Phoenix Chapter Leads in PRSA Membership Growth

Business Wire, August 25, 2004

PHOENIX -- The Phoenix Chapter of the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA) has been recognized by its national association for having the largest growth in membership among large chapters during the months of May-July. The chapter currently has about 250 members.

The Phoenix Chapter PRSA experienced a 7.1 percent increase in membership during a Chapter Appreciation Promotion held over a two-month period. Winners of the promotion were announced Aug. 11, 2004, with the Phoenix Chapter in first place for chapters with 200 or more members. As a result, the chapter will receive a $250 stipend from the Public Relations Society of America to use for professional development programs.

Phoenix Chapter President Kelly Taft, APR (accredited in public relations) attributed the increase to a combination of factors, including stepped-up recruitment efforts, enhanced professional development programs and the Chapter's desire to serve as a key professional resource for public relations practitioners.

"Member surveys show that professional development and networking are the most common reasons for joining PRSA," said Taft. "The Phoenix Chapter provides career assistance and opportunities for professional development, networking, training and resource sharing for the Valley's communication professionals," she said.

The Public Relations Society of America is the world's largest professional organization for public relations practitioners, with nearly 20,000 members organized into 116 chapters worldwide. PRSA's national membership has risen for six straight months this year (February through July), a record based on the five years of data available.

July membership ended at 19,888 members -- an increase of 2.35 percent (457 members) from the start of the year. The number of new members is up 5 percent over 2003.