ECD Chair’s October 2024 Message
October 2024
Hello PRSA ECD community,
As we head into October, I am excited to share that I will attend the PRSA Leadership Assembly, followed by ICON, the largest single gathering in the public relations and communications industry. The Leadership Assembly plays a vital role in PRSA governance. It examines and discusses key issues that impact our organization and the profession. It is also a forum where leadership from across PRSA comes together to shape the collective future of our industry.
This year, two important bylaw amendments will be up for vote during the Assembly, along with considering an application for nomination by petition for the position of Chair-Elect. In addition to the previously announced nominees, this petition represents an integral part of the democratic process within PRSA. As your district representative, I encourage all Assembly delegates to familiarize themselves with these topics and come prepared to vote on behalf of their chapters. Should you have any questions, please contact me before the event, and I am more than happy to discuss the details and provide any clarity you may need.
If you plan to be in Anaheim for the Leadership Rally, Assembly, or ICON, I would love to invite you to join fellow PRSA ECD members for an evening of networking! We will get together for dinner and drinks at 6 p.m. on Monday, Oct. 14, at Puesto, 1040 W. Katella Avenue, Anaheim, CA 92802. While dinner and drinks will be on your own, the networking with your district peers is priceless. Please RSVP by Saturday, Oct. 12, to ensure we have an accurate reservation count. I look forward to connecting with you all!
Reflecting on this past month, I am energized and inspired by the fantastic experience at the PRSA ECD QuickStart Leadership Conference! Leading the board retreat allowed us to strategize for the future, and I was honored to speak to so many dedicated professionals about the direction of our profession. The meaningful conversations we shared were genuinely impactful, and the connections made will undoubtedly strengthen our district’s efforts.
While reflecting on this gathering of passionate leaders, I am reminded how important it is to prioritize our mental health and well-being as public relations professionals. Our field is often fast-paced and high-pressure, which makes it easy to overlook self-care. This is why we must all make time for mental health – not just for ourselves but our teams and colleagues. Supporting one another, being open about our challenges, and creating a culture where mental health is prioritized can make a difference. Thank you to QuickStart speaker Leslie Hansen for sharing stress management strategies and helping us all take a moment to “breathe.” And, of course, a special shout-out to Mark D. Weinstein for his exceptional work organizing the conference—your dedication was key to its success!
I would also like to thank each Chapter leader who participated in our Annual 360-degree Survey. Your insights are invaluable, and we will use your feedback to shape future initiatives and offerings. We’ll also be releasing information soon about our 2025 Board slate/elections and the announcement of our Platinum Award winner. Stay tuned! Also, noting you all have a lot on your plates, we have extended the deadline for Diamond Award applications to Friday, Oct. 4 at 11:59 p.m. We hope this extra week gives you the time you need to let your great work shine!
Finally, don’t miss the opportunity to join us for the Coffee Chat at 9 a.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 29. We’ll recap ICON and discuss any other questions you may have. I look forward to sharing updates and connecting with all of you.
Thank you for your continued dedication to our profession and PRSA!
Warm regards,
Jennifer L. Kramer, APR
2024 ECD Board Chair
