Newsletter
July 2024 SCPRSA Newsletter 
President's Report
I don’t know about you, but my July 4th barbeques and beach days were filled with discussions of the recent presidential debate, Stephanopoulos interview, and Supreme Court decisions. It was interesting to hear different perspectives and (mostly) respectful comments about the candidates, election process and our constitution.
As I reflect on my conversations and peel away any right and left leaning comments, I heard a universal desire to be better informed, and frustration at misinformation and disinformation that spreads rapidly. It’s time consuming to seek out verified facts and question dubious sources. It’s also time well spent.
As communicators, we understand having factual information allows us to prepare and send messages to help our stakeholders make well-informed decisions about their lives, whether it is regarding health, safety or civic responsibilities. And sometimes we have to call out a reporter, Yelp review or social post.
Our due diligence and staying the course will combat misinformation and disinformation. Informed citizens are the cornerstone of a functioning democracy, and I am enthusiastically engaged in this fight. How about you?
Laura A. Kirkpatrick, APR
SCPRSA President
Networking Opportunity
MARK YOUR CALENDARS! JOIN UPSTATE REGION COLLEAGUES FOR JULY 18 HAPPY HOUR SOCIAL IN GREENVILLE
What: Upstate Region SCPRSA Happy Hour Social
When: Thursday, July 18, 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Where: Up on the Roof, Embassy Suites by Hilton Downtown Riverplace Building, 250 Riverplace #800, Greenville, South Carolina 29601
Enjoy food and fun with a great view of Greenville while mingling with other Upstate SCPRSA members. A few appetizers will be provided, but please be prepared to purchase your own drinks.
To get to Up on the Roof, take the Embassy Suites lobby elevator to the restaurant. Ask the staff at the host stand to direct you to the SCPRSA event. For more information, please reach out to Allison Lane, SCPRSA Upstate regional director.
Membership
New Member!
SCPRSA welcomes Colton Grace, Spartanburg, to our organization. Welcome, Colton! Our chapter has 172 members.
PRSA Membership Contest
Do you know colleagues, friends, or 
fellow PR professionals who are not members of SCPRSA? Now is a great time to encourage them to join!
Five Reasons to Join SCPRSA:
- Great networking opportunities with members in your region and across the state
- Professional development events to further your career
- Support for those seeking accreditation
- Access to PRSA programming, including webinars, on-demand courses and certifications
- Job search and job posting services to find your next great employee or employer
AND -- if SCPRSA sees the largest percent growth in membership between now and Sept. 22, our chapter will be awarded customized professional development from PRSA. Why wait?!
For information about joining, please visit our website or contact Membership VP Andrea Simrell with questions.
From PRSA
Have you Seen?
PRSA recently developed a Member Benefits Video that summarizes the value of your membership. Under two minutes in length, it's a helpful recruiting tool that can be shared with potential members. Be sure to check it out!
PRSA ICON
Time to Make Plans for ICON 2024!
The PRSA ICON 2024 agenda has been posted, showcasing the wide range of professional development options that will be offered at this always-popular conference, Oct. 15-17, in Anaheim, California, at the Anaheim Marriott.
In addition to breakout session presenters, ICON 2024 will also feature two outstanding keynote speakers:
- Crystal Washington, a technology trends expert and one of the Forbes 50 Leading Female Futurists
- Gio Benitez, an award-winning journalist and co-anchor of “Good Morning America” Saturday and Sunday
The discounted Saver Rate expires Sept. 6. Register now and make plans for the PRSA International Conference this fall in California!
APR Spotlight
Interview with Staci Gouveia, APR
Staci Gouveia, the incoming president of SCPRSA, recently earned the APR credential. Congratulations, Staci! She agreed to answer a few questions about the process. Staci is senior director of communications at the Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC).
Q. What made you decide to earn your APR?
A: I decided to pursue my APR because for decades I wanted to be taken seriously as a PR professional with equal credibility as my cross-functional colleagues around the leadership table. Pursuing the scientifically proven APR seemed like an ideal path.
Q. When did you begin the process, and tell us a little bit about your decision to take the online classes. What is their value?
A: I began the process in 2021. I decided to take the online study course to offer discipline, structure and support to my learning approach that had to fit into an already full work and life schedule. It was the best decision! The facilitators, APRs, peers and the study buddies I found fueled my passion and helped me learn. Without the online cohort groups and the PRSA bootcamp I took, earning my APR would not have been possible.
Q. What advice would you give someone who is considering this?
A: I have two pieces of advice for anyone considering this process:
1. Tackle this in the early to midpart of your career. I believe that's the sweet spot. You've got enough experience at that point to understand and apply your skills and course learnings to the case studies in a truly meaningful way; and it's before life gets too busy to distract you from getting it done in a year or so.
2. Don't go it alone! It's more fun and impactful with a support group. I would never have gotten through the process without my study buddies who pushed me, held me accountable and celebrated with me when I crossed the finish line!
Finally, check SCPRSA's APR webpage for resources to help toward earning the APR credential, or contact Accreditation Chair Kathleen Williams for more information.
SCPRSA Directory
Help us stay connected with you
Changed employers recently? Do you have a new email address?
Help the PRSA South Carolina Chapter stay connected with you! Update your personal information, including your employer and email address, by logging in to My PRSA online. By doing so, your updated contact information will be incorporated into the SCPRSA database. You'll continue to get chapter emails and newsletters to help you stay up to date with happenings in the SCPRSA.
Classified Ads
Looking for new Talent? Post a classified ad with SCPRSA
If your company is seeking candidates for a job in communications and public relations, be sure to list your opportunity with the PRSA South Carolina Chapter. Your job opportunity will be seen by chapter members through our monthly newsletter and website.
The cost is minimal. Members pay $25 to post a job, nonmembers, $100. It's a great way to reach out to people working in the field at a very low cost. We also accept postings for internships at no cost and for candidates seeking positions in public relations at a significantly reduced cost.
To get started, visit the Jobs section on our website.
Upcoming Webinars
PRSA has several webinars scheduled in July. Many webinars are available to members for free. Sign up for these topics in advance (all times EDT):
July 11, 3 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Navigating the Noisy Election Communications Cycle
July 23, Noon to 1 p.m.
PRSA IPA Business-Building Webinar Series: Mid-year Checkup
July 24, 2 p.m. to 3 p.m.
July 25, 3 p.m. to 4 p.m.
PRSA also provides certificate programs for a variety of topics, including executive leadership, marketing communications, crisis communication, measurement and analytics, media relations and more
Calendar of Events
Thursday, July 18: 5:30 p.m. p.m. to 7 p.m.: SCPRSA Upstate Region Happy Hour Social, Up on the Roof, Embassy Suites by Hilton Downtown Riverplace Building, 250 Riverplace #800, Greenville, South Carolina 29601.