President’s Message: Creating a support network

This week marks two years since Tropical Storm Helene tore through our region. It’s hard to believe. I suspect many of you, like me, are still carrying some piece of it, whether in your work, your community, or somewhere closer to home.

If those months taught me anything, it’s that none of us does this work alone. Professional organizations like PRSA are here to support our members, and just as importantly, to help members support one another. That support doesn’t stop at our own chapter’s edges, either. We already have some crossover and support through the regional WNC PIO Network, where communicators from across the region swap lessons learned and lean on each other. Those connections are the kinds of relationships you want in place long before you need them.

Next up, we’re supporting an event with our friends at AIGA Asheville. Tonight, we'll be at "Branding for Baseball" at HomeTrust Park. Asheville Tourists Team President Brian DeWine will share how the club turned a $40 million ballpark renovation into a cohesive brand experience. He’ll cover everything from the Beer City and Snot Otters identities to public art, wayfinding, and historic preservation, followed by a behind-the-scenes tour of the renovated park. PR pros and designers solve a lot of the same problems from different angles, and this is a great chance to learn from each other.

There are still a few tickets available, so if you're planning to attend be sure to buy your ticket now. The event runs 6–8 p.m. Tickets are $10 for PRSA and AIGA members and $20 for non-members. 

We’re better when we show up for each other. Hope to see you at the ballpark!