Newsletter
April SCPRSA Newsletter 
President's Report
April is Accreditation in Public relations (APR) Month
Dear SCPRSA Members,
Professional certification is a great way to show your commitment to growing your skills and it signals to employers, colleagues and clients that you know your craft. In a competitive field like communications, that extra credibility can help you stand out.
One of the most recognized credentials in our profession is the Accreditation in Public Relations (APR) from the Public Relations Society of America. Earning the APR means demonstrating a solid grasp of strategic planning, research, ethics and measurement. The process is thorough and intentionally so. It is designed to reflect real-world public relations practice and decision-making.
Beyond the letters after your name, the APR experience itself is often the biggest benefit. It’s not just a milestone—it’s an investment in doing public relations better, smarter and with greater impact. If you are interested in pursuing your APR, SCPRSA is here to help you every step of the way.
Cheering you on,
Meredith Houck
President, SCPRSA
APR News
INterested in Pursuing Your APR?
With a new, on-demand study course, mentors eager to help, and a lower rate that expires July 1, now might be the perfect time to pursue your Accreditation in Public Relations. Ask any APR: The reward is well worth the investment. Reach out to our APR Chair, Meg Hasten, to learn about how we can support your APR journey. You won't regret deepening your professional knowledge base and increasing your marketability in the field.
Mercury Awards
Mercury Awards Honor Top 2025 Communications Work
This year’s Mercury Awards brought together communications professionals from across the state for an afternoon of celebration and recognition. More than 40 attendees gathered on April 15 at Segra Park in Columbia.
Trophies were presented to Mercury Award and Silver Wing Award winners across a variety of categories, highlighting excellence in the field.
The Best-in-Show Mercury Award was presented to Ivey Palmer PR, an integrated communications agency. The agency earned top honors in the Campaigns: Event and Observances, Less Than Seven Days category for its work on the “Unpacked Leadership Conference 2025.”
WANT A DUPLICATE TROPHY? ORDER BY SATURDAY, MAY 30
Additional trophies may be ordered through SCPRSA, with all forms due by May 30.
Event materials, including photos of award recipients, presentation slides, and the trophy order form, are available on the SCPRSA website.
Member Spotlight
C harlene D. Slaughter, APR
1. How long have you been a member of SCPRSA?
Approximately 10 years.
2. What is the best career advice you’ve ever received?
Don’t take a linear approach to your career—be open to learning every part of the craft. While writing is my strongest skill and I began my career as a print journalist, being open to other aspects of communications has helped me grow and adapt throughout my career.
3. What is your favorite role you’ve held as an SCPRSA member?
Serving as Judging Chair for the Mercury Awards. It’s always rewarding to be part of recognizing the hard work of PR practitioners—both students and professionals—and celebrating the incredible work they produce throughout the year.
4. What is a hobby or skill we might not know about you?
I kind of speak French! I’ve always loved the language and even minored in French in college. I’m definitely not as fluent as I once was, but I’m currently brushing up by watching French movies, listening to music, and using online tutorials as I prepare for an upcoming trip to Paris.
Membership
Welcome New Members
We’re pleased to welcome 10 new chapter members and are excited to have you join our growing community!
- Ryen Cohen, Richland County Recreation Commission, Columbia
- Delaney Frestuhler, University of South Carolina (USC), Columbia
- Hunter Muterspaw, USC, Columbia
- Yaunna Hunter, South Carolina State Library, Columbia
- Caroline Connolly, Charleston International Airport, Charleston
- Samantha Dubay, HDR, North Charleston
- Katie Carpenter, Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC), Charleston
- Meg Lewis, MUSC, Charleston
- Jeff Slinker, MUSC, Charleston
- Jason Treffry, MUSC, Charleston
PRSA ICON
2026 PRSA ICON Saver rates
Planning to attend PRSA ICON in Orlando, FL, Oct. 18–20? Register by Jul. 31 to lock in the Saver Rate! PRSA members can save $250 off the regular registration fee by registering early.
Professional Development
Apr. 28, 3 to 4 p.m. ET: Ask the APR Expert
May 6, 3 to 4 p.m. ET: From Uncertainty to Clarity: How To Lead Through Tumultuous Times
Calendar of Events
Wed., Apr. 29: Midlands Region Spring Social, Publico at Bullstreet, Columbia
Thurs., Apr. 30: Lowcountry Coffee & Connections, Urban Brew, Beaufort
