First Meeting Recap - Fall 2009

What a great first meeting! We missed those of you who couldn't make it, so this blog entry is for you :)

We started right at 6 p.m., and I opened up with the shortest PowerPoint presentation that has ever graced UCF's projector screens. First, we introduced the new board members:

• Michelle Khouri, President
• Lauri Gagnon, Vice President
• Masha Murakhovsky, Director of Public Relations
• Julie Primrose, Communication Assistant
• Roxanna Malidelis, Co-Director of Special Events
• Denise Galang, Co-Director of Special Events
• Nichole Millikan, Special Events Assistant
• Armando Diaz, Treasurer
• Tracy Culbreath, Secretary

After introducing the board members, we thought it was important to speak to the benefits of being a Quotes member:

• FPRA membership is included in the cost of membership for Quotes
• Whether you go to member meetings or volunteer at Quotes or FPRA events, you will have the opportunity to network with some of the top PR professionals in Florida.
• At Quotes meetings, our main goal is to practice PR, not just to learn about it.
• You will get a chance to meet fellow students with like interests. Most of my own friends I met in Quotes!
• Quotes has partnerships with the Nicholson School of Communication (NSOC) and Ad Club. This enables us to have joint events and support school-wide. For instance, Ad Club is having a resume workshop on Nov. 5 (corrected from Nov. 4), which we are encouraging members to go to.
• Develop your career and leadership skills at Quotes by joining the board or by networking with professionals at events.
• Internship opportunities are one of the biggest benefits of being a Quotes member. Chances are, more than one person you know has gotten an internship or two through Quotes. I have gotten all three of my internships (and therefore, my full-time job) because of Quotes.
• Member meetings teach you about PR and what it means to be a PR professional. Whether it be a panel of professionals, a behind-the-scenes pass, or a holiday party, Quotes meetings keep it interesting and informative!
  

When the presentation was over, it was time for Star Paper! Star Paper is a Quotes tradition, and involves a piece of plain white paper and a group's creativity. Groups are given ten minutes to figure out what they want their sheet of paper to be...it can be absolutely ANYTHING. Then, they have to make a commercial and pitch it to the audience. Congratulations to team four, who won for their commercial for the Invisible Canoe!

That's just about everything from our first meeting. Some FAQs are below:

When are board elections and how can I run for the board?
Board elections for Fall 2009 are taking place at the next Quotes meeting, on Tuesday, Sept. 29 from 6-7 p.m. at HEC 110. We will be looking for the next President-Elect and Director of Advertising.

To run for a position on the board, submit a brief paragraph about yourself to ucfquotes@gmail.com before 8 p.m. on Monday, Sept. 28. You will be given two minutes to speak during the front end of the meeting -- we recommend preparing something, so that you cover all of the points you want to make.

How much is membership, and when do I have to pay it?
Membership is $35 if you are a new member. If you were a member last year, renewal is $25. Membership renewal takes place every Fall, no matter when you paid for membership, so we suggest becoming a member in the Fall in order to take advantage of the full year of membership.

When are member meetings?
Every other Tuesday. The next three meetings are: 9/29, 10/13, and 10/27.

We hope to see you at our next meeting!

xoxo,
Michelle