Registration Now Underway for FPRAs "MediaMatch.Com" Media Breakfast on February 10 in Lakeland; Open to All

Tuesday, January 20

Representatives of non-profit groups and for-profit businesses in Polk and nearby counties are invited to learn how to develop and maintain solid media relations skills by participating in a media education breakfast sponsored by the Dick Pope/Polk County Chapter of the Florida Public Relations Association (FPRA) on Tuesday, February 10 in Lakeland.

The "MediaMatch.comMake a Media Connection" themed program is set for 8:00 am to 12:00 noon in the community room of the Highland Park Church of the Nazarene at 4777 Lakeland Highlands Boulevard in Lakeland. The fee of $40 for FPRA members, $50 for guests and $25 for students includes four media relations workshops featuring editors and reporters from the print, TV, radio and blogging/internet media; a keynote address by David Carlson of the University of Floridas Center for Media Innovation and Research; and a buffet-style breakfast. All attendees will also receive an up-to-date media guide compiled by FPRA in CD format.

"FPRA is offering this program in cooperation with local media organizations to teach representatives of non-profit organizations and small businesses how to effectively use the media to promote their organization and/or cause. We urge all non profits and businesses to take advantage of this opportunity by registering for 'MediaMatch.com' as quickly as possible," said Suleima Salgado of the Polk County Health Department in her role chair of the media breakfast planning committee. Salgado said the educational program is open to everyone, with reservations on a "first come, first served basis."

Attendees will learn the proper procedure for contacting and submitting information to the print media from a panel of seasoned journalists consisting of Joe Braddy of the News Chief; Lynne Maddox, Robin Adams and Paula Stuart, all of The Ledger; Brian Ackley of the Lake Wales New/Frostproof News; Peggy Kehoe of the Polk Democrat/Ft. Meade Leader; Aaron Oberlin of Winter Haven FOCUS/Lakeland FOCUS; Robert Pitts of the Florida Real Estate Journal and Patrick Manteiga of LaGaceta, a Hispanic newspaper published in Tampa.

Panelists who will teach attendees how to access and effectively use TV and radio to gain positive exposure for their organizations and/or causes include Ken Suarez and Jamie Cook, both of Fox News Channel 13; Melissa Sogegian of Bay News 9; Joan Davies of Polk Government TV; Andrea Oliver of the Hall Communications Radio Group and possibly a journalist associated with a Hispanic radio station.

Expert panelists for a special breakout session on the emerging blogging/internet sector of the media will be Bob Gernert of the Greater Winter Haven Chamber of Commerce and Chuck Welsh of Lakeland Local.com.

David Carlson, executive director of the University of Florida's Center for Media Innovation and Research, will open the program with a keynote address titled "Changes in the Media and Their Impact on the Public Relations Profession." Carlson, who also is a journalism professor at UF's College of Journalism and Communication in Gainesville, FL, is a noted expert in communication technologies and experimental design, as well as public relations principles, research, writing and campaigns.

"Everyone who wants to learn about recent and future changes in the media and their impact on PR, and how to effectively use the media to promote an organization and/or a cause should attend this FPRA media workshop," Salgado said.

Reservations can be made by calling Teresa OBrien of Polk County Public Schools at 863-534-0698 or by sending an e-mail to teresa.obrien@polk-fl.net. Additional information on the media breakfast can be obtained on the sponsoring FPRA chapters website at www.fprapolk.org/home or by contacting Salgado at 863-519-7900 or suleima_salgado@doh.state.fl.us.

Corporate sponsors who have thus far teamed up with FPRA on this venture include Watson Clinic LLP, Clark/Nikdel/Powell Advertising, Estates at Carpenters, Webster University, Messner Printing, A Womans Choice, the Highlands Park Church of the Nazarene, Bagley Advertising, the Polk County Health Department, Central Florida Tourism & Sports Marketing, Citizens Bank, White's Flowers and Shirley Whitney.

"We thank all of our media partners and corporate sponsors for making the media breakfast possible. The keynote address, breakout sessions and comprehensive media guide will prove very beneficial to our attendees as they enlist the support of all segments of the media to promote their organizations and projects," O'Brien said.

In addition to Suleima Salgado and Teresa O'Brien, the "MediaMatch.Com" committee includes Ken Nelson, APR, of AIM Engineering & Surveying; Phil Attinger of the American Red Cross Polk County Chapter; Jim Frankowiak of the Coastal Public Relations Group; Jennifer Baker of Watson Clinic; Angie Ellison of the Drug Prevention Resource Center; Danny Kushmer of the Southwest Florida Water Management District; Katie Gernert of Bond Clinic; Pat Rideout of the Polk County Builders Association; and Shirley Whitney.

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