Lorrie Walker, president of the Lakeland public relations firm Lorrie Walker Communications, Inc. recently joined the Dick Pope/Polk County Chapter of the Florida Public Relations Association.

Walker was inducted into the organization at its June 16 meeting at the Lakeland Yacht and Country Club.

“I’m thrilled to be a part of FPRA once again,” said Walker, a Lakeland press release writer and public relations professional. “I was a member when I worked in the PR field prior to starting my own business, and I’m excited to be a part of this incredible group of professionals once again.”

Walker is hitting the ground running. She will serve as the organization’s newsletter editor for the 2010-2011 year.

There are many aspects of FPRA that are appealing to Walker, she said. The organization provides a great deal of networking opportunities with like-minded professionals. It also offers PR practitioners the ability to become accredited in public relations.

Accreditation is offered through the Universal Accreditation Board (UAB) to members of participating organizations, including FPRA, according to the FPRA website.

“I’ve considered accreditation for years, and now that I’ve become involved in the organization once again, I feel strongly about pursuing my APR,” she said.

Yet another FPRA benefit is the opportunity it presents for making media contacts throughout the state. For example, the Orlando FPRA chapter has partnered with the Public Relations Society of America’s Orlando chapter to present the 2010 Central Florida Media Roundtable and Luncheon on July 15 in Orlando.

“Attending this event puts you in contact with top editors, reporters, bloggers and TV producers from local to national media outlets,” Walker said, adding that having these contacts comes in handy when conducting public relations campaigns for clients.

Lorrie Walker Communications, Inc. has been in business since May 2007. Walker’s experience includes journalism, public relations and event planning.

For more information, please visit www.lorriewalker.com or call (863) 614-0555.