We're looking for agencies, companies, nonprofits and government agencies who plan to hire summer 2017 interns! 

Our scholarship program will launch by the first of the year and, in addition to cash awards, we want to offer the top two students the opportunity to interview for a summer internship. (Note that your commitment is only to provide the students with the opportunity to interview for an open internship.) 

Interested  organizations must provide a description of the internship, including whether it is paid or unpaid, the days and hours to be worked and the scope of work or project (if known). Someone with public relations experience must be available to supervise the intern.

Employers approved by the PRSA Cleveland Board will be listed on the PRSA website. For questions, or to apply, contact Lorraine Schuchart, APR, at

[email protected] .

By Rachel Kerstetter, VP of Membership, PRSA CLE,  PR Architect, Sonnhalter

I had the honor of representing PRSA Greater Cleveland as a delegate at the PRSA National Leadership Assembly. During the Assembly we were briefed on the state of PRSA National and many exciting things coming up for the organization, some of which include:

• Improving the association's diversity and inclusion initiatives
• A marketing campaign for APR
• Introduction of a new membership app 
• A new-and-improved website
• More continuing education options for business and financial acumen and supervisory skills

We conducted association business, approving two bylaw amendments that will allow PRSA to operate more efficiently. 

I had the pleasure of helping elect Cleveland's own Rick Batyko, APR, Fellow PRSA, to the P RSA National Board of Directors representing the East Central District of PRSA that covers our chapter along with our neighbors around Ohio, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Western Pennsylvania and West Virginia.

There were also eight new PRSSA chapters chartered across the country in 2016. As we just wrapped up our own 2016 Student Day, I'm reminded again of the bright new minds entering our field each year, graduating out of our student organization and joining our ranks. 

 

PRSA International Conference

Each year the PRSA International Conference offers a wide variety of learning opportunities for PR practitioners. This year's conference in Indianapolis was no different.

Programming tracks included: Integration, Tools & techniques, Specialization, Strategic Planning & Implementation and Leadership & Management. I attended sessions across all of the tracks and gleaned a few themes that PR professionals around the world are tackling including: metrics and reporting, integrating PR with other business functions, leadership, engaging effectively, research, mentorship and crisis communication. Cleveland had a moment in the spotlight as well with a session presented by Corinne Allie of Destination Cleveland on the power of listening to drive community engagement that spotlighted both the NBA playoffs and RNC.

Keynote speakers included human rights advocate and Global Soap Project founder Derreck Kayongo, astronaut Scott Kelly, Mike Fernandez of Burson-Marsteller, former Whitehouse CIO and cybersecurity expert Theresa and Scott Stratten, author of several books including Unmarketing who spoke on truly engaging and building relationships.

Mark your calendar! Next year's PRSA International Conference will be held in Boston on October 8-10. And in 2018, the conference is headed to Austin, Texas.