SWMO PRSA

10/14/2026

⚠ Members: Chapter bylaws revisions

Ahead of the Oct. 28 vote, take a few minutes to review the proposed revisions and familiarize yourself with the changes – if you haven't yet: https://bit.ly/47TpmrH.

We appreciate your help!

10/07/2026

AI is no doubt changing the communications landscape! Today, our chapter brought local communicators together to explore what that means for our work.

From AI promise and pitfalls to the law and ethics of AI to its role in the newsroom and using it as a partner in pitching, attendees heard from experts across higher education, journalism and communications.

A big thank you to our presenters for sharing their expertise and insights:

- Dr. Jonathan Groves, Drury University
- Dr. Cayce Myers, Virginia Tech
- Amos Bridges, Springfield News-Leader
- Bridget Lovelle, KY3
- Christine Rashman, Pierpont Communications
- Mike Brothers, Forvis Mazars US

09/24/2026

Here's our September's newsletter: https://shorturl.at/Oc2EL

Fall's here, and there’s plenty ahead. We’re looking forward to connecting, learning and growing together!

A few highlights:
- Oct. 7 half-day AI workshop: Explore both the opportunities and challenges of using AI in communications and media relations. Guest speakers include Dr. Jonathan Groves, professor of communication, Drury University, and Dr. Cayce Myers, professor of public relations, Virginia Tech
- Save the date for Nov. 12's meeting and lunch
- Members: Watch for an email coming soon about reviewing our chapter's bylaws revision

09/18/2026

Join in this S&T Live Ethics Month Special next week! https://shorturl.at/szFUl

09/10/2026

What a treat to hear from Heather Baskins-Hermen, senior vice president/chief marketing & communications officer at Explore Branson!

At our meeting today, she shared her inspiring career journey and the amazing work she and her team are doing in destination marketing across Branson. She’s been in the role for just two years, and it’s impressive to see all they’ve accomplished!

Two things that stood out:

- Change and doing things differently can be hard, but it’s necessary to move forward
- Always make the ask

Join us next month on Oct. 7 for our "Beyond the Buzz: How AI is Transforming Communications and Media Relations" half-day workshop. Register at https://bit.ly/4xQOJGb.

09/01/2026

September is Public Relations Society of America (PRSA) Ethics Month. It offers a good reminder that how we communicate matters.

08/27/2026

Here's our August's newsletter: https://bit.ly/4A0alBt

A new season is ahead. As we move into fall, we're gearing up for more opportunities to learn, connect and grow together.

A few things to note:
- Sept. 10 meeting: Get insights from Heather Baskins-Hermen, Branson Chamber and Convention & Visitors Bureau senior vice president/chief marketing and communications officer. She'll talk about her career in destination storytelling.
- Oct. 7 half-day AI workshop: Explore both the opportunities and challenges of using AI in communications and media relations.
- Our online 2026 Member Survey is still open. Please respond by Aug. 31 if you haven't yet.

08/25/2026

Join in this Public Relations Society of America (PRSA)'s Strategies & Tactics Live tomorrow afternoon: https://bit.ly/45oqX7G.

What does it take to build trust with a community every day?

Join us Aug. 26 at 1 p.m. ET for the next Strategies & Tactics Live with Jon Zaghloul, director of communications for the City of Aurora, Ill.

At 26, Zaghloul has already built a career spanning sports media and public service. He’ll share lessons on leadership, digital engagement, building community trust and keeping residents at the center of communications.

Watch live and join the conversation: https://bit.ly/45oqX7G

08/18/2026

Mark your calendar: this month's Member Mondays is Aug. 24. Register at https://www.prsa.org/home/get-involved/member-mondays.

08/13/2026

We got to enjoy a fun and insightful presentation about the power of infotainment in social media at our meeting today. Thank you Ren Bishop Luebbering from the Springfield-Branson National Airport for sharing with us.

Great to see a good turnout!