New chief at PRISM

Friday, Feb. 5, 2010

February kicks off a new year of leadership and a new emphasis on professional development for Public Relations Individuals in Southern Maryland, with social media on the agenda for the next bi-monthly meeting.

This year's PRISM officers include President Karen O'Connor, business developer with the Corporate Center at the College of Southern Maryland; Vice President Marisa Davis, director of corporate communications with Imagine One Technology & Management; Treasurer Diane Deskins Hicks, marketing manager with Community Bank of Tri-County; Membership Chairwoman Marilyn Lash, publicity specialist with St. Mary's County Library; and Publicity Chairwoman Terry Ressler, corporate communications manager with Southern Maryland Electric Cooperative.

The Past President's Council includes Marc Apter, associate vice president of marketing-public relations, St. Mary's College of Maryland; Karen Everett, public information officer, St. Mary's County government; Josh Davis of Bay Media Services; Katherine Stormont of Full Stride Communications; and me.

O'Connor, who has coordinated PRISM's annual marketing and PR workshop the past two years, shared her thoughts and goals for 2010 as part of an interview to introduce her to colleagues within Southern Maryland.

PRISM: What do you enjoy most about being in PRISM?

O'Connor: The professional development is top-notch. At every meeting, we focus on a public relations and/or marketing topic. Speakers share their expertise and experience with us. Some of our topics have included how to incorporate social marketing in your PR plan, crisis communication and the use of PR in fundraising. Also, the networking is great. You're meeting and learning from Southern Maryland professionals who are working in the same field.

PRISM: What do you see as the most pressing issue for PR professionals?

O'Connor: There are so many media communication vehicles that it's difficult to get your message heard. Communication is instantaneous, and everyone is constantly being bombarded with, oftentimes, too much information. Public relations and marketing professionals need to know how to effectively use the wealth of tools available to them and communicate their message so that it's heard and understood.

PRISM: What is your goal for PRISM this year?

O'Connor: I want to ensure that we continue to provide timely, interesting and educational experiences to the membership. I also would like to see the group grow. Last year was a growth year for us with an average of 50 attendees at every meeting. PRISM also has an annual workshop every October. Last year's workshop was well received with more than 70 people attending. It's important to keep that momentum going. I'd also like to see PRISM giving back more to our community. This year, we will establish a scholarship fund for students who want to make communications their career.

PRISM: What are you reading right now?

O'Connor: I'm enrolled in a master's program at the College of Notre Dame. It's the beginning of the semester, so my free time is being taken up with an economics textbook.

PRISM: What is the one thing you must do within the next five years?

O'Connor: Finish my master's degree, which should happen next year.

PR tip for the month

The groundhog saw his shadow this week, which the Groundhog Club's Inner Circle translates as indicating six more weeks of winter. Don't' burrow yourself away with Punxsutawney Phil. Instead, invite colleagues into your inner circle and make it a habit to intentionally and frequently connect with three or four different individuals in your network.

As part of that inner circle, consider the PRISM network. Based on input provided by fall workshop participants, social media practices will be on the agenda at the next bi-monthly meeting, beginning at noon Feb. 18 at Jefferson Patterson Park & Museum in St. Leonard. A panel discussion will be convened on social media as members explore Facebook, Twitter, YouTube and more to meet the input voiced by participants at the fall workshop requesting more sessions and in-depth coverage on this topic.

The purpose of PRISM is to provide professional development and networking opportunities to individuals practicing public relations and marketing. Currently, the organization comprises members serving in various industries such as economic development, defense, retailing, health care, government, nonprofit, education and professional services. Bi-monthly luncheon meetings are held on a rotating basis among venues in Calvert, Charles and St. Mary's counties. For information on upcoming meetings, go to www.prismonline.info.

Karen Smith Hupp is on the Past Presidents' Council of Public Relations Individuals of Southern Maryland and is the director of community relations at the College of Southern Maryland. She can be contacted at karens@csmd.edu or 301-934-7701.