San Francisco PRSA Holiday Reception; Join Your Local Chapter to Celebrate the Holidays, Plan for the New Millennium and Test a Futuristic New Product

Business Wire, Nov 30, 1999

SAN FRANCISCO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Nov. 30, 1999--

The San Francisco Chapter of the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA) announces its last general meeting of the 20th Century, a holiday party that no PR practitioner will want to miss. No fruitcake and karaoke with the boss, just fun, surprises and networking over lunch with some of the best public relations professionals in San Francisco.

The event is set for Wednesday, December 8th from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. in the Bechtel Room on the 9th floor of the City Club at 155 Sansome Street, San Francisco. Lunch will be served at noon, following a reception. The party is open to members, prospective members and guests. However, advance reservations are required. Pre-registration is $30 for members and $35 for non-members. Checks should be made payable to PRSA/SF and sent to Sam Prosperi, PRSA Hospitality Chair, C/O Blue Skies PR Staffing, 251 Lafayette Circle, Suite 340, Lafayette, CA 94549.

"The gathering this year is more than just a chance to mingle with some of San Francisco's finest public relations practitioners, although that would be reason enough to attend," said Chapter President Bill Orr. "It's also an opportunity to hear about the latest value-added benefits of PRSA, to review our chapter direction and our purpose, and to vote on a board slate that will guide us into the next millennium. Plus, we'll have a chance to preview an innovative high-end product provided by our party co-sponsor, pen company A.T. Cross."

In conjunction with Cross, the chapter has arranged to give all members attending the party a gift worth more than the cost of the advance luncheon reservations -- or even local chapter dues. Cross has selected the chapter as a test group for its new Morph Pen, the world's first pen with an adjustable grip that ergonomically conforms to any writer's preference.

As Y2K approaches and the threat of computer meltdown looms, one can't help but wonder how a profession based on writing might be affected. The Morph is a futuristic answer to an old-fashioned method of communicating -- one that just might be needed more than ever in the wake of Y2K word processing woes.

In addition to receiving a Cross Morph Pen, attendees will have a chance to win a number of door prizes donated by PRSA members. West Glen Communications has donated a $50 gift certificate to Nordstrom. Business Wire has offered a gift certificate for a free breaking news or feature distribution to Bay Area media or one free research project with their Information Services department. And for the kid in all of us, Electric Arts has donated three of their latest sports video games.

The San Francisco Chapter of the Public Relations Society of America was chartered in 1949, just two years after the founding of its parent organization, now the largest PR association in the world. Historically one of the most active and innovative branches of PRSA, the chapter vigorously promotes ongoing PR education, encourages accreditation exams for its members and schedules monthly meetings at the historic City Club in San Francisco's financial district.

Among its many honors and accomplishments, the chapter established a model for ongoing professional development courses by organizing a series of intense, one-day workshops -- "Workshops 'Till You Drop" -- with a range of popular topics geared to the tactical, strategic and senior management levels of the PR industry. The chapter has also been selected to serve as host for the annual PRSA National Conference in 2002.