December President’s PRoclaimer Message
By FPRA Orlando President Valerie Moses, MBA
Season’s Greetings from the FPRA Orlando Area Chapter! As we approach the end of 2023, I want to take a moment to wish you and your loved ones a joyous holiday season, and to thank you for being a part of this inspiring community of communications professionals.
Our chapter has had an incredible start to the 2023-2024 fiscal year, which wouldn’t have been possible without you. Here are a few highlights:
In early September, after rescheduling due to Hurricane Idalia, we hosted our Board Installation Breakfast, where we welcomed new and returning board members and announced our Member of the Year and Unsung Hero awardees. Our state president, Wendy Crites Wacker, APR, CPRC, joined us to celebrate and to share her vision for the association. We also learned leadership lessons from several of our chapter’s past presidents in attendance. The event really set the tone for the year ahead.
In October, we hosted a mixer event at Broken Strings Brewery, where we invited new, returning and prospective members to mingle and network while getting to know our board and learning more about FPRA membership. The event had nearly 50 people in attendance, and conversations were buzzing!
Since September, our chapter has hosted three professional development programs focused on topics that our members have expressed interest in. From career development and personal branding to investor relations and film PR, these sessions were meant to empower our members with the tools needed to remain at the forefront of industry trends and best practices.
For our annual Giving Tuesday fundraiser, we aimed to collect donations to support student membership. Thanks to your contributions, we raised $784.40, surpassing our goals and providing valuable opportunities for our next generation of PR professionals at UCF. I’d also like to thank Roger Pynn, APR, CPRC, for providing a generous match donation, allowing each dollar to make an even greater impact.
Since the start of the board year, we have welcomed 17 new members to our chapter!
Reflecting on the first few months of my presidency, I am truly grateful for all that we have accomplished together, and for the passion that our members bring to this organization. As we focus forward to 2024, I am excited for all of the possibilities that a new year brings, and am confident that we will continue to thrive, learn and create a positive impact for our profession.
Wishing you joy, success, laughter and all the magic that a new year can bring. Happy Holidays!
Valerie