Leadership and Growth Opportunities through involvement at the chapter and state levels

Networking with a diverse and seasoned group of public relations professionals throughout Tampa Bay and Florida

Professional Recognition through programs like the Local and Golden Image Awards

Professional Resources through the chapter and state web sites and newsletters, access to the Counselors' Network and Membership Directory, and to publications such as the monthly FPRA White Paper and e-Facts.

Please join us! If you'd like to learn more about our chapter, or if you're interested in membership, please contact our VP, Memberships, Dan McLean today!

MARCH PROGRAM REVIEW
COLLABORATION AND PARTNERSHIPS VITAL WHEN
SELLING TAMPA BAY

According to panelists at our March 16 program, Tourism Marketing: Selling Tampa Bay, held at Sunken Gardens in St. Petersburg, the key to successful tourism marketing is creating partnerships with other organizations such as convention and visitors bureaus, state tour operators and chambers of commerce. Attendees learned that collaboration and partnerships form the marketing muscle necessary to promote the entire area as a destination with the best beaches, dining, recreational activities and attractions.

Thom Stork, president and CEO of the Florida Aquarium, and chair-elect, Visit Florida; Karen Brand, vice president of marketing for the Tampa Bay Convention & Visitors Bureau, and Wit Tuttle, director of public relations for the St. Petersburg/Clearwater Area Convention & Visitors Bureau discussed the economic impact of tourism and various techniques for promoting the region.

Thom Stork began the discussion by explaining that tourism is the state's economic engine and a reason that there is no state sales tax. He said, "We have to appreciate what tourists bring to the area."

Karen Brand echoed his statement, noting that the Tampa Bay Convention & Visitors Bureau considers tourism economic development because tourists generate revenue for local businesses.

Wit Tuttle concurred with both Stork and Brand, but added that travel is also the most fragile industry because it is a choice not a necessity. "It is a discretionary industry," he said.

Trends confirm Florida has become part of the global vacation market, competing for travelers with destinations world wide. To capitalize on the nearly 77 million people who visit Florida annually, panelists emphasized the importance of knowing the target audience for each region of the state, why they choose a particular region and what the target audience considers an ideal vacation. In other words, tourism professionals must define and leverage a region's strengths, and use an integrated mix of marketing and communications techniques - public relations, sales, promotions, partnerships and collaborations- when 'selling' Tampa Bay .

WE'RE GLAD
TO HAVE YOU!

Welcome to our new members Barbara Carbaugh, Consultant; Mike Foerster, Communications Director, Hillsborough County; Kathy Marma, Associate Director of Communications, AARP; Tracy Sieverston, TLS Media and Mary G. Wiser, Wiser Enterprises.