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| Thursday, March 11, 2010 |
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Taking Flight – The Success of the Iowa Honor Flight Program
Date: Thursday, March 25, 2010
Time: 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Location: Sheraton West Des Moines
1800 50th Street
West Des Moines, IA 50266
In August 2009, Hy-Vee sponsored a group of World War II veterans to travel to Washington, D.C., and visit the World War II National Memorial. Originally, Hy-Vee planned to sponsor only one flight of 350 veterans. However, because of the success of the first flight, Hy-Vee decided to send another 350 veterans on a second flight last November. Ruth Comer, assistant vice president for media relations with Hy-Vee, will speak on the successful Iowa Honor Flight program and the impact it has on Hy-Vee and the community.
Please register online at www.prsaciowa.org by Friday, March 19. If you have questions about the online registration process, please contact the chapter's treasurer-elect Alexson Calahan at 515-453-2117. If you would like to request a vegetarian lunch, please send an e-mail message to Lisa Crandall. Please note that Central Iowa PRSA is proud to be partnering with the Des Moines AMA to provide you with this month's presentation.
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Updates from the Chapter
I know it doesn’t seem like it, but, yes, the snow piles and drifts will eventually disappear this spring. And out again will appear green grass, beautiful flowers and blossoming trees. As we enter this final stretch of winter, here’s something to getting you thinking of warmer thoughts.
It has been roughly 80 days since the Dec. 9 blizzard shut down most of the state. Just 80 days from now we will be nearing the Memorial Day holiday and the kickoff into summer. Enjoy the warmer weather ahead and safe travels for those of you who are leaving all this snow behind for a spring-break getaway.
While we dream of warmer weather, I also want to thank many individuals this month.
The first thank you goes to Hanser & Associates for helping with this year’s PRIME awards program, which will be held on the evening of Thursday, April 29. Award entries are due to the agency by Friday, March 5.
This year’s event chair, Hanser & Associates employee Sara Sherman, did a wonderful job organizing award program details. However, in mid-February, Sara moved to Omaha to be closer to her husband. Ryan Hanser has graciously stepped up to oversee the final event planning.
I also want to thank all of the students and professionals who signed up for this year’s mentoring program. A total of 35 students from Drake and Iowa State and 19 Central Iowa PRSA Chapter members are taking part in the program this spring. Participants are reminded to begin reaching out to your mentee to set up a time when you can visit and learn more about each other.
Lastly, I hope to see as many of you as possible at the monthly meeting on March 25.
Darin Leach, APR
President, Central Iowa PRSA Chapter
Ph: 284-4747 |
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PRIME Awards Entries Due by March 5
As a reminder, PRIME Awards entries are due by 3 p.m. on Friday, March 5. Please visit the Awards page on the Central Iowa PRSA Chapter Web site for more details.
All entries can be mailed or delivered to:
Ryan Hanser
Hanser & Associates
4401 Westown Parkway, Suite 212
West Des Moines, IA 50266
Also, please remember to nominate members for the individual awards as part of the PRIME Awards program. We will be recognizing this year’s outstanding chapter member, outstanding new chapter member, outstanding PR professional and outstanding Iowa advocate. |
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Volunteers Needed to Judge Central Michigan PACE Awards
This year, our chapter will be swapping award program entries with Central Michigan PRSA and your help is needed in judging their awards. Judges need to only be a member of PRSA – you do not have to have your APR.
Judging of Central Michigan’s PACE Award entries will take place on Tuesday, March 16 and Thursday, March 18 at 5:30 p.m. at Hanser & Associates in West Des Moines. Additional judging sessions may be scheduled depending on the number of award entries received.
If you would like to judge entries this year, please send an e-mail message to Darin Leach or contact him by phone at 515-284-47847. Please note that APRs can receive Continuing Education Units (CEUs) for participating in this event.
This is a great opportunity to see some outstanding public relations work, as well as catch up with PRSA members you might not have seen in a while. |
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Looking for 2010 PR Institute Volunteers
Now’s the time to get in on the initial planning stages of our chapter’s premier event – the PR Institute. We’re looking for volunteers to help make this year’s event the best yet! This year’s Institute will be held in October. If you’re interested in volunteering, or if you have any questions, please contact Jeanine Mixdorf via e-mail or by phone at 515-235-5376. |
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“The Principal 10 Best Companies for Employee Financial Security” Search
Here’s an opportunity to gain national and local exposure for a client or your company. The Principal Financial Group has launched its 2010 national search for companies that excel at providing employee benefits. The winners, selected by an independent panel of judges, will be recognized as The Principal 10 Best Companies for Employee Financial Security – 2010.
Winners receive are extensive recognition and acclaim and are featured in a nationally distributed booklet about best practices in benefits. Each winner also receives a donation to a charity of their choice.
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When Unpaid Marketing or PR Internships are Illegal
In the Feb. 18 electronic issue of Issues and Trends – Membership Thursdays, an article from the DC and Marketing PR Examiner discussed when unpaid marketing or PR internships are illegal.
According to the article, most unpaid marketing or public relations internships are in violation of the Fair Labor Standards Act. This act protects employees’ rights, which include interns. The act states that “a company which employs an unpaid intern must derive no tangible benefit from the intern’s activities.” In essence, no billable work can be performed by unpaid interns, including making copies or coffee. The only thing they can do is to receive educational benefits they derive from simply being at the company.
Since many PR practitioners employ interns and benefit from having them in their organizations, all members are encouraged to read this article in its entirety, especially if you are currently utilizing unpaid interns. |
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Happy Anniversary!
In each issue of this newsletter, we will recognize Central Iowa PRSA Chapter members who are celebrating milestone PRSA anniversaries that month. This month, a special congratulations goes to the following individuals:
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How did we do?
Take our monthly meeting survey and give us your feedback on this months event.
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