After 15 years, another female President
Brussels, 25nd June 2007 - The General Assembly of the Belgian Public Relations Consultants Association (BPRCA) met on 14th June 2007 and elected a new Board of Directors for the coming year, 2007-2009.
In addition to Dian Wahlen (Managing Director, Leads United), whose mandate continues, the Board welcomed Francine Robbens (PRP) as a new director, for a period of 2 years. Johan Ral (CS, retiring President) and Jean-Léopold Schuybroek (Interel) were re-elected as members of the Board.
The Board of Directors appointed Dian Wahlen as President for the period 2007-2009. It is 15 years since there was previously a female President of the BPRCA.
Since last year, the Association has resolutely decided on opening up to high-level professional PR agencies and communications consultants, with an open and dynamic view on the profession’s future and with attention for rejuvenation.
In the coming year, priority will be given to establishing co-operations with other professional associations. Extending the relationship with the Belgian PR Centre (BPRC), the Association of Communication Companies (ACC), the Union of Belgian Advertisers (UBA), and the professional cross-fertilisation during such activities, can only be beneficial to the careers of communications professionals. It will also give the market a clearer and unequivocal picture of the various facets of the profession.
“There are lots of projects in the pipeline which will boost the Belgian PR-world during the coming months” says Dian Wahlen, brand new President of the BPRCA. “We will certainly come back on them in September. We also hope to finalise a ‘Charter’ with the UBA which should make relations with prospects and clients easier based on a framework of rules recognised by all parties a.o.in terms of competitive bidding.
In its role as coach, the BPRCA will continue with training courses and seminars for its members to maintain awareness of the latest trends, in the area of communication.In this respect, last year considerable attention was paid to the impact of new media on the profession of communication specialist.
The Belgian Public Relations Consultants Association (BPRCA -
www.bprca.be) is the only professional association representing communication consultancies in Belgium. Its members offer advice to national and multinational organisations and institutions, both within and outside of Belgium. The association currently has 29 members (June 2007).
The BPRCA's mission is to position its members as communication specialists and to ensure their professionalism. In addition, the Association strictly monitors its members' respect of the code of conduct, which is essential in an unregulated market.
The BPRCA also represents its members at international level in the ICCO (International Communications Consultancy Association -
www.iccopr.com).
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For additional information, contact:
Dian Wahlen, President
c/o Leads United
Mastboomstraat 8
2630 Aartselaar
Tel + 32 3 466 01 88
Dian.wahlen@leadsunited.com
www.bprca.be
