A Note from the President
Dear PPRA Members,

It's hard to believe that Thanksgiving is just around the corner! I'm incredibly proud that PPRA embraces the spirit of giving throughout the year. Our Philly PRoactive program is near and dear to my heart. My very first role as a PPRA committee chair was to help get the program off the ground as a way for our organization to give back to the community by supporting non-profits in need. I am thrilled to see Philly PRoactive flourishing today. And I'm delighted that we're supporting Career Wardrobe this year.

Career Wardrobe is a community-based organization dedicated to assisting men and women in successfully transitioning into the workforce by providing professional attire and career skills training. Their programs start by assisting job applicants with the interview process and continue by helping them develop the skills needed to become valuable employees and retain employment.

Last week, we held our first event in support of Career Wardrobe, a shopping and mingling happy hour at the Wardrobe Boutique, their clothing and accessories resale store. Attendees enjoyed wine and cheese and a discount on purchases - and there were many! Guests left with an array of dresses, shoes, handbags, and more, all in support of a great cause. 

Be sure to read our upcoming PResence e-newsletters for more information on Career Wardrobe, including ways to get involved throughout the year. Thank you for aiding us in our mission to give back to the community in a meaningful way!


Best,
Ashley Berke
2016-2017 President
Philadelphia Public Relations Association

Here's What You Missed

2016 Gold Medal Luncheon

On Nov. 3rd, we honored Jane Golden, the founder and executive director of  Mural Arts Philadelphia, at our annual Gold Medal Luncheon  at The College of Physicians of Philadelphia. This was Golden's first time being recognized by a public relations group. We continue to thank her for working tirelessly to bring communities together while transforming public spaces with art that ignites change.

We also thank 6abc's Tamala Edwards for being our fabulous emcee, as well as our special guest speakers Rocco Albano, Lisa Nutter, and Meg Saligman.
 
Check out 6abc's coverage of our Gold Medal Luncheon here and photos here
 
Career Wardrobe Shopping Happy Hour
PPRA shopped 'til we dropped on Nov. 16th to proudly support our PRoactive Partner, Career Wardrobe. We are excited  to report that the organization made over $1,000 in sales that evening, which was 250% over their daily sales goal! Thank you to everyone who made the evening a great success.
PPRA Takes the Big Apple by Storm
A group of PPRA members enjoyed a day in New York City on Nov. 18th, learning about Revelist.com, a new mobile-first media outlet for millennial women; visiting the offices of BuzzFeed; and even watching a live broadcast of CBS Evening News from the control room! It was a great opportunity to get to know one another better and to get an inside glimpse into three very different news organizations.
Local Media Happenings
  • Jacqueline Rupp has left her position at  Philadelphia Weekly and will now be freelancing and working in digital marketing. You can direct your communications to  Don Russell at drussell@bsmphilly.com and Kerith Gabriel at
    kerith@phillyweekly.com.
  • Amtrak has launched its first national magazine,  The National. This  bi-monthly print magazine and digital portal will be available on up to 300 daily trains across the US.
     
  • "Mornings with Marilyn" host Marilyn Russell has been laid off from Ben FM. Russell has worked for Greater Media since 2003.
  • Patrick Kerkstra, former Philadelphia Magazine editor, rejoins the Philadelphia Media Networks' staff as managing editor of digital content beginning Nov. 30th. Kerkstra previously worked at the Philadelphia Inquirer as a reporter and columnist. Kerkstra will take over for Eric Ulken, who has been named managing editor of digital operations. Kim Fox will become managing editor for audience development on Dec. 12th. 
  • The Institute for Journalism in New Media announced a five-person expansion of their board, including: Martin Nisenholtz, founder and CEO of the New York Times Digital and founder of Ogilvy Interactive; Sara Lomax-Reese, president and CEO of WURD Radio; Vijay Ravindran, CEO of Floreo and former chief digital officer at the Washington Post Co.; Hong Qu, former CTO at Fusion; and Tony Haile, founding CEO of Chartbeat and founding CEO of Scroll.
Know of a recent media change? Email us! 

Photo of the Month






Rowan University's Jennifer Bell (second from right) visited CBS3 on Friday, Nov. 11th as her door prize from PPRA's Networking 101 event. Bell was in studio to watch a newscast, then toured the CBS3 newsroom and production facilities.  Stay tuned for more information on PPRA's next College Relations event, Careers 101, in spring 2017.

Pictured from left: CBS3 Traffic Reporter Meisha Johnson, PPRA Programming Vice President Adam Dvorin, Bell, and CBS3 Morning Anchor Jim Donovan.

Member News You Can Use
  • John Golden has launched Passport Communications, a boutique public relations agency based in suburban Philadelphia, specializing in hospitality and travel-related businesses and organizations. For more information, email John at  info@passportcommunications.com.
  • Under the direction of Sarah Maiellano , the Philly POPS' social media presence has grown 

    tremendously, with 178% and 405% increases in Facebook and Instagram followers, respectfully. Congratulations on reaching 10,000 Facebook followers! 

Win an award? Speaking on a panel? Landed an amazing media hit? 
Email us your good news at  info@ppra.com.

Drexel University Opportunities


PR Blog Interviewees Needed
Rory McPhillips, senior at Drexel University pursuing a degree in public relations, is seeking individuals from various industries and organizations to interview for her senior project blog. Please contact Rory at ram446@drexel.edu or 717-440-2778 if you are interested in participating.  The deadline is Dec. 23rd. 
Adjunct Teaching
Drexel University has an immediate need for adjunct teachers for the following upcoming classes: Business Communication, Techniques of Speaking, and Technical Writing. They're looking for daytime teachers on M/W/F. Please contact Karen Cristiano at kc42@drexel.edu as soon as possible if you are interested.
WELCOME NEW PPRA MEMBERS!
New faces have joined PPRA. Make sure to say hello if you see them at one of our next events!
  • Diana L. Cielesz
  • Jullieanne Cueto, Slice Communications
  • Lauryn Edmondson
  • Dorin Elhadad, Brownstone PR
  • Clarissa Ford
  • Marion Fraley
  • Jenny Isakqowitz, National Museum of American Jewish History
  • Kate Kanaby, Brownstone PR
  • Megan R. Smith, Brownstone PR
  • Michelle Sweetman
CAREER CORNER
Your dream career could be a few clicks away. Visit PPRA's Career Corner for more details on the following positions: 

Communications Specialist
Eastern National
Specialist, Marketing & Communications
Eastern State Penitentiary
Senior Account Executive
Tierney
Director of Communications and Marketing
Agnes Irwin School
Director, Community Engagement
Nemours/Alfred I. duPont Hospital for Children


Have a job you want to promote in the Career Corner to reach nearly 300 PR professionals in the area? Click here to post your job !