This is an exciting year for CPRS Nova Scotia as we implement our scholarship program for students studying public relations in Nova Scotia.

We are also preparing to host our major annual awards event, the Atlantic Gemstones in May 2010. This popular public relations awards program promises to provide a celebration of the “best of the best” in public relations programming in our region, while providing a great networking opportunity. We encourage you to submit your best work into the many eligible categories of the Atlantic Gemstones and also submit your entries to the National CPRS Awards Program.

Your 2009-10 CPRS Nova Scotia volunteer board is a great mix of experienced and new members. Returning members this year are: Mary Barker, APR, LM, Honorary Fellow as archivist; Cindy Bayers, APR continuing as accreditation chair and Pat Brownlow as our long-standing treasurer. Also returning are Denise Corra, APR as PR for PR chair and Erin Esiyok and Meghan Kelly as Education co-chairs. Nadia Hinds, APR has moved from the PD portfolio to be our new vice president. Heidi MacDonald is continuing as the board secretary and Tanya MacLean, APR is continuing with the membership portfolio. Past president Karen Theriault is the lead on the Atlantic Gemstones Award program, and Tim Winchester is now looking after sponsorships.

New to the board this year are Lincoln Ellsworth responsible for the website, Rob MacCormick, CNW representative (ex-officio), Ed Murray, APR, member at large, and student reps Crystal Jamieson (Nova Scotia Community College) and Cassidy Quinton (MSVU). Also new is Michaelyn Thompson, who has been chairing the PD portfolio.

I’m proud to note that one-third of our Board members have the distinguished APR designation. If you’re interested in the APR program, please contact Cindy Bayers for more information.

We hosted a very successful CPRS National Conference in 2008. The 2010 National Conference will take place in Regina, Saskatchewan from June 13 to 15. Register now to be entered in the early bird draw.

I will endeavour to provide regular updates on both the board activities and planning for Atlantic Gemstones. Please don’t hesitate to contact me if you have any questions or would like to discuss something about CPRS NS.

Angela Murray