FROM THE PRESIDENT

Dear PPRA Members,
 
"Digital first" is a widely used term. On my recent tour of the NBC10 studio with a group of PPRA members, the producers explained how some stories will be posted online before they are even considered for broadcast.

Facebook is a crucial tool for PR and here to stay. There are always new tips and tricks to learn about Facebook and you can learn how to use it more effectively as an advertising tool on March 28 at our Master Series: Facebook Advertising 201 - A Hands-On Workshop .  

Another crucial tool is Instagram. On February 25, I participated in the Old City Social Media Workshop organized by Old City District at the Museum of the American Revolution. I gave a short presentation about the use of video on Instagram. It's no surprise that Instagram is the fastest growing social media platform and posting short videos is an ideal way to share content. Before I presented, I listened to other panelists share best practices, too. The speakers included representatives from Visit Philadelphia, Independence Visitor Center, PHLCVB and Starr Restaurants.
 
If you want to be inspired and continue to strengthen your skill set, join PPRA at our upcoming programs! Coming up on April 3 is Careers 101. Come out and meet new talent and hear from our impressive panelists. 
Click here to learn more. And be sure to read the PPRA blog to learn more, too!


Warm Regards,

Nina Scimenes
2018-2019 President
Philadelphia Public Relations Association
HERE'S WHAT YOU MISSED
 Philly Ad Club hosted the Women in Advertising panel event, which featured PPRA's own Cari Feiler Bender, on February 1. Watch the full event video
 
PPRA hosted a Members Only tour of NBC10 and Telemundo62 on February 28. The group received an exclusive behind-the-scenes tour of the broadcast studios, newsroom (assignment desk, media center, investigative unit), control rooms, and audio & edit booths. 
MEMBER NEWS
Temple University professor and former PPRA director Michael Cavacini has been promoted to Senior Communications Specialist at Drinker Biddle & Reath LLP, a top-100 national law firm with its headquarters in Philadelphia.

For his new TV show, The Advocates, PPRA Half Famer Dan Cirucci recently welcomed fellow Hall of Famer Jeff Jubelirer as his guest. Watch Dan and Jeff as they talk about the value of PPRA, the Philly PR community, mentoring, working in the city and so much more.

Amanda Young Curtis joined the Philadelphia Union as the Team's Publicist. 

Gregg Feistman will be moderating a panel on Redefining Corporate Social Responsibility Mar. 27 at 7:30-9 am at the Valley Forge Casino Resort in King of Prussia, PA. For more information, click here.

Gloria Hochman highlighted that The Adoption Center will unveil its Adoption Honor Roll at its Celebration of Family gala April 25 at the Crystal Tea Room.  It will list the names of companies and organizations with outstanding adoption benefits for its employees. The Stan Hochman Compassion for Kids Award will be presented to the company with the most robust benefits. 

Deirdre Childress Hopkins, PPRA President-Elect, has joined VISIT PHILADELPHIA as Director of Public Relations
. In this role, Deirdre will execute national, regional and local public relations efforts for all VISIT PHILADELPHIA campaigns and story angles.

Broke in Philly featured Erin Flynn Jay's latest article for CityWide Stories on their home page. 

Alexa Johnson, Senior Marketing & Communications Manager at Visit Bucks County (VBC), recently received a placement for New Hope in the New York Post article, "5 Romantic Honeymoon Destinations Near NYC," and for Yardley on FOX 29's Bob Kelly's Town Takeover . VBC has also just hired a new Public Relations Manager, Emily Cummins!
 
Susan Wynne has joined Richard Wells at The Wellynn Group, expanding the firm's offerings in PR and marketing strategy, planning, and development. The firm continues to specialize in the healthcare and non-profit sectors.

After many years in Old City and a developer of First Friday, Moderne Gallery, recognized internationally as the prime gallery for studio craft furniture and the world's leading Nakashima dealer (represented by Phoebe Resnick, Resnick Communications, for 30 years), has moved to a new center for high end design, art and antiques in Port Richmond.  Moderne Gallery
is the first tenant in The Showrooms at 2220, a newly restored former mill at 2220 East Allegheny Avenue; stories in Philadelphia Business Journal and design media; more to follow. 
#PPRAProud
Stef Arck-Baynes shared that Philabundance got a great placement in the Inquirer for their new "Ending Hunger. For Good." initiative. Read the full story here.  

Alex McKechnie
shared that the Museum of the American Revolution was featured in a 4-minute live segment on FOX & Friends on Presidents Day. Watch the clip online here.
 
Prior to opening night of a sold-out run of RENT,  Lauren Woodward and Morgan Horell with their colleagues at the Kimmel Center presented a check on-stage for $1,500 to AIDS Fund Philly to "pay the rent" for one month of a survivor living with HIV in need; the donation was matched with an additional $5,000 from the Kimmel Center's 2018-19 season sponsor, TD Bank. The sold out opening night and check presentation were picked up in a segment on 6abc and mentioned in multiple print previews and reviews; the touring production of RENT will return to our Cultural Campus for another engagement this October.
   
Win an award? Speaking on a panel? Landed an amazing media hit? Email us your good news at
info@ppra.com or tweet us using #PPRAProud!
MEDIA MOVES
Traffic reporter Jessica Boyington has left NBC10 after nearly four years at the station.
CBS3 Eyewitness news weekday morning news anchor Rahel Solomon is leaving her position at the station for a role at CNBC.
The Inquirer is launching a new section in the Sunday paper on good news called The Upside.
UPCOMING EVENTS
 
PPRA MEET UP AT HISTORY AFTER HOURS

Tuesday, March 19, 2019 
5:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.

Museum of the American Revolution, 101 S. 3rd Street, Philadelphia, PA 19106
 
PPRA PRoactive 

 

WELCOME NEW MEMBERS

New faces have joined PPRA. Make sure to say hello if you see them at one of our next events!
  • Irene Levy Baker, Spotlight Public Relations
JOB BANK

Your dream career could be a few clicks away. Visit PPRA's Job Bank for more details on the following positions:  
  • Strategic Communications Manager, Research for Action
  • Marketing Communications Manager, JEVS 
  • Senior Writer/Account DirectorTierney
  • Communications Manager, The Philadelphia Orchestra 
  • Public Relations Manager, "15 Minutes" Inc.
  • News Manager, Medicine and Public Health, Drexel University
  • Public Relations Manager, Grouplevinson
  • Account Manager, Powers Brand Communications, LLC
  • Communications Analyst, Federal Reserve Bank of Philadelphia
  • Director of Communications, The College of Physicians of Philadelphia/Mutter Museum
Have a job you want to promote in the Job Bank to reach over 300 PR professionals in the area?  Click here to post your job !