September 2025 Newsletter
Copper Anvil Awards
The countdown is on for the Copper Anvil Awards! Each year, this signature event brings together the Valley’s top PR pros to celebrate the strategy, creativity and hard work behind Arizona’s most impactful campaigns.
Right now, entries are being reviewed by judges from another PRSA chapter, with finalists set to be announced by Monday, Sept. 22.
Early bird tickets go on sale the same day, Sept. 22, and will be available through Monday, Oct. 6. After that, regular pricing begins on Tuesday, Oct. 7 and continues until the big night on Thursday, Oct. 23.
Copper Anvils
12News Anchor Allison Rodriguez to Host the 2025 Copper Anvils
This year’s Copper Anvil Awards will be hosted by Allison Rodriguez, multi-skilled journalist and anchor at 12News.
Allison is a familiar face to Arizonans who start their mornings with her on Today in AZ, where she brings energy, clarity and connection to the day’s headlines.
We’re thrilled to welcome Allison as this year’s Copper Anvil Awards emcee. With her warmth, professionalism, and dedication to storytelling, she will help us celebrate the very best in Arizona’s public relations and communications.
Read more
Take the PRSA Phoenix Survey by Sept. 22!
Whether you’re a current PRSA Phoenix member or a local PR or communications professional, we want your feedback! Your input will help shape the future of our chapter’s professional development programming, events, networking opportunities, and more.
It only takes a few minutes to complete, and your responses will help us better serve you. Take the PRSA Phoenix Survey by Sept. 22.
As a thank-you, you’ll be entered into a drawing to win a $50 gift card to Upward Projects (Postino, Federal Pizza, Joyride, and more!).
Take the survey
UPCOMING EVENTS
Valley Publicity Summit
The 21st annual Valley Publicity Summit Presented by SPJ (#pubsum25), brings together local journalists to share insights, their story pitch preferences and industry updates with public relations practitioners.
September 20, 2025
9:00 AM - 1:00 PM
10 to 1 Public Relations
7975 Hayden Road
Scottsdale, AZ 85258
Register Now
UPCOMING EVENT
East Valley Mixer
Join PRSA Phoenix and your fellow East Valley PR professionals for a casual fall mixer to refresh, recharge and reconnect. Admission fee includes appetizers and your first drink.
$15.00 PRSA Phoenix Member
$25.00 Non-member
$5.00 Student Ticket
September 30, 2025
4:30 PM - 6:00 PM
Craft Culture
9241 E Cadence Pkwy, Suite 105
Mesa, AZ 85212
Register Now
SAVE THE DATE
The Spooky Social
Get ready for a no-tricks, all-treats evening of networking, mingling, and festive fun! AMA Phoenix and PRSA Phoenix are teaming up once again for the Spooky Social – The Sequel. Come in your best costume and connect with marketing and public relations professionals from across the Valley. This is your chance to mix, mingle, and build connections in a lighthearted, Halloween-themed setting.
$10.00 Member Ticket
$20.00 Non-Member Ticket
October 30, 2025
5:30 PM - 7:00 PM
10 to 1 Public Relations
7975 N Hayden Road, Ste. C-300
Scottsdale, AZ 85258
Ethics Week
"In public relations, honesty isn't optional. That means being accurate in what we claim, even when the truth is less flashy. Spin might win headlines, but it can cost reputations. Honesty is PRSA's second professional value." - Maria Brokey, APR
Honesty demands we uphold the highest standards of accuracy and integrity in every message. Communications should never mislead-either by commission or omission. Ethically strong messaging builds credibility, trust and long-term reputation.
Ethics resources
NEW ON THE BLOG
The media landscape continues to shift to be more digital. Newsrooms are leaner, deadlines are shorter, and journalists are expected to churn out stories across multiple platforms, often with limited resources. For PR professionals, the traditional coffee catch-up or newsroom visit has largely been replaced by email threads, social media direct messages, and virtual interviews.
MASTERS GROUP
New Leader for PRSA Phoenix Masters Group
The PRSA Phoenix Chapter welcomes Heather Lawrence (Russell), APR, MBA, as the new volunteer leader of its Masters Special Interest Group, a community for PR professionals with 15+ years of experience. With more than two decades in strategic communications, Heather is known for driving outcomes through clear messaging, compelling storytelling, and collaborative leadership. Her career spans internal and external communications, product marketing, and executive visibility, with notable impact in aerospace and defense. An award-winning communicator, past chapter president, and dedicated mentor, Heather brings both strategic insight and genuine enthusiasm to her new role guiding the Masters group.
In case you missed it...
Our APR Chair, Marcia Brookey, MA, APR, was recently featured in PRSA’s Strategies & Tactics with her article: “The Acronyms That Help PR Pros Stay Focused.”
Read more
(PRSA member access only)
JOB BOARD
Communications Consultant, Media Relations - Arizona Public Service Company (APS)
Public Relations Coordinator - J. Lauren PR
APR REMINDER
Did you know that PRSA Phoenix members receive a $100 rebate upon passing the APR examination on the first try? Advance your public relations career today and get started on your APR here.
