ECD July Chapter Spotlight PRSA NORTHWEST OHIO: GLASS CITY CHAPTER EYES PROUD HISTORY & HOPEFUL FUTURE
The July ECD Chapter Spotlight is like a ray of midsummer sunlight, bending through the prism of “Glass City,” and beaming brightly on PRSA Northwest Ohio.
Toledo earned its nickname in the late 19th century when it was the Glass Capital of the World. Manufacturing giants Libbey Glass, Owens-Illinois, and Owens Corning capitalized on the region’s abundant natural gas deposits, high-quality local silica sand, and extensive railway networks.
The Northwest Ohio Chapter was founded in 1951 by 15 public relation professionals supporting the region’s industrial strength, including the post-World War II momentum for the Jeep brand, Libbey-Owens, Toledo Edison and The Toledo Blade. Chapter dues were $5 and meetings rotated between The Toledo Club and the Commodore Perry Hotel. Ann Newmyer became the first woman member in 1954, and Marge Conyers was the first woman elected as a chapter director in 1960.
The chapter had grown to 34 members in 1960 and rose to nearly 100 members in the 70’s. In 2010 the chapter celebrated, “From Mad Men to Twitter: 50 Years of PR in Toledo.”
It’s through a glass darkly that PRSA National looks at the challenge of declining membership today, and NW Ohio is no exception. Membership was at 58 before falling 30% during the pandemic. The chapter now has 35 members, a 16% decline in the past year. The top three industries represented in the membership continue to be nonprofit/association, education, and healthcare.
Confronting membership decline head-on is the leadership vision of PRSA NW Ohio 2026 President Anastasia Ortiz Ellis. After disappointing turnout for spring programming events, she intentionally paused some activities to “take a step back and think strategically about our future.”
“Membership has been declining,” she said, “and I want to make sure we’re being thoughtful about how we move forward rather than simply continuing with business as usual.”
One consideration is the Press Club of Toledo, a longtime partner with the chapter, but an emerging competitor with lower annual dues. “They provide a strong value proposition,” said Ana. “As a result, I believe we need to do a better job of reminding current and prospective members why PRSA membership is worth the additional investment and what unique value we bring to the profession.”
NW Ohio’s unique value is rooted in its distinguished history. Nearly 30% of its members have achieved APR, three are Fellows, four have served on the PRSA national board, including Jim Little as president. Past ECD Chair Jared Meade (2022) is a past president of the chapter, and current PRSA NW Ohio members serving on the ECD board include Secretary BJ Fischer and Director Jamie Ward.
PRSSA chapters include The University of Toledo, Bowling Green State University, Adrian College, The University of Findlay, and Goshen College, Ind.
The chapter’s “Biggest Project” last year was the launch of its “Comms-raderie” podcast. “Commsraderie is a play on the key elements of PRSA,” said Immediate Past President Emily Zareck, “a reference to the wide net of public relations, communications, social media, marketing, employee relations, and more services that make up our roles today.
“Second, camaraderie is the fellowship and goodwill amongst the many members and guests that make up PRSA. It’s the foundation for a career-sustaining network of professionals.”
Emily said a “Fun Fact” about PRSA NW Ohio is that 30% of the chapter have been members of PRSA for more than 20 years. More than 50% of its members have worked in PR for more than 25 years.
NW Ohio’s “Secret to a Happy Chapter” is about service to members. “Keep trying new things to engage your members,” said Emily. “Vary the ways you deliver programming. Create meaningful connections with students. Ask your members what would encourage them to get more involved.”
Tradition and history aside, Ana and her officers believe the future depends on growth.
“I’m also considering whether we should focus on some of our efforts beyond Toledo,” she said. “Findlay, for example… there may be opportunities for PRSA to better serve professionals in that market.”
Ana participated in the recent PRSA Membership Growth Focus Groups and looks forward to the seeing the ideas and putting them to work. In the meantime, PRSA NW Ohio is moving forward.
“We have a joint summer mixer planned in July with Ad Club Toledo, Press Club of Toledo, and PRSA, and I’m planning to resume chapter programming from August through November,” said Ana. “My hope is to use this time to develop a more sustainable vision for the chapter and ensure we’re providing meaningful value to our members.”
2026 Officers
- Anastasia Ortiz Ellis, President
- Emily Zarecki, Past President
- Caroline Guy, Treasurer
- Mallory Crooks, Secretary
- Kate Zenone, Membership Co-Chair
- Claire Morrow, Membership Co-Chair
- Jamie Ward, Ethics Chair, ECD Director
- Shannon Kolkedy, Board Member at Large
ECD Board Members
- BJ Fischer, ECD Secretary
- Jamie Ward, ECD Director
