Hello Chapter Members,

Fall is in full effect as evidenced by the random cold fronts we have been experiencing lately. (And the very random loss to Auburn!)

As November begins, our chapter welcomes a new board member and says farewell to another.  The Gainesville Chapter of FPRA welcomes Karen Smittle, APR back to the board of directors.  Karen served on the board for six years and was president in 2003-2004.  Special thanks to Karen for agreeing to share her experience and talent with the board once again!  She will serve as Treasurer replacing Sheila McGrady who has transitioned to Member Services Chair and President-Elect.  Sheila replaces Jenny Wills, APR, who has accepted the position of Manager of Public Relations at the Ritz Carlton, St. Thomas.  Best of luck Jenny!  Her friendliness, creativity and determination will be missed.

Wine, Cheese & Renewals Please! took place on October 25.  In an effort to answer the request of chapter members wanting more social opportunities, a membership mixer was held at The Wine & Cheese Gallery and Main Street.  About 10 people attended and enjoyed fantastic spirits and refreshments.  Currently, the chapter has 65 renewals, just 34 away from our goal of 99 by October 31.  If you have not renewed your membership, please take a moment to send it in today!  FPRA offers a myriad of benefits to all of its members on a state level as well as on a local level.  To find out more about membership benefits, visit www.fpragainesville.com.

I would like to encourage ALL members with at least 10 years of experience to attend our first "First Tuesday" at the Gainesville Health & Fitness on November 7.  These quarterly meetings are a great opportunity for our senior-level practitioners to discuss current events and pertinent topics relating to the public relations industry.  Some discussion topics for the November 7 meeting include: How do you get noticed among all the other priorities of the CEO?  What's the best way to disagree with the top brass?  How do you show the importance and progress of communications?  Learn how others bring communications priorities and value to the forefront of our companies when competing with other areas like sales and operations, which more clearly can impact on the bottom line.  Just remember that reservations are required.  For reservations or more information, contact Paul Ramey, APR at 352.846.2000 ext. 218 or pramey@ufl.edu.

Please join fellow members at this month's Membership Luncheon on November 16.  This will be the first-ever joint luncheon with the Gainesville Advertising Federation.  Josh Hallet, owner of hyku and FPRA 2006 Member of the Year, will speak about social media and how it is impacting the practice of public relations.  Attendance at this meeting is expected to be high, so please remember to Rsvp as soon as possible.  The luncheon will be at 11:30 a.m. at Steve's Cafe Americain (Tapas 12 West), 12 West University Avenue.

I would also like to announce the FPRA-PRSSA Fall Mixer & Silent Auction on November 29.  I encourage you to attend this event.  It is a great opportunity for our membership to interact with the public relations students in our community, who can serve as great interns and who are looking to learn from our professional expertise and guidance.  Check the Web site for more details.

The holiday season is right around the corner.  Remember, we will not have a luncheon in December.  Instead mark your calendars early!  The Gainesville Chapter Holiday Celebration will take place on December 14 at the Sweetwater Branch Inn, 625 E. University Avenue.  Invitations to follow.  During the festivities, the Member of the Year and Professional of the Year awards will be presented.  If you would like to make a nomination, please watch for the nomination forms available soon on the Home page.

November is one of my favorite months!  We get to enjoy the crisp fall weather, a wonderful Thanksgiving holiday with loved ones and (with fingers crossed) an FSU beating on November 25!  Go Gators!

Warm Wishes ~