by Tom Duke, APR, Fellow PRSA, 2010 President

As we close out 2009 we should review in our minds the successful year that Akron Area PRSA had.  We have what appears to be an all-time high in members, with 112 (we were one of the few chapters in the country to increase our membership), we were successful in planning and executing some blockbuster programs, we started a successful sponsorship program and we kept our heads above water financially.

We were able to do what we did due to planning and follow-through by a dedicated group of board members and committee chairs.  Even with the economic downturn that affected most PRSA chapters, we were able to grow in numbers and in finances.  Our 40th Anniversary was a huge success.

As we look to the future and start our 41st year in 2010, we have new opportunities and the challenges that accompany them.  Our mission for the coming year, simply stated, states:  The Akron Area Chapter of PRSA is the advocate for communications professionals in its service area and advances its members’ careers by helping to provide:  Lifelong learning; vibrant, diverse and welcoming professional communities; recognition of capabilities and accomplishments; thought leadership, ethics and professional excellence.

Our mission spells out what we are – a professional organization aimed at bettering the skills of its members in our service area – Ashland, Carroll, Columbiana, Holmes, Mahoning, Medina, Portage, Richland, Stark, Summit, Trumbull, Tuscarawas and Wayne counties.

Starting January 1, 2010, we have three new committees that will keep us abreast of what is happening with PRSA nationally and at the chapter level.  We have added an Advocacy Committee, chaired by Dave Meeker; a Diversity Committee, chaired by Delores Jones; and a Sponsorship Committee, chaired by Tracy Teuscher.  We also intend to emphasize Accreditation more during the year because the percentage of Accredited members in our chapter is below the national average   It’s a mark of distinction that every member should seek.

Our Program Committee, under Denise Henry and Sarah Lane, is lining up great meetings to emphasize professional development.  The January 14 meeting features a panel of media veterans who will discuss “Navigating the Changing Media Landscape”.  We will also sponsor the third in the series of “You Too” social media professional development seminars on April 16 at Kent State University.  The complete schedule of meetings will be available soon.

The complete list of 2010 officers, board members and committee chairs appears adjacent to this column for your information.  You may be called to serve on one or more of the committees.  If so, please accept the appointment.  You will not only help the chapter in its ambitious program, but also will find it to be an enjoyable experience.

If you have any questions at any time, don’t hesitate to call me at 330-576-6033, 330-696-1052 (cell) or contact me at tandjduke@roadrunner.com.

Akron Area PRSA 2010 Officers, Board Members & Committee Chairs

Past President - Danielle McCann

President - W. Thomas (Tom) Duke, APR, Fellow PRSA

President Elect - Gretchen Fri, APR

Vice President - Ralph Davila

Secretary - Jennifer Kramer

Treasurer - Ron Kirksey

Director, Assembly Delegate - Ralph Davila

Director, Assembly Delegate - W. Thomas (Tom) Duke, APR, Fellow PRSA

Directors, Programming - Denise Henry and Sarah Lane

Director, Membership - Shelly Haugh

Director, Student Chapters - Jeff Tyus, PhD

Accreditation Chair - Janice Gusich, APR
Committee Members:
Patricia Kelvin
Jill Wodtley

Advocacy Chair - David Meeker, APR, Fellow PRSA

Diversity Chair - Delores Jones

Ethics Chair - Robert Jewell, APR

Publicity & Newsletter Chair - Carrie Hummel

Senior Practitioner Chair - David Ritchey

Website Chair - Eric Knappenberger

Young Professionals Chair - Casey Barto

Sponsorship Chair - Tracy Teuscher