Just Following Up...Again: A Public Relations Podcast

In this episode of Just Following Up…Again, we’re joined by Clare Weigel to talk about why accessibility isn’t just a “nice to have” in marketing and communications—it’s essential. From closed captioning on videos to writing effective ALT text, Clare breaks down how small, intentional choices can make a big impact in ensuring your content is inclusive and usable for all audiences. We explore how accessible content not only supports individuals with disabilities, but actually improves the experience for everyone—boosting engagement, expanding reach, and strengthening your brand’s credibility.  Have a suggestion for a future episode? Let us know by filling out this form. For more information on the Central West Coast Chapter of FPRA visit https://cwcfpra.com/  Editing by Muffy Lavens Theme song courtesy of Ben Kunkel/Professor Soup

What happens when you mix baseball, dancing players, and a full-blown fan-first philosophy? You get the magic of the Savannah Bananas! In this episode of Just Following Up…Again, we’re joined by Kara Heater from the Savannah Bananas, the team that’s redefining what it means to create an unforgettable fan experience. From sold-out crowds to viral moments, the Bananas have built a brand that goes far beyond the game, and it all starts with putting fans first. Kara takes us inside the Bananas’ unique approach to marketing and communications, where every decision is rooted in creating joy, connection, and lasting memories for their audience. We explore how a “fans first” mindset shapes everything from content creation to in-game entertainment, and why that philosophy has been the driving force behind their explosive growth. This episode is part of our Live from the Summit series and is kindly sponsored by Liquid Creative. Learn more at https://liquidcreativestudio.com/  Have a suggestion for a future episode? Let us know by filling out this form. For more information on the Central West Coast Chapter of FPRA visit https://cwcfpra.com/  Editing by Muffy Lavens Theme song courtesy of Ben Kunkel/Professor Soup

Most media campaigns are more than just visuals – they’re the result of rhythm, patience, storytelling…and maybe even AI. In this episode of Just Following Up…Again, CWC Communications Committee Member Lydia Baxter speaks with 20-time Emmy winner Larry Watzman from FOX 35 Orlando.  Larry reveals how his background as a musician shapes his creative approach, and how marketing and communications is all about building community. Plus, he shares behind-the-scenes stories including a Super Bowl campaign with the Goo Goo Dolls and lessons learned from puppy raising for Palmetto-based nonprofit Dogs, Inc.  Whether you’re a PR pro, content creator, or media strategist, Larry’s insights will inspire you to rethink the way you approach storytelling, community engagement, and technology. Have a suggestion for a future episode? Let us know by filling out this form. For more information on the Central West Coast Chapter of FPRA visit https://cwcfpra.com/  Editing by Muffy Lavens Theme song courtesy of Ben Kunkel/Professor Soup

In this episode of Just Following Up…Again, we’re joined by Tiff Knighten — award-winning publicist, founder of Brand Curators, and a leading voice in culture-driven communications — to talk about leveraging pop culture to create viral, strategic PR moments. As a seasoned communications strategist and entrepreneur, Tiff has built Brand Curators into a respected agency focused on brand storytelling and visibility. Her work sits at the intersection of culture, media, and influence making her the perfect guide for a conversation about how brands can tap into trending conversations without looking opportunistic. This episode is part of our Live from the Summit series and is kindly sponsored by Liquid Creative. Learn more at https://liquidcreativestudio.com/ Have a suggestion for a future episode? Let us know by filling out this form. For more information on the Central West Coast Chapter of FPRA visit https://cwcfpra.com/  Editing by Muffy Lavens Theme song courtesy of Ben Kunkel/Professor Soup

As we continue our Live from Summit series, we’re joined by Annie Scranton, Founder of Pace Public Relations, an award-winning public relations agency focused on business strategy, development, and media relations. Annie shares insights from her session, "Leveraging Earned Media Amidst a Media Sh*tstorm." Learn valuable insights in media relations whether you're a seasoned pro or new to the field.  Have a suggestion for a future episode? Let us know by filling out this form.  For more information on the Central West Coast Chapter of FPRA visit https://cwcfpra.com/  The Live from the Summit mini-series is sponsored by Liquid Creative. Learn more at https://liquidcreativestudio.com/ Editing by Muffy Lavens Theme song courtesy of Ben Kunkel/Professor Soup

In this episode, we sit down with Thom Gravelle, Graphic Designer at the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall, to explore the creative crossroads where graphic design and communications meet. Thom shares why collaboration between designers and communicators is essential for producing campaigns that are not only visually striking, but strategically sound. Whether you're a PR professional, marketer, or creative, this conversation offers valuable insights into building stronger partnerships and better campaigns through intentional collaboration. Have a suggestion for a future episode? Let us know by filling out this form. For more information on the Central West Coast Chapter of FPRA visit https://cwcfpra.com/  Editing by Muffy Lavens Theme song courtesy of Ben Kunkel/Professor Soup

Our Live from Summit series continues to Pamela Greenwalt, Chief Communications and Marketing Officer for SAG-AFTRA, the world’s largest union for actors, broadcast journalists and recording artists. Pamela directly oversees the union’s global brand, image and reputation, and guides a deep bench of marketing communications professionals. Following her fireside chat at the PR & Comms Summit, she sat down with Just Following Up...Again to expand on how she managed the 2023 SAG-AFTRA TV/Theatrical/Streaming strike, which gained global support for the union and ultimately ended with more than $1 billion in new gains, as well as critical AI protections for members. Have a suggestion for a future episode? Let us know by filling out this form.  For more information on the Central West Coast Chapter of FPRA visit https://cwcfpra.com/  The Live from the Summit mini-series is sponsored by Liquid Creative. Learn more at https://liquidcreativestudio.com/ Editing by Muffy Lavens Theme song courtesy of Ben Kunkel/Professor Soup

Live from the PR & COMMS SUMMIT, it's Just Following Up...Again. This season features a new mini-series called Live from Summit, where speakers who joined the Florida Public Relations Association for the 2025 PR & COMMS SUMMIT are highlighted and share additional information from their presentations.  In the season three premiere, Alyson Sologaistoa, Vice President of Public Relations for Universal Orlando Resorts, shares what it took to launch EPIC Universe, the brand-new theme park at Universal Orlando Resort. From leveraging traditional media to engaging content creators, Alyson gives insights into how to build a successful campaign launch.  Have a suggestion for a future episode? Let us know by filling out this form.  For more information on the Central West Coast Chapter of FPRA visit https://cwcfpra.com/  The Live from the Summit mini-series is sponsored by Liquid Creative. Learn more at https://liquidcreativestudio.com/ Editing by Muffy Lavens Theme song courtesy of Ben Kunkel/Professor Soup

This one is for the Swifties and anyone who is interested in learning more about the marketing and communications strategy behind Taylor Swift! In the season two finale, Dr. Alyse Lancaster walks us through her Taylor Swift themed class at the University of Miami’s School of Communications. Dr. Lancaster uses this class to tie pop culture into the communication space to help students remember the concepts better. From teasing releases to the legal battle of Taylor owning her early albums, Dr. Lanscaster covers it all.  ----more---- Editing by Muffy Lavens Theme song courtesy of Ben Kunkel/Professor Soup   Have a suggestion for a future episode? Let us know by filling out this form.  For more information on the Central West Coast Chapter of FPRA visit https://cwcfpra.com/    Just Following Up...Again is sponsored by Next Mark.  Next-Mark is a full-service, award-winning marketing communications agency based in Sarasota, FL. It helps business leaders beat their growth targets by delivering better competitive insights, more powerful branding, stronger strategies and faster results. Breaking away from the constraints of traditional marketing service organizations, the Next-Mark team facilitates new conversations about a client’s brand, integrating experience, analytics and innovation in developing strategic marketing solutions to meet clients’ individual needs. Next-Mark focuses on internationally and nationally recognized brands along with growing companies across a broad spectrum of categories, including healthcare, technology, hospitality and entertainment, not-for-profits, tourism, retail, destination, and real estate. With clients from Beverly Hills to Amsterdam, its roster includes industry leaders like Simon Malls, Comcast/NBC, LexisNexis, Elsevier, CMX/Cinebistro, Medecision, California Pizza Kitchen, along with Florida-based clients such as The City of Sarasota, John Cannon Homes, DWYLA Architecture, Willis Smith Construction, St. Armands Circle, The Sarasota Players, First 1000 Days Suncoast, Yarnall Moving and Storage, CitySide Apartments, Sugar Champagne Bar, among others. Along with marketing communications solutions, Next-Mark is a Certified Salesforce Partner engaging with clients in over 18 states and Canada and is a proud longtime member of the Florida Public Relations Association. Learn more at https://next-mark.com/

Digital marketing is an ever evolving landscape. In this episode Co-Communications Director Alyssa Barnsley speaks with Dr. Loran Jarrett to learn more about digital marketing and how Dr. Jarrett is preparing the next generation of marketers.    Editing by Muffy Lavens Theme song courtesy of Ben Kunkel/Professor Soup   Have a suggestion for a future episode? Let us know by filling out this form.  For more information on the Central West Coast Chapter of FPRA visit https://cwcfpra.com/    Just Following Up...Again is sponsored by Next Mark.  Next-Mark is a full-service, award-winning marketing communications agency based in Sarasota, FL. It helps business leaders beat their growth targets by delivering better competitive insights, more powerful branding, stronger strategies and faster results. Breaking away from the constraints of traditional marketing service organizations, the Next-Mark team facilitates new conversations about a client’s brand, integrating experience, analytics and innovation in developing strategic marketing solutions to meet clients’ individual needs. Next-Mark focuses on internationally and nationally recognized brands along with growing companies across a broad spectrum of categories, including healthcare, technology, hospitality and entertainment, not-for-profits, tourism, retail, destination, and real estate. With clients from Beverly Hills to Amsterdam, its roster includes industry leaders like Simon Malls, Comcast/NBC, LexisNexis, Elsevier, CMX/Cinebistro, Medecision, California Pizza Kitchen, along with Florida-based clients such as The City of Sarasota, John Cannon Homes, DWYLA Architecture, Willis Smith Construction, St. Armands Circle, The Sarasota Players, First 1000 Days Suncoast, Yarnall Moving and Storage, CitySide Apartments, Sugar Champagne Bar, among others. Along with marketing communications solutions, Next-Mark is a Certified Salesforce Partner engaging with clients in over 18 states and Canada and is a proud longtime member of the Florida Public Relations Association. Learn more at https://next-mark.com/  

Mission Mavericks was created by the Central West Coast Chapter to help local nonprofit organizations with communications guidance and support. In this episode, Linda and Paul Johnson, founders of Service Dogs Saving Lives (SDSL), sit down with the CWC Community team to discuss how the Mission Mavericks program benefited SDSL.  Mission Mavericks consistently works with local area groups. Be sure to check https://cwcfpra.com/mission-mavericks/ for future application deadlines.    Editing by Muffy Lavens Theme song courtesy of Ben Kunkel/Professor Soup   Have a suggestion for a future episode? Let us know by filling out this form.  For more information on the Central West Coast Chapter of FPRA visit https://cwcfpra.com/    Just Following Up...Again is sponsored by Next Mark.  Next-Mark is a full-service, award-winning marketing communications agency based in Sarasota, FL. It helps business leaders beat their growth targets by delivering better competitive insights, more powerful branding, stronger strategies and faster results. Breaking away from the constraints of traditional marketing service organizations, the Next-Mark team facilitates new conversations about a client’s brand, integrating experience, analytics and innovation in developing strategic marketing solutions to meet clients’ individual needs. Next-Mark focuses on internationally and nationally recognized brands along with growing companies across a broad spectrum of categories, including healthcare, technology, hospitality and entertainment, not-for-profits, tourism, retail, destination, and real estate. With clients from Beverly Hills to Amsterdam, its roster includes industry leaders like Simon Malls, Comcast/NBC, LexisNexis, Elsevier, CMX/Cinebistro, Medecision, California Pizza Kitchen, along with Florida-based clients such as The City of Sarasota, John Cannon Homes, DWYLA Architecture, Willis Smith Construction, St. Armands Circle, The Sarasota Players, First 1000 Days Suncoast, Yarnall Moving and Storage, CitySide Apartments, Sugar Champagne Bar, among others. Along with marketing communications solutions, Next-Mark is a Certified Salesforce Partner engaging with clients in over 18 states and Canada and is a proud longtime member of the Florida Public Relations Association. Learn more at https://next-mark.com/

In this episode, we dive into the LeadershipFPRA program. CWC Members Jennifer Hemmerdinger, APR and Laura Ansel, APR, CPRC share their experiences in the LeadershipFPRA program and how the program has impacted their careers.  If you're ready to join LeadershipFPRA after listening to this episode, hurry over to the FPRA website. Applications for Class X are due by June 23, 2025. Applications: https://www.fpra.org/professional-development/leadership-opportunities/leadershipfpra   Editing by Muffy Lavens Theme song courtesy of Ben Kunkel/Professor Soup   Have a suggestion for a future episode? Let us know by filling out this form.  For more information on the Central West Coast Chapter of FPRA visit https://cwcfpra.com/    Just Following Up...Again is sponsored by Next Mark.  Next-Mark is a full-service, award-winning marketing communications agency based in Sarasota, FL. It helps business leaders beat their growth targets by delivering better competitive insights, more powerful branding, stronger strategies and faster results. Breaking away from the constraints of traditional marketing service organizations, the Next-Mark team facilitates new conversations about a client’s brand, integrating experience, analytics and innovation in developing strategic marketing solutions to meet clients’ individual needs. Next-Mark focuses on internationally and nationally recognized brands along with growing companies across a broad spectrum of categories, including healthcare, technology, hospitality and entertainment, not-for-profits, tourism, retail, destination, and real estate. With clients from Beverly Hills to Amsterdam, its roster includes industry leaders like Simon Malls, Comcast/NBC, LexisNexis, Elsevier, CMX/Cinebistro, Medecision, California Pizza Kitchen, along with Florida-based clients such as The City of Sarasota, John Cannon Homes, DWYLA Architecture, Willis Smith Construction, St. Armands Circle, The Sarasota Players, First 1000 Days Suncoast, Yarnall Moving and Storage, CitySide Apartments, Sugar Champagne Bar, among others. Along with marketing communications solutions, Next-Mark is a Certified Salesforce Partner engaging with clients in over 18 states and Canada and is a proud longtime member of the Florida Public Relations Association. Learn more at https://next-mark.com/

State President Julie Frey, APR, CPRC and State President-Elect Lindsay Hudock, APR, CPRC sat down with CWC-FPRA President Hunter Carpenter, APR in this episode of Just Following Up…Again. They discuss the benefits of an FPRA member and some of the exciting programs on the horizon, including the PR & Comms Summit. Learn all about with FPRA has to offer in this episode.   Editing by MakSchu Productions Theme song courtesy of Ben Kunkel/Professor Soup   Have a suggestion for a future episode? Let us know by filling out this form.  For more information on the Central West Coast Chapter of FPRA visit https://cwcfpra.com/    Just Following Up...Again is sponsored by Next Mark.  Next-Mark is a full-service, award-winning marketing communications agency based in Sarasota, FL. It helps business leaders beat their growth targets by delivering better competitive insights, more powerful branding, stronger strategies and faster results. Breaking away from the constraints of traditional marketing service organizations, the Next-Mark team facilitates new conversations about a client’s brand, integrating experience, analytics and innovation in developing strategic marketing solutions to meet clients’ individual needs. Next-Mark focuses on internationally and nationally recognized brands along with growing companies across a broad spectrum of categories, including healthcare, technology, hospitality and entertainment, not-for-profits, tourism, retail, destination, and real estate. With clients from Beverly Hills to Amsterdam, its roster includes industry leaders like Simon Malls, Comcast/NBC, LexisNexis, Elsevier, CMX/Cinebistro, Medecision, California Pizza Kitchen, along with Florida-based clients such as The City of Sarasota, John Cannon Homes, DWYLA Architecture, Willis Smith Construction, St. Armands Circle, The Sarasota Players, First 1000 Days Suncoast, Yarnall Moving and Storage, CitySide Apartments, Sugar Champagne Bar, among others. Along with marketing communications solutions, Next-Mark is a Certified Salesforce Partner engaging with clients in over 18 states and Canada and is a proud longtime member of the Florida Public Relations Association. Learn more at https://next-mark.com/

Just Following Up...Again is back with a very special interview with Joseph Grano, President and Founder of Next-Mark. In this episode, listeners will learn about Next-Mark's growth over the past 20th years and lessons in business Joe has learned through growing the company. Future entrepreneurs will also get some insight into how to start their own businesses.  Have a suggestion for a future episode? Let us know by filling out this form. For more information on the Central West Coast Chapter of FPRA visit https://cwcfpra.com/  Editing by Muffy Lavens Theme song courtesy of Ben Kunkel/Professor Soup   Just Following Up...Again is sponsored by Next Mark.  Next-Mark is a full-service, award-winning marketing communications agency based in Sarasota, FL. It helps business leaders beat their growth targets by delivering better competitive insights, more powerful branding, stronger strategies and faster results. Breaking away from the constraints of traditional marketing service organizations, the Next-Mark team facilitates new conversations about a client’s brand, integrating experience, analytics and innovation in developing strategic marketing solutions to meet clients’ individual needs. Next-Mark focuses on internationally and nationally recognized brands along with growing companies across a broad spectrum of categories, including healthcare, technology, hospitality and entertainment, not-for-profits, tourism, retail, destination, and real estate. With clients from Beverly Hills to Amsterdam, its roster includes industry leaders like Simon Malls, Comcast/NBC, LexisNexis, Elsevier, CMX/Cinebistro, Medecision, California Pizza Kitchen, along with Florida-based clients such as The City of Sarasota, John Cannon Homes, DWYLA Architecture, Willis Smith Construction, St. Armands Circle, The Sarasota Players, First 1000 Days Suncoast, Yarnall Moving and Storage, CitySide Apartments, Sugar Champagne Bar, among others. Along with marketing communications solutions, Next-Mark is a Certified Salesforce Partner engaging with clients in over 18 states and Canada and is a proud longtime member of the Florida Public Relations Association. Learn more at https://next-mark.com/

Those on the Suncoast likely know Linda Carson from ABC7's Suncoast View, but she has had an expansive career spanning decades. Linda started her TV career in 1964 as a "TV Weather Girl" at Channel 11 in Atlanta. She went on to become one of the first female TV reporters and one of the first prime time female anchors in the country. Through her career she covered the Civil Rights Movement focusing on Coretta Scott King, walked with President George Bush to the media center following Sept. 11th, and interviewed a death row inmate. In this episode, Linda shares her incredible journalism journey and offers a little advice to both journalists and PR professionals.  Have a suggestion for a future episode? Let us know by filling out this form. For more information on the Central West Coast Chapter of FPRA visit https://cwcfpra.com/  Editing by MakSchu Productions Theme song courtesy of Ben Kunkel/Professor Soup   Just Following Up...Again is sponsored by Next Mark.  Next-Mark is a full-service, award-winning marketing communications agency based in Sarasota, FL. It helps business leaders beat their growth targets by delivering better competitive insights, more powerful branding, stronger strategies and faster results. Breaking away from the constraints of traditional marketing service organizations, the Next-Mark team facilitates new conversations about a client’s brand, integrating experience, analytics and innovation in developing strategic marketing solutions to meet clients’ individual needs. Next-Mark focuses on internationally and nationally recognized brands along with growing companies across a broad spectrum of categories, including healthcare, technology, hospitality and entertainment, not-for-profits, tourism, retail, destination, and real estate. With clients from Beverly Hills to Amsterdam, its roster includes industry leaders like Simon Malls, Comcast/NBC, LexisNexis, Elsevier, CMX/Cinebistro, Medecision, California Pizza Kitchen, along with Florida-based clients such as The City of Sarasota, John Cannon Homes, DWYLA Architecture, Willis Smith Construction, St. Armands Circle, The Sarasota Players, First 1000 Days Suncoast, Yarnall Moving and Storage, CitySide Apartments, Sugar Champagne Bar, among others. Along with marketing communications solutions, Next-Mark is a Certified Salesforce Partner engaging with clients in over 18 states and Canada and is a proud longtime member of the Florida Public Relations Association. Learn more at https://next-mark.com/  

Kristen Lessig-Schenerlein is an executive coach, wellbeing strategist, keynote speaker and founder of Koi Coaching and Consulting. Hannah McGowan is a professional trainer, coach and founder of Hannah McGowan Coaching. Together they founded The CORE Program, a transformational leadership development program designed to unlock hidden potential in the next generation of leaders in the Sarasota community. In this episode, Past-President Sheryl Vieira sits down with Kristen and Hannah to discuss the CORE Program and how it supports leaders throughout the Sarasota/Manatee area.  Note to listeners: If you are listening to this episode after March 12, 2025, the CORE Leadership application has closed. Please visit https://www.coreleadershipcoaching.com/ for more information and future application time periods.  Editing by Muffy Lavens Theme song courtesy of Ben Kunkel/Professor Soup Have a suggestion for a future episode? Let us know by filling out this form.  For more information on the Central West Coast Chapter of FPRA visit https://cwcfpra.com/  Just Following Up...Again is sponsored by Next Mark.  Next-Mark is a full-service, award-winning marketing communications agency based in Sarasota, FL. It helps business leaders beat their growth targets by delivering better competitive insights, more powerful branding, stronger strategies and faster results. Breaking away from the constraints of traditional marketing service organizations, the Next-Mark team facilitates new conversations about a client’s brand, integrating experience, analytics and innovation in developing strategic marketing solutions to meet clients’ individual needs. Next-Mark focuses on internationally and nationally recognized brands along with growing companies across a broad spectrum of categories, including healthcare, technology, hospitality and entertainment, not-for-profits, tourism, retail, destination, and real estate. With clients from Beverly Hills to Amsterdam, its roster includes industry leaders like Simon Malls, Comcast/NBC, LexisNexis, Elsevier, CMX/Cinebistro, Medecision, California Pizza Kitchen, along with Florida-based clients such as The City of Sarasota, John Cannon Homes, DWYLA Architecture, Willis Smith Construction, St. Armands Circle, The Sarasota Players, First 1000 Days Suncoast, Yarnall Moving and Storage, CitySide Apartments, Sugar Champagne Bar, among others. Along with marketing communications solutions, Next-Mark is a Certified Salesforce Partner engaging with clients in over 18 states and Canada and is a proud longtime member of the Florida Public Relations Association. Learn more at https://next-mark.com/

Being prepared for an interview is a crucial part of media relations and telling a good story. Hallie Peliet Young, Founder & CEO of No Blues News, shares best practices when conducting on camera interviews. Hallie’s expertise has earned her two prestigious Telly Awards and an Emmy nomination, recognizing her talent for creating content that resonates and drives meaningful impact. In this episode, she’ll share tips and tricks to make sure your spokesperson is ready for their next interview.   Editing by MakSchu Productions Theme song courtesy of Ben Kunkel/Professor Soup Have a suggestion for a future episode? Let us know by filling out this form.  For more information on the Central West Coast Chapter of FPRA visit https://cwcfpra.com/    Just Following Up...Again is sponsored by Next Mark.  Next-Mark is a full-service, award-winning marketing communications agency based in Sarasota, FL. It helps business leaders beat their growth targets by delivering better competitive insights, more powerful branding, stronger strategies and faster results. Breaking away from the constraints of traditional marketing service organizations, the Next-Mark team facilitates new conversations about a client’s brand, integrating experience, analytics and innovation in developing strategic marketing solutions to meet clients’ individual needs. Next-Mark focuses on internationally and nationally recognized brands along with growing companies across a broad spectrum of categories, including healthcare, technology, hospitality and entertainment, not-for-profits, tourism, retail, destination, and real estate. With clients from Beverly Hills to Amsterdam, its roster includes industry leaders like Simon Malls, Comcast/NBC, LexisNexis, Elsevier, CMX/Cinebistro, Medecision, California Pizza Kitchen, along with Florida-based clients such as The City of Sarasota, John Cannon Homes, DWYLA Architecture, Willis Smith Construction, St. Armands Circle, The Sarasota Players, First 1000 Days Suncoast, Yarnall Moving and Storage, CitySide Apartments, Sugar Champagne Bar, among others. Along with marketing communications solutions, Next-Mark is a Certified Salesforce Partner engaging with clients in over 18 states and Canada and is a proud longtime member of the Florida Public Relations Association. Learn more at https://next-mark.com/

How one leads a team can make or break the success of a department. Linda Beltran, VP of Corporate Communications for Holiday Inn Club Vacations, shares that effective leadership isn’t about having all the answers or never making mistakes. Being a leader is about empowering one's team and recognizing each team member’s unique strengths and contributions.    Editing by Muffy Lavens Theme song courtesy of Ben Kunkel/Professor Soup Have a suggestion for a future episode? Let us know by filling out this form.  For more information on the Central West Coast Chapter of FPRA visit https://cwcfpra.com/    Just Following Up...Again is sponsored by Next Mark.  Next-Mark is a full-service, award-winning marketing communications agency based in Sarasota, FL. It helps business leaders beat their growth targets by delivering better competitive insights, more powerful branding, stronger strategies and faster results. Breaking away from the constraints of traditional marketing service organizations, the Next-Mark team facilitates new conversations about a client’s brand, integrating experience, analytics and innovation in developing strategic marketing solutions to meet clients’ individual needs. Next-Mark focuses on internationally and nationally recognized brands along with growing companies across a broad spectrum of categories, including healthcare, technology, hospitality and entertainment, not-for-profits, technology, tourism, retail, destination, and real estate. With clients from Beverly Hills to Amsterdam, its roster includes industry leaders like Simon Malls, Comcast/NBC, LexisNexis, Elsevier, CMX/Cinebistro, Medecision, California Pizza Kitchen, along with Florida-based clients such as The City of Sarasota, John Cannon Homes, DWYLA Architecture, Willis Smith Construction, St. Armands Circle, The Sarasota Players, First 1000 Days Suncoast, Yarnall Moving and Storage, CitySide Apartments, Sugar Champagne Bar, among others. Along with marketing communications solutions, Next-Mark is a Certified Salesforce Partner engaging with clients in over 18 states and Canada and is a proud longtime member of the Florida Public Relations Association. Learn more at https://next-mark.com/

Are you ready to earn your Accreditation in Public Relations? Credentialing Co-Directors Jennifer Moss Wilson, APR, CPRC and Sharon Kunkel, APR, CPRC share why public relations and communication professionals should consider getting their APR to enhance their careers and understanding of the field. For more information on earning your credentials, visit https://cwcfpra.com/accreditation/----more---- Editing by Muffy Lavens Theme song by Ben Kunkel/Professor Soup Have an idea for a future episode? Fill out the suggestion form: https://forms.gle/aKNEFNv856rbcs438 ----more---- Just Following Up...Again is sponsored by Next Mark.  Next-Mark is a full-service, award-winning marketing communications agency based in Sarasota, FL. It helps business leaders beat their growth targets by delivering better competitive insights, more powerful branding, stronger strategies and faster results. Breaking away from the constraints of traditional marketing service organizations, the Next-Mark team facilitates new conversations about a client’s brand, integrating experience, analytics and innovation in developing strategic marketing solutions to meet clients’ individual needs. Next-Mark focuses on internationally and nationally recognized brands along with growing companies across a broad spectrum of categories, including healthcare, technology, hospitality and entertainment, not-for-profits, technology, tourism, retail, destination, and real estate. With clients from Beverly Hills to Amsterdam, its roster includes industry leaders like Simon Malls, Comcast/NBC, LexisNexis, Elsevier, CMX/Cinebistro, Medecision, California Pizza Kitchen, along with Florida-based clients such as The City of Sarasota, John Cannon Homes, DWYLA Architecture, Willis Smith Construction, St. Armands Circle, The Sarasota Players, First 1000 Days Suncoast, Yarnall Moving and Storage, CitySide Apartments, Sugar Champagne Bar, among others. Along with marketing communications solutions, Next-Mark is a Certified Salesforce Partner engaging with clients in over 18 states and Canada and is a proud longtime member of the Florida Public Relations Association. Learn more at https://next-mark.com/

Happy New Year from the Central West Coast Chapter of the Florida Public Relations Association! In this special edition of Just Following Up…Again, we asked our members what lessons they learned in 2024 and what goals they have for 2025.  Have a suggestion for a future episode? Let us know by filling out this form.  For more information on the Central West Coast Chapter of FPRA visit https://cwcfpra.com/  ----more---- Editing by Muffy Lavens Theme song courtesy of Ben Kunkel/Professor Soup ----more---- Just Following Up...Again is sponsored by Next Mark.  Next-Mark is a full-service, award-winning marketing communications agency based in Sarasota, FL. It helps business leaders beat their growth targets by delivering better competitive insights, more powerful branding, stronger strategies and faster results. Breaking away from the constraints of traditional marketing service organizations, the Next-Mark team facilitates new conversations about a client’s brand, integrating experience, analytics and innovation in developing strategic marketing solutions to meet clients’ individual needs. Next-Mark focuses on internationally and nationally recognized brands along with growing companies across a broad spectrum of categories, including healthcare, technology, hospitality and entertainment, not-for-profits, technology, tourism, retail, destination, and real estate. With clients from Beverly Hills to Amsterdam, its roster includes industry leaders like Simon Malls, Comcast/NBC, LexisNexis, Elsevier, CMX/Cinebistro, Medecision, California Pizza Kitchen, along with Florida-based clients such as The City of Sarasota, John Cannon Homes, DWYLA Architecture, Willis Smith Construction, St. Armands Circle, The Sarasota Players, First 1000 Days Suncoast, Yarnall Moving and Storage, CitySide Apartments, Sugar Champagne Bar, among others. Along with marketing communications solutions, Next-Mark is a Certified Salesforce Partner engaging with clients in over 18 states and Canada and is a proud longtime member of the Florida Public Relations Association. Learn more at https://next-mark.com/

Welcome back to Just Following Up…Again: A PR Podcast by the Central West Coast Chapter of the Florida Public Relations Association. To kick off season two, Media Relations Director Muffy Lavens speaks with Randy Mitchelson, APR of M&M Multimedia. They discuss the importance of video production for public relations and communications professionals, ways to keep costs down, and the importance of planning to create the best finished product possible.  ----more---- Editing by Muffy Lavens Theme song courtesy of Ben Kunkel/Professor Soup Have a suggestion for a future episode? Let us know by filling out this form.  For more information on the Central West Coast Chapter of FPRA visit https://cwcfpra.com/ ----more---- Just Following Up...Again is sponsored by Next Mark.  Next-Mark is a full-service, award-winning marketing communications agency based in Sarasota, FL. It helps business leaders beat their growth targets by delivering better competitive insights, more powerful branding, stronger strategies and faster results. Breaking away from the constraints of traditional marketing service organizations, the Next-Mark team facilitates new conversations about a client’s brand, integrating experience, analytics and innovation in developing strategic marketing solutions to meet clients’ individual needs. Next-Mark focuses on internationally and nationally recognized brands along with growing companies across a broad spectrum of categories, including healthcare, technology, hospitality and entertainment, not-for-profits, technology, tourism, retail, destination, and real estate. With clients from Beverly Hills to Amsterdam, its roster includes industry leaders like Simon Malls, Comcast/NBC, LexisNexis, Elsevier, CMX/Cinebistro, Medecision, California Pizza Kitchen, along with Florida-based clients such as The City of Sarasota, John Cannon Homes, DWYLA Architecture, Willis Smith Construction, St. Armands Circle, The Sarasota Players, First 1000 Days Suncoast, Yarnall Moving and Storage, CitySide Apartments, Sugar Champagne Bar, among others. Along with marketing communications solutions, Next-Mark is a Certified Salesforce Partner engaging with clients in over 18 states and Canada and is a proud longtime member of the Florida Public Relations Association. Learn more at https://next-mark.com/

Joel Staley, a 25-year corporate communications veteran, shares insights into media training and why it's important to keep our spokespeople ready for interviews. In this episode, features stories and advice given by Joel during his "Media Training the C-Suite" professional development event, in addition to a one-on-one interview.  Joel will be joining the Central West Coast Chapter again for a professional development event on October 9, 2024. The event will focus on crisis communications. To learn more or to sign up for the event, visit https://cwcfpra.com/events/ ----more---- A special thanks to the Kompose Hotel in Sarasota for hosting our event. Editing by Brandon Wardell Theme song courtesy of Ben Kunkel/Professor Soup

Listen in on the second panel of journalists from Meet the Media, an event hosted by the Central West Coast Chapter of the Florida Public Relations Association. This panel is hosted by CWC-FPRA member Sharon Kunkel, APR, CPRC and features: Jim DeLa, Community News Collaborative  Kim Doleatto, Sarasota Magazine Mark Gordon, Business Observer Marco LaManno, Suncoast News Network Joey Panek, ABC7’s Suncoast View Please note, this episode was recording during the November 2023 Meet the Media event, so some information on reporter's beats and outlets have changed. The insights they provide into pitching and working with public relations professional still remain.  A special thanks to the Hyatt Regency Sarasota for hosting Meet the Media. If you enjoyed listening to this event, join us in person for our next one. See the upcoming events at https://cwcfpra.com/  ----more---- Editing by Brandon Wardell and Muffy Lavens Theme song courtesy of Ben Kunkel/Professor Soup Have an idea for a future episode? Let us know. 

Blair Bloomston, Founder and CEO of Leaders Uplifted, joins Just Following Up…Again to discuss the importance of networking, how to approach events where you may not know anyone, and how to put the power of social media to work when connecting with others in your industry.  ----more---- Have a suggestion for a future episode? Let us know: https://forms.gle/83dS7iifrLWwTTkPA Editing by Muffy Lavens Theme song courtesy of Ben Kunkel/Professor Soup For more information on the Central West Coast Chapter of FPRA visit https://cwcfpra.com/

Listen in on “Community in Crisis: Lessons Learned from Hurricane Ian,” an event hosted by the Central West Coast Chapter of the Florida Public Relations Association. Managing a crisis can be part of the job for any communicator. A Category 5 Hurricane bearing down on the community takes things to another level. This episode features insights on how best to handle moments of crisis from Jamie Carson, Director of Communications for Sarasota County Government and Jason Bartolone, Communications Manager/Public Information Officer for the City of North Port.  The insights are also quite timely given the recent flooding from Hurricane Debby, and the fact we are still in the midst of hurricane season. Listen to Just Following Up…Again for the latest insights from CWC-FPRA. A special thanks to Sarasota County for hosting the event at the Sarasota County Emergency Operations Center.  ----more---- Editing by Brandon Wardell and Muffy Lavens Theme song courtesy of Ben Kunkel/Professor Soup If you enjoyed listening to this event, please join us in person for our next one. See the upcoming events at https://cwcfpra.com/

Listen in on Meet the Media, a professional development event hosted by the Central West Coast Chapter of the Florida Public Relations Association. Panelists will share insights into what they look for in a pitch, pet peeves the media has when receiving a pitch and the changing media landscape.  Panelists include:  Jesse Coleman, WSLR Radio Kat Wingert, Observer Media Group Scott Lawson, The Daily Sun Felipe Colon, Sarasota Speax! Hallie Peilet Young, No Blues News ----more---- A special thanks to the Hyatt Regency Sarasota for hosting Meet the Media. Editing by Brandon Wardell and Muffy Lavens Theme song courtesy of Ben Kunkel/Professor Soup If you enjoyed this event, join us in person for our next one. See the upcoming events at https://cwcfpra.com/ 

In the first episode, Membership Director Jennifer Hemmerdinger sits down with Mark Gordon, Managing Editor of the Business Observer, to discuss the importance of building strong relationships between reporters and public relations professionals. The conversation will include why the connection between the two professionals is so important and how public relations practitioners can strive to work better with reporters.  ----more---- A special thanks to the Observer Media Group for allowing us to record at their offices.  Editing by Brandon Wardell and Muffy Lavens Theme song courtesy of Ben Kunkel/Professor Soup For more information on the Central West Coast Chapter of FPRA visit https://cwcfpra.com/ 

Just Follow Up...Again: A PR Podcast by the Central West Coast Chapter of the Florida Public Relations Association features interviews with local journalists, public relations professionals, and thought leaders to share current industry information to benefit a wide variety of  organizations. Episodes are posted every other Tuesday.  Follow CWC-FPRA on Social: Facebook Instagram LinkedIn For more information on the Central West Coast Chapter of FPRA visit https://cwcfpra.com/ Music courtesy of Ben Kunkel/Professor Soup Editing by Muffy Lavens