Local PR chapter recognized at state conference

The Central West Coast Chapter of FPRA earns honors for reinvesting in members
and for leadership of longtime member

Sarasota, FL – August 19, 2018 – The Central West Coast Chapter of the Florida Public Relations Association (CWC-FPRA) was recognized during FPRA’s 80th annual conference in Ponte Vedra Beach last week. The organization and individual members received awards during the event.

CWC-FPRA won the “Investing in FPRA Award,” in recognition of the chapter’s commitment to host the highest-quality speakers, make conferences, monthly programs and ongoing educational opportunities more accessible and affordable, and facilitate social opportunities to help members enjoy downtime and get to know each other better.

Colleen Thayer, APR, CPRC, a past president of the chapter, was also honored with the FPRA Past President’s Awards, which recognizes a senior member who has served the Association time and time again, either on the state or chapter level, and someone who continues to step up to the plate when called upon.

Kim Livengood, APR, was named to the 2018 Joe Curley Rising Leader Class, which recognizes and honors up-and-coming leaders in regional chapters and builds leadership streams at the state level; she was also recognized for earning her accreditation this year. CWC-FPRA members Rhonda Leiberick, APR and Livengood were installed as state board members and Thayer was installed to the state’s executive committee as chair of the Florida Public Relations Education Foundation (FPREF).

“CWC-FPRA enjoyed an extremely strong year, focusing particularly on the ways we could help our members to maximize the benefits of chapter membership,” said chapter president Tara Poulton. “We’re thrilled to be recognized at the state level with these important honors.”

Chapter members also collected two Golden Image Awards for excellence in public relations programming. Poulton, DeSoto County’s Director of Special Projects, was presented an Award of Distinction on behalf of Michael Taber, Discover DeSoto, and the DeSoto Board of County Commissioners for the “Open for Business” social media campaign in the Digital Tools of Public Relations / Online Audience Engagement category. Sharon Kunkel of Wordslinger Marketing & PR earned an Award of Distinction for a rebranding project, “Community Day School: The Rebirth,” in the Public Relations Programs / Institutional category.

The Central West Coast Chapter of the Florida Public Relations Association meets monthly for professional development luncheons and networking. Visit www.cwcfpra.com for the latest details.