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PRSA Northeast Wisconsin Newsletter | September 2026 Print

President's Corner

Hello, September!

Every year, I hold onto summer as long as I can, but finally, after Labor Day, I’m ready to embrace fall. It’s back-to-school season, and I still feel like I’m getting ready to begin classes again.

Funny enough, I recently visited my alma mater, UW Green Bay, to celebrate the retirement of one of my former professors, or “free agency,” as he calls it. He and many of the instructors in the Communication Department helped teach and shape me into the person I am today. One topic that came up in almost every class I took was ethics.

September is Ethics Month, and PRSA National has a great list of resources to check out.

Now more than ever, it’s important to think critically, act with purpose and use your own ethical mindset to navigate your career. One topic that comes to mind for me is the use of artificial intelligence. Lucky for you, we have an extraordinary panel of professionals ready to dive into AI and public relations.

While AI is creating new opportunities for communications professionals, it is also raising important questions about how we work, what we share and where we draw the line. There’s a lot to consider, and I’m looking forward to hearing how our panelists are approaching it.

I hope to see you there!

Meghan Finger 
[email protected]

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Upcoming Event

AI in Public Relations: Practical Applications, Ethics and The Future of Our Profession

Date: Thursday, October 8
Time: 3:00-5:00 PM
Location: Appleton Public Library, 200 N Appleton St, Appleton, WI

$25.00 Member | $35.00 Non-Member | $15.00 Student

Register here!

Artificial intelligence is rapidly transforming the communications landscape. While it is creating new opportunities, it is also raising important questions for public relations professionals. This program will include an engaging panel discussion featuring communications leaders who are actively navigating the evolving role of AI.

Meet the Panelists:
- Zach Willenbrink, Data Privacy, Cybersecurity & Technology Attorney at Godfrey & Kahn
- Emily Laird, AI Integration Technologist
- John Laughrin, Founder and President of Four Leaf Communications

Together, we'll explore the practical applications of AI in public relations, including how professionals are using prompts to enhance their work, balancing efficiency with creativity, and protecting privacy and confidential information. Panelists will also discuss how AI is influencing media relations, content development and research. They will share insight into how PR professionals can help navigate stakeholder expectations.

Following the panel, attendees will have the opportunity to participate in an interactive Q&A and open discussion. Bring your questions, share your experiences and join colleagues for a thoughtful conversation about the opportunities and challenges shaping the future of communications.

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New Members

Let's give a warm welcome to our new members from Sargento!

  • Portia Young, Director of Corporate Public Relations
  • Phillip Bock, Senior Corporate Communications Partner
  • Maria Campbell, Communications Partner
  • Jenn Ellestad, Corporate Communications Partner
  • Addison Lund, Associate Communications Partner 

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All About APR!

Non-Boring Compliance! Your Guide to APR Renewal & Ethics Mastery
Date: Wednesday, September 23
Time: 2:00-3:00 PM

Register Here! 

Staying current with your APR credential should feel empowering, not overwhelming. This engaging webinar breaks down the APR renewal process into clear, manageable steps while showing how ethics can be a practical and energizing part of your professional growth. Participants will learn how to track renewal activities, identify opportunities to earn continuing education credits and approach ethics requirements with confidence and relevance. Whether your renewal deadline is approaching or you simply want a smarter system for staying prepared, this session will help you replace last-minute scrambling with a practical plan for meeting renewal requirements.

Attendees will learn:

  • The key components of APR renewal, including continuing education requirements and the ethics requirement.
  • Four practical ways to document professional development activities throughout the renewal cycle.
  • Four steps to build a simple renewal plan that keeps you organized, confident and on track.
  • Four valuable insights from both a seasoned APR and a newer practitioner to help you tailor your approach based on where you are in the renewal cycle.


This webinar is presented in partnership with the PRSA Alabama Chapter and its Ethics Committee.

For more information on kicking off your own accreditation journey, visit our accreditation webpage or reach out to our chapter’s Accreditation Chair, Janet Bonkowski, APR.

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Member Anniversaries

  • Tammy Van DenBusch, Element, 17 years

  • Tara Brzozowski, Showcase Communications, 16 years

  • Kristine Nicolini, APR, UW Oshkosh, 10 years

  • Andrea Hay, Green Bay Water Utility, 8 years

  • Greta Gaworek, Big Brothers Big Sisters, 2 years

  • Nick Meisner, Discover Green Bay, 1 year

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Event Recap

Thank you to everyone who joined PRSA Northeast Wisconsin and American Marketing Association - Northeast Wisconsin Chapter at Zambaldi Beer for our Summer Social. It was wonderful to reconnect with familiar faces, welcome new ones and bring together communications, marketing and public relations professionals from across the region.

Between the beautiful patio, light bites, cold beverages and even better conversations, it was the perfect setting to make new connections and catch up with colleagues.

Thanks to everyone who came out—we're already looking forward to the next one!

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