Research, Planning, and Now Implementation
In 2017, the PRSA Hoosier Chapter conducted a formal membership survey with the goals of determining current level satisfaction and engagement levels; gaining a tangible understanding of why members choose to join the Hoosier Chapter and why others in the industry do not; and prioritizing expectations of members relative to their membership and annual chapter offerings. Prior to the survey being developed, a focus group was held to learn about the chapter’s strategic planning objectives and how the research would fit into the end goal of writing the chapter’s 2018 – 2020 Strategic Plan. The focus group moderator listened to the group comprised of current leadership, past leadership, new professionals and seasoned professionals to understand the chapter’s strengths, weaknesses, values, industry opportunities and threats and broader societal expectations. We discussed the chapter’s perception of current member satisfaction and purchase drivers.
Based on the information obtained during the focus group, Chelsea Clark Consulting, LLC, developed and fielded three surveys: Member, Prospective Member, and Former Member. The surveys were in the field from September-October 2017. The PRSA Hoosier Chapter provided 379 email addresses of current members. Of this group, 79 current members opened and began the survey, with 63 current members completing the entire survey.
When asked about chapter performance in 2016-2017, members were most satisfied with the chapter’s success in keeping them informed about programs and activities, support of PRSSA students and provision of opportunities to participate in committees, programs, and other activities. Areas for improvement included quality, useful chapter programming, variety in event locations and better communication regarding events. On a tactical level we are currently addressing some of the areas for improvement by using survey data to determine event topics and speakers, researching additional venues for upcoming programming and have changed our newsletter schedule to be more event-focused when appropriate. Please click here to read the key takeaways from the survey. Please email Megan Bulla if you would like access to the full survey results.
After reviewing and discussing the survey results in detail, the Strategic Planning committee drafted the 2018 – 2020 PRSA Hoosier Chapter Strategic Plan. This plan was approved at the February PRSA Hoosier Chapter Board Meeting by unanimous decision. Please click here to access this document. This plan outlines four overall goals with accompanying objectives and strategies. The plan assumes the chapter will be funding another study in three years, which is on par with what we have done in the past.
Thank you to the Strategic Planning committee for your invaluable input, leadership and dedication to the chapter’s success. I was honored to play a role in developing this Strategic Plan and I look forward to seeing the PRSA Hoosier Chapter continue to grow over the next few years.
Respectfully,
Megan Bulla, APR
2018 PRSA Hoosier Chapter President
Megan Bulla, APR, Bulla has 13 years of experience in strategic communications, media relations, and event-based communications. She is the owner of Bulla Communications, LLC serving several clients in the non-profit and retail sectors. In addition, she is the owner of the Indy Brew Bus – Indianapolis’ original brewery tour and Flight Borders – a retail business focused on state-shaped craft beer flight boards. Bulla earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Journalism from IUPUI, is accredited in public relations by the Public Relations Society of America and currently serves as the PRSA Hoosier Chapter president. She also served as the founding President for the PRSSA IUPUI Chapter.