Four Decades of Excellence: The Legacy of FPRA Southwest Florida
For 40 years, the Southwest Florida Chapter of the Florida Public Relations Association (FPRA) has been a foundation of excellence, shaping the public relations and communications industry in our community. Since our founding in 1985, we have provided a space for PR practitioners to connect, learn, and grow through networking, professional development, and industry advocacy.
Honoring a Legacy of Leadership
Over the decades, our chapter has been recognized for its dedication to public relations excellence:
- Six Chapter of the Year awards – highlighting the chapter’s leadership and outstanding contributions.
- Five Chapter President of the Year awards – celebrating the visionary leadership that has guided the chapter’s growth.
- 36 current members accredited in public relations (APR) – showcasing a commitment to industry standards and expertise.
- 19 current members achieved the Certified Public Relations Counselor (CPRC) designation – a testament to the chapter’s deep bench of senior-level PR professionals.
Beyond these honors, our chapter has contributed significantly to the state association, hosting three FPRA state conferences and creating programs that support both new and experienced PR professionals. In addition, we are committed to growing the next generation of PR professionals through our student chapter at Florida Gulf Coast University.
Honoring Excellence
Due to our rich history and contributions, the Lee County Board of County Commissioners issued a proclamation officially declaring January 16, 2025 as PR and Communications Professionals’ Day in Lee County. This recognition underscores our commitment to elevating the profession and serving as a trusted resource in the region.
We also take pride in recognizing outstanding contributions to the profession through special awards:
- Lifetime Achievement Award – Honoring Lynn Schneider, APR, CPRC, for her decades of dedication to public relations, mentorship, and leadership within FPRA at both the chapter and state levels.
- The Teri Hansen insPiRe Scholarship – Established to recognize founding member Teri Hansen, APR, this scholarship provides annual funding for a chapter member to attend FPRA’s PR & Communications Summit, furthering professional development.
Evolving with the Industry
Public relations has changed dramatically over the past 40 years, shifting from traditional media outreach to digital communications, social media engagement, and data-driven storytelling. Throughout these transformations, the Southwest Florida Chapter has remained at the forefront, helping our members stay ahead of trends and develop the skills necessary to navigate an ever-evolving industry.
From media training workshops and crisis communication panels to hands-on professional development and networking events, we continue to equip our members with the tools they need to succeed.
Looking to the Future
As we celebrate this milestone, we also look forward to the future. The commitment to ensuring that public relations professionals in Southwest Florida will always have…
Here’s to the next 40 years of success!