Erik Deutsch
Julian Myers — veteran entertainment PR pro and long-time PRSA-LA member — was fond of saying, “I don’t give a damn about yesterday, and I’m not all that interested in today. I always look forward to tomorrow!”
Julian passed away earlier this year at age 96, but continued to work full time and run (yes… run) marathons until shortly before his death. Everyone who knew him was inspired by his exceptional energy and focus on the future.
For my final President’s Message, I’m evoking Julian’s spirit regarding a marathon (of sorts) and the very bright future that lies ahead.
The marathon, in this case, is serving as 2014 president of PRSA-LA.
Over the past year, I’ve had the privilege and very gratifying experience of leading our chapter and its 25-member board of directors. It has been a great ride, and we’ve accomplished much to position PRSA-LA for the future.
We grew membership nearly 15 percent! We launched a new, much improved website and revamped our old newsletter into something far more useful. We boosted our social media efforts — particularly real-time outreach during chapter events. We built stronger ties with L.A.’s tech community and the digital pros who straddle the fence between PR and marketing. We co-produced events and initiated or expanded relationships with like-minded organizations such as SMCLA, SPJ/LA, Social Media Week, Los Angeles, HPRA-LA and BPRS-LA. We relaunched the chapter’s Counselors Group for our most senior members, and we tried new things like online Hangouts and our first bicoastal event with the New York chapter. We also continued giving back to the community via programs such as Quality Time for PR Minds and our regional PRSSA Conference.
Finally, we produced a sold-out PRism Awards show that did justice to this year’s 50th anniversary milestone, and we worked hard to set the stage for hosting the biggest and best PRSA Western District Conference in 2015.
Thank you to all the board members, volunteers, sponsors and event participants who helped make 2014 a resounding success. Special kudos also go to Mindy Brundige — our one-of-a-kind executive director — whose contribution all year long cannot be overstated.
Like Julian, I’m focused on what lies ahead, and I look forward to supporting incoming chapter president Jean Gonsoulin and the 2015 board for what promises to be another great year for the chapter.
In the meantime, here’s to a great holiday season and insanely prosperous New Year!
Sincerely,
Erik Deutsch, PRSA-LA President
Principal, ExcelPR Group
erik@prsala.org
@ErikDeutsch
