FREE PRSA Mixer - Join San Antonio's PRSA chapter on Thursday, July 9 from 5:30 – 7:30 p.m. at Zinc Champagne & Wine Bar for a FREE networking opportunity! Bring plenty of business cards and some cash for the silent auction. Drop your business card at the door for a chance to win a door prize. There will be a cash bar, and appetizers will be provided. Zinc is located at 207 N. Presa, San Antonio, 78205. Parking is available in the parking garage directly across the street on N. Presa ($5-$7 for parking). Deadline to RSVP  is Monday, July 6.

Sizzlin’ Summer Session for Members
By Fran Stephenson

Every year, just prior to the last day of school, I ask my son to write down the five things he “must” do this summer. Two years ago, his list included having a community picnic with our neighbors up at Inks Lake, making a trebuchet with his dad and going out to breakfast on a Saturday.

This year, we’ve been so busy, we haven’t yet had time to sit down and make the list, but it occurred to me that this would be a great thing to do from a professional standpoint. But don’t despair that you’ve got to compile the list all by yourself, or that you will be forced to go canoeing with my family this summer. The board of the San Antonio chapter is one step ahead of you.

We’re calling it “Summer Session” because, if you’ve ever taken a class at summer school, you know that you want the “light” version in which you don’t have to think too much.

“Summer Session” blog postings begin Tuesday, June 23 and we’ll be “in session” for ten weeks, every Tuesday and Thursday. Be sure to stop by the PRSA blog to check out this year’s “Summer Session.”

Preparations for next year’s Del Oro Awards program are already underway, and we need your help. We are looking for a graphic designer to design the Del Oro call for entries mailer, banquet invitation and event program.

On April 1, PRSA launched a financial hardship plan for members who are unemployed or temporarily disabled, have been a member for five years or longer and are currently up for renewal of their membership. Qualifying members will receive a one-time $110 credit on their National dues. Click here for terms of the plan. Members who wish to apply for the plan should send an e-mail to the PRSA Member Services department or call (212) 460-1400; they will be asked to complete a one-page form.

The PRSA Southwest District Board is offering five additional APR Scholarships in 2009. Eligible candidates must have: earned APR since January 1, 2009, be a current and ACTIVE member of a PRSA Southwest District Chapter and have served a minimum of 1 year in a leadership role with a PRSA Chapter. Apply now  or check the District Web site for more information!

Don’t have a year of service? Talk to a current board member to find out how you too can serve and become eligible for next year!

Seven Ways to Generate Story Angles - Never struggle for a story angle again!”

Wish you had a way to generate news, even when it seems there is nothing new? Margo Mateas shows you seven ways to come up with fresh ideas, CEO profiles and feature stories, even when it seems there’s nothing newsworthy to talk about. You’ll come away with a list of new ideas and a renewed enthusiasm for pitching!

One of the many benefits of PRSA membership: ongoing professional development! Join us for the next quarterly professional development teleseminar at 2 p.m. on Thursday, June 18 at San Antonio Area Chapter American Red Cross, 3642 E. Houston Street. Register now!

“Navigating the newsroom… Getting your story into print”
Get the latest tips on seeing your news in print and online. Elaine Ayala, longtime writer for the San Antonio Express News covering local news, trends and culture, offers tips on how to navigate the newsroom and deliver the best pitch you can.

Members Note: Walk-in registration will no longer be available at monthly luncheons.Click here for more information.  When registering for this luncheon, take a moment to fill out our quick survey to let us know how we’re doing. Don't miss out on the survey or this great luncheon, register now.

Come early and get a free demo with a new online tool!
This year, PRSA will be offering free 10-minute demos prior to the monthly luncheons for participants.  June Topic: Delicious

PRSA San Antonio hosted a banquet on May 7 to recognize winners of the chapter’s seventh annual Del Oro Awards contest. View photos from the banquet.

The chapter presented 26 trophies or awards of excellence and 18 certificates of merit in the La Plata (Silver) division for PR campaigns and the El Bronce (Bronze) division for PR tactics.

Are you guiding or authoring a blog for your organization, corporation or client? We might be interested in profiling you in Byline or our chapter blog. Please drop a line to Fran Stephenson at fran.stephenson@seaworld.com with the url and your other pertinent contact details.