PRSA Northeast Wisconsin Newsletter | July 2026 
President's Corner
Happy Summer, PRSA Northeast Wisconsin!
As the weather warms up, I’ve found myself thinking about one of summer’s simple pleasures: an ice cream sundae.
Much like a great sundae, effective communication is all about bringing the right ingredients together. A strong foundation, a clear message, creativity, strategy and thoughtful execution all work together to create something memorable. Just as no one wants a sundae without ice cream, no organization can thrive without effective communication at its core. And when all the ingredients come together successfully, that's the cherry on top!
Of course, everyone has their own favorite toppings. Some organizations may focus on media relations, while others rely on community engagement, social media, events, internal communications or advocacy. The mix may look different from one organization to the next, but each ingredient plays an important role in the final result.
June is Effective Communications Month, making it a great time to recognize the impact communication has on our organizations and communities. Just as a sundae brings together different flavors and toppings, communication brings together people, ideas and information. It helps build understanding, strengthen relationships and create meaningful connections.
As we move into summer, I encourage you to take time to enjoy the season, stay connected with your audiences and appreciate the many ways communication shows up in your work. And if your summer plans include an ice cream sundae, I’d appreciate an invite! 😊
Meghan Finger
[email protected]
Upcoming Event
Join PRSA Northeast Wisconsin and the American Marketing Association (AMA) for our annual Summer Social, bringing together public relations, communications and marketing professionals from across Northeast Wisconsin for an evening of networking and connection.
Date: Thursday, August 6
Time: 5:00-7:00 PM
Location: Zambaldi Beer, 1649 S. Webster Ave, Green Bay, WI
$25.00 Member | $25.00 Non-Member | $25.00 Student
Register here!
We'll gather to reconnect with colleagues, meet new professionals in our industry and celebrate the incredible work happening across our region. The event will take place on the patio, weather permitting.
Your registration includes light appetizers and two drink tickets, making it the perfect opportunity to enjoy a relaxed summer evening while expanding your professional network.
Don't miss this chance to connect, collaborate and build meaningful relationships with fellow communicators and marketers. We look forward to seeing you there!
All About APR!
For Erin Elliott, APR, Account Supervisor / Partner at Hiebing, the nudge to earn her APR began looong before she took the exam in 2019. ✨
"My journey to tacking those three little letters after my name began looong before I took the exam in 2019.
I remember being intrigued by the credential soon after I graduated from UW-Whitewater in 2000 with my public relations degree. I knew I had to get some boots-on-the-ground experience before thinking about it more seriously, but the idea of having a “stamp of approval” – something tangible that indicated I really knew my stuff – was already very appealing. Sure, my diploma proved I passed the classes, but a piece of paper saying I was a bona fide PR pro? Way better.
About 5 years into my career, I felt that nudge again when our chapter APR chair had enough serious candidates to start holding study sessions. I started attending and quickly realized three things: 1) I wasn’t quite ready to take the leap; 2) this process was going to be both fun and challenging when I was ready; and 3) earning my APR was my new career goal.
In 2016, something told me I was ready. I can’t pinpoint it exactly – probably the culmination of my daughter being out of the baby stage, a feeling of steadiness in my career and the fact that my 40th birthday was looming large!
I didn’t know where I wanted to start, so I started everywhere. I joined the chapter APR study group. I ordered (and read!) the recommended texts. I signed up for PRSA’s online study course. And I did it all at the pace that felt right to me – which was verrrry sloooow. I didn’t cram; I almost let it sink in like osmosis for about 3 years. Over time, the online quizzes that left me feeling like a PR fraud at the start of my journey became a breeze.
When I walked into both my panel presentation and my computer-based exam, I was confident I did indeed know my stuff! I’ll never forget how relieved and proud I felt when I learned I passed. About two years later, I was teaching an introductory PR class at UW Oshkosh, certain that I could stand before these young minds and competently introduce them to the profession I loved. And every day, the framed certificate on my office wall joins me for every Teams call – just over my right shoulder. It makes me happy every time I look at it.
Did I achieve this on my own? Oh my goodness, no. I’ll be forever grateful to Jim Streed, APR, and Femi Cole, APR, for their invaluable guidance and mentorship, as well as the many other APRs in our chapter for their support!
That same support and guidance stands ready when YOU are ready to heed your “nudge” and start your own journey to putting those three little letters after your name!"
Is this your nudge?
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.
