FPRA_The Beach

Well let us just follow this line of thought out then. Where do we draw the line? If we are going to allow this sort of tacit support for this organization then are we going to allow the same thing for every organization that an employee is a member of? If not then what criteria are we going to use to decide which organizations that the government agency is allowed to support and which ones it does not?

Those resource belong to the people, not to the government. If any support or use of the people's resources are subsidizing that organizations operation then the organization is receiving the support of the people. Yet overwhelmingly the people here have said that they do not want this.

I think the tacit support in this case is for the Florida Public Relations Association, not "The Beach." I don't see it any different than someone being part of Rotary, the Lions Club, the Association of Emergency Managers, Association of Floodplain Managers, the Florida Association of Counties, Florida League of Cities, etc.

Here's one for you. As someone running for school board would you advocate non-participation by local educators in regional, state or federal organizations that lead to the awareness of regional, state, or federal programs that could benefit the educational systems of Walton County? Or would limit their ability to hold leadership positions in those types of organizations. This is exactly what FPRA is for Public Relations professionals.

FPRA is acting as a forum for a better understanding of the public in what a different group is doing. No different than the Chamber of Commerce hosting someone to talk about a topic they are interested in.

Why would Walton County taxpayers want their TDC and their tax dollars going to a group they don't control? How much Walton County taxpayer dollars have been spent? If, heaven forbid, this keeps going 1, 5, 15 years, how much more will it cost Walton County taxpayers to sustain when some of the private money pulls out, leaves the area or goes bankrupt? Walton County and our superior beaches, resorts, restaurants, etc., should be in a position of strength and leadership, not a pawn. Need a little Sunshine here along the Emerald Coast and Miracle Strip.

Maybe they want to be able to have a voice in the matter, so that they could object to a marketing plan as stupid as The(TM) Beach. :idontno:

I think the tacit support in this case is for the Florida Public Relations Association, not "The Beach." I don't see it any different than someone being part of Rotary, the Lions Club, the Association of Emergency Managers, Association of Floodplain Managers, the Florida Association of Counties, Florida League of Cities, etc.

Here's one for you. As someone running for school board would you advocate non-participation by local educators in regional, state or federal organizations that lead to the awareness of regional, state, or federal programs that could benefit the educational systems of Walton County? Or would limit their ability to hold leadership positions in those types of organizations. This is exactly what FPRA is for Public Relations professionals.

FPRA is acting as a forum for a better understanding of the public in what a different group is doing. No different than the Chamber of Commerce hosting someone to talk about a topic they are interested in.

Touche' my friend. But I still think that the county needs to have a policy covering such things. There are quite a few nefarious groups one could be a part of that I certainly would not wish to support. And to answer your question, no. Participation in those groups is probably one of the most educational things anyone can do. I have learned more from interaction with others than at any training seminar or class that I have ever been. And you are correct, the FPRA is offering the opportunity for everyone to learn more about the campaign.

But hey, it gave me something to post about over the weekend to get me over the 1000 mark. 😀

Touche' my friend. But I still think that the county needs to have a policy covering such things. There are quite a few nefarious groups one could be a part of that I certainly would not wish to support. And to answer your question, no. Participation in those groups is probably one of the most educational things anyone can do. I have learned more from interaction with others than at any training seminar or class that I have ever been. And you are correct, the FPRA is offering the opportunity for everyone to learn more about the campaign.

But hey, it gave me something to post about over the weekend to get me over the 1000 mark. 😀

I agree about the nefarious ones. As far as the TDC, they typically update every group that an employee is participating in every year in their Strategic Plan and I am pretty sure they are updating it right now.

Now if I can get to 1000 😀

Need to clarify. It is the Walton TDC or Walton Chamber's involvement with "The Beach" group that I was refering to when stating control and leadership was needed. This is especially important when there may be long term costs involved. I agree, it is a service that the FPRA is hosting this topic. Don't know if they will get real feedback at meeting though. That said, I think Tiffany is doing a great job. It is wonderful she is so active in community. Comments are not directed to her. Community involvement in a number of groups is helpful for county and other government employees.

Need to clarify. It is the Walton TDC or Walton Chamber's involvement with "The Beach" group that I was refering to when stating control and leadership was needed. This is especially important when there may be long term costs involved. I agree, it is a service that the FPRA is hosting this topic. Don't know if they will get real feedback at meeting though. That said, I think Tiffany is doing a great job. It is wonderful she is so active in community. Comments are not directed to her. Community involvement in a number of groups is helpful for county and other government employees.

I couldn't agree more with all points made in this post. On Tiffany in particular, I have had the distinct pleasure of working with her on a variety of things over the years and cannot express how much of an asset she is to not only the County and TDC but also the community. I am a big fan of hers and why I jumped to "defend" her as quick as I did.

Thanks DL, I know she would appreciate your kind words as well and don't forget she is the point person on all art, culture, nature-based items for the TDC if you ever have any questions!