News

PHILADELPHIA, PA – The Philadelphia Public Relations Association will host “Careers 101: From College to Career” on Tuesday, April 10, from 5:30-8 p.m. at PECO (Energy Hall), 2301 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA. This student program will focus on the ins and outs of the public relations industry with advice and insight from the pros. This event is sponsored by Temple University’s Klein College of Media and Communications.

Attendees will hear from a panel of experienced communication professionals who will share their knowledge and insight on the industry, as well as tips on how to stand out in a challenging job market. The panel discussion will be followed by Q&A session and networking with professionals from a variety of Philadelphia-area companies and non-profit organizations. This year’s confirmed panelists include:

• Amber Burns, Media Relations, Visit Philadelphia
• Danielle Cohn, Senior Director of Entrepreneurial Engagement, Comcast, and 2014 PPRA Hall of Fame Inductee
• Doug Oliver, Director of Communications, PECO
• Logan Yu, Account Coordinator, Vault Communications
• Moderator: Ike Richman, Founder, Ike Richman Communications, and 2005 PPRA Hall of Fame Inductee

“Careers 101 is one of our most anticipated events every year, and this year is no different,” said PPRA President-Elect, Nina Scimenes. “With an all-star lineup of experts, this is a chance for students to get real-world advice from industry pros, network with their peers, and potentially find their next career opportunity. It’s really a can’t-miss event.”

This year’s event will have a special mentorship component for attendees to learn directly from the experts how important mentorship can be and how PPRA can help facilitate a meaningful mentor-mentee relationship for new members. In addition, all attendees will receive free resume critiques and free professional headshots to add to their LinkedIn profile by Philip Gabriel Photography.

Tickets are available online at ppra.net and are $15 per person which includes the program and light refreshments.

About the Philadelphia Public Relations Association (PPRA)

Founded in 1945, PPRA is the premier association for public relations professionals in the Greater Philadelphia area. With nearly 300 active members representing a diverse cross section of businesses and non-profit organizations—including arts and culture, film and television, education, government, healthcare, law, sports, science and technology, philanthropy, tourism and hospitality, and much more—PPRA is one of the region’s pre-eminent professional development organizations. To learn more about PPRA, visit www.ppra.net.

Click here to download the full press release.

Philadelphia, March 12, 2018 -- The Philadelphia Public Relations Association (PPRA) will host an event recognizing PPRA Member Mary Salisbury on Thursday, April 12, at from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at the Field House in Center City Philadelphia.

Salisbury, 23, is currently rehabilitating from paralysis as the result of a spinal cord injury. At the time of her injury, Salisbury was working in her first full-time public relations position -- a job she secured after her 2017 graduation from Temple University. Salisbury is a resident of West Chester, PA and a graduate of Unionville High School.

Funds raised at the event will support Salisbury’s ongoing care as well as Magee Rehabilitation Hospital, where Salisbury is undergoing outpatient therapy. Salisbury plans to attend the PPRA event to thank friends and supportive professional colleagues.

The event will feature a silent auction with items and unique experiences from the Philadelphia Flyers, Kimmel Center, Bru Craft and Wurst, Taproom on 19th, NBC Sports Philadelphia, Hearthside Restaurant, Hochstader’s Slow and Low and SportsRadio 94WIP. Celebrity bartenders for the evening include CBS3’s Pat Gallen, 94WIP’s Jon Marks, WOGL 98.1’s Marilyn Russell and more.

“Competition for even entry level PR jobs can be fierce. The fact that Mary got her foot in the door meant she has something going for her. Talent. Perseverance. Maybe a bit of both,” says PPRA President Adam Dvorin. “Someday -- hopefully soon -- I will learn Mary Salisbury is back at work and living the life she envisioned before her injury. When that happens, it will be a victory that all of us in PPRA will celebrate.”

Dvorin adds: “One of my favorite things about PPRA is our sense of true community. Members may work for different employers, but our professionalism is what brings us together. And, when one of us faces a challenge, the rest of us want to do whatever we can to help out.”

Admission for PPRA’s event to recognize Mary Salisbury is $25 and includes two drinks and appetizers. You can register online at ppra.net or by calling 215-557-9865. Donations can be sent to the Mary Salisbury Special Needs Fund; Citadel Credit Union; 4 Ponds Edge Drive; Chadds Ford, PA 19317.

Editor’s Note: A photo of Mary Salisbury is available upon request.

Interviews with Mary Salisbury can be arranged by calling Adam Dvorin at (856) 296-0741.

About the Philadelphia Public Relations Association (PPRA)

Founded in 1945, PPRA is the leading association for public relations in the Greater Philadelphia area. With nearly 300 active members representing a diverse cross section of businesses and non-profit organizations—including arts and culture, film and television, education, government, healthcare, law, sports, science and technology, philanthropy, tourism and hospitality, and much more—PPRA is one of the region’s pre-eminent professional development organizations. To learn more about PPRA, visit www.ppra.net.

Click here to download the press release.

PHILADELPHIA, PA – A conversation with Tarana Burke, founder of the Me Too movement, highlights the Philadelphia Public Relations Association’s (PPRA) Annual Meeting Celebration on Tuesday, June 5, 5:30 – 8:00 p.m. at the Science History Institute (formerly The Chemical Heritage Foundation), 315 Chestnut St., Philadelphia, PA. Burke’s program will focus on the intersection of public relations, social media and the start of an international movement.

Burke, who shared the Me Too message during this year’s Oscar telecast, is a former Philadelphia resident who served as managing director of Art Sanctuary. She created the Me Too campaign in 2006 to raise awareness of sexual abuse and assault, particularly for women of color. Her work inspired the #MeToo social media movement which helped earn her a spot with other “Silence Breakers” as TIME magazine’s 2017 Person of the Year.

The Annual Meeting also features the induction of the 2018-2019 Board of Governors and the winners of the 2018 Fast Track and Dr. Jean Brodey Achievement awards. Nina Scimenes, Communications and Marketing Manager for Brûlée Catering, will be installed as president.

“The Annual Meeting is truly a celebration for public relations professionals across the Delaware Valley,” said PPRA President Adam Dvorin. “We’re excited to celebrate our members, introduce a new administration, and welcome Keynote Speaker Tarana Burke.”

This event is funded, in large part, by the late Sylvia Kauders, a public relations icon who was PPRA’s longest-standing member when she passed away in 2016 at age 94. Kauders was inducted into the PPRA Hall of Fame in 1976. The Independence Blue Cross Foundation is the lead sponsor. Additional sponsors include Brownstone Public Relations, Feldscher Horwitz Public Relations and the Pennsylvania Convention Center.

Tickets are available online at ppra.net and are $55 for PPRA Members; $70 for Non-Members; $45 for Students. Sponsorship opportunities are still available. Sponsorship levels range from $500-$2,500 and customized packages are available by contacting info@ppra.net.

Click here to download the press release.

PHILADELPHIA, PA – The Philadelphia Public Relations Association (PPRA) will induct Bonnie Grant, Executive Director of PHL Life Sciences , into the PPRA Hall of Fame. Date and time of the induction ceremony will be announced soon.

The PPRA Hall of Fame recognizes Public Relations professionals whose accomplishments have brought honor and recognition to the profession. The Award is the Philadelphia region’s most prestigious recognition of a public relations professional for his or her superior contributions to the public relations industry, the community, and the Philadelphia Public Relations Association.

As Executive Director of PHL Life Sciences, a division of the Philadelphia Convention & Visitors Bureau, Grant is responsible for marketing Greater Philadelphia, ranked the second-largest life sciences sector in the country, as “America’s Life Sciences Meetings Destination.” In her role, she manages more than 60 regional life sciences leaders from Pennsylvania, New Jersey and Delaware, leveraging common resources to enhance awareness of the region as a vibrant destination for life sciences meetings and conventions.

Grant’s previous work includes serving as Deputy City Representative for the City of Philadelphia under Mayors Rendell and Street.She has also served as director of communications and spokesperson for the Greater Philadelphia Urban Affairs Coalition, Philadelphia Eagles and Chestnut Hill College.

Grant’s PPRA root’s run deep. She is a previous member of the PPRA Board of Governors, serving as president for the 2013-14 program year.

“It’s a tremendous honor to be recognized by my peers with the prestigious PPRA Hall of Fame Award,” said Grant. “I’m humbled to join the ranks of so many icons of the Public Relations industry in Philadelphia, and grateful for the opportunity.”

"Bonnie encouraged me to join PPRA," said Danielle Cohn, PPRA Hall of Famer and Executive Director of Entrepreneurial Engagement at Comcast, one of her nominators. "She took me under her wing with an open mind and heart and was - and continues to be - one of the most collaborative partners I have ever met.”

A community leader who supports numerous worthy causes, Grant is also a breast cancer survivor, and has held positions with the Breast and Prostate Health Foundation, the Japan America Society of Greater Philadelphia, and is past board member of The Wellness Community of Philadelphia.

A writer and actor, she is a board member of Random Acts of Theater, having written and produced the group’s 2005 Fringe Festival show “Still Blond, Still Here and Still a Wild Ride” as well as “Women Who Have Walked through the Fire,” a show about living with breast cancer.

Previous recipients are a virtual “who’s who” of Philadelphia public relations professionals. A complete list of Hall of Fame members may be found at ppra.net/PPRA-Hall-of-Fame-Recipients.

Sponsorship opportunities are available for then PPRA Hall of Fame Luncheon, when Grant will be inducted. Sponsorship levels range from $100 -$5,000 and customized packages are available by contacting info@ppra.net.

About the Philadelphia Public Relations Association (PPRA)

Founded in 1945, PPRA is the premier association for public relations professionals in the Greater Philadelphia area. With nearly 300 active members representing a diverse cross section of businesses and non-profit organizations—including arts and culture, film and television, education, government, healthcare, law, sports, science and technology, philanthropy, tourism and hospitality, and much more—PPRA is one of the region’s pre-eminent professional development organizations. To learn more about PPRA, visit www.ppra.net.

The Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts is challenging the Boch Center in Boston to a trash-talk-fueled wager over Super Bowl LII on Sunday, February 4, 2018. Following the outcome of Sunday’s game, the losing city’s performing arts center must: 1. Buy the winning teams’ staff a celebratory lunch (Cheesesteaks vs. Lobster Rolls) 2. Post a staff photo on social media with employees wearing the winning team’s colors 3. Display the winning team’s mascot in campus signage. Here is a video announcing the challenge: https://youtu.be/XhA_6OKmOBU

The Philadelphia Orchestra and the Boston Symphony have issued a friendly wager over Super Bowl LII. The losing team’s Music Director (either Philadelphia’s Yannick Nézet-Séguin or Boston’s Andris Nelsons) will wear the jersey of the winning team during an upcoming rehearsal. Here is a link to the challenge video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DXtCIb1IAKw&t=6s 

Philadelphia’s two public relations professional associations are challenging the Boston chapter of the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA) to a friendly wager over the result of Super Bowl LII. You likely know by now that the Sunday, February 4 game features the NFC champion Philadelphia Eagles against the defending NFL champs, the New England Patriots.

Excited over the prospect of the Philadelphia Eagles winning the franchise’s first Super Bowl, the presidents of the Philadelphia chapter of PRSA and the Philadelphia Public Relations Association (PPRA) have agreed to the following bet with Boston PRSA:

Representatives of the chapters in the losing city must wear the winner’s jersey and hat in front of two iconic city locations.

These representatives will also provide the PR organization in the winning city with:

• A $200 donation (total) to a charity of the winner’s choice
  
• A food package for the organization’s next meeting, representative of iconic food items from the losing city.
  

Of course, some light-hearted banter on social media is encouraged. You can follow along with the hashtags #PRGameOn #BOSvsPhilly and the Twitter handles @PRSABoston, @PRSAPhilly and @PPRA.

“Philadelphians are excited for the underdog Eagles to win the first Super Bowl in team history,” said PPRA President Adam Dvorin. “We’re hoping the Patriots’ experience in Minneapolis is ‘Rocky’ and Pats fans hold their ‘Cheers’ for another year.”

“After 14 years, the Philadelphia Eagles are ready for revenge against the Pats,” said John F. Kouten, President, PRSA Philadelphia. “Nick Foles and company have the Lombardi trophy within reach. #FlyEaglesFly!”

“We are happy to accept the challenge thrown down by PRSA Philadelphia and the PPRA. As fans of the sport, we can all relate to the passion they show for their team,” said Erin Callanan, president of PRSA Boston. “However, we are #NotDone and we remain confident the Patriots are going to show up, #DoTheirJob and bring #OneMore Lombardi trophy home to New England.”

About the Philadelphia Public Relations Association (PPRA)

Founded in 1945, PPRA is the leading association for public relations in the Greater Philadelphia area. With nearly 300 active members representing a diverse cross section of businesses and non-profit organizations—including arts and culture, film and television, education, government, healthcare, law, sports, science and technology, philanthropy, tourism and hospitality, and much more—PPRA is one of the region’s pre-eminent professional development organizations. To learn more about PPRA, visit www.ppra.net.

About PRSA Philadelphia

PRSA Philadelphia provides opportunities for professional development, mentoring and networking for communications professionals. The chapter also produces the region’s most prominent communications job bank and opportunities to earn professional accreditation.

For more information about the chapter, volunteer opportunities or its board of directors, visit www.philly.org; follow PRSA Philly on Twitter (@PRSAPhilly); or connect with the chapter on Facebook (PRSA-Philadelphia Chapter). For information on PRSA national, please visit www.prsa.org.

About PRSA Boston

The Boston Chapter of the Public Relations Society of America brings together a diverse group of talented professionals committed to enhancing the practice of PR through our work, service and leadership across the region. More than 300 members strong and growing, the Chapter comprises practitioners at all levels who represent public relations firms, independent consultancies, corporations, government agencies, hospitals and health care institutions, professional associations and nonprofit organizations. PRSA Boston also proudly supports public relations education at area universities, extending our mentoring and professional development efforts to six campuses with chapters of the Public Relations Student Society of America and others with PR-preparatory curricula and clubs.

John F. Kouten, President

PRSA Philadelphia

609-456-0822

president@philly.org

Adam Dvorin, President

PPRA

(856) 296-0741

adamdvorinppra@gmail.com

Independence Blue Cross (Independence), in celebration of the NFC Champion Philadelphia Eagles (Eagles), will sponsor dog mask cutouts for fans to cheer on the team during the Big Game on Sunday, February 4 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Dog masks, symbolizing the Eagles’ status as “underdogs,” have been popular and hard to get since the Eagles’ Divisional Round Playoff win on January 13. To ensure that fans have access to this important new symbol of Eagles pride, Independence is making the cutouts widely available, including as an insert into the Friday, February 2 print edition of The Philadelphia Inquirer and the Philadelphia Daily News.

“The spirit and character of an underdog resonates in Philadelphia, unlike in any other city,” said Daniel J. Hilferty, president and CEO at Independence. “Underdogs live fearless — and play fearless too. As part of the fabric this community, Independence respects and values the grit, persistence and all-out faith that our Philadelphia Eagles have shown this season. Knowing what this moment means to generations of fans – and generations of our members — in the region, we are proud to help make the fan experience everything it can be.”

Hilferty also announced that Independence will donate to The Fund for the School District of Philadelphia in support of the fundraising campaign started by Eagles’ offensive tackle Lane Johnson and defensive end Chris Long. Their debut of the dog mask and vocal embrace of the team’s “underdog” status led to this region-wide sensation. Johnson and Long have subsequently leveraged this enthusiasm for philanthropic support of The Fund through the sale of two specialty t-shirts.

Lane Johnson expressed his gratitude to fans and Independence, saying, “It is awesome to see everyone in Eagles Nation – from our incredible fans to important companies in the region – coming together to support our cause and our team. This is what Philly is all about – helping each other and improving this City for local kids.”

Also sharing in the excitement of the announcement was former Head Coach of the Philadelphia Eagles and Independence Ambassador, Dick Vermeil. Reflecting on his own experiences, especially in taking the Eagles to the Championship Game in 1980, Vermeil said, “Philadelphia Eagles fans are as smart and committed a fan base as you will find. Their passion is something that made my time as head coach so memorable. The fact that the team and the city have united together as “underdogs” just shows how special that bond is. I’m delighted that Independence has stepped forward to ensure that the best fans in the league are ready for the Big Game and it makes me proud to see players like Lane Johnson and Chris Long step up in such an important way.”

On behalf of all the employees at Independence, we join with the region in saying, “Fly, Eagles, Fly.”

Shriners Hospitals for Children — Philadelphia has been celebrating the Eagles’ success, much to the chagrin of our sister hospitals in Minnesota and Boston. We’ve been exchanging friendly wagers and spirit videos. Click here to view the video which was in anticipation of the NFC Championship. We have another in the works for the Super Bowl.

Philadelphia has loved a good underdog story ever since the Continental Army took on the British Empire during the Revolutionary War! That's why, in the spirit of friendly competition, we're temporarily renaming our Patriots Gallery as "Eagles Gallery" until the Super Bowl face off between our hometown team, the Philadelphia Eagles, and the New England Patriots. Click here for more information.