by: Tracy Teuscher, tracy@thebuzzmaker.com

As Director of Membership for 2009, I want to express my sincere thanks to the Chapter for giving me an opportunity to serve our profession and our members in this important role. Not only have we maintained consistent growth in our Chapter, we have seen increased involvement from our membership, and have been recognized for our progress in 2008 and in 2009 as it relates to Membership and that is something we can all be proud of.

• Networking: In addition to the networking opportunity inherent to our luncheon events, we shared in a wonderful Networking in the City event in August in the Canton Art District. We had three wonderful hosting sites, 25+ attendees, and more than 20 donors to three valuable goodie bags. Introduced in 2008 as an event that can move from city to city each year with a different theme, the Networking in the City model was recognized by PRSA National as a successful and creative networking model via the PRSA National Chapter Brag Time. For 2010, I’ve proposed that we expand networking opportunities for members in more distant locations that have difficulty participating in our luncheon programs by working with our members to create informal networking gatherings that will take the form of breakfast, lunch or happy hour  in a relaxed, open and convenient setting. Watch for details on this proposed program in December. Your input will assist us in meeting your needs, and will help me provide support to our incoming Director of Membership for 2010.

• Information: We’ve introduced a few new things this year, including a personal Membership update I’ve referred to as Member News. This has been a supplement to our Newsletter. Please let us know how you like it! We want it to be a quick, easy, fast read that gives you relevant information in an easy-to-read-and-digest format.  

• Promotions and Membership Programs: In addition to our monthly and bi-monthly membership promotions, PRSA National has also introduced the Quarterly Payment Program ( Current members can renew with the new Quarterly Payment Program. The Chapter dues and an annual $10 service fee will be charged in full with the first payment), and the Financial Hardship Assistance Program (New Hardship Plan for Renewing Members Who Are Currently Unemployed or Temporarily Disabled. This plan — whereby qualified members receive a one-time reduction in their National dues — has been announced to members who are unemployed, are up for renewal, and have been members for five or more years). These flexible programs have provided our members with options to maintain Membership and associated APR status during these challenging economic times.  

• Current Membership Promotion: Receive a FREE one-year Section membership when you join PRSA National in December 2009. Use Promotion Code: FREESEC09. This offer may not be combined with other offers. Associate members may not apply. Current members SAVE $20 with promotion code SECFALL2009. For more information, visit http://www.prsa.org/JoinUS/