PRSA History

The idea of a public relations society in the Valley originated in early 1957. After initial organizing
efforts, bylaws were adopted, directors elected, and a charter membership of 26 was approved at
a meeting on March 8, 1957. The group, not affiliated with any national organization, was called
the Public Relations Society of Phoenix.

Four years later, the Arizona Chapter of the Public Relations Society of America held its organizational
meeting in September 1961. Tucson as well as Phoenix area professionals attended.

For more than two years, the two groups coexisted, with nearly identical membership lists – at least as far
as Phoenix residents were involved. Finally, a joint meeting of the two Boards was held Jan. 3, 1964 to
discuss a merger. The general membership of both groups approved, and the formal merger was
announced March 19, 1964.

In 1970, the chapter split to more effectively serve its geographically dispersed membership. A new Southern
Arizona Chapter was formed with 24 members. The surviving Arizona Chapter changed its name to the
Phoenix Chapter in 1974.

Over these past 50 years, the Phoenix Chapter and its predecessor organizations have built a proud history of
serving the professional needs of its membership, rendering service to the community, pioneering ideas on
the national scene and advancing the highest standards of the public relations profession.

The Phoenix chapter has earned four “Banner Awards” since being founding – an honor bestowed to outstanding
local chapters by the national PRSA organization. It has also earned the Silver Gavel Award for outstanding
chapter planning. The Phoenix chapter is the first to receive this many honors.

Phoenix PRSA Historical Timeline

1959 – 64: First through sixth annual public relations institutes conducted by PRSA.

1963: First public relations course at Phoenix College scheduled and taught by chapter members.

1966: First professional development seminar “PR in Shirt Sleeves.”

1967: Chapter begins program to prepare for Accreditation. Pioneering effort includes massive teaching and gains national recognition.

1968: Chapter hosts first district seminar, more than 100 people attend.

1970: First Phoenix Film Festival, sponsored by the chapter.

1972: First district chairman from Phoenix – “Bee” Pine, APR, and long-nourished; education program flowers with development of Associate of Arts degree in public relations at Phoenix College; five three-credit courses taught by chapter members from the curriculum – the first in the nation.

1974: First chapter seminar co-sponsored with ASU – “Public Relations for Non-Public Relations Executives.”  Mini-seminars scheduled where senior members share their experiences with younger members – a distant forerunner of the Mentor Program.

1977: NAU PRSSA Chapter formed.

1978: “Innies” vs. “Outies” compete at a chapter summer outing.  First Silver Anvil District public relations session.  First Suppliers Day.

1981: First Board mini-retreat held to plan upcoming year.  Chapter newsletter, “The Communicator” is born.  Job Bank is created.  First Chapter Banner Award.

1982: Chapter membership passes 100 for the first time.  Nationally acclaimed mentor program established.  ASU PRSSA Chapter formed.  Second Chapter Banner Award.

1983: First Summer Institute at NAU.  Phoenix College announced as precursor to PRSA national’s marketing campaign.  Silver Gavel Award.  Third Chapter Banner Award.

1984: Chapter membership passes 200.  Phoenix selected to host 1991 PRSA National Conference.

1986: First chapter member elected to National PRSA Board – Pete Klute, APR.

1987: Fourth Chapter Banner Award.  Chapter established scholarship program for NAU and ASU PRSSA members.  Chapter won national PRSA award for its community-wide “Illiteracy Awareness” campaign.

1988: Chapter conducted first comprehensive Valley-wide public relations practitioner profile survey and hired its first intern through the PRSSA Pride Program.

1989: Barbara Van Fleet, APR, serves as chairwoman-elect for the South Pacific District.

1991: Chapter hosts PRSA National Conference in Phoenix.

1992: PRSA National conducts its first Professional Development Seminar in Phoenix.

1993: Chapter name changed to Valley of the Sun Chapter.  District Chapter Banner Award.  Chapter leads district membership growth.

1994: PRSA National conducts a second Professional Development Seminar in Phoenix.

1995: Chapter begins contest to send a member to PRSA National Conference.

1996: South Pacific District becomes the Western District and two Colorado chapters join the District.

1998: Debra Stevens, APR, serves as district chairwoman for the Western District.

2000: Chapter launched first breakfast program and first E-News publication. Held first ever committee volunteer orientation program.

2002: Chapter website is redesigned and updated with new look and functionality.

2003: Special Interest Groups (SIGs) created to provide additional networking opportunities within specific facets of the profession. Chapter name changed to PRSA Phoenix Chapter.

2005: PRSA Phoenix has largest growth of any large PRSA Chapter (more than 200 members). The chapter grew by 19.5 percent.

2007: Scott Hanson, APR, becomes the fifth Arizonian to be elected to the PRSA College of Fellows.

2010 – 11: PRSA Phoenix revamps online presence and boosts social media engagement on Twitter and Facebook. New website and e-mail collateral is developed.