SWMO PRSA

What a treat to hear from Heather Baskins-Hermen, senior vice president/chief marketing & communications officer at Explore Branson!

At our meeting today, she shared her inspiring career journey and the amazing work she and her team are doing in destination marketing across Branson. She’s been in the role for just two years, and it’s impressive to see all they’ve accomplished!

Two things that stood out:

- Change and doing things differently can be hard, but it’s necessary to move forward
- Always make the ask

Join us next month on Oct. 7 for our "Beyond the Buzz: How AI is Transforming Communications and Media Relations" half-day workshop. Register at https://bit.ly/4xQOJGb.

Here's our August's newsletter: https://bit.ly/4A0alBt

A new season is ahead. As we move into fall, we're gearing up for more opportunities to learn, connect and grow together.

A few things to note:
- Sept. 10 meeting: Get insights from Heather Baskins-Hermen, Branson Chamber and Convention & Visitors Bureau senior vice president/chief marketing and communications officer. She'll talk about her career in destination storytelling.
- Oct. 7 half-day AI workshop: Explore both the opportunities and challenges of using AI in communications and media relations.
- Our online 2026 Member Survey is still open. Please respond by Aug. 31 if you haven't yet.

Join in this Public Relations Society of America (PRSA)'s Strategies & Tactics Live tomorrow afternoon: https://bit.ly/45oqX7G.

What does it take to build trust with a community every day?

Join us Aug. 26 at 1 p.m. ET for the next Strategies & Tactics Live with Jon Zaghloul, director of communications for the City of Aurora, Ill.

At 26, Zaghloul has already built a career spanning sports media and public service. He’ll share lessons on leadership, digital engagement, building community trust and keeping residents at the center of communications.

Watch live and join the conversation: https://bit.ly/45oqX7G

Mark your calendar: this month's Member Mondays is Aug. 24. Register at https://www.prsa.org/home/get-involved/member-mondays.

We got to enjoy a fun and insightful presentation about the power of infotainment in social media at our meeting today. Thank you Ren Bishop Luebbering from the Springfield-Branson National Airport for sharing with us.

Great to see a good turnout!

Get help to enhance your skills!

Take a look at July's newsletter. https://bit.ly/4bsn2u9

A few things to highlight:
- Aug. 13 meeting: Hear from Ren Bishop Luebbering, marketing and communications coordinator at Springfield-Branson National Airport. She'll share how to build $0 social campaigns that drive impressions, boost brand awareness and maybe, just maybe, make your CEO look cool.
- Sept. 10 meeting: Get insights from Heather Baskins-Hermen, Branson Chamber and Convention & Visitors Bureau senior vice president/chief marketing and communications officer. She'll talk about her career in destination storytelling.
- Our online 2026 Member Survey. Please complete it if you haven't yet.

This S&T Live with Mike Neumeier, APR, is happening tomorrow! https://www.linkedin.com/events/s-tlivewithmikeneumeier-apr7481406216435519488/theater/

Members: Your voice matters. We emailed the 2026 member survey today and we'd appreciate your feedback. Please take a few minutes to complete the survey by July 31. Your input will help guide future programs, networking opportunities and chapter initiatives.

If you don't see the survey in your inbox, please check your junk or spam folder. Or use this link: https://bit.ly/3T3V4hM.

Thank you for helping us build a stronger chapter!