January 2007

President's Message

PPGF’s E-newsletter

Hopefully by the time that you’re reading this month’s Goldcoast Exposure, you’ve received and opened the guild’s first e-newsletter.  The intent of this new form of communication is to add additional impact to the information that we share with members and prospective photographers.  The process of creating the e-newsletter is rather time consuming, but I believe it will be a tool that will greatly benefit the Guild and all the professional photographers in South Florida.

If you are a member this tool is something that you can take advantage of.  First, you can forward the e-newsletter to a fellow photographer or friend, and second you can encourage a prospective member to enroll in the e-newsletter’s database.  All this can be easily done within the e-newsletter, and they will receive a copy with little effort on their part.  One of the goals I see from using the e-newsletter is that the Guild’s Membership Chairmen will be able to creatively and efficiently connect with prospective members. As Executive Board Members search for ways to increase our roster of members the e-newsletter fits heavily into our solutions.

Just how effective is this type communications?  Without exception all of the new attendees who attended the February training seminar reportedly heard about the program through the e-newsletter.  One attendee actually brought in his copy of the e-newsletter.  Now that’s positive communicating.

The other fascinating feature about the e-newsletter is that it tracks some nifty statistical information.  For instance, it generates reports on who opened the email, when they opened it, if they forwarded to a friend, if it was reported as spam, if the address is now bogus, or if it was opened at all.  With this kind of information in the Guild’s hand we will be able to effectively target those photographers and prospects who are truly interested in the Guild.  Also, be on the lookout for some other unique ways that we will be using this tool.

Finally, I need to remind all current members that the first print competition of the year is right around the corner…March 21^st in fact.  I anticipate some fierce competition this year from a lot of newcomers which will make this year’s race for the “Top Ten Photographers” really interesting.  I personally want to encourage all new members to visit the guild’s website (http://ppgf.com) and download the competition rules and forms so you will be prepared to submit your images without disqualification.  Invaluable pointers can also be gleaned from our Print Competition Chairman (Tom Collins at tc@ccgworld.com) and other guild members who have competed in the past.  Keep in mind the Guild Print Competitions are a prelude to preparing for Inter-Guild (PPGF Vs Palm Beach) and State print competitions later in the year. 

Good luck and I hope to see you at the finish line.

 Willie L Hill, Jr., CPP

President

March Program - Round One of Print Competition

The first print competition of 2007 will take place on Wednesday, March 21, 2007 at the Art Institute of Ft. Lauderdale. The deadline for entries is 7:00 pm, NO EXCEPTIONS.

Entries must arrive no later than the deadline with lables attached, the Entry Form filled out, and payment of the Salon Fee. Points from participating in Salon Competition accrue towards Top 10 Photographer of the Year honors.

Click here to download an Entry Form.

Click here to download Print Lables.

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