June 20, 2019

Won’t You Lend a Hand?

The SPRF Communications Committee needs YOU! Alabama is hosting the 2019 SPRF Annual Conference, and we need volunteers to help spread the word to our members. Committee members are responsible for updating the SPRF website, email blasts in Constant Contact, and social media posts to drive attendance for the event. If you are interested and would like more information, please contact SPRF VP of Communication Lori M. Quiller, APR, at lquiller@alamedical.org. Thank you for your help!

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Go the Extra Mile…Become an APR

The Accreditation in Public Relations (APR) credential certifies your drive, professionalism and principles, setting you apart from your peers and positioning you as a leader and mentor in the competitive public relations field. Are you up to the challenge and ready to go the extra mile? If you are interested in becoming Accredited, contact Lori M. Quiller, APR, VP of Education and Accreditation. Start your journey today!

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New Member Spotlight: 

Mallory Camerio

Group Management Services

Mallory Camerio is a graphic design and marketing specialist with Group Management Services. She prides herself on exceeding client expectations and has helped enhance the brands for organizations like the Alabama Council of Association Executives, the American Institute of Architects in Alabama, the Alabama Dietetic Association, the Alabama Nurse Anesthetist Association and more. Mallory uses her years of experience in graphic design and marketing to connect, sustain and grow organizations throughout the state. She moved to Montgomery after receiving her bachelor’s degree in Design, Technology and Innovation from Troy University in 2013. Since relocating to the River Region, she has been involved with the Montgomery Lions Club, Hope Inspired Ministries and Mercy House. Outside of work and community involvement, Mallory enjoys drawing and calligraphy. Her free time is mostly spent with friends and family, attending community events, reading a good book or binge watching Netflix.

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Welcome Our New and Returning Members:

Jamie Brown- Max Federal Credit Union

Brooke Foster- Max Federal Credit Union

Laura Chambliss, Troy University

Erin Sloan- Sherlock, Smith and Adams

Faith West Ward, Troy University

Kadie Agnew, Baptist Health

Angier Johnson, Public Service Commission

Dr. Leslie Simone Byrd, Alabama State University

Kevin Bell- Wells Printing Company

Christi Scruggs- PowerSouth

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Junior Board Open House!

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Child Protect is having their yearly Junior Board Open House! If you are interested in learning more about how they are making a change in the River Region and how to apply, drop by on August 20th from 5:30pm-7:30pm!

What to expect: beer & wine, a super fun tour, testimonies from current board members, info on our mission & how we help our community, and an invitation to apply to serve on the 2019-2020 Junior Board!

RSVP to: Laurel Teel

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May 24, 2019

The FAME (Friends of Arts Magnet Education) Foundation is in need of a board member who is skilled in public relations.

The board meets once a month during the lunch hour.

As you may have seen, BTW Magnet High is now in a temporary location as a result of last summer's fire. In order to help with fundraising efforts to pay for the rebuilding process, the board is looking for someone who could help inform the community of the school's high standards through press releases about student accomplishments and other forms of communication. 

If you are a public relations professional who is a lover or supporter of the arts, this would be an excellent way to offer your skills to give back to the community. If you are interested in serving on this non-profit board, email Melissa Warnke at mwarnke@alabamaretail.org!

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New Member Spotlight: 

Ebony Davis

Alabama Community College System

Ebony Davis is the communications specialist for the Alabama Community College System. With more than 20 years of communication experience, Ebony worked as a newspaper reporter and freelance writer before serving as an adjunct instructor and secretary at Enterprise State Community College. She spent seven years as a full-time newspaper reporter at the Dothan Eagle and 15 years as a freelance writer and communications specialist for various organizations. She worked with the New York Times Student Journalism Institute in New Orleans and the Tuscaloosa News prior to the Dothan Eagle. 

Ebony is a Stillman College graduate with master's degrees in publishing from the University of Houston-Victoria and in Strategic Communication from Troy University. 

Ebony is passionate about serving her community. She has served as a children's church pastor and volunteer communications specialist for nonprofit organizations, and continues to speak to various organizations about the benefit of professional communications, networking and higher education. She also commits to several community service efforts initiated by her sorority, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated.

Ebony's "whole world" consists of her two awesome sons, Jelan and Isaiah, and daughter Madison.

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PRCA would like to welcome its new members:



Rebie Morris, Administrative Assistant/Events Coordinator, Montgomery City-County Library

Brittany Hatfield, Director of Marketing, Henig Furs

Eunyoung Kim, Assistant Professor of Communication, Auburn University Montgomery

Brannon Littleton, Director, Montgomery School of Music

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Congratulations!

To Rebecca Williams for graduating from Leadership Montgomery Legacy class XXXV!

We are proud to have exceptional community leaders in PRCA Montgomery.

May 21, 2019

Uncork and Unwind with PRCA Montgomery Tuesday, May 21, 2019 from 5 - 7 pm at Goat Haus Biergartan located at 532 Clay St. This Spring Social will offer free wine tasting, some tasty appetizers, and everyone who RSVPs will get one complimentary drink ticket. This is open to members and nonmembers and is a great opportunity to learn more about our group and joining. RSVP "Going" on our Facebook Page to reserve your spot and drink ticket!

April 25, 2019

A LETTER FROM THE PRESIDENT

Wow, what an amazing PRCA State Conference in Tuscaloosa! Not only were the speakers excellent, but I’ve never been so proud of the PRCA Montgomery Chapter!

PRCA Montgomery earned awards in all eight categories of the Chapter of the Year Awards. Membership and Projects each took home 1st place, while Chapter Management, Programs, Communications, Accreditation, Community Service and Education all received 3rd place. The hard work and dedication that the 2018 board put into our chapter last year is clearly evident!

In addition, three of our members won Medallion Awards. In the Special Events category, Mary Johns with Alabama Farmers Federation and Simply Southern TV won a Medallion Award for “Simply Southern TV’s Bama’s Best Fried Chicken Contest.” In the Social Media Management category, Melissa Warnke and Nancy Dennis with the Alabama Retail Association won a Medallion for “Alabama Retailer of the Year: Customers’ Choice Award.”

Megan Hughes, APR, was also recognized as our chapter’s nominee for the Professional Achievement Award. Megan is a shining example of a true public relations professional and I am proud that she was able to represent our chapter.

I hope you will join us at our May meeting to congratulate all of our awardees. Thank you to past and present board members and to our membership for continuing to believe in our mission.

-Meghan Cochrane

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• The FAME (Friends of Arts Magnet Education) Foundation is in need of a board member who is skilled in public relations.The board meets once a month during the lunch hour. As you may have seen, BTW Magnet High is now in a temporary location as a result of last summer's fire. In order to help with fundraising efforts to pay for the rebuilding process, the board is looking for someone who could help inform the community of the school's high standards through press releases about student accomplishments and other forms of communication. If you are a public relations professional who is a lover or supporter of the arts, this would be an excellent way to offer your skills to give back to the community. If you are interested in serving on this non-profit board, email Melissa Warnke at mwarnke@alabamaretail.org!

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• Job Board Update!
  As a member benefit, we are now password protecting the PRCA Job Board. If you did not receive your password, please email our VP of Communications,Sara Kathryn King.

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• The APR Wednesday Lunch Study Group will resume on Wednesday, May 1, at 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Medical Association of the State of Alabama at 19 S. Jackson Street. The next Third Saturday Study will be Saturday, May 11, from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the same address. RSVP for both by email to lquiller@alamedical.org. Want to brush up on your PR skills? Visit http://www.praccreditation.org/

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• The Philip R. Forrest Jr. Professional Achievement Award is the highest individual honor bestowed by the Public Relations Council of Alabama. It recognizes outstanding practitioners in the field of public relations. The Montgomery Chapter’s nominee, Megan Hughes, APR, has more than 14 years of professional experience in the field of Public Relations, with 12 of those in higher education. Megan earned her APR in 2015, and is an active member of PRAM, PRCA, as well as SPRF. She has served in leadership positions on the chapter, state level and as an SPRF board of directors for nine of those years. Congratulations on your nomination, Megan!

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• Member Spotlight: Chacolby Burns-Johnson
  Southern Poverty Law Center
  We are proud to announce the career change of Chacolby Burns-Johnson, our VP of Programs. Chacolby is now the Major Gifts Officer at Southern Poverty Law Center!
  "I have joined the Southern Poverty Law Center as a Major Gifts Officer. I'll still be in the area of fundraising/development and public relations for a mission I am passionate about for the vulnerable and often under served segments of the population. I am excited about the journey and possibilities ahead."
  Congratulations, Chacolby!

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March 20, 2019

APRil is APR Month

That’s not a typo in the headline. “APRil is APR Month” is a slogan we use to help promote Accreditation in Public Relations and to celebrate those professionals who have achieved this designation. APR is a credential earned by public relations practitioners who commit to the profession through ethical practices and sound judgment, strategic perspectives, knowledge of best practices and the use of the research-planning-implementation-evaluation (RPIE) process.

Here in Montgomery, we encourage everyone who is interested in becoming Accredited to GIVE IT A TRY! Contact Lori Quiller, APR, at lquiller@alamedical.org and become part of the Wednesday Lunch & Learn Programs from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at 19 S. Jackson Street and 3rd Saturday Study Group each month. Test your PR skills and reward your knowledge by becoming and APR!

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We Miss You!

Missed the renewal window? You can still reactivate your membership in PRCA-Montgomery Chapter and not lose all the benefits that come with membership including networking, professional development, leadership opportunities and personal growth. To rejoin, go to https://www.prcamontgomery.org/join. If you need help, contact Mona Davis, VP of Membership at mdavis@golfound.org or call (334) 273-7800.

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Job Board Update

As a member benefit, we are now password protecting the PRCA Job Board. Email our VP of Communications, Sara Kathryn King for the member password!

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ART-tivisim

PRCA Member, Traci A. Howell, who is the owner of S.H.E Agency (pronounced as “she”) and curator for Artists on Tap, has started a new project called ART-tivism. This project is geared towards artists who create art that talks about the hard and uncomfortable conversations that needs to happen or reflects the darker truths of today’s society. It is all about unifying art with social responsibility. The project is now acceptation entries. Any work that is focused on raising awareness on important topics such as the environment, social change, social justice, etc is highly recommended. For more information be sure to visit www.art-tivism.com.

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Member Spotlight: 

Brannon Littleton, Director, Montgomery School of Music

Brannon Littleton is the founder and director of the Montgomery School of Music. He opened the school in 2011 in response to the need to improve access to quality music educators in a professional environment in the River Region in one central location. Staffed with 15 music educators, the school has offers music instruction to hundreds of students annually through individual and group instruction, as well as multiple free concerts throughout the year for students and the community.

“The most important part of learning music is that you have to be exposed to it. It’s like learning a language, you have to listen to it to speak it,” said Littleton, who, ironically grew up with little exposure to music in the small community of Active, Alabama in Bibb County. But enrolling in a community music education program at the University of Montevallo as a youth changed the direction of his life. He went on to study music, religion and human development in college and is currently pursuing a master’s degree in strategic communication from Troy University.

Littleton’s daily responsibilities include internal and external communication and program coordination, which is why he believes the networking opportunities offered through membership in PRCA Montgomery will help him raise awareness about his school and advance his mission.

“Part of our mission is to spark an ongoing conversation among ourselves and the Montgomery community at large on how we value music education and the arts. It’s very fulfilling each week to watch as we pursue our motto: ‘Discovering the Music in You’, and to know if I can accomplish this in others, then I have done what I was supposed to do with my life.”

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PRCA would like to welcome its new members:

Rebie Morris, Administrative Assistant/Events Coordinator, Montgomery City-County Library

Brittany Hatfield, Director of Marketing, Henig Furs

Eunyoung Kim, Assistant Professor of Communication, Auburn University Montgomery

Brannon Littleton, Director, Montgomery School of Music

February 21, 2019

PRocess of Champions Annual Conference

APRIL 7-9, 2019

EMBASSY SUITES DOWNTOWN

TUSCALOOSA, ALABAMA

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Registration is now open on the PRCA Website. 

Don't miss out on early bird rates.

REGISTER TODAY!

Discounted room rates available at the Embassy Suites until March 8, 2019. Call 1-800-Embassy to make your reservation.

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Women's Leadership Summit

Join The Junior League of Montgomery for the Second Annual Women's Leadership Summit on March 8th from 9:00 am to 2:00 pm at the Montgomery Country Club in celebration of International Women's Day. This will be an exciting day of empowerment, enrichment, and education. For line up of speakers and to purchase tickets for only $50 visit us online! For more information contact Chacolby Burns-Johnson, Co-Chair Women's Leadership Summit, at (334) 207-6529 or cburnsjohnson@hotmail.com! 

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25th Annual Culinary Caper

Join MACOA for an afternoon of food, fellowship, and fundraising to support MACOA and Meals On Wheels to serve home bound seniors!  The exciting afternoon features a gourmet seated luncheon with chefs from throughout the River Region, a silent auction, entertainment, $1,000 "Dine Out On Us" drawing, and much more. To reserve your table or ticket today or for more information contact Chacolby Burns-Johnson, Director of Development at cjohnson@macoa.org,

(334) 263-0532 or visit us online.

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Art-tivism 

PRCA Member, Traci A. Howell, who is the owner of S.H.E Agency (pronounced as “she”) and curator for Artists on Tap, has started a new project called ART-tivism. This project is geared towards artists who create art that talks about the hard and uncomfortable conversations that needs to happen or reflects the darker truths of today’s society. It is all about unifying art with social responsibility. The project is now acceptation entries. Any work that is focused on raising awareness on important topics such as the environment, social change, social justice, etc is highly recommended. For more information be sure to visit www.art-tivism.com.

January 24, 2019

Request for Proposal

Southern Public Relations Federation

Logo Refresh & Tag Line

It’s been a few years (even decades) since the SPRF logo was created.

We want to keep our name and:

• Redesign the logo

• Incorporate a tagline/anthem and

• Create a new palette of colors

While we want something modern, engaging and vibrant – something that would potentially be relevant for 5 to 10 years - the logo must work in a variety of modern formats online and in print, in a vertical and horizontal format.

SPRF is inviting you to submit a proposal for this project no later than Friday, March 29, with final work completed by Friday, June 28. Proposals should be no more than two pages excluding budgets, timelines and references, and should include previous logo design work.

We would like to unveil the new logo/branding at our annual conference at the end of September.

Timeline:

March 29: RFPs Due

April 12: Project Awarded

May 13: Initial Designs and Tagline Due (requesting three options of each)

May 31: Feedback on Initial Designs

June 10-14: Tweak and Finalize Design, Font, Color(s) and Tagline

Budget:

Proposals can be submitted with a flat fee or hourly rate but not to exceed $2,000.

Project Contact:

Please submit your confidential proposal by Friday, March 29 at 5 p.m. to

Micah Walker, Southern Heritage Bank, 5211 Jackson Street Ext., Alexandria, LA 71303, mwalker@shbnet.com.

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Skill Drill Master Class

After two years of testing your public relations knowledge, we’re raising the stakes. Beginning with the March luncheon, we are introducing the SkillDrill MasterClass — the more difficult the challenge, the more rewarding the prizes! 

Test your public relations skills, but be prepared to defend your answers. Trust us...the rewards will be well worth your effort!



APR Study Group Meetings

The 2019 APR Study Group will meet the third Saturday of each month. Our next meeting:



Saturday, Feb. 16th

Alabama Pharmacy Association

1211 Carmichael Way

Montgomery, AL 36106

Please RSVP to Lori Quiller, APR.

Want to brush up on your PR skills? Visit http://www.praccreditation.org/

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CALLING ALL READERS!

The annual Alabama Book Festival takes place on April 13, 2019, at Montgomery's historic Old Alabama Town. The steering committee is in need of additional help with publicity for the event. Volunteers are needed to get the word out about the event by helping with social media, contacting media for coverage, putting up flyers, etc. New ideas on how to publicize the event are welcome! If you're a book lover and would like to help, contact Kim Nix for more information.

To learn more about the event, visit www.alabamabookfestival.org.

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New Member Spotlight

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Neil Probst

Outreach Specialist

Booz Allen Hamilton

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From flight deck airman, reporter, magazine copy editor, to college professor and marketing/public affairs specialist, PRCA member Neil Probst’s career has been as varied as it has been interesting! The longtime PR professional recently renewed his membership in PRCA Montgomery Chapter and explained why he felt it was important to do so.

“I’m so grateful to be back in PRCA,” said Probst. “I returned primarily because I am seeking accreditation in public relations, but, more than that, it’s a pleasure to return to colleagues I missed from my first experience in the Montgomery chapter about 10 years ago.”

Probst currently works as a public affairs and outreach specialist for Booz Allen Hamilton and as a contractor for the Air Force Center for Strategic Deterrence Studies on Maxwell Air Force Base.

“My favorite thing about public relations is the awareness that the audience comes first. Once we identify our company’s or client’s publics, then we can go about discovering how best to serve the needs of these audiences, ultimately strengthening our company or client in the short-term and for years to come,” he said. “My career has had some roller coaster turns, but when each chapter ends it leads to new beginnings, new experiences, and new learning. Life is truly a journey. We can learn and grow until the very end.”

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Welcome Our Newest Member!

Ashley Whittle Tiedt

Communications Director

Alabama Forestry Association

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March 22, 2018

PRCA just released the keynote speaker for PR Distilled, April 16 and 17, in Huntsville. New York Times bestselling author Andrew Maraniss will kickoff the state conference with STAYING STRONG: Lessons from an SEC Legend.

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There is much to learn from Perry Wallace, the first African American basketball player in the SEC and the subject of Andrew's best-selling biography—STRONG INSIDE: Perry Wallace and the Collision of Race and Sports in the South. This book includes inspiring lessons on perseverance, activism and leadership... and culturally relevant lessons on diversity and inclusion. Andrew will not only share the background of the first sports-related book to win the prestigious civil rights honor (the Lillian Smith Book Award), but what it's like turning from public relations agency partner to full-time author. He'll discuss how his background in PR helps him best tell this story and give advice for tackling sensitive topics with a multitude of audiences.   

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You don’t want to miss this, or any of the other speakers we have lined up. Full speaker information is available at http://prcaonline.com/conference-speakers.REGISTER TODAY

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Note: If you are a PRCA member, you must login to Star Chapter to receive the member discount of $199. This rate is available for members only until April 1. More information on the venue, schedule and hotel options can be found at http://prcaonline.com/conference-overview or you can download the conference flyer.

October 09, 2017

Daniel Sparkman, Deputy Press Secretary & Director of Digital Media, Office of the Governor

Anna Pritchett, Advocacy Director, AARP

Pamela Sparks, Communication Director, Alabama Hospital Association 

Jamal Thomas, Publisher, Gumptown Magazine

Lori Wright, Sales & Marketing/Catering & Events, Dreamland BBQ

Robert Fouts, Owner, Fouts Commercial Photography

L. Simone Byrd, Associate Professor, Public Relations, Alabama State University

Stephanie Weldon, Resource Development Coordinator, The Learning Tree, Inc.

Meaghan Weir, Marketing and PR Manager, Montgomery Zoo and Mann Wildlife Learning Museum

Angela Hurst, Director of Public Relations, Trenholm State Community College

Malissa Valdes-Hubert, Public Information Manager, AL State Dept of Education

Michael Sibley, Communication Director, Alabama State Department of Education

Ericak P. Franklin, Public Information Specialist, Alabama State Department of Education

Ed Crenshaw, Public Information Specialist, Alabama State Department of Education

Charles Creel, Marketing Specialist - Graphic, Alabama State Department of Education

Teri Sumbry, Communications and Public Relations Specialist, Turenne & Associates

Kimberly Wright, Webmaster, City of Montgomery

Kayla Farnon, Advocacy Communications Director, Alabama League of Municipalities 

Tasha  Cooper, Public Relations Director, Alabama Education Association

October 09, 2017

Malissa Valdes-Hubert

Public Information Manager

Alabama State Department of Education

Born in Houston, Texas, and a resident of Central and East Alabama for more than 30 years, Malissa Valdes-Hubert serves as the Public Information Manager for the Alabama State Department of Education. She has worked at the department since January 2009. Prior to that position, she worked as a Digital Media Coordinator at Auburn University (2006-2009) and at WSFA 12 News as Promotion Producer (2003-2006).  She graduated from Auburn University in 2003 with a Bachelor's in Mass Communication, and is APR (Accreditation in Public Relations) Certified (2012). She is currently pursuing her Master's degree in Strategic Communications at Troy University.

Malissa lives her professional life by the motto "Public Relations is the management function that establishes and maintains mutually beneficial relationships between an organization and the publics on whom its success or failure depends" (Cutlip, Center & Broom).

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Malissa is motivated to increase the quality of the practice, particularly organizational culture and ethics in public relations and focus her work on advocacy for public causes such as education, mental and physical health. Using her expertise in the realm of school public relations, knowledge of national and state law and policy and public agency collaboration, Malissa works with, and is on the boards of groups such Alabama GRIT (Graduate Ready, Impact Tomorrow) and the Alabama School Public Relations Association. Her daily goal is to shine a brighter, more positive light on public works in our state.

She loves the outdoors, swimming in any pool, river, lake or ocean that can be found and in cooking and the culinary arts, particularly in the exploration of her Puerto Rican roots. Malissa lives in historic Old Cloverdale with her husband, Blake and dog, Kona.

October 09, 2017

Melanie Golson, APR, VP of Membership, PRCA (State Association)

PRCA has grown to more than 400 member statewide.  As with any growth there are pains that come along with it.  For PRCA that has come in the form of how to best manage our membership data to make sure each member is able to take full advantage of their membership benefits.  While the system we have used for the past four years or so has worked well, we have officially outgrown its abilities for us to effectively maintain membership information and ensure members are receiving all communications.

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I am excited to announce that on November 1, 2017 PRCA will be migrating to a new member management system called Star Chapter.  This is the same system used by SPRF, the Public Relations Association of Louisiana and 1000s of other membership organizations across the country.  By migrating to a full association management system we will be able to offer more a streamlined renewals process, processing of new member applications and integrate the myriad of systems we are using for member communication, meeting registration and more into one platform.

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Each member will have login privileges to the website with the new system. In the coming weeks each member will receive an email with their new login to the new website.  This will allow you to verify your contact information, add a photo and even a bio if you like.  This increased access ensures that members stay up to date with what is happening statewide and maximize their member benefits at the local level as well.  It will also streamline the new member application and renewal processes.

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The board of directors is excited to bring this next level of membership management to PRCA.  It will allow us to continue to grow and be more effective and efficient with our communications at the state and local level.

The 2018 renewal season will kick off officially November 1, 2017 and run through January 31, 2018.

June 29, 2017

Cynthia Milledge is a native of Montgomery, Alabama. She currently serves as the Director of Marketing and Public Relations for the Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts. Her job responsibilities range from planning and implementing strategies, campaigns, and PR events to building relationships with key business and media leaders. Prior to her career at the MMFA, she worked as a journalist for nearly 19 years at television stations in Alabama and Louisiana. 

During her time in the broadcasting industry, she earned accolades including 2010 Twin Cities Mayor's Committee on Disabilities Media Coverage Award, 2007 Associated Press (AP) Award for Best in Depth Series and Best Continuing Coverage, and 2003 Associated Press (AP) Award for Best Documentary. Cynthia is a proud graduate of Troy University in Troy, Alabama where she earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Broadcast Journalism and a Master of Science Degree in Strategic Communication. 

When this young lady is not hard at work or doing homework, you can find her volunteering in her community and training for half and full marathons. She is also an active member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated. Her top priority in life is to fulfill God's calling of inspiring others through motivational speaking, Miss Milledge's motto is, "Don't let man determine your destiny; 
that's up to you and God."

June 29, 2017

The PRCA-Montgomery June chapter meeting featured Lightning Line, the creative team behind the popular Burger Bash and Taco Libre festivals. Lighting Line founders Adam Warnke, Avery Ainsworth and Steven Lambert shared the history behind their organizations and their secrets to success - intentionally giving others the means to share their vision, message and purpose with their own networks.

To illustrate this process, several PRCA members took part in an exercise taking over the #myMGM Instagram hashtag during our meeting. Even though Lighting Line only has 835 insta-followers, our combined efforts helped Lighting Line announce the return of Burger Bash this fall (Save the Date, September 7, 2017) with more than 10,000 people online plus the #myMGM community.

Here are the top takeaways the Lighting Line team shared on how they create and sustain buzz surrounding their events:

Listen - "People love to eat." That was what the Lighting Line team kept hearing from others in Montgomery when they first proposed the idea that eventually led to Burger Bash and later Taco Libre. By first listening to those who they hoped would attend, they were better able to understand what would attract festival goers, and what would not.

Be creative - From well-thought out designs and original merchandise to hashtag takeovers and publicity stunts with restaurants, the Lighting Line team is creative in everything they do. The trio generates professional content that is original, honest and authentic.

Build a community - The fourth member of the Lighting Line team are the individuals they are trying to reach. Adam, Avery and Steven are intentional about building relationships online and giving their supporters the means to represent the Lighting Line brand. What they discovered is when individuals believe they are a part of something, they are excited to share awareness and want to brag about it to their friends.

Give your community a means to engage - The Lighting Line trio spend a lot of their planning discussions figuring out how to give those connected to the event the opportunity to stir up interest in the event. Ultimately, the public conversation takes on a life of its own. Restaurants are promoting their participation, and others are sharing their own memories of good meals and experiences. The combined result is the appearance of a communication frenzy, which only builds additional interest for the events. 

June 28, 2017

If you are actively pursuing your accreditation in public relations (APR) or are ready to learn more about what it takes, this APR Jump Start Workshop is for you.

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Join SPRF from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. on Friday, July 21, as John Forde, Ph.D., APR, Fellow PRSA, professor and head of the Department of Communication at Mississippi State University, as he leads you through a half-day workshop.

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The workshop includes: A brief overview of the APR steps, topics and knowledge/skills/abilities you will be tested on, insights from a panel of APRs featuring Checky Herrington, APR, Fellow PRSA, & Macaulay Whitaker, APR, and more!

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Register today! Early bird registration is only $70. You must register by Friday, July 7. Otherwise, the regular registration fee is $85. Note: Registration also includes the Southern Public Relations Federation Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony and Luncheon on July 21.

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Download the APR Jump Start workshop registration form.

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Questions? Contact Erin Barham, APR at erin.barham@medicaid.ms.gov.

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March 21, 2017

NEW YORK CITY, NY March 21, 2017 – – The Social Shake-Up Show (May 22 – 24), the leading social media marketing conference in the U.S., today announced the first annual Movers & Shakers award program’s honorees. The prestigious list contains social media mavens from small business to big brands alike that were judged by the measurable, positive effects their social media leadership has had for their brand or clients, and/or on how they have demonstrated that they are industry thought leaders in the use of social media for brands. 

March 09, 2017

MONTGOMERY, AL -- (March 9, 2017) -  The Montgomery Chapter of the Public Relations Council of Alabama (PRCA) has launched a new website for members at PRCAmontgomery.org.

"Part of our mission is to give PRCA Montgomery Chapter members more benefits with their membership," said PRCA President Megan Hughes. "This site offers opportunities for members to post jobs, post their company news and RSVP for events."

January 12, 2016

Montgomery Professionals earn Accreditation in Public Relations

MONTGOMERY -- (January 12, 2016) – Megan German Hughes, Senior Manager for Marketing and Communications with AUM’s College of Business, and Melanie Golson, Outreach Coordinator with the City of Montgomery, have successfully completed the Examination for Accreditation in Public Relations, entitling both to use the APR professional designation. The announcement was made by the Universal Accreditation Board (UAB), a consortium of nine professional communication organizations that directs this competency certification program, along with their PRCA chapter in Montgomery.