Welcome Autumn!
 
Hello Chapter Members, 
 
With the arrival of Fall, much is happening within the Gainesville Chapter of FPRA.  First, let’s celebrate our new luncheon location.  Our first meeting of the new chapter year was held on September 21.  For those of you who did not attend, we missed you.  We had a great presenter, David Donnelly, who spoke to the group about crisis communications at the local government level.  We met in our new luncheon location downtown at Tapa’s 12/Steve’s Café Americain.  Chef Steve Williams prepared some fabulous food that proved to be a major improvement from former luncheons.  We had a crowd of more than 40 members and guests, and feedback was very positive.  We do have a couple of glitches to resolve, as to be expected, but overall, I think Tapa’s/Steve’s will serve as an excellent meeting location for our chapter.

Please make every effort to attend next month’s luncheon.  Florida Bridgewater-Alford will speak to the group about the community relations efforts between the University of Florida and Gainesville and the surrounding area.  I especially encourage you to come to this membership meeting, because it is also our chapter’s annual Boss Appreciation Day.  Remember to invite your supervisor, manager, CEO and/or CFO so that he/she can realize the value of your membership in FPRA and the professional development opportunities available to you through our fine organization.  As a chapter, we want to show our thanks for their willingness and  support of your participation with our group.  The luncheon will be held at our new location on Thursday, October 19 at 11:30 a.m.  Don’t miss it!  more>
 
I would also like to remind everyone of the great volunteer opportunities that are available through FPRA.  Many of our committees are looking for valuable members like you.  Don’t be shy!  Sign up, and participate with your peers by working on a special initiative.  Find out which committees your interested in.  go>
 
In addition to Boss Appreciation Day and committee recruitment, October is also the time to Revitalize.Refocus.Renew.  Every member of our chapter should have received their renewal letters from the state office by now.  Please join in our membership renewal campaign by renewing your membership before October 31.  Our chapter’s goal is to reach an 85 percent renewal rate.  The focus of our renewal campaign is not just on renewing, but revitalizing our members and refocusing on the new year of FPRA ahead.  The membership drive will conclude with the fall membership mixer “Wine & Cheese & Renewals Please!”   Please get your renewals in TODAY, and remain active members of the most outstanding chapter in the state!
 
Attention!  Calling all of our chapter members with 10 years + experience in public relations.  The First Tuesday meetings will begin in October.  These gatherings serve as an informal way to discuss current public relations topics while enjoying lunch with peers.  Please contact Paul Ramey, APR at pramey@ufl.edu. 

Last but not least, if you are looking for membership in FPRA, contact Jenny Wills, APR at jwills@rtix.com and find out more about our Non-Profit Membership Grant and James Terhune Membership Scholarship.  Apply today!
 
Here’s to a wonderful month full of Gator wins, successes at your workplace and happiness in your homes.  Welcome Autumn!
 
                                               Warm Wishes~