PRSA Northeast Wisconsin Newsletter | March 2026 
President's Corner
Ahh, March. That hopeful time of year when we start to believe spring is right around the corner — longer days, warmer temperatures and the promise of spring blooms.
PSYCH! We live in Wisconsin, which of course means a March blizzard instead. Winter Storm Elsa rolled through our area, and she certainly didn’t “let it go.” I hope everyone stayed safe during the storm!
Sometimes the world of communications and public relations can feel a lot like a Wisconsin blizzard. You start the day with a solid to-do list, everything planned out… and then suddenly a crisis hits. Plans shift, priorities change, and before you know it, you’re drafting statements, monitoring social media, answering questions and working to keep everyone informed.
Timely, clear and consistent communication is more important than ever in those moments. I’ve been fortunate to take some impactful crisis communications courses in college and, early in my career, gain experience navigating real-world situations that reinforced just how critical those skills are.
Our PRSA Northeast Wisconsin members represent a wide range of industries, but many of us share that same role in our organizations: helping guide communication during both calm and chaotic moments. Whether it's responding to customer concerns, supporting community conversations or managing emerging issues, we’re often the ones helping bring clarity during the storm and making sure our audiences have the information they need.
That’s why being part of a network like PRSA Northeast Wisconsin is so valuable. Whether you’re looking to sharpen your crisis communication skills, stay ahead of industry trends or connect with others who understand the fast-paced world of PR, our chapter is here as a resource.
[email protected]
New Members
- Carissa Check, Marketing Manager for the Stevens Point Area CVB
- Heidi Radish, VP of Marketing and Sales at PMI Entertainment Group
Upcoming Event
Calling the Right Plays: Lessons from Green Bay’s One-Year Post-Draft Success is a dynamic panel discussion featuring professionals from across the region with deep experience in public relations, crisis communications and event management.
Date: Thursday, April 23
Time: 3-4 p.m.
Location: Lambeau Field, 1265 Lombardi Ave, Green Bay, WI 54303
Register here!
Panelists will offer an inside look at how they strategically planned for the major event in Green Bay, navigated real-time challenges and translated high-level plans into execution.
Attendees will gain practical insights into what worked, new opportunities, and how thoughtful preparation, collaboration and adaptability played a critical role in sustaining momentum long after the event itself.
The discussion will highlight actionable best practices, crisis response strategies and communication lessons that panelists continue to apply in their work today—making this session especially valuable for communicators, planners and leaders looking to strengthen their approach to large-scale events and complex initiatives.
Don't Miss Out!
As we celebrate Women’s History Month, we hope you'll register for this powerful panel discussion. It is available free of charge for PRSA and PRSSA members.
Date: Wednesday, March 18
Time: 2-3 p.m.
Location: Online
Register here!
Behind many of today’s most impactful PR campaigns and purpose-driven agencies are visionary women who didn’t just rise through the ranks—they built the ranks themselves. In this powerful panel, hear directly from trailblazing women founders and CEOs of PR firms who have shaped the communications landscape across sectors—from healthcare to entertainment, public affairs to social change.
Moderated by Natalie Ghidotti, APR, Fellow PRSA, CEO, Ghidotti, this conversation will explore their bold decisions, the challenges they faced breaking barriers, and the lessons they’ve learned about leadership, resilience and redefinition. Whether you're aspiring to lead a team or build your own agency, this session will offer candid insights and real-world advice for women communicators looking to chart their own path in PR.
WisCOMsin Awards
6th Annual WisCOMsin Awards: Judging is Underway!
When the clock struck midnight on Sunday, March 8, nominations officially closed for the 6th annual WisCOMsin Awards – the only statewide program that recognizes public relations and communications excellence, hosted jointly by the Public Relations Society of America’s Madison and Northeast WI chapters.
Thanks to all who entered! We received a record number of entries this year, which are now in the hands of our esteemed judges in the PRSA Iowa chapter.
We expect to receive the results in early April. At that time, we’ll notify all entrants to share those results.
In the meantime, make sure your calendar is marked for Tuesday, April 26, from 12-1 p.m. for our virtual award ceremony! We can’t wait to celebrate all the wonderful work (and PR pros) submitted this year.
Member Spotlight
In this member spotlight, we're pleased to feature Tara Brzozowski, owner and principal, account director at Showcase Communications!
First news publication you read in the morning?
The Morning by The New York Times, followed by Daily News by Insight Publications
Describe your typical day at work.
There really isn’t a typical day, which is one of the things I love most about my work.
Most days include client strategy sessions, planning meetings with creative partners, writing, video production and general problem solving. It’s a mix of big-picture thinking and hands-on execution.
Most important career mentor and why?
I’ve been fortunate to learn from many people throughout my career and I still try to learn from those around me every day. A few who stand out are Vicki Updike, Beth Flaherty and Kathi Siefert. Each of them taught me something different about leadership and navigating your career.
What made you decide to have a career in public relations, communications, marketing, or a related field?
I always loved writing, storytelling, and exploring different creative interests. And I often joke that I was born with a phone in my hand to connect with people and share stories.
Why did you join PRSA NEW?
I was a business and marketing major in college and wanted to build stronger skills in media and communications. I found PRSA NEW early in my career, and I was hooked!
Most rewarding accomplishment in public relations?
Oh gosh, I’m not sure I can pick just one! I’ve been lucky to work on so many meaningful campaigns and incredible clients, but one of the most rewarding parts of my career has been building and leading hardworking PR teams.
Advice to new public relations professionals?
Jump in and don’t be afraid to take on more than you think you can handle. This field is constantly evolving, so stay curious, keep learning and don’t be afraid to solve problems along the way.
Where is your happy place?
Skiing down a mountain, at a live concert or Broadway show, or chilling by the lake.
What three people, past or present, would you like to have dinner with?
My father, Nora Ephron and Amy Poehler
What’s on your professional or personal to-do list?
Travel more often!
