2013
Yearboo k
Welcom e Le t te r At the start of 2013, a handful of young professionals took the reins of PRSA Young Pros in southeastern Wisconsin. At the time, we didn’t know each other that well. But, we shared a passion for connecting with young professionals and providing that opportunity to others as well. We came a long way since that cold, February meeting at Starbucks. In the past year, we built upon the success of the previous board and hosted some exciting monthly events focused on education and fun. We launched the first-ever mentor program that connects young and seasoned professionals. We developed a “WE ARE HARD AT WORK DEVELOPING A fresh, new look, including a logo and branded social media pages. We grew our network of GREAT LINEUP OF EVENTS FOR 2014 AND young professionals by more than 200 percent to CONTINUING TO RECRUIT MORE YOUNG nearly 400 individuals. And, we watched proudly as several young professionals moved up the ladder PROFESSIONALS LIKE YOU.” at their companies this year.
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But, we’re not stopping there. We are hard at work developing a great lineup of events for 2014 and continuing to recruit more young professionals like you. Take a look at the following pages to learn what our group is all about. Then, make a point to join us for one or more events in the coming year. And please, bring a friend, tell a colleague about our group or sign up to get more involved. Like you, our journey is new. We hope to continue to inspire you as we grow together.
- The PRSA Young Pros Board
Who We Are PRSA Young Pros is a subgroup of the Public Relations Society of America–Southeastern Wisconsin Chapter. Our mission is to ensure the future strength of the public relations and social media industry in southeastern Wisconsin by connecting young communications professionals and building community through monthly educational outings, networking opportunities and fun. There is no annual membership fee, though young professionals can further expand their network by becoming a member of PRSA. Discounted fees are available for those new to the field. Event proceeds help fund PRSA Young Pros programming throughout the year.
2013
Boar d m e m be rs Our 2013 executive board consists of a great team of dedicated, young professionals:
Katie Baumgart — Co-Chair Katie Baumgart is a co-chair for Young Pros, and a 2012 graduate of The University of Findlay. She is currently working as a public relations assistant account executive at Laughlin Constable. Prior to this, she was an intern at VISIT Milwaukee and in the office of public information at her university. You can reach Katie at kbaumgart@laughlin.com.
Sarah Kikkert — Co-Chair Sarah Kikkert is a co-chair for Young Pros, and a 2012 graduate of Marquette University. She is currently working as communications and social media coordinator for Wisconsin State Fair Park after working as an intern for the State Fair for two years while in school. Prior to this, she worked at Mueller Communications. She has also interned with the Marquette University Career Services Center, Milwaukee Children’s Choir and Golden Chic Events & Consulting. You can reach Sarah at smkikkert@gmail.com.
We are excited to welcome the following additional board members for 2014: Emily Bultman Wisconsin Dental Association Mentor Program Chair Megan Hemmelgarn Bader Rutter Social Media Chair Gus Lopez Capstone National Partners Events & Programming Chair Jordan Steinert Cousins Submarines, Inc. PRSSA Chapter Liaison
Jackie Hribar — Secretary/Treasurer Jackie Hribar is secretary/treasurer for Young Pros, and a 2002 graduate of Marquette University. She is currently working as a senior public relations account executive at Celtic Inc., Brookfield. Her clients include Irish Fest, Edvest and Kohler Generators. Prior to this, she worked at Caffeine Communications where she introduced a new generation to Harley-Davidson motorcycles. She also worked at VMS Chicago and Meyer & Wallis. You can reach Jackie at jackieh@celticinc.com.
Meghan Boyle — Social Media Chair Meghan Boyle is social media chair for Young Pros, and a 2007 graduate of UW-Stevens Point. She is currently working as an assistant account executive at Celtic Inc., Brookfield. While in school, Meghan interned in London for Waterwise, a nonprofit organization, where she worked with Parliament and major news outlets such as the BBC. She also enjoys volunteering for a number of local organizations including the Shamrock Club of Wisconsin. You can reach Meghan at meghanb@celticinc.com.
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M e nto r Program This year, we launched the inaugural PRSA-Southeastern Wisconsin Chapter Mentor Program, a partnership between the Chapter and the Young Pros. The program was created to foster relationships between young and seasoned professionals with a goal of strengthening the future of the public relations industry. For our mentees, the program offers an opportunity to learn the ropes, establish a network and obtain career advice. Meanwhile, our mentors benefit from exercising their leadership skills and keeping up-todate with new technologies from a younger generation. To kick off the program, we hosted a mentor mixer at Transfer Pizzeria in June where mentors and mentees met for the first time. After working their way through a series of clues, each pair got a chance to know each other better – personally “AFTER WORKING THEIR WAY THROUGH and professionally. Over dinner, mentors and mentees had a chance to establish their goals for A SERIES OF CLUES, EACH PAIR GOT A the mentorship.
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CHANCE TO KNOW EACH OTHER BETTER, PERSONALLY AND PROFESSIONALLY.”
Midway through the year, we hosted a social outing at a Milwaukee Brewers game. In January, we encouraged each pair to attend a PRSA Chapter luncheon together. In between, mentors and mentees are invited to meet up, grab some coffee and discuss the public relations topics that interest them. We have 16 wonderful mentors and mentees this year. Take a look at their names below. We look forward to both continuing and expanding the program in 2014.
MENTEES
MENTORS
Katie Baumgart Laughlin Constable
Bill Bussler Celtic
Emily Bultman Wisconsin Dental Association
Alan L. Gaudynski, APR, Fellow PRSA PR Wisconsin
Julie Caan Vollrath Associates
Jessica Vollrath Huebner Vollrath Associates
Jessie Deschane Core Creative
Steve Johnstone, APR The Falk Group
Sarah Doran Bader Rutter
Leslie Stachowiak Kohler Co., Hospitality & Real Estate
Jackie Hribar Celtic Sarah Kikkert Wisconsin State Fair Justin Smith Trefoil Group
Michail Takach Manpower Group Jerry Topczewski, APR Archdiocese of Milwaukee Carol S. Weber, APR Wisconsin Dental Association
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2013
Each month, the PRSA Young Pros host a networking event that centers on education or entertainment.
MARCH EVENT BLUtender Battle Our first event kicked off the year in March at Blu at the Pfister Hotel. An annual tradition, it marks the passing of the torch from one year’s board to the next. Last year’s co-chairs staffed the bar for one hour, followed by this year’s co-chairs. Young pros helped raise money for 2013 programming as they met, mixed and mingled.
APRIL EVENT Women Creating Change During YP Week in Milwaukee, the Young Pros teamed up with the WGirls, a female-based volunteer group, to present a panel on Women Creating Change. The event, held at the Charles Allis Art Museum, highlighted pioneering women in the nonprofit industry who are working to make our communities stronger. They included: Amy Heller, founder and international president of the WGirls Inc.; Leslie Colvin, founder and president of Wgirls Milwaukee; Brittani Von Ruden, director of marketing and public relations at Museum of Wisconsin Art; Sarah Fierek, director of underwriting partnerships and on-air personality at 88Nine Radio Milwaukee; and Alison Nolan, public relations specialist at Children’s Hospital.
MAY EVENT Media Mash Up A panel of young professionals in the media shared their tips and best practices during this event at Stone Creek Coffee’s roasting headquarters. The panel included: Sandra Torres of CBS 58, Erica Breunlin of BizTimes Milwaukee, Jeff Engel of The Business Journal and Jesse Mitchell of 97.3 Radio Now. A private barista served all-you-can-drink lattes, tea and coffee drinks.
JUNE EVENT Summer Social Young professionals enjoyed the beauty of summer along the Milwaukee River during a relaxed, social event in June. Friends, old and new, unwound at Rustico Pizzeria in the Third Ward over classic, summer cocktails.
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JULY EVENT OnMilwaukee Open House OnMilwaukee opened their doors to the PRSA Young Pros in July. This event offered a first look at the online magazine’s new, downtown headquarters. Editorial staff was on hand to answer questions about how to pitch the media and the best ways to interact with journalists. To provide fuel for networking, Milwaukee’s famous Sprecher Root Beer was served in Mason jars along with pretzels.
AUGUST EVENT Young Pros Bond Over Bocce For our August event, young pros went head-to-head on the ultimate urban bocce field in Milwaukee. This relaxing, late summer event was hosted at the Intercontinental Hotel. New and old friends were invited to network while enjoying some light competition.
SEPTEMBER EVENT Discuss: Crisis Communication Our September event focused on an important issue in the public relations industry – crisis communication. During this event at Gravity Connect, young pros were matched with a crisis communications professional and assigned one of three real-life crisis case studies: the LIVESTRONG/Lance Armstrong Crisis, National Peanut Butter Recall or Swiffer Wet Jet Pet Rumor. Each group presented their strategy and tactics for overcoming the crisis before opening the floor to a group discussion.
OCTOBER EVENT
2013 Splash Studio Splash Studio, a painting bar in the Third Ward, opened their doors to a private Young Pros event in October. During a fun, three-hour painting instruction session, each participant was invited to explore their creative side as they created a nighttime, city skyline on canvas. The group enjoyed pizzas catered by Rustico Pizzeria along with mini cupcakes.
NOVEMBER EVENT 10 Principles of Social Content First presented at the Marquette Univeristy PR + Social Media Summit in October, the PRSA Young Pros hosted an encore presentation by Sarah Van Elzen, social media director at Hanson Dodge Creative. Sarah discussed what defines “good” content, provided industry relevant examples and showcased the top 10 principles every writer needs to know. Afterward, young pros networked over cheese plates, fruit and wine.
DECEMBER EVENT PR Palooza The PRSA Young Pros, together with the PRSA Southeastern Wisconsin Chapter, co-hosted a kick-off to the holiday season in early December. PR professionals mixed and mingled during a fantastic networking event in a one-of-a-kind setting – the Historic Miller Caves at Miller Brewing Company. All were invited to have a cup of cheer and converse with public relations professionals from throughout the region who work in agency, corporate and in-house settings.
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Co nnect with us If you are interested in attending our events, becoming a member of PRSA or just want to know more about PRSA Young Pros, we’d love to hear from you! Send us an email or connect with us on social media! Website: prsawis.org/young-pros
Email: PRSAwisYP@gmail.com
Twitter: @PRSAwisYP
Logo and Design by Alisha Denomme alishadenomme.com @alishadenomme
PRSA Young Pros Offers You a Chance to: • Grow professional skills at development events • Share best practices in the public relations, marketing and communications industries • Network in casual and professional settings with other local, young pros • Access seasoned professionals with our exclusive Mentor Program • Give back to the Milwaukee PR community • Connect, succeed and have a blast while doing it!
Illustrations by Autumn Brown behance.net/autumnbrown autumndrawsthings@gmail.com 2014-02-21