50 Years of Public Relations in Philadelphia Celebrated; Philadelphia Chapter of PRSA's 50th Anniversary Recognized by Mayor Street.

Business Editors

PHILADELPHIA--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Nov. 6, 2002

Half a century's worth of public relations in Philadelphia is being celebrated at today's luncheon meeting of the local chapter of the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA), 11:30 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. at The Union League, Broad and Sansom Streets.

Philadelphia Mayor, The Honorable John Street, will recognize PRSA's 50th Anniversary at the meeting, while national PRSA Executive Director and COO Catherine A. Bolton will be the featured speaker.

"We're honored by the Mayor's recognition," notes chapter President Dina Tau, Vice President of Tatter Richards-DBC. "50 years of public relations work in the region is quite a milestone. Public relations has guided area organizations in achieving their goals of building and maintaining positive relationships with their communities, an ever- increasing need in today's business world."

"In the last half-century, PR professionals have gone from being stereotyped as 'press agents,' to being recognized and appreciated as valuable assets of many organizations' strategic team. We are the eyes, ears, voice and conscience of companies, charities and organizations in the public and private-sector."

The Philadelphia chapter has grown from just a few members five decades ago to over 450 today. And the chapter continually sees increasing interest in the services it provides to members -- from professional development to networking. The chapter also mentors students and professionals just starting out in the field, provides special programs for professionals who are advancing in their careers, and pro bono work for worthy causes."

Tau noted that the chapter has had long-standing relationships with public relations students from area colleges, such as Temple, Rowan, Drexel and Lehigh Universities through the Public Relations Student Society of America (PRSSA).

"Our relationship with PRSSA chapters at local schools is key. We provide an opportunity for PR students to meet and talk with working professionals in the field. From these contacts, many of these students start out as interns at our member's offices, and do so well that they get jobs in the field."

"In addition, PRSA Philadelphia has a long history of performing pro bono public relations services for such organizations as the Philadelphia Academies and The Food Bank's Walk Against Hunger. Whether it's creating a strategic communications plan or staging and publicizing an event, our members are the ones area organizations turn to for professional help in communications."

For more information about Philadelphia PRSA's activities or a membership application, contact Sue Begley at [phone] or Donna Basilicato at [phone] or visit the chapter's website at www.prsa.philly.org.