August 2025 Newsletter 
Calendar of Events
Join Cincinnati PRSA for one or all of these upcoming events!
PRSA Cincinnati Behind the Scenes at WVXU
Date: August 20, 9-10:15 a.m.
Location: WVXU
2117 Dana Avenue, Cincinnati, OH, 45207
What to Expect: Join us for an informative opportunity to hear how Cincinnati Public Radio continues their mission and get a behind the scenes tour of the new facility.
Webinar: AI and communications: Game Changer or Ethical Nightmare
Ethical communication has always been essential in building strong relationships. The explosion of Artificial Intelligence tools to help enhance and streamline communication efforts is the most significant advancement to the public relations industry in years. While these tools bring exciting possibilities, they also present potential ethical issues. Join us for this valuable webinar featuring Dr. Cayce Myers, LL.M., J.D., APR, professor and director of graduate studies in the School of Communication at Virginia Tech University.![]()
Help Us Support the Queen City Book Bank
Date: September 22, 1-3 p.m.
Location: QCBB
1200 Gest St, Cincinnati, OH 45203
What to Expect: Join Cincinnati PRSA in giving back to our community! We’ll be volunteering at the Queen City Book Bank (QCBB) as part of the PRSA East Central District’s Community Service Week. Get a behind-the-scenes tour of QCBB’s operations, and assist with some hands-on tasks to help organize the many donated books and materials they receive (like the ones we donated). There’s only room for 20 people, so register soon.
2025 Blacksmith Awards and Chapter Banquet
Date: November 20, 6-9 p.m.
Location: The Ventura, Norwood, Oh
What to Expect: The 2025 Blacksmith Awards will be presented and honored at the annual Cincinnati PRSA Chapter Banquet. Celebrate the best of the Cincinnati region's public relations community and network with industry professionals. Learn more and submit your entry by August 31 for a discounted rate!![]()
Blacksmith Awards - Registration Open

The Blacksmith Awards portal is now open. Are you ready to submit your best public relations work from the past year? Whether it was a campaign that broke the mold or a story that sparked change, we want to see the bold and brilliant work you have done.
Save money by entering by August 31.
If you missed the Virtual Information Session or want to review, you can view the recording and access the slides. Use Passcode: f0fK92^2
WVB
Nominate a deserving colleague today for the 2025 Werner Vonderhaar Bogart Award
The WVB Award is the highest accolade the Cincinnati PRSA Chapter can bestow upon its members. Named after three distinguished leaders—William Werner, Edward VonderHaar, and Judith Bogart—who have not only served as presidents of our chapter but also held significant roles as national PRSA presidents, this award epitomizes excellence in public relations.
A nomination is an opportunity to highlight the hard work, dedication, and impact that your colleagues make every day.![]()
Ethics Moment
Ethics Moment: Dear New York Times: “We do not spin”
Keeping with this newsletter’s theme of recognizing excellence, PRSA is getting ready to recognize Ethics Month in September, spotlighting our Code of Ethics and its importance in how our members conduct business each day with excellence. Preparing for Ethics Month, I came across this letter to the New York Times that should make us all proud of our Code of Ethics, how it guides our 20,000 members and how it absolutely DOES NOT stand for “spin.” The letter was written by Mark W. McClennan, APR, Fellow PRSA, and PRSA 2016 National Chair.![]()
Reads and Resources
On the PRSA Blog: 10 Ways Our Library PR Team Uses ChatGPT to Work Smarter
Since 2023, the PR team at the Kenton County Public Library has embraced ChatGPT as a tool to increase efficiency, sharpen messaging and support a wide range of communication efforts. Our small team of three, four with our summer intern, is responsible for promoting four physical library locations housing over half a million items, publicizing more than 30 services, supporting 400-plus monthly programs, developing quarterly literacy campaigns and managing communications for the library’s 501(c)(3) Foundation. PRSA Member and Cincinnati Chapter Director-at-Large Robin Klaene, APR, shares 10 practical ways her team uses ChatGPT in their daily work on the blog.![]()
Attend the PRSA East Central District Conference
The PRSA East Central District Conference takes place September 12-13 in Dublin, OH. More information including full agenda, location and pricing can be found at PRSAecd.org.
Kudos and Congrats
Meet the Pros: Jill E. Dunne, Principal & Chief Story Officer, Said & Dunne
We’re excited to introduce the “Meet the Pros” feature —a fun and engaging way to showcase the talented professionals who make up Cincinnati PRSA! Thanks to Jill for sharing her wisdom, inspiration and advice!![]()
We’d love to feature you and share your insights, experiences, and unique story with our community.
Did you land a new job? Were you recognized for your outstanding work? Did your pitch land a great media placement?
Please write to [email protected]
Become a PRSA Member Today!
In today's changing PR environment, professionals who succeed aren't just talented—they're well-connected, skilled, and adaptable. Building your PR network, refining skills, and exploring new techniques that make you profitable and efficient aren’t just smart—they’re essential.
Read more about how being a PRSA member will benefit you! Ready to join? Contact Christie L. McKittrick at [email protected] to jump-start your skill and network development.
Job Listings
Are you trying to fill a role in your organization? Are you seeking a new position? Check out the Cincinnati PRSA Job Board! Positions are posted for three months. Check out open positions or fill out the form to post your open role today.

