I’m pleased to report that planning for our chapter’s 50th anniversary is well under way. The chapter’s 50th Anniversary Committee is aiming for a celebratory dinner in September. Moreover, we’re implementing ways we can pay tribute throughout the year to the chapter’s 50 years of success and influence in Western New York.

Our chapter doesn’t have a Hall of Fame, but during our anniversary year we’d like to acknowledge the success of our most respected practitioners, many of whom have played leadership roles in our chapter’s history. At each of the chapter’s monthly programs, we’ll take a few moments to recognize one or two of our senior practitioners, who will be invited guests of the chapter. Our chapter has many long-time members and rising stars who exemplify public relations excellence. It will be good to recognize some of them in a meaningful way each month.

As we all know, excellence in public relations isn’t demonstrated solely by the good work we do for our organizations and clients. Excellent public relations benefit the entire community. This is why public service also will be an emphasis of our chapter’s anniversary activities. In the coming weeks, our anniversary committee, co-chaired by Tom Lucia, will coordinate a chapter-wide volunteer effort that we hope will raise public awareness about our chapter while improving our community in a small way. Look for additional details in the chapter’s communications to members.

Anniversary activities aside, our chapter will continue to provide its regular slate of valuable programming and professional development opportunities throughout the year, organized by the chapter’s talented volunteer committees. For example, in April we’ll offer a “morning conversation” with Mike Connelly, editor and vice president of the Buffalo News. In July, a speed networking event is planned to give chapter members a chance to get to know one another better. Our annual Sunrise Seminar Series will feature a “Back to Basics” theme, with workshops on measurement, writing and AP style.

And, of course, the prestigious Excalibur Awards program and dinner provides an opportunity to celebrate the best work of our members. So, get those Excalibur entries turned in early and often. Gold and platinum glory awaits.

Also, please consider nominating a deserving colleague or executive for one of our chapter’s special awards: Rising star, Outstanding Practitioner and Executive of the Year. I’d like to increase the number of nominations the chapter’s board considers this year, so don’t be surprised to get a note or phone call from me nudging you to nominate someone for one of these special honors. 

Best wishes for continued success,
John DellaContrada

By Stacy VanBlarcom

What’s it like to venture out on your own in public relations? How could an independent PR practitioner help your organization? The next PRSA Buffalo Niagara Chapter program is your chance to find out!

Attend “The Rewards and Challenges of Being an Independent PR Practitioner” on Tuesday, March 26 at Univera Healthcare (205 Park Club Lane, Williamsville) and hear from local practitioners who have become their own bosses. The program begins with registration and a light breakfast at 7:45 a.m., followed by a panel discussion from 8 to 9 a.m.

Panelists include:
- Matthew Davison, AMDG Public Affairs, LLC
- Carolyn Human, Carolyn Human Communications
- Karen Karaszewski, APR, KKPR Public Relations and Marketing
- Philip Pantano, Pantano & Associates, L.L.C.

Registration fees are $25 for members and $45 for non-members. Students may attend free of charge. Save time and register online at the PRSA Buffalo Niagara Chapter website!

By Diane Zwirecki, APR

Thursday, June 27 is a big night for the PRSA Buffalo Niagara Chapter. On that evening at Templeton Landing, Buffalo, the chapter will present its annual Excalibur Awards for excellence in public relations programs, campaigns and practitioners, as well as the 2013 May C. Randazzo Memorial Scholarships to outstanding area college students pursuing careers in PR and communications.

The early-bird deadline to submit completed Excalibur Award nominations is 5 p.m. Friday, April 26. Final deadline is 5 p.m. Friday, May 3. Costs to enter range from $45 to $90, with discounts offered to early birds, PRSA members and non-profit organizations.

April 26 also is the deadline for nominations for special Excalibur honors, which include the 2013 Outstanding Practitioner, Outstanding Executive and Rising Star.

Excalibur is the legendary sword of King Arthur and represents the fortitude of the PR profession in Western New York. The PRSA Buffalo Niagara Chapter began the Excalibur Awards program in1990. The awards recognize public relations programming, projects and professionals for outstanding achievements in the practice and support of PR in Western New York during the previous calendar year.

For more information, contact Erin Collins at ecollins7@gmail.com or 716-479-2337.  

Randazzo scholarships are available to students at colleges and universities located in the region served by the chapter. This year, two $1,500 scholarships will be awarded. The deadline to submit completed applications is Monday, April 15. Application forms may be downloaded from the chapter website or may be obtained by contacting Diane Zwirecki, APR at dzwirecki@communicatesucceed.com or 716-983-2978, Eileen Herbert at herberte@canisius.edu or 716-888-2790 or Brenda Schwamborn at info@prsabuffaloniagara.org or 716-508-0277.

May C. Randazzo, APR was public relations manager at Graphic Controls and served as president of the PRSA Buffalo Niagara Chapter in 1986. Five years later, she was honored as the chapter’s Practitioner of the Year.

Randazzo passed away in 1997 at the age of 57. The May C. Randazzo Memorial Scholarships were established to reward area students who demonstrated her ideals: scholastic achievement, leadership and community service. During her career, Randazzo had a special interest in students and emerging PR professionals. She was instrumental in establishing the PRSSA chapter at Canisius College, she supervised countless interns, and she served as a mentor to students and professionals at all levels.

The chapter partners with the Community Foundation of Greater Buffalo to administer the annual scholarships and oversee the selection process.

By Diane Zwirecki, APR

The PRSA Buffalo Niagara Chapter 2013 program schedule is quickly developing into a full spectrum of networking, educational and social opportunities for current and prospective members and guests.

Here’s a snapshot:

• Tuesday, March 26: The Rewards and Challenges of Being an Independent PR Practitioner, 7:45 a.m. registration followed by 8-9 a.m. program, Univera Healthcare, 205 Park Club Lane, Williamsville. Panelists include: Matthew Davison, AMDG Public Affairs; Carolyn Human, Carolyn Human Communications; Karen Karaszewski, APR, KKPR Public Relations and Marketing, and; Philip Pantano, Pantano & Associates L.L.C.
• Thursday, April 25: Buffalo News Editor and Vice President Mike Connelly will provide a glimpse into his plans for the News, offer insights into the 140-year-old publication and field questions. His presentation will be followed by a tour of the Buffalo News.

On tap for May is the PRSA Northeast District presentation “Integrating Print, Web and Other Media.” The annual Excalibur Awards dinner and presentation of 2013 May C. Randazzo Memorial Scholarships takes place Thursday, June 27 at Templeton Landing Buffalo. A program on speed networking for PRSA members is planned for July, followed in August by the annual Sunrise Seminars series, which this year will have a “Back to Basics” theme including a refresher on AP writing style, writing for your audience and PR measurement.

The PRSA Buffalo Niagara Chapter premier 50th anniversary event is targeted for September, with programs on leadership and/or crisis communication planned for October and the chapter annual meeting slated for November. A possible annual meeting topic is a panel discussion presented by area tourism professionals.

Watch for more information on program dates, times and other details!

By Michael Freedman 

The PRSA Buffalo Niagara Chapter is gearing up to celebrate five decades of public relations excellence.

Tom Lucia and John DellaContrada are co-chairing a committee focused on integrating the chapter’s 50th anniversary into all events, programs and marketing materials in 2013.

“Our chapter has an impressive 50-year record of success,” said DellaContrada, who also serves as chapter president. “We’ve grown steadily, have consistently provided timely and beneficial programming to our members and have advanced public relations as a profession in Western New York.”

Founded in 1963, the PRSA Buffalo Niagara Chapter is one of the fastest-growing and most dynamic chapters in the country. Today, the organization boasts nearly 200 members representing all areas of business and industry including corporate, nonprofit, government, counseling firms, educational institutions and professional service firms.

To commemorate this legacy, several plans are under way:

• An anniversary logo and graphic, which is being used in all official chapter communications.
• Acknowledgement of the anniversary and the impact of the chapter’s members at all programs and events. This includes inviting one member as a guest of the chapter to briefly share an anecdote about career accomplishment as it relates to the topic of the event or program.
• Utilization of the chapter e-newsletter and social media sites to share stories about the anniversary.
• Development of story ideas for external media that will highlight the chapter’s history and accomplishments.
• Chapter-wide public service projects.
• A survey of chapter members and development of a white paper that describes current public relations practices and outlines members’ expectations and predictions for the future of the industry.
• A chapter anniversary party that features a guest speaker from the PRSA national and includes a commemorative gift for all attendees. During the event, items will be placed into a time capsule for the chapter archives at Buffalo State College.

“Our 50th anniversary provides an opportunity throughout 2013 to celebrate and reflect upon our chapter’s history and successes, culminating with an anniversary party in September,” added DellaContrada. “We also plan to take time to acknowledge the expertise of our chapter’s members, many of whom have played important leadership roles in the chapter and within their organizations.”

By Tom Lucia

Help kick off the PRSA Buffalo Niagara Chapter’s 50th anniversary year by participating in “50 Helping Hands” on Saturday, April 13. 

Be one of 50 chapter volunteers who will spend the morning giving back to the community, assisting Re-Tree WNY by planting trees in the area near Buffalo’s Medical Corridor.

Founded in the aftermath of the October Storm of 2006, Re-Tree WNY has a stated mission of replanting thousands of the trees damaged by the storm throughout Western New York. 

Training begins at 8:30 a.m., planting begins at 9 a.m., and is expected to conclude by 10:30 a.m. Volunteers will meet at 941 Washington Street, and there will be a tent set up in that parking lot. The chapter will even throw in a free commemorative long-sleeve t-shirt for all chapter volunteers. 

Showing pride in our chapter’s accomplishments? Check. Acting as a positive force in our community? Check. Camaraderie over coffee? Check. What else could you ask for? If you’re interested in being one of our 50 volunteers, contact Tom Lucia at 716-931-9110, ext. 5106, or tlucia@edoctrina.org by Saturday, April 6 at noon. 

By Barb Byers, APR

The APR is a symbol of professionalism and a credential that signifies reaching the highest standards in public relations. The PRSA Buffalo Niagara Chapter has an impressive group of 35 accredited members; will you be next?

In addition to understanding the fundamentals of the public relations profession, an important component of earning accreditation is having an insider’s view of, and being confident in, the process of the examination. During a one-day APR Express class, participants will learn what it takes to achieve accreditation. Provided will be a comprehensive overview as well as a binder for candidates to keep, containing all the resources and references needed. In addition, a recently-accredited chapter member will share his/her experience and talk about the three components of earning accreditation: Readiness Review, portfolio presentation and the computer-based exam.

The APR Express class will be held Saturday, April 20 and taught by Jeff Paterson, APR, executive director of the Community Music School and adjunct professor at Buffalo State College. Registration is $50 and is non-refundable.

For more information on accreditation, check out the APR section of the PRSA Buffalo Niagara website, or contact Accreditation Chair Barb Byers, APR, at 645-3315 or babyers@buffalo.edu.

Click here to register for the APR Express Prep Class.

By Deborah Silverman, Ph.D., APR, Fellow PRSA
Chair, PRSA Board of Ethics and Professional Standards and Chapter Member

The Public Relations Society of America (PRSA) has launched a free mobile ethics app to aid public relations practitioners in making ethical decisions.

The app, which is available in the App Store and GooglePlay, was in development for more than a year. It features the PRSA Code of Ethics, an ethics quiz and Professional Standards Advisories developed by the PRSA Board of Ethics and Professional Standards (BEPS), and a link to the BEPS e-mailbox.

As chair of BEPS, I’m delighted that this new app is available as an educational tool for PR practitioners, along with the PRSA ethics web pages, ethics case studies, and ethics programs throughout the year, especially during Ethics Month in September. My sincerest thanks to the PRSA staff and Mark McClennan, the PRSA Board liaison and senior vice president at SchwartzMSL, for his agency’s partnership with PRSA to develop this app!

Here’s a link to more information about the new app: http://media.prsa.org/news-releases/prsa+launches+ethics+app+for+professional+communicators.htm.

Don’t hesitate to contact us at beps@prsa.org with any ethics questions!

Jacqueline Ghosen, APR, PRSA Buffalo Niagara Chapter treasurer, will represent the chapter in June in New York at PRSA’s National Leadership Rally. Ghosen will highlight strategies and tactics used by the Buffalo Niagara Membership Committee to help ensure member retention in the face of a difficult economy.

By Beth Silverman

Congratulations to... 

• Emily Ciraolo, who was promoted to corporate communications specialist at National Fuel.
• Tara Erwin, who is now public relations manager at SKM Group.
• Candace Reimer, who was selected by the National School Public Relations Association as one of 35 school public relations professionals in the nation, under the age of 35, as showing leadership and excellence in the profession. She is the director of communication services at Erie 1 BOCES.
• Diane Zwirecki, APR, who has established her own company – Plans for Success - providing communications and public relations services.

Tell Us Your Good News!

Did you recently get a new job? Perhaps a promotion? Are you celebrating a major life event – an engagement, a new marriage, the birth of a child, etc.?

Share your good news in the PRSA Buffalo Niagara Chapter’s next e-newsletter. Email your news to honors@prsabuffaloniagara.org.

By Tracey McNerney

Members of the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA) enjoy a variety of benefits including special discounts, professional development, APR accreditation, up-to-date news, job postings and more.

At the national level, members can participate in more than 60 free webinars, receive updates through the industry news briefing Issues and Trends, and participate in conferences designed to enhance professional skills and provide networking opportunities.

On a local/regional level, members are afforded year-round opportunities to meet other PR practitioners at chapter-sponsored events like Buffalo Niagara’s Sunrise Seminar series and happy hours. PRSA Buffalo Niagara membership also provides a forum for professional recognition through the annual Excalibur Awards, as well as advocacy and leadership positions.

Ultimately, PRSA membership brings tremendous value to the workplace, making it a great investment for employers.

Watch upcoming e-newsletters for specifics about discounts and deals available to PRSA members!  

Through March 31, new Public Relations Society of America (PRSA) members are eligible for a free one year section membership when they join PRSA national as a regular member ($255 annual dues + $65 initiation fee). If a member joins the Counselors Academy, dues are $100 ($95 discount). Use code MAR13.