FPRA MISSION:
The Florida Public Relations Association is dedicated to developing public relations practitioners who, through ethical and standardized practices, enhance the public relations profession in Florida.

FPRA VISION:
To be Florida’s most respected public relations organization.
Visit FPRA Tampa Bay
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I feel as though I've been on a roller coaster at one of Florida 's theme parks over the past nine months. At first, the slow but steady ascension to the first peak: assembling a board, assigning tasks, meeting new people. Then I'm at the peak looking over: monthly programs with stellar panelists, planning for the inaugural FPRA Scholarship Classic, awaiting the newsletter's new look. Whoosh! The drop down brings exhilaration. Monthly programs are standing room only, we have a new community service partner, the chapter's marketing tools have been redesigned and are cutting edge. A hard jolt and I am going around the curve at high speed: Scholarship Classic sponsors abound-  JetBlue, Razor Golf, RootsWines and the Print Shack. The Image Awards Banquet is emceed by Jen Holloway of Bay News 9. Winners include the Hillsborough County Communications Department, Eckerd Youth Alternatives and Alliance Communications. Movement to the next peak begins as does the ride toward the last few months of my FPRA Tampa Bay presidency.

In this final issue of ExPRess during my presidency, I would like to acknowledge key people and review some highlights of the past year. First, I want to thank every one of you for entrusting me with the presidency.  I have had a wonderful time and have experienced enormous professional growth. The networking opportunities have been unparalleled and I look forward to becoming a very active immediate past president! (Continued on Page 3)

REVISED APR PROCESS EFFECTIVE JULY 1, 2005

The designation APR (Accredited in Public Relations) is a mark of distinction for public relations professionals who demonstrate their commitment to the profession and to its ethical practice, and who are selected based on broad knowledge, strategic perspective and sound professional judgment. Governed by the Universal Accreditation Board (UAB), ten public relations organizations participate in the program, including FPRA. The Universal Accreditation Board is making the following changes to the process, effective July 1, 2005:

1. Candidates will be asked to pay for the examination when they apply through:

  • A single payment of $385 covering the full process cost ($25 application fee waived); or
  • Payment of $205 at the time of the application and payment of the remaining $205 when the candidate completes Readiness Review and is advanced to the computer-based examination ($385 + $25 application fee currently charged).
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