February 2026

Letter from the President

Even in the heart of winter, February has always felt like a time when PRSA Iowa accelerates into its annual plan. I’m very encouraged by the energy and ideas that were shared during our board strategic planning session in mid-January, during which engagement was a key point of emphasis.
 
As a board, we are going to be intentional and thoughtful about increasing engagement and fostering a strong sense of belonging across our membership. One new initiative I’m especially excited to highlight is group volunteer events that will be led by our programming committee. These events will give us additional opportunities to strengthen member connections in a low-pressure setting while helping within our communities. The first of two volunteer events currently planned for this year will be February 19 at the YMCA Supportive Housing Campus in Des Moines from 5:30-7:30 p.m.
 
Another takeaway from the board strategic planning session was a conversation around committee involvement. Did you know PRSA Iowa has no fewer than four committees that any member is eligible to join? While the OctoPRfest conference planning committee may be the most visible, members can also participate on the committees supporting programming and professional development, membership, awards, and diversity, equity, and inclusion. Each offers varying levels of commitment, but all play a vital role in creating value and meaningful experiences for our members. We’re actively seeking more volunteers, and I encourage you to contact me or another board member to explore ways you could serve and contribute to our mission!
 
Best,
Phillip Nicolino
President
PRSA Iowa Board of Directors
[email protected]

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Upcoming Events

PRSA National DEI Event 

Latino Consumers Under Pressure: Economic Impact and Brand Opportunity Amid Rising Uncertainty

Feb. 5, 2026 
5 p.m. 

Many communities are navigating uncertainty and pressure right now, and moments like these are reminders of just how important thoughtful, data-driven, and human-centered communication truly is. With that in mind, you're invited to a webinar that speaks directly to this moment. Please register to attend.

This event is hosted by the PRSA Hispanic-Latino Affinity Group.

February Volunteer Event  

PRSA Volunteer Opportunity - YMCA Supportive Housing Campus

Feb. 19, 2026
5:30 PM – 7:30 PM 

Spend an evening giving back with PRSA Iowa! Join us for a hands-on volunteer night at the YMCA Supportive Housing Campus. We’ll start with a quick tour, then help sort donations, stock the pantry, organize supplies, and more. Learn more and register! 

PRSA Midwest District Webinar 

Better Prompts, Better Messaging 

Feb. 10, 2026 
12 p.m. – 1 p.m.

In this webinar, you’ll learn how AI can support media relations, messaging development, content drafting, and internal communications through real-world examples and hands-on exercises. This session is designed for PR and communications professionals at any level who want to use AI thoughtfully, efficiently, and responsibly. Learn more and register. 

Quarterly Luncheon  

PR Power Hour: A Collaborative Luncheon

March 5, 2026
11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m.

Mark your calendar for our first quarterly luncheon of the year! This will be a collaborative luncheon where you’ll get to exchange ideas and insights with your peers. Learn more and register. 

Friday FYI 

April Friday FYI 

April 3, 2026 
9 a.m. – 10 a.m. 

Save the date for April’s Friday FYI event! Ryan Stoldt, Assistant Professor of Advertising at Drake University, will be presenting on authenticity, brand, and social media. We’ll have more details coming soon!

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APR News

Level Up Your PR Knowledge With APR Prep Course

It’s not too late! Classes for the APR Prep Course have started, but you can still register for the remaining sessions. Whether you’re a PRSA member or not, this is a great opportunity to invest in your professional growth. This 100% virtual, six-week program that started Saturday, Jan. 31, and goes through Saturday, March 7, 2026, with sessions held Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. All sessions are recorded for added flexibility.

Taught by experienced, APR-accredited public relations professionals, the course prepares participants for both the APR panel presentation and computer-based exam. Each session covers core concepts, real-world strategies, and practical materials aligned with today’s PR and communications challenges. Participants gain valuable insight, confidence, and tools to strengthen their skills and advance their careers.

Earning your Accreditation in Public Relations is a respected credential that demonstrates strategic thinking, ethics, and professional excellence.

The fee is $50 for PRSA Iowa members and $100 for non-chapter members.

To learn more, contact Pat Howard, APR or Ivy Sprague, APR.

Register online now.

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Ethics Column

Maintaining Trust and Transparency in These Politically Charged Times

Deciding whether your brand should take a public stance is less about having an opinion and more about strategic alignment, credibility, and risk. A useful way to approach this is with a structured decision framework rather than instinct or pressure from the moment. Read our latest ethics column to learn a clear, executive-ready way to determine whether—and how—to speak. 

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Awards Update

PRIME Awards

Thank you to all who entered the PRIME awards! Judging is underway, and a ceremony save the date will be shared in the coming weeks.

Awards Committee 

Looking to get more involved with PRSA? Join the Awards Committee to meet more members, assist with planning the awards ceremony, and judge partner chapter award applications. Reach out to [email protected] if you're interested. 

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Job Bank

If you're looking for a qualified communications professional to fill a position, make sure to use the PRSA Iowa Chapter Job Bank! PRSA members pay $25 per post, and non-members pay $50 per post. Submit a position for the Job Bank.

Current job listings:

PR & Marketing Coordinator at LifeServe Blood Center

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Member Profile

This month, we’re spotlighting Tori Clausen, Community Communications Manager at Athene. Learn more about Tori, her career path, and how she got involved in PRSA. 

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Member Updates

Membership Anniversaries

In each issue of this newsletter, we recognize PRSA Iowa Chapter members who are celebrating milestone PRSA anniversaries. Congratulations to the following individuals who celebrated or will celebrate milestone anniversaries this month. 

5 Years

1 Year

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Strategies & Tactics Highlights

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Sponsor Spotlight

We'd like to recognize and thank our participating sponsors!

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