A Letter from PRSA Phoenix 2023 President

Posted on Jan. 25, 2023  /  Subscribe 0

Hello PRSA Phoenix members, and welcome to 2023!

I’m flying back from my first international business trip since the pandemic while writing this particular update, and it has me thinking about how hard we’re all working to re-learn the things we did before, the things we have to do now, and those that we need to do differently in this new year.

After a 7 day trip across 3 hotels, I’m feeling worked pretty hard. But as I worked through the email updates from my wonderful 2023 Board of Directors, I got a big shot of energy. It’s a great group, and I hope you take the time to get to know them over the coming year.

At our annual retreat in December, we gathered together to outline our priorities for the year:

1. Offer more avenues for members to get involved on both a volunteer and a board basis to help shape the direction of the chapter. One of the ways we’ll do this is through new Advisory Councils for DEI and membership as well as a formal Planning Committee for our signature Copper Anvils event this fall. Interested in getting involved? Let me know by replying to this email.
   
   
2. Refine our membership value proposition so that it truly serves our community’s needs. Lots has changed in a few years, and some of us need different things from the chapter now. And that’s ok--Phoenix PRSA is here so PR professionals don’t have to go it alone! Here, you’re a part of an inclusive local professional development community focused on continuous learning, networking and advocacy for our profession. Our goal is to make sure you find the support and resources you need to stay connected, relevant and fulfilled in our dynamic industry.
   
   
3. Diversify our professional development programing and communicate upcoming offerings more proactively. We’re focused on quality over quantity here, and are bringing you three types of professional development events this year:
   1. Media panels: hear from local reporters about the stories they’re looking for and how you can land your pitch
   2. Training: we’ll bring in experts from our community and beyond to help us keep our skills fresh—and give you a certificate to back up your expertise with your boss
   3. Topical discussions: there’s always some new challenge or opportunity popping up in our world, and we’re here to help you navigate it
      
      Make sure you attend our 2023 kickoff event on Jan. 31, “Ethics in PR,” for a fun and informative exercise with national and district leadership as well as a preview of what else is coming up this year.
      
      
4. Advocating for our profession, locally and nationally: This is our duty as PR professionals, especially right now. We’ll be engaging our Advisory Councils, APRs, mentors, mentees and senior practitioners to help educate our members on the issues we face today as well as to help us put Phoenix on the map as a place where the smartest PR professionals can thrive and make a difference in their community.

My #1 job this year is to be your advocate and make sure you have access to the resources, support and advocacy you need to succeed in your role. I welcome your feedback, and hope to see many of you at our event later this month or out and about at the many wonderful activities taking place in our city over the course of our busy spring months.

Cheers to the new year!

Thanks,

Heather Vana

Senior Director of Communications, Avnet and PRSA Phoenix Board President

(she/they)

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