Document # 30

Since the last PRC report in July 2002, the most significant accomplishment of the committee has been the publication of the new PIO Handbook on the ARRL Web site. A lot of work was performed by the entire committee, in particular Jeff AA6JR who took on the final editing. The new publication has been announced in QST and on the ARRL's main Web page. This should serve as a ready reference for those interested in ham radio publicity. It is also available in .pdf (Adobe Acrobat file) for easy printing. This is a work-in-progress and I'm sure the committee will continue to make suggestions and changes to the Handbook so it remains current.

Many members of the committee have been active on the PR and PR Committee reflectors, with mixed results. For the most part, the reflectors are an asset to those who subscribe, but messages that should have been sent directly to parties involved digress into messages to the entire reflector. This is very common with Internet reflectors and Jen, N1TDY, has done a very good job keeping relevant information flowing.

In the area of presentations, Rich, W2VU, and myself ran a very successful PR forum at the New England Division Convention in Boxboro, Massachusetts, in August. Jeff, AA6JR, has continued to present his very popular multi-media PR presentation which is now also available on the Web.

The PRC offered recommendations to the VRC regarding Amateur Radio Awareness Day 2003. The request for PRC input came from Director Fallon at the July 2002 Board meeting. Special thanks to ARRL President Haynie, the ARRL Officers and Board - especially PRC liaison Gary Johnston, KI4LA - for their support . Special thanks to Jen Hagy for her invaluable assistance. The past two years have been a learning experience, and I look forward to working with the new PRC Chairman and the committee in 2003.

Respectfully submitted,

Diane Ortiz, K2DO
ARRL Public Relations Committee Chairman 2002