Happy New Year!
A Note from Norita Taylor, APR
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Happy New Year everyone. I hope your holidays were full of warmth and happiness. I look forward to leading our chapter and I know this year will be terrific. One reason I know this is because of the tremendous job that was done by our immediate past-president, Jean Peat, APR. I want to thank her and the rest of the 2017 board for making our chapter thrive this past year. I especially want to thank them for the most recent Professional Development event which had one of the biggest turnouts of the year. Those lucky to attend “Women in PR and the C-Suite” heard what I can honestly say was some of the most valuable perspectives as a professional and that I have used much of what I heard that day since then. I think it’s safe to say that we intend to have more events like that in the future.
I’ve reviewed our chapter’s member survey and I am aware of the things everyone would like to see more of this year. We will do our best to deliver, but quite frankly, we could use some more help to make that happen. I want to point out that while we have in place a terrific group of board members, we are still needing to fill some open roles. While attending the National PRSA Leadership Rally this past October, I Iearned that most other chapters also struggle with volunteerism and membership, and so we are not unique in facing this challenge. Are you ready to join us? If so, let’s talk. You can reach me at
[email protected]
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I also found out that our chapter is one of a small number that still require the APR designation to serve as president and president-elect. We will continue to promote accreditation and fully support candidates, but our chapter’s pool of accredited individuals has not grown enough to sustain that policy. In order to ensure the roles of president-elect and president are filled with otherwise qualified individuals, that requirement has been removed. We have also added the role of VP of Diversity. I think this is something our chapter would benefit greatly from including.
So, here is to a new year filled with meaningful learning opportunities and lively conversations. I hope to see you soon.
Fearlessly forward,
Norita Taylor, APR
President, Greater Kansas City Chapter of PRSA
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Jan. 9:
Solo Pros: Russell Gray, managing editor of the Kansas City Business Journal, will be our guest
11:30 a.m. - 1 p.m.
Seasons 52 on the Plaza,
40 Ward Parkway, Kansas City, Mo., 64112
Cost:
$5 for members and $7 for non-members
(Price does not include lunch.)
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As managing editor, Gray oversees the day-to-day newsgathering operations, as well as directs much of the weekly print edition. He often is the primary point of contact for readers and public relations professionals. He joined KCBJ as managing editor 18 years ago after several stints in daily journalism.
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Jan. 10:
Start the year off right in 2018: Building your personal brand and your business relationship network
5:15 p.m. - 7 p.m.
KU Edwards Campus,
12610 Quivira Rd, Overland Park, KS 66213
Cost:
$10 for members and $10 for non-members
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Nothing is more important for career growth than building and maintaining your personal brand while also perfecting your networking skills. In this special session, co-hosted by KC PRSA New Pros and the marketing communications master’s degree program at KU Edwards, you’ll gain valuable insights on how to best position yourself for career success.
Special guest speakers include Mark Mears and Portia Kibble Smith. Mark, a graduate of KU and Northwestern University, has held CMO roles at large national companies including The Cheesecake Factory and Noodles & Company and served as President of Mimi’s Café. Portia has held executive leadership positions at Sprint, Xerox and IBM and now has her own executive search firm. Both often work with young professionals to help them develop a plan to achieve greater career success. In this session, they will talk about how to find your purpose, build your personal brand, establish a career network and invest in executive mentoring. Dr. Matt Tidwell, KU IMC Program Director, will moderate the discussion.
Wednesday, Jan. 10, 2018
Cocktails and Conversation: 5:15-6:00 p.m.
Program: 6-7 p.m.
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Jan. 23, 2018: Professional Development Lunch
The power of modern-day networking
11:30 a.m. - 1 p.m.
Grand Street Cafe,
4740 Grand Ave., Kansas City, MO 64112
Cost:
$25 for members and $35 for non-members
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As technology and social media around us has evolved, so has networking. The days of simply exchanging business cards over happy hour has a new look and feel to it. Learn from two of the best networkers in Kansas City on how they build and maintain relationships that better position themselves and their organizations.
Speakers:
- Frank White III—Chief Marketing Officer at the KCATA
- Jared Miller—Project Engineer at HNTB
Networking: 11:30 a.m. - Noon
Lunch: Noon - 1 p.m.
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Check PRSA's calendar for on-trend webinars and workshops. (Some are free to members).
More
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Happy Anniversary to the following members in January:
- Brad Biles
- Meredith Elaine Cantrell
- Gregory M. Coffey, APR
- Patrick M. Early, APR
- Neil Getzlow
- Lacey Brianne Graverson
- Jody Hanson
- Scott Holeman
- Beth Ellen Holz
- Liz Istas
- Leslie Anne Marshall
- Tamara S. O'Connor
- Emily Wilson
- Amy Loraine Wiser, APR
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