Hello Fellow Chapter Members,

I have been extremely busy preparing for my move to Atlanta, Georgia and was unable to reflect on what occurred during the month of May, but I am back and ready to finish off my year as President with a “bang!”

The board has been very busy throughout the months of May and June preparing for our final membership recruitment event, establishing a slate of officers for the 2008-09 board of directors, promoting our last Community Relations program, and yes, preparing for the annual conference.

I can’t believe we are only one month away from the 70th Annual Florida Public Relations Association Conference.  This event represents so many things to our Association.  It celebrates a year of hard work and dedication to the field of public relations.  Association members from all over the state converge on Orlando, Florida this year to network, learn about new trends and tactics in public relations, and recognize fellow chapter members’ successes.  For me, it marks the end of my year as president and the beginning of an exciting new year for the chapter.

Whether you have attended conference before, or if this is your first time, I recommend that you take the time to go online to www.fpra.org and read about this year’s event.  I encourage you to participate in what I have considered one of the best learning experiences in my more than 14 years in public relations.  

The conference unofficially starts with a golf outing on Sunday afternoon.  This year’s event is even more important because it will be the first time that the golf outing will be a fundraiser for the Florida Public Relations Education Foundation.  I suggest if you can arrive early on Sunday, August 3 that you register for this event.  The cost is $65 per person. It doesn’t matter if you can play golf or not, it is a fun event for a good cause.  This year’s activities are being planned by one of our members, Steve Sheppard.  So, get out there and show your support!

The 70th Annual Conference will take place from August 3 through August 6 at the Gaylord Palms Resort and Convention Center in Orlando, Florida.  Registration for conference is still open.  Full conference registration for members is $605 and single day registration for members $405. All conference materials are posted on the state web site.

Every year the Gainesville Chapter has a strong turnout for the Annual Conference and I would like this year to be no different.  I plan on being there and I look forward to seeing you all there too.  This is an amazing experience you don’t want to miss!

Warmest wishes!