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President's Report
July Provides Q2 State of the Chapter Address and Updated Newsletter
Welcome to our updated newsletter! Kudos to members Agi Schafer-Kreiser and Aaron Smullin for helping to make it happen, as we present a better way to inform you of the resources and tools our chapter has to offer to support and enhance your communications career. 

As we continue our transparency for members, this month we unveil our (click to hear) second quarter’s State of the Chapter Address, highlighting results on our main goals. I’m also proud to report the following accomplishments to date:
  • 21 FREE jobs posted for members in the Career Center
  • 11 matches in our Mentoring Program (with a current opportunity for six more)
  • All time-high average of 30 attendees at New Pros events (with all members/guests welcome) 
  • Masters Class series ramping up in August. 

Not to mention, this month we continue great programming on July 19 with “How Print is Still Relevant in a Digital World and “PR for Planes, Trains and Automobiles” on July 27. 

Keep your feedback and ideas coming, as we strive to be the professional resource and advocate for Kansas City’s PR and Communications community. As always, visit us in our social channels (top of newsletter). Thank you and have a great July!  
Don't Miss: Sizzling Summer Events
July 19: Keeping Print Relevant in the Digital Age
$25 member, $35 nonmember (lunch included)
Data analytics connects an integrated world. And print plays a crucial role. Join Tim McCoy, president, Brockton Creative Group and David Levy, digital strategy and marketing executive, to discuss how to gain unprecedented clarity around the target audience and their journey to awareness and advocacy.  More                                                                
July 27: Planes, Trains & Automobiles (PR for Streetcar, Airport and Public Transit)
5:30 p.m.-7 p.m., Tom's Town Distilling Co. (Downtown)
$15 for GKC-PRSA members; $20 for nonmembers (appetizers and one drink ticket provided)
Between Kansas City's new streetcar conjuring images of the past, our old airport sparking debate about its future, and the exciting evolution of public transit, transportation is one of the hottest topics in town. Join us as three panelists provide the insiders' perspectives into this fascinating discussion. More
Aug. 9: Make the Most of Networking Opportunities
11:30 a.m.-1 p.m., Season's 52 (Country Club Plaza)
$5 for GKC-PRSA members; $7 for nonmembers (does not include lunch cost)
Laura Wynn, founder of the BLT Networking™ system, urges you to “be the bacon!” She will teach us how to make the most of professional networking opportunities using a three-word phrase we all know: Bacon-Lettuce-Tomato. More
Tuesday, Aug. 30: Authentic Leadership  
11:30 a.m.-1 p.m., Location TBA
Harry Campbell, CEO of Durrie Vision
Author of "Get Real Leadership" 
PRSA Newsmakers
Trozzolo Team Wins PRSA Silver 
Trozzolo Communications Group won a Silver Anvil award at the 2016 PRSA Silver Anvil Award Ceremony for its accomplishment in reputation and brand management for its work with TouchNet. The PRSA Silver Anvil Award is the most coveted award in the public relations industry. A team of national judges award only the best work based on research, strategy, execution and evaluation. 

Trozzolo has partnered with TouchNet, a Lenexa, Kan.-based technology company for more than a decade. TouchNet was acquired by Heartland Payment Systems, a Fortune 1000 company in 2014. Trozzolo successfully managed communications following the acquisition and helped fuel the growth of the campus solutions division. Trozzolo was the only Kansas City-based agency to win a Silver Anvil Award in 2016.  
Q&A with our Newest APR, Celeste Burks
Celeste Burks, APR Internal Communications Coordinator, Ameristar Casino Kansas City, talks about why she got accredited after 10 years in public relations. For details about the Accreditation process and APR study groups contact Jake Potter, APR. 

Q: Why did you choose to pursue PRSA accreditation?
A: “Gaining the distinction of Accreditation was a goal of mine since I started in the field 10 years ago. I very much wanted to advance my expertise in the public relations field. I had a great mentor, Roxann Kinkade, who had achieved her APR in 2007 and inspired me to work towards achieving mine as well. I am incredibly honored to be a part of the outstanding group of PR professionals who have their APR.”    

Q: Did the APR process impact your philosophy or practice of the profession?
A: “Going through the Accreditation process really changed the way I thought about and practiced communication strategy. I’m thankful for the process because I truly learned so much along the way.”

Q: What advice would you give to others considering the path towards APR? 
A: “Before pursuing your APR make sure you have the time to devote to the process. Also, don't be afraid to ask for help and soak up every bit of information you can. GKC-PRSA Board Members are also great resources to help in the process. Attend as many study sessions as you can and collaborate with other professionals in the field. I’m thankful for those who helped me through the process and my fellow GKC-PRSA colleagues.”   

Brighten A Cancer Patient’s Day

GKC-PRSA members can help support the American Cancer Society’s Hope Lodge by providing lunch for patients and caregivers on Saturday, August 13. We need six – eight volunteers to arrive at the facility by 10:45 a.m., be ready to serve at 11:30 a.m., and finish by 1 p.m. You can assist with menu planning/logistics, purchasing/bringing food, preparation, serving and cleanup. Please notify Robyn Caulfield by August 5 if you’d like to help, and she will provide more details.
GKC-PRSA is pleased to introduce two new members to the Chapter. We look forward to seeing you at events. Welcome aboard:
  • Hannah Lime, InQuest Marketing
  • Spencer McMillian, Brand ID 
Check PRSA's calendar for on-trend webinars and workshops. (Some are free to members). More