Happy Holidays Fellow Chapter Members:

Fall is in the air and the holidays are upon us. I don't know about you, but it is getting harder and harder to concentrate. I have been extremely busy with work and other extracurricular activities so I would like to apologize for my absence from the November luncheon. I hope you enjoyed the presentation from Kim Mitrook of Regions Bank. I can’t wait to see what is in store for the next year. With all that said on to more exciting news!

I want to start by congratulating Nickie Doria, APR for winning our membership renewal contest. I hope she had a great time at the game and didn’t lose her voice from cheering so much. With that in mind, please remember to renew your membership. The deadline is December 31, and if the current passing of time is any indication, it will be here before you know it.
 
I would also like to take this time to personally invite each and every one of you to the 2007 FPRA Gainesville Chapter Happy Holidays Celebration. This year’s festivities will take place at the Thomas Center on Wednesday, December 5 starting at 7 pm. There will be a cash bar open at 7 pm, holiday treats, music, food and much, much more. Come help us recognize our Member of the Year and Professional of the Year winners, along with our membership milestones. The cost is $38 for FPRA members, $40 for non-members and $55 for couples. You can pay at the door or use the PayPal option at www.fpragainesville.com . Please RSVP for the event by Monday, December 3. We will also be assisting the Community Relations Committee with their food drive activities, so remember to bring canned food items to support this worthy cause. Don’t forget that the holiday party will take the place of our regularly scheduled monthly luncheon.

Reflecting on what we have accomplished in the remaining days of 2007, I am reminded that we have continued many traditions. We had at least one person who earned their APR accreditation on the first attempt. I can personally say that I am very thankful for this one. Next, we were recognized at conference with two awards, the President’s Award for Senior Member Development and the President’s Award for Communications. And finally, we held some very successful events including our annual PDS and Image Awards, along with a well-attended crisis communications workshop. With so many things to brag about in 2007, I am definitely looking forward to 2008!
 
I look forward to seeing all of your smiling faces at the holiday celebration and would like to wish each and every one of you a happy and safe holiday season.

Warmest wishes,