Despite what it says on the website, the Pennsylvania Public Relations Society is not, “a professional society dedicated to enhancing professional growth within the public relations field.”
PPRS is a family.
In late August, I was one of approximately 20 people who came together both in-person and virtually to present Bob Fisher, one of our longest serving members, with the final issue of “Striking a Happy Medium.” For any freshly-minted members, “Striking a Happy Medium” was a monthly column written by Bob Fisher for inclusion in the PPRS newsletter. The column Bob wrote featured news about PPRS members – promotions, job transitions, personal milestones – and also kept readers apprised of changes in the Harrisburg/Lancaster/York media market.
After learning about Bob’s terminal lung cancer diagnosis in May, PPRS offered members and local journalists who worked with Bob the opportunity to submit a quote for inclusion in the publication. We received an outpouring of love; more than 30 messages were submitted to honor Bob, his lifetime of good works and unforgettable personality. With help from many – especially Christine Cronkright, Barry Ciccocioppo, Lori Baker Pizzarro, and Roger Baumgarten – these sentiments were compiled into a printed booklet and presented to Bob at his home on Wednesday, August 26.
“Bob wants you to know that he cannot begin to thank everyone involved enough. It was a wonderful evening that Bob continues to reflect on and smile about,” Bob’s wife Carol wrote about the visit.
To me, that is not what a “professional society” does. That is what a family does – and I am honored to be a member.