It’s hard to believe we are nearing the end of the year, and what a year it has been! We’ve had a year chock full of professional development and networking activities and most recently held our endowment luncheon where we awarded scholarships to deserving young professionals. During our luncheon, we also awarded professional awards to distinguished individuals who have made significant contributions to our professional community. The year’s not over yet and there’s still more fun and networking to come at our holiday party on Dec. 14, which you won’t want to miss.

In the spirit of the season, I’d like to take the opportunity to thank you for your membership in our chapter.  The fact that we are one of the largest, strongest chapters in the nation speaks volumes to the commitment each of you has to the profession. The leadership at PRSA Miami is committed to providing you with enriching networking and professional development opportunities to help each of you along your career paths.  

As with any organization, it is only as strong as its members. Therefore we encourage you to join any one of our committees and experience first hand how gratifying it can be to serve your chapter and your profession. These opportunities become a stepping-stone to future leadership opportunities at the chapter, district and national level. If you’re interested, please contact our incoming president Fernando Figueredo at figueredofern@aol.com

Happy holidays to you and yours and I’ll see you at PRSA Miami Holiday Party and Toy Drive!

Annabel Beyra, APR

President

PRSA Miami

PRSA Miami Honors Local Business Leaders Charles Cinnamon and Dana Clay 

Earlier this month during our annual endowment luncheon, our chapter honored Charles Cinnamon, of Charles Cinnamon Public Relations with the 2011 Royal Palm Award for his contributions to the Miami arts and cultural scene throughout his more than 40 years in the profession. Dana Clay, chairman of Everett Clay Associates, recognized as Miami’s oldest PR agency, was awarded the 2011 Bill Adams PRSA Lifetime Achievement Award.   

The annual awards are given to recipients for their achievements and influence in their local communities through the excellent application and execution of public relations principles.  This year, the 24th Annual Ev Clay/PRSA Miami Chapter Endowment Fund luncheon took place on November 4 at the Miami Shores Country Club.

Cinnamon has long been viewed a pillar in the arts and cultural scene in Miami, starting in the 1960s when he was public relations director for the Coconut Grove Playhouse. He subsequently represented Zev Buffman’s Broadway Series, promoting plays in nine theaters across the United States.  Cinnamon represented many of South Florida’s prominent arts organizations, including the Concert Association of Greater Miami, the Miami City Ballet and the New World School of the Arts. 

He has been credited as the creator of the Coconut Grove Arts Festival and the Miami Beach Festival of the Arts, and was also part of the team that brought the Miami Heat NBA franchise to our community. 

Clay has led Everett Clay Associates, Miami’s oldest PR agency.  As chairman, she has demonstrated excellence through award-winning work, and numerous industry awards, including the Addy, Emmy, Big Mike, Golden Image, Gold Quill and Clarion.  Her support for the Ev Clay Scholarship Fund (administered by PRSA Miami) will be her most important legacy by ensuring financial support for students interested in a public relations career.   

 The Ev Clay/PRSA Miami Endowment Fund is the largest scholarship fund in the nation operated by a PRSA chapter.  Since 1985, it has awarded more than $141,000 in scholarships.  The 2011 recipients honored during the November 4 luncheon were Sabrina Gomez and Gretel Perez of Florida International University; Chantale Steward and Christina Sukie of Florida Memorial University; Connie M. Fossi and Daniela Salazar of Miami Dade College; and Gigi Guerra and Rachel Krantz of the University of Miami.

Dana Clay (far right) joined by this year's scholarship recipients.

To view more photos from the Ev Clay/PRSA Miami Chapter Endowment Fund Luncheon visit the Photo Gallery

Join us for our annual holiday celebration and participate in our toy drive to benefit the children of Miami Children's Hospital

This year our celebration will take place at The Hotel Breakwater South Beach. In the 1980s, the resort's presence helped Miami Beach's South Beach regain its fabulous beginnings when it was featured in a popular Calvin Klein underwear ad fortuitously shot on top of the famous rooftop terrace of this South Beach Resort...and that's where PRSA Miami will take partying to new heights.

PRSA Miami is partnering with Radio Lollipop, a radio station inside Miami Children's Hospital, to host a toy drive.

The event is FREE to members with an unwrapped toy*, $10 for non-members with an unwrapped toy (discounted from $15), includes one drink and hors d'oeuvres all night long. Cash bar available.

*Toy restrictions: Toys must be new in original packaging and unwrapped. Patients at Miami Children's Hospital range from one-day old to age 21. New books for school age patients and infant clothing is acceptable. NO guns or weapon-like toys will be accepted. Toys should not be frightening or dark in nature. 

 About Radio Lollipop: 

Radio Lollipop is a 501(c) (3) that began in 1978 in Queens Mary, England, and believes in the healing power of play. Miami Children's Hospital was the first hospital in the U.S. to house the program and is only one of three hospitals in the U.S. who have it. Radio Lollipop, each with its fully-equipped in-house radio station, has a vivacious team of volunteers that involve the patients and their families in recreational activities linked to radio programs that are child-focused, and filled with mentally stimulating fun and games.

Radio Lollipop's mission is to provide care, comfort, play and entertainment to hospitalized patients.

Many programs are often presented by the patients themselves! Volunteers also work with the children at bedside playing games, reading books and encouraging them to participate in the radio broadcasts where they have opportunities to win prizes. Five winners are selected from each unit visited, plus on air contest winners, accounting for the over 100 prizes given out every week.   

To learn more about Radio Lollipop at Miami Children's Hospital, visit

www.mch.org/http://www.mch.com/page/EN/2439/Family-Centered-Care-Services/Radio-Lollipop.aspx.

To register, go to: http://prsamiami.org/meetinginfo.php?id=100&ts=1320232994

ACTS Retirement-Life Communities has an opportunity in our regional office in Boca Raton, Florida, for a Public Relations professional to join our team to assist with the promotional efforts of our retirement communities.
 
These endeavors will include serving as a company spokesperson, securing publicity coverage, and responding to media inquiries. You will also write articles for our company publications and website, manage special events, and assist with the development and implementation of overall PR strategies and activities. This position reports to the Corporate Director of Public Relations.
 
Requirements:

• Bachelor’s in Journalism, Public Relations, Communications or related field with a minimum of 5-7 years of public relations experience required.
• Demonstrated success with media relations activities: cultivating relationships with reporters, responding to media inquiries, pitching stories and writing effective press releases/media advisories
• Experience with event planning and management
• Excellent communication, organizational skills and customer relations skills
• Strong writing and editing skills
• Ability to manage multiple projects and work effectively in a team environment
• Some travel is required
• Senior housing experience a plus

 
In additional to a rewarding environment, we offer competitive pay & benefits including health/dental/life insurance, 401(k) and pension.
 
For immediate consideration, please submit resume and cover letter to prjob@actslife.org.
No phone calls please.

Job Description:

Leading Florida advertising and public relations agency with offices in Miami, WPB and NYC seeks a talented Digital Communications Manager or Specialist based in Miami to develop and execute online strategies that build traffic and recruit list members for its clients through SEO, keyword marketing, reciprocal listing, etc. Position includes social media content development, data analysis of online events, review of design and information architecture and website functionality. Good analytical, writing and verbal communication skills essential.  Experience in advertising or PR a plus. Salary matched to skills and experience. Send resume, work samples and cover letter to jennifer@theodonnellagency.com.

Tilson PR is a 20-year public relations firm with a successful track record for producing high-impact campaigns and results for top level clients around the country.  Operating in a true team atmosphere, Tilson is looking for a bright, enthusiastic, self-motivated and polished PR professional who wants to join an energetic firm that services an exciting roster of national and local clients.  The candidate must have strong writing and communication skills, firm knowledge of news media, a strong understanding of social media platforms and work well as part of a team.  Creativity and the ability to develop strategic plans are a necessity.  Three to five years public relations experience required.

Job Requirements:
3-5 years of experience in a PR agency and/or in-house PR team
Excellent written and oral communication skills a must
Superior organization skills
Attention to detail
The ability to multi-task
Problem-solver
Self-starter
Established media contacts with major broadcast, print and online media contacts

How to Apply:
Please email resumes to:
Britt Monroe- bmonroe@tilsonpr.com

Job Description:

Business Wire, a Berkshire Hathaway company, is looking for a full-time Product Specialist, NewsHQ and InvestorHQ in the Plantation, Florida office. The Product Specialist serves as the primary liaison between the Client, HQ Operations, and Web Support throughout all stages of creation and development of Business Wire's NewsHQ Online Newsroom and InvestorHQ Investor Center websites.

The Product Specialist, NewsHQ and InvestorHQ is a member of Business Wire's Media Services and Product Strategy Department and reports directly to the Product Manager, NewsHQ and InvestorHQ.

Job Requirements:

The Product Specialist, NewsHQ and InvestorHQ should possess a combination of organizational skills, verbal and written communication skills, and computer proficiency in MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Adobe Acrobat, and Web browsers. Experience and involvement with content management systems, online newsrooms, investor relations web sites, media relations, public relations, and social media preferred. Bachelor's degree also preferred.

Send a resume, cover letter and salary requirements to:
Business Wire
Via E-mail:fljob@businesswire.com

No phone calls.
No recruiters.

Senior Account Manager Position @ O'DONNELL AGENCY
Senior Account Manager to anchor new Miami office of one of Florida's leading public relations agencies opening October 1. Organized, ambitious, intelligent professional with an understanding of news value, strong news writing abilities and proficiency in social media content needed for our third location. Candidates should be Miami (or Fort Lauderdale) based, possess 5-7 years of PR or journalism experience and have a solid understanding of the local market. Good relationships with media and industry groups a plus. Spanish and English required. Only Miami/Fort Lauderdale-based candidates will be considered for the position. Excellent salary, matched to skills and experience. Contact sarah@theodonnellagency.com with cover letter, detailed resume and salary requirements.

Contact sarah@theodonnellagency.com with cover letter, detailed resume and salary requirements.

Who are we?  The South Florida office of M. Silver Associates, a
national PR firm with a roster of exciting lifestyle and travel
accounts.  We are in the midst of a growth spurt and looking to expand
our team.

Who are you?  A passionate, dedicated team player with experience in a
PR agency or in-house PR position.

Strong writing, event experience and media relations skills are a must.
Travel/tourism or consumer/lifestyle experience is helpful, but not
required.  This is an excellent opportunity for a motivated individual
to join an award-winning, enthusiastic and hard-working team.  Salary
and title negotiable based on qualifications.  

Please submit your resume via e-mail to samantha@msilver-pr.com.  We
look forward to hearing from you!