Newsletter
February SCPRSA Newsletter 
President's Report
The value of recognition
Dear SCPRSA Members,
In a profession built on elevating others, public relations practitioners rarely take time to spotlight their own work. Yet each year, the SCPRSA Mercury Awards offer us an opportunity to step out from behind the curtain and be recognized for the excellent work we do.
The image of a calm duck comes to mind. On the surface, it glides effortlessly across the water. But just below the water, out of sight, its feet are paddling with focus and determination. Quality communication often works the same way. They appear seamless and natural, even though it’s powered by long hours, strategic thinking and careful execution.
A well‑timed message, a crisis resolved before it becomes a headline, a new initiative or resource that strengthens an organization… These successes aren’t designed to grab attention on their own. But the work behind them deserves to be acknowledged. Recognition not only celebrate outcomes, but it also honors the diligence, creativity and high standards that make those outcomes possible.
I encourage you take the spotlight that you deserve and submit your work for a Mercury Award, a Silver Wing Award or an Individual Award in this year’s SCPRSA Mercury Awards competition. Programs or tactics must have been implemented between Jan. 1, 2025, and Dec. 31, 2025. The submission deadline is Friday, Feb. 27, at 11:59 p.m.
Cheering you on,
Meredith Houck
President, SCPRSA
Diversity and Inclusion in Public Relations
As we celebrate the 100th Anniversary of Black History Month, PRSA proudly honors the contributions of African Americans to the rich and diverse legacy of public relations and communications, while also recognizing the communicators shaping today’s Black history. What began in 1926 as a week-long observance founded by Dr. Carter G. Woodson has grown into a month-long celebration of achievement, storytelling and impact.
Through PRSA’s Black History Month virtual events and resources, you can explore ways to champion diversity, equity and inclusion in your work—not just this month, but all year long.
Membership
Welcome Members
The South Carolina chapter welcomed returning member Sarah Moore of Elliott Davis in Greenville.
Mercury Awards
Call for Entries
The SCPRSA Mercury Awards competition, recognizing 2025 work by communicators in South Carolina, is now open and accepting entries for Mercury Awards, Silver Wing Awards and Individual Awards.
The SCPRSA Mercury and Silver Wing Awards are open to anyone working in communications or public relations in South Carolina, including public relations students enrolled at any college or university within the state.
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Mercury Awards recognize public relations programs and campaigns. -
Silver Wing Awards recognize outstanding public relations tactics.
Programs or tactics must have been implemented between Jan. 1, 2025, and Dec. 31, 2025. The deadline to submit entries for the Mercury and Silver Wing Awards has been extended to Fri., Feb. 27, at 11:59 p.m.
ENTRY INFORMATION FOR MERCURY AWARDS AND SILVER WING AWARDS
SUBMIT ENTRIES FOR MERCURY AWARDS AND SILVER WING AWARDS
In addition, SCPRSA annually honors individuals who demonstrate excellence in public relations and business, PR education, and service to SCPRSA and the community. Categories and detailed criteria are available in the call for nominations. Please submit Individual Awards nominations via email to Matt Long, SCPRSA's judging chair. Nominations will be accepted through Fri., Feb. 27, at 5 p.m.
ENTRY INFORMATION FOR NOMINATIONS FOR INDIVIDUAL AWARDS
Also, be sure to mark your calendar for the Mercury Awards celebration on Wed., Apr. 15, at Segra Park in Columbia.
PRSA ICON
2026 PRSA ICON Super Saver rates
Planning to attend PRSA ICON in Orlando, FL, Oct. 18–20? Register by Mar. 2 to lock in the Super Saver Rate! PRSA members can save $550 off the regular registration fee by registering early.
Professional Development
Feb. 23, 3 to 4 p.m. ET: Developing and Overseeing a Student-Run Agency
Feb. 24, 5 to 6 p.m. ET: The Next Era of Leadership: Black Voices Shaping the Future of PR
Feb. 25, 12 to 1 p.m. ET: Balancing Risk and Influence: What Communicators Need to Know
Feb. 25, 2 to 3 p.m. ET: PRSA IPA Business-Building Webinar Series: Feb. 2026
Feb. 26, 3 to 4 p.m. ET: AI Prompting Strategies for PR Results
Mar. 9, 1 to 2 p.m. ET: AI Pulse: March Briefing
Mar. 11, 12 to 1 p.m. ET: Influencer Impact: Strategies for Outreach and Engagement in Nonprofits and Associations
Mar. 12, 3 to 4 p.m. ET: 5 Ways To Think Like a Reader
Mar. 17, 3 to 3:45 p.m. ET: Business for Communicators: Fundamentals of Corporate Finance for Value Creation
Calendar of Events
Fri., Feb. 27 to Sat., Feb. 28: PRSSA Southeast District Conference, University of South Carolina, Columbia
Wed., Apr. 15: SCPRSA Mercury Awards, Segra Park, Columbia
