drew you to PRSA?

I decided to join PRSA for a number of reasons. In addition to the encouragement from my co-workers, I wanted to join a community of practitioners to help in my professional enrichment and growth. I want to expand my network, push myself to stay on top of the cutting edge business practices and have a place where I can foster ideas. As a new PR professional, there is so much out there for me to learn, I think PRSA will definitely help me foster that professional growth.

As a new member of the organization, what aspects are you most looking forward to (luncheons, newsletters, networking, young pros, awards)?

As a new member of the Milwaukee community and to PRSA, I am most interested in networking and meeting other professionals in the Public Relations field through the monthly luncheons and the Young Pros Committee. I look forward to meeting professionals of all ages and expertise to gain insights about their industry trends, experiences and future opportunities.

What’s your favorite aspect of the Public Relations industry? (Media relations, special events, social media, crisis communication, community relations, ect.) And why?

My favorite aspect of the public relations industry is the use and growth of social media in the business setting. Now, more than ever, social media presents a whole new paradigm for connecting and communicating with your various audiences: clients, customers, employees, investors, among many others. My burgeoning interest in social media came after I read “Groundswell” by Josh Bernoff and Charlene Li.

My interest in media relations and community relations continues to grow in my current role at Baird. I really enjoy the opportunity to communicate with media outlets in both print and broadcast from all over the world.

What’s your favorite blog that you follow?

It’s a tough call between David Armano’s blog, “Logic & Emotion,” and “Groundswell” published by Forrester Research. I have learned so much about the world of Web 2.0 from both!

Tell us something we don’t know about you?

I spent a good part of my childhood traveling around the world with my family and even moved and lived in Brisbane, Queensland, Australia for a few years while I was in grade school.

Next time you see Kate at a luncheon or networking event, be sure to introduced yourself. Or you could connect with her on LinkedIn.

– Andrew Wiech (@AndrewWiech)

March Luncheon – Community Relations and Corporate Social Responsibility with Anne Reed & Kim Marotta

This month’s chapter meeting was off the charts! Two incredible, intelligent, passionate and successful women talked from a corporate and nonprofit perspective about ways to leverage and integrate corporate social responsibility, community relations and sustainability programs into marketing and brand-building efforts. Anne Reed, the executive director of the Wisconsin Humane Society and Kim Marotta, vice president of corporate social responsibility at Miller Coors shared their stories.

In case you missed it, here is the live twitter feed. Somehow Andrew Wiech and I managed to never duplicate tweets over the course of the hour long presentation:

@PRSAWIS The 130 yr old @Wischumane society is known as one of the top nationally #prsawis
@PRSAWIS @WiscHumane‘s mission IS community outreach. #PRSAWIS
@PRSAWIS Communication is the key. @WiscHumane establishes itself as the authoritative resource in the community. #PRSAWIS
@PRSAWIS @wischumane keeps Social media very conversational #prsawis
@PRSAWIS Short videos from the staff @WiscHumane and shared on YouTube. Very authentic. #PRSAWIS
@PRSAWIS @wischumane has a symbiotic relationship btwn programs and outreach #prsawis
@PRSAWIS Important to get out in the community and invite them back in. @WiscHumane #PRSAWIS
@PRSAWIS Develop one brand image for CSR. “Great Beer. Great Responsibility.” #PRSAWIS
@PRSAWIS Go to greatbeergreatresponsibility.com to engage with @millercoors and for a chance to win an iPad #prsawis
@PRSAWIS “Society has expectations and in today’s world, those expectations have changes. Sustainable, transparent, ethical.” @MillerCoors #PRSAWIS
@PRSAWIS Retailers continue to push the agenda #prsawis @millercoors
@PRSAWIS 54% of shoppers consider sustainability to be a one of their decision making factors. @MillerCoors #PRSAWIS
@PRSAWIS Best ambassadors are your own employees. “Be Great. Be Responsible” @MillerCoors #PRSAWIS

Here are a few other key takeaway points from the presentation:

Anne Reed, nonprofit sector

  • Better communications = increased donations
  • Engage in several community partnerships to carry out mission
  • Your building itself can be community outreach – bring people in to see the mission in action

Kim Marotta, corporate sector

  • Social responsibility is good for business, not just because it’s what people expect, but it helps cut costs, good for the environment and establishes meaningful partnerships
  • Social responsibility leverages employee attraction and retention

Also, watch this short video with Kim and Anne:

[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mO06Nj_0Ujk&fs=1&hl=en_US&rel=0]

What did you take away from this month’s luncheon?

– Jenna Kashou (@JKashou) & Andrew Wiech (@AndrewWiech)

PRSA BLUtender Battle: Young Pros vs. Seasoned Vets

Come one, come all. And, bring your friends too. The PRSA Young Pros Committee invites ALL Milwaukee PR professionals to Blu, on the 23rd floor of the Pfister Hotel on March 30, 2011 at 5:30 p.m. for the ultimate Young Pros vs. Seasoned Vets battle. Please RSVP on Facebook.

Watch as PRSA Young Pro committee co-chairs Megan Sullivan (BVK) and Andrew Wiech (Comet Branding/Hanson Dodge Creative) go head-to-head bartending against “Seasoned Vets” Laura Monagle (Staples Marketing & PRSA President) and Mo Moorman (Jockey) with 10% of the proceeds going toward the PRSA Young Pros Committee.

Blu Manager Adam Jones will provide a quick tutorial (and maybe a few valuable tips on getting bigger tips) on bartending. Then watch as they display their skills and serve drinks for the next 2 hours.

Take advantage of Beat the Clock Happy Hour pricing on select drinks.
Drinks specials, including featured wines, start at $5 from 4-6pm, $6 from 6-7pm and $7 from 7-8pm. So, get there early to beat the clock on drink specials.

No need to worry about parking. The Pfister Hotel offers the following discounted rates.
Free 2 Hour Parking w/ purchase
Free 5 Hour Parking w/ Foursquare check in at Blu

Let the smack talk begin! Pick a team (#TeamYPs vs. #TeamVets), start trash talking and let the best drink slingin’ PR professionals win.

-Andrew Wiech (@AndrewWiech) & Megan Sullivan (@Sullivm)