Timeline 1960s

The 1960s

1960 Cliff D. Davenport served as the Association’s president. Spring meeting called for a ladies' trip to tour Tupperware in Orlando. The fall meeting in Fort Lauderdale with a post-convention trip to Nassau for three days and two nights with air transportation and transfers totaled $51.00/person.

1961 Jack Shoemaker became president and FPRA distributed a pamphlet titled, "Should you go into Public Relations?" sponsored by the New York Life Insurance Company. University of Florida students formed The Collegiate Public Relations Association.

1962 J.S. (Jack) Peters served as the Association’s president. President's Cup Award was presented to the chapter having displayed the greatest interest in community activities. FPRA changed the by-laws to reflect that members must be actively engaged in public relations as a principal occupation. A position was advertised for manager of the Fort Walton Beach Chamber of Commerce. The advertisement stated: family man preferred, $7,000/year.

1963 Alan B. Fields served as the Association’s president. Spring Meeting was held at the Grand Bahama Hotel (outside of Florida) and caused controversy. The Silver Anniversary Convention was held in Winter Haven at the Landmark Motor Lodge. The Convention registration for three days was $20.00 and lodging was $12 per night at the hotel. Institution of Golden Image Awards program.

1964 Philip E. DeBerard, Jr. became president and membership totaled 277. Emphasis on chapter projects, public seminars and speakers' bureaus grew to explain public relations to businessmen, build membership and improve competency of members.

1965 Robert E. Phillips became president and the 300 membership mark was passed with 314. FPRA's Fall Convention, "Florida's Changing Image in the Next Decade," was the first time the Association sold booth space.

1966 Stirling Turner became president and the newsletter, named “Motivation,” became a confidential monthly report to members. January 28 The Ringling (Central West Coast) Chapter in Sarasota was formed and a job advertisement for a manager of the Manatee Chamber of Commerce was placed offering a salary of $9,000/year. The association received a record number of entries in the annual awards competition -- 37.

1967 James Hunter became president and the FPRA Executive Office opened in Jacksonville. FPRA’s newsletter style and name changed to the "Bulletin” and contained confidential reports, trends, job opportunities, excerpts from speeches, advance promotion of meetings, reports on FPRA business and messages from the officers. The new format mimicked “Kiplinger style.” Public Relations Counselor licensing was discussed. Life memberships were bestowed on M.B. McDonald, Lt. Col. John Dillin, Milton Bacon and Wilton Martin. “Idea Exchange” started in the newsletter. December 6 The Osceola (Gainesville) Chapter was formed.

1968 Robert A. Dahne served as the Association’s president and a student membership classification was added.

1969 Grover Jones served as the Association’s president and membership passed the 500 mark. September 12 The Lake-Highlands (Lake/Sumter) Chapter was formed.

The 1960s

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