PRSSA

Chapter Meeting

February 11, 2009

Meeting Minutes:

Location: E132 AJB

Start Time: 7:04p.m.

Officers Present:

Tegan Zimmerman President

Gloria Hurtado Vice President

Jess Noelck Secretary

Genevieve Krier Communication Director

Caroline Jones Webmaster/Firm Co-Director

Natalie Dubs Firm Co-Director

Stephanie Block Historian

Megan McIntyre Editor

Carla Keppler Finance Director

Shannon Kane PR Director

Officers Missing:

None

Old Business:

PRSSA Chapter Members who are attending the Regional PRSSA Conference in Chicago on Friday, February 20, met briefly after the chapter meeting. If you missed this brief meeting, please contact Tegan Zimmerman (tegan-zimmerman@uiowa.edu).

All members are expected to attend the chapter’s first fundraiser of the semester at Pizza Ranch on Thursday, February 12, from 5:00p.m. – 8:00p.m. Remember, if you bring at least three friends or volunteer to help bus tables, you will receive extra points. All money raised will be added to the chapter’s funds, which help pay for speakers and agency tours.

The last day to turn in the $60 membership dues to become an official PRSSA member is Wednesday, February 25, at chapter meeting. Carla Keppler announced that PRSSA chapter members interested in becoming official PRSSA members need to bring their $60 membership dues to the next chapter meeting on Wednesday, February 25, 2009. PRSSA chapter members need to make their $60 check out to PRSSA. If members paid last semester, then they do not need to pay again this semester because their membership dues cover 12 months.

Announcements:

The University of Iowa’s Job & Internship Fair will be held on Wednesday, February 25, from 11a.m. – 4p.m. in the Main Lounge of the IMU. Remember to dress to impress, bring copies of your resume, and your student ID. To see a complete list of the employers attending the fair, please visit <www.careers.uiowa.edu>.

Caroline Jones and Natalie Dubs announced that there will be account executives to manage each of the Firm’s clients – Landlocked Film Festival, Relay for Life, and Polar Plunge/Special Olympics. For more information, please contact Jones (caroline-jones@uiowa.edu) or Dubs (natalie-dubs@uiowa.edu).

Shannon Kane reminded members that she formed a PR committee to help plan and promote meetings, events, socials, etc. If interested, please contact Kane (shannon-kane@uiowa.edu).

Kane also announced that the first social of the semester will take place after the chapter meeting on Wednesday, February 25, 2009. Following the chapter meeting, PRSSA chapter members will be going to comedy night at Summit.

Genevieve Krier announced the agency tour will take place on Friday, April 10. Chapter members will be touring Ketchum and Fleishman-Hillard in downtown Chicago. More information to come at a later date.

New Business:

Guest Speaker – Karla Stevenson – Communication Studies TA:

· Press Releases 101

- Purpose of a Writing Portfolio:

1.) Showcases writing ability with different pieces

2.) Quick and easy for potential employers to see what you have accomplished

3.) Highlights your best work

- What is a Press Release?

1.) Something you write that goes to “the media” or on a website.

2.) Highlights aspects of a person, place, or thing that the writer feels is important.

3.) Helps to change a company’s image, promote a product, or give “the media” information they want reported.

- Content of a Press Release:

1.) What – your press release will be highlighting. Be specific.

2.) Why – this is important enough for reporters to write about.

3.) Where – this press release will be sent.

4.) Who – is the intended recipient of the press release.

5.) Players – or the persons/parties involved.

6.) Ethos – or who you are. What is your title, where do you work?

- The “Unofficial” Rules of Writing a Press Release:

1.) Start Strong.

2.) Write for the media – not your client – not you – not people in your office.

3.) Not everything is news.

4.) Stick to the facts: avoid fluff and embellishments (nix the adjectives).

5.) Pick an angle – make sure it is timely.

6.) Use active voice.

7.) Don’t use too many words.

8.) Don’t us a 10-dollar word when a 5-dollar word will do just fine.

9.) Avoid the hype.

10.) Don’t use exclamation points.

- Format of a Press Release:

1.) Never submit a press release in all upper case letters.

2.) Use correct grammar.

3.) Write more than one paragraph.

4.) Include a one-paragraph summary.

5.) Remember to include your contact information at the bottom.

6.) Standard press release is between 300 – 800 words.

7.) Write title and summary paragraph last.

8.) Never use the words I, me, we, or you unless it is in a quote.

· Press Release Workshop – AJB Computer Lab (W240):

- Group Activity – writing a press release for a client

Hope Lodge:

· Saturday, March 7

· Volunteer from 12p.m.-4p.m.

· If interested, contact Gloria Hurtado (gloria-hurtado@uiowa.edu)

PR Job Shadow Day:

· TBA

Relay for Life:

· Friday, April 24, and Saturday, April 25

· PRSSA Team

· Each participant raises $100 for the American Cancer Society

· If interested, contact Caroline Jones (caroline-jones@uiowa.edu)

End Time: 8:15p.m.