When I reflect on my time as President, it can be summed up in two words – unification and investment. The two state chapters merged to become the Greater Connecticut Chapter in 2018 and presented our membership with a newly formed board, new found excitement and renewed optimism. And then the board committed itself to investing to ensure the chapter provided our membership with professional development and events throughout the year.

 

In 2019, we delivered a full year of in-person events that provided valuable professional development and networking opportunities, compelling guest speakers, and the opportunity to showcase the great work of our membership at the annual Mercury Awards ceremony.

 

And then the world turned upside down in March 2020.

 

When the pandemic hit, we each found ourselves adjusting to a new way of work life. For many, the home became the office and work priorities shifted. The chapter’s first planned event of the year was cancelled, and future events were in disarray, but in simplest terms, teamwork made the dream work.

 

The board came together and mapped out a series of virtual professional development programs that included social media analytics, our popular “Meet the Media” series, how to plan a successful virtual event and more. The 2020 Mercury Awards were also virtually. As they say, the show must go on so we celebrated the best work of Connecticut PR professionals online.

 

I am proud of our volunteer board and committees for bringing all of this together under such adverse and challenging times. Our virtual events significantly improved the chapter’s financial standing. We received more Mercury Award entries than last year and the year before, and our membership held steady. The chapter is stronger than ever!

 

This has truly been a rewarding and incredible experience to serve as your chapter President. I leave feeling satisfied and proud of all of the work we have accomplished and the challenges we have overcome. I am confident that Alison Skratt (Webster Bank) as the incoming President for 2020 – 2022 will do an amazing job and further advance PRSA here in Connecticut.

 

In closing, I assure you that I will remain active in the chapter and on the board as immediate past president. I also want to thank the membership, the board and all committee members for your assistance and commitment during my tenure.

 

To quote Jerry Garcia from the Grateful Dead, “What a long strange trip it’s been.”

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Thank you,