FPRA Orlando Chapter Awards

Call for Nominations: Member of the Year and Bob Davis Award

The FPRA Orlando Area Chapter is now accepting nominations for its two annual awards: Member of the Year and the Bob Davis Award.

The Member of the Year Award recognizes one member of the Orlando Area Chapter who has made a significant contribution to the Association through outstanding leadership, demonstrated enthusiasm, extraordinary involvement and loyal support.

The Bob Davis Award is named in honor of Dr. Bob Davis, Ph.D., ABC, APR, CPRC, retired professor from the University of Central Florida who gave tirelessly to our chapter and FPRA for over three decades. This award honors an individual who has worked behind the scenes in the past year to support FPRA. It’s our way of recognizing an “unsung hero.”

Candidates must be nominated by someone in the profession. Please include a written narrative of no more than 500 words detailing why the person should be recognized, the accomplishments/contributions that illustrate why the candidate warrants consideration, and the inclusion of committee work and/or other FPRA involvement. Nominees must be active FPRA members in good standing. Individuals may not endorse more than one candidate per award.

Nominations for members of our Board of Directors are appropriate.

Nominations should be sent to Orlando Area Chapter President Cynthia Lambert, APR at CLambert@metroplanorlando.com no later than Thursday, August 14.

 

PAST RECIPIENTS

2013
Member of the Year – Sara Channing
Bob Davis Award – Laura Kern, APR

2012
Members of the Year – Cassie Roach and Brian Craven
Bob Davis Award – Susan Ennis, APR, CPRC

2011
Member of the Year – Stefanie Macfarlane, APR
Bob Davis Award – Jennifer Gammage

2010
Member of the Year – Doreen Overstreet, APR
Bob Davis Award – Rachael Gmerek

2009
Member of the Year – Jamie Floer, APR
Bob Davis Award – Tami Karaba

2008
Member of the Year – Keith Salwoski
Bob Davis Award – Amanda Forbes, APR

2007
Member of the Year – Chris Gent, APR, CPRC
Bob Davis Award – Cynthia Lambert, APR

2006
Member of the Year – Bob O’Malley, APR
Bob Davis Award – Rachel Kingston

2005
Member of the Year – Bonnie McGuire
Bob Davis Award – Sheridan Becht, APR, CPRC

2004
Member of the Year – Brie Turek
Bob Davis Award – Chris Gent, APR, CPRC

2003
Member of the Year – Jeni Hatter
Bob Davis Award – Trent Flood, APR

2002
Member of the Year – Bill Randolph
Bob Davis Award – Doreen Perez

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Member PRofile: Katarina Dos Santos

What is your title and company name?
Public Relations Associate
Orange County Government

Give a brief explanation of your job.
As part of Orange County’s Communications team, I am responsible for monitoring and managing the Orange County social media pages. I support the team with editorial efforts, including writing news stories, news releases and monthly newsletters. Additionally, I assist in bilingual outreach and any other special projects or events that require PR collateral.

How long have you been a part of FPRA? Why did you join?
I have been involved with FPRA going on three years now, two as a student member through Quotes and this year as a professional. I joined Quotes in college because, as a PR major, I wanted to get involved with an organization that would provide me with the tools to network with local professionals and learn about the industry I was studying. I then went on to be the president of Quotes where I was able to take further advantage of the benefits and opportunities FPRA offered.

What was your favorite FPRA event?
My favorite FPRA event is Image Awards. I have had the opportunity to work on Image Award submissions in my last two internships, so I really understand the value and the importance of them. Then to be able to share my work with my peers and learn about all the wonderful campaigns they have also created at the award ceremony is truly a wonderful experience.

Tell us about an exciting achievement (personal or professional).
In December, I graduated with my bachelor’s degree in Advertising/Public Relations from UCF, in less than four years. During my time at UCF I held multiple student leadership positions, while managing fives internships as a full-time student. I am very proud of my accomplishments, both academically and professionally, and look forward to applying that same work ethic in my career as a new PR practitioner.

Tell us something people may not know about you.
People may not know that I have a duck phobia. The swans at Lake Eola give me major anxiety!

Contact info:
Katarina.DosSantos@ocfl.net
305-582-1580

Guest Blog: Editorial Calendar Planning

Need Help with Your Editorial Calendar? Look at the Calendar.

By: Doug Richards, City of Orlando

Father’s Day. The World Cup. The first day of the school year.

Most likely, events like these have nothing to do with your organization and your role as a public relations practitioner. But the happenings could relate to your digital content editorial calendar. Editorial calendars have become a valuable tool in planning website, blog and social media content. Looking at current events, as well as forward and backward, can aid in creating your calendar.

Check the Calendar
Holidays provide a wonderful opportunity to engage with your audiences, while also promoting your organization and building its brand. Do not wait until December to start thinking holidays. Are other special days relevant to your company? If your organization works with environmental groups, do not forget Arbor Day or Earth Day. Are women your target audience? Thank them on Mother’s Day.

Stay Current
The World Cup and the U.S. Men’s Soccer National Team have attracted plenty of attention this summer. Tying your organization to that buzz is possible. Could a blog post where your co-workers share their favorite sports moment, or photos of them playing sports as kids inspire your audience to do the same?

Look Back
Trends like #TBT (Throwback Thursday) have proven that audiences have an interest in content that highlights the past, regardless of how old that past really is. When creating your editorial calendar, remember to look back. What was your organization doing a year ago? Were there any major announcements five years ago? Are there photos from past events that can be shared? Content marketing is always evolving, but looking at the calendar is a good way to add to your editorial calendar with timely, relevant content.