Newsletter
Newsletter March 2024 
Letter from the President

About Me
I grew up in a time when the street actually melted in the summers. I have strong memories of running barefoot up the street to my neighbor’s house, only to have to clean the tar off my feet before I could go into the house. This week, I thought that if I lived in an area where the streets could melt, I shouldn’t have to deal with frozen streets! Then, as it often does, my mind followed that rabbit trail of melting v. frozen streets to a myriad of related topics.
Here’s where I ended:
Is my public relations approach sometimes frozen?
Do I do things the way I’ve always done them, regardless of whether they are still effective?
How am I measuring to see if they’re still effective?
Am I leveraging AI to my best advantage?
I also ask if my enthusiasm for learning new things has waned, if I’m becoming jaded, bored, and “frozen” in my practice in this glorious world of public relations.
The conference committee is planning an exciting conference to help "Ignite!" your public relations fire again. Join us April 4 at the Marriott Grand National in Opelika for food, fun, and freebies! Watch our social media and your email for updates.
See you there!
Lisa
What's Happening Around the State

PRCA Montgomery Feb. 13 - Lunch & Learn, Featured Speaker Kathleen Phillips
Register here.
PRCA-Birmingham Feb. 21 - A Day in The Life at UAB: PR at UAB
Register here.
NAPRCA Feb. 21 - Branding & Copyright Missteps Communicators Should Avoid
Register here.
Medallion Awards Deadline Extended!

Medallion Awards
The Public Relations Council of Alabama's Medallion Awards competition offers all PRCA members the opportunity to have their work recognized and receive feedback to facilitate continuous improvement.
There are three different tiers with multiple categories, and they are based on the length of time it took for the program, plan, or project. There is also a separate student category.
- Tier 1: Long-Term Strategic Programs (7 months or longer)
- Tier 2: Short-Term Strategic Plans (0-6 months)
- Tier 3: Tactical Materials/Projects
- Student Tier
All entries (professionals and students) are submitted through the Medallion Awards website (click the link to access).
PROFESSIONAL ENTRY COST & DEADLINE
All professional entries are $50 each -- or $45 each if you submit three or more entries at one time -- payable by credit card or check. All entries submitted after January 7 are $60 each (with no discount for multiple entries). Payment must be received by the deadline, or entries will be disqualified. The final deadline for all entries is February 14, 2024.
STUDENT ENTRY COST & DEADLINE
All student entries are $20 each, payable by credit card or check on or before February 14, 2024. This is a flat rate for students. Late payment will result in disqualification. Please note on the checks the name of the entrant(s) and the category number(s). You may pay for multiple entries with one check.
Back to topCalendar of Events

Save the Date for the 2024 PRCA State Conference!
Join fellow PR pros in Opelika, Alabama, on Thursday, April 4, 2024, for the annual PRCA State Conference hosted by the East Alabama chapter. This year's theme, "Ignite!" promises to fire up your career with inspiring insights, networking, and awards.
The full-day conference features dynamic speakers and discussion topics tailored to public relations, marketing, and communications professionals. Students and faculty are also encouraged to attend.
New this year, a casual opening night reception on Wednesday, April 3 at 6:30 p.m. to help kickstart new connections.
The highlight of Thursday is the annual Medallion Awards ceremony, honoring the best professionals and campaigns across the state. Awards include Professional Chapter of the Year, Student Chapter of the Year, Professional Achievement Award, and Student of the Year Scholarship.
Registration is now open, with discounted early bird rates available until February 15. Reserve your hotel room by March 4 to guarantee the special group rate here.
Get fired up for the 2024 PRCA State Conference! Registration and more details can be found here. See you in April!
TICKETS
Professional PRCA/SPRF Members
$75.00 Early bird rate until February 15
$100.00 (After the early bird rate ends February 15)
Students
$50.00 until March 15
Nonmembers
$125.00
Classified Ads
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POSITION TITLE: Coordinator of Communications
rnRESPONSIBLE TO: Superintendent of Education
rnREPORTS TO: Superintendent of Education
rnQUALIFICATIONS:
rnThe Coordinator of Communications shall hold a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution in a relevant field and have experience in media relations, marketing, journalism, public relations, or closely related field. Strong writing and public speaking skills are required. Knowledge of K-12 education is desirable. Such alternative to the above qualifications as the Board might find appropriate and acceptable
rnIn addition, the following are required:
1. A minimum of five (5) years experience in marketing/communications, public relations, or related field preferred.
2. Demonstrated leadership, administrative and supervisory qualities.
3. Effective skills in human relations.
4. Proficiency in verbal and written communication skills. 5. Ability and willingness to work a flexible schedule if needed. 6. Ability to be punctual in regular attendance 7. Ability to use technology to communicate, manage data, and produce/submit reports, correspondence, and/or school information.
8. Exhibit education, civic and community involvement.
9. Knowledge concerning the general operations of a local educational agency is preferred.
PERFORMANCE RESPONSIBILITIES/ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
rn1. To serve as the Coordinator of Communications for the school system, under the direction of the Superintendent.
2. Provides effective leadership in planning, developing, implementing, and evaluating comprehensive programs in area of responsibility.
3. Maintains the system and individual school websites.
4. Manages the district’s communication software.
5. Maintains positive relationships with news/media sources.
6. Responsible for press releases as needed.
7. Maintain, and keep current, all social media accounts and be responsible for leading the District’s Brand Strategy and the development of its visual identity.
8. Communicate to all Stakeholders the design, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation of all programs relating to communication and family engagement for the district.
9. Responsible for publication of a weekly public information communication.
10. Responsible for a monthly District Newsletter.
11. Assists schools in providing information to stakeholders.
12. Serves as a point of contact for anyone needing information about our schools.
13. Oversees planning of special events and board recognitions.
14. Assists in teacher recruitment and retention activities.
15. Serves as the district Military Family Liaison.
16. Takes a leadership role in improving education and is responsible for effectively communicating this to all stakeholder groups.
17. Performs any other duties as directed by the Superintendent.
:
https://recruiting.paylocity.com/Recruiting/Jobs/Details/4061590
