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Benefits By Firm Size Testimonials  Overview

Member Testimonials


“When I joined Counselors Academy, I was one of the youngest, if not the youngest member.  I wasn’t sure what to expect and whether or not my thoughts and ideas would be taken seriously with some of the more ‘seasoned’ professionals.  As it turned out, from the moment I arrived at my first Spring Conference and met the people who are now my dear friends and colleagues, I was welcomed as an equal and a peer.  Not only did I learn, and continue to learn, from this talented group, but I was able to contribute ideas and best practices that have been utilized in other firms around the country.  Counselors Academy is by far the most important and beneficial network I can be involved with.” Rob Amberg

"I had just finished my term as president of the Colorado Chapter of PRSA when I got a call from Tom Hoog. "Let's go to lunch. I want to talk to you about the Counselors Academy." I said, "That's good because I want to talk to you about the Counselors Academy." Joining this organization was one of the smartest career decisions I ever made. I immediately gained unfettered access to PR legends like Mike Herman, Lynn Casey, Steve Cody, Deborah Radman, Dick Truitt and of course, Tom Hoog. It's been an amazing and rewarding experience in terms of growing my practice, learning from others and building lifelong relationships with some of the best and brightest the profession has to offer." Sydney Ayers, APR

"I have been a member of Counselors for over 12 years.  The counsel, the enrichment, the benefits, the mentorship, the sharing of resources and information, the friendships that I have made during this time, have been priceless.  I encourage everyone, not only to join, but to immerse, to get involved in a volunteer capacity.  You will be a stronger, more focused, better professional as a result." - Esther Buchsbaum, APR

"I've been an active member of Counselors since the early 1990's. I've found it immensely useful in terms of sharing/learning best practices, seeking counsel from some of the best minds in the business, staying current with emerging trends and, most importantly, creating friendships that I know will last a lifetime."Steve Cody

"I joined Counselors Academy to recharge my creative batteries, expand my knowledge base and professional network, and improve my company's bottom line.  I also value the many friendships I've made through the years at CA." - Linda Welter Cohen, APR

“After spending six years as an inactive member, I finally attended a spring conference…and was hooked.  The professional and personal relationships I’ve made through Counselors Academy are among the best in my 20+ years in the business. These are people who will share business tips, processes, and insights – anything they can to help a fellow Counselor be more successful and fulfilled.  It is and will remain an indispensable part of my agency’s virtual network, and great personal and professional nourishment for many years to come.”  – Joel Curran, APR

“I had just started my firm when a number of Counselor's Academy members I began networking with encouraged me to come to the Spring Conference.  The group that invited me included such PR luminaries as John Softness, Mitch Kozlokowski, Steve Cody, and David Grant, just to name a few. I was humbled by the fact that people I had looked up to for so long invited me into their peer group! It was the single best career move I've made.  Counselor's has help me start a firm, position it, sell it, and now, start another one!  Anyone who is serious about the agency business needs to be a member of this amazing organization.”Ann Higgins

“It took me one trip to the Counselors Academy spring conference to learn this is a group unlike any other in PR. The membership is comprised of bright, collegial and humorous people from across the country, and as far away as Singapore. They are an open-book of knowledge, ranging from new business and agency marketing to training and managing a firm.  The benefits of membership begin with the annual conference, which is a can’t-miss event, and continue during the year with a network of trusted colleagues and friends. Counselors is an invaluable part of my commitment to life-long learning and professional development.”J.R. Hipple

"All of us can use a mentor now and then. Counselors Academy, its resources and most of all, its helpful and compassionate members, filled that need for me for many years. You will find a whole roster of mentors that will be willing to help and share their experiences. Most questions or concerns can be answered by tapping into many different resources of this Academy — everything from needs of a new agency to basic training for your new hire.
There are some wonderful people in this Academy that will help you in more ways than one may expect. The annual conference is also a wonderful place to meet and enjoy your peers and share frustrations and highs.
What I learned and gained from being a part of this Academy and attending annual conferences saved me from many nights of staring at my bedroom ceiling at 3 in the morning."
- Sven Lee

“I joined Counselors Academy when I started my agency and didn’t have access to a lot of the professional development resources I used to have in the corporate or big agency worlds.  Counselors became even more critical as my agency grew and I faced new challenges like building a staff and making numerous financial and legal decisions.  I bravely asked for help from others in Counselors Academy, and every time I received insightful, applicable advice that helped me make better decisions.  The best way to get the most out of Counselors is to come to a spring conference and just start meeting people. The more contacts you make, the better chance you’ll find colleagues you can connect with.” – Elise Mitchell, APR, Fellow PRSA

“Attending Spring Conference is the best “professional development” investment I’ve made ...and I’ve made it annually for 15 years!  The connections to real-world, agency principals that join together in a spirit of openness and sharing has benefited us with insight, clarity, and answers.  Thanks to our involvement in Counselors Academy, and all the friends I’ve made, I now know that none of us is as smart as all of us.”Eric Morgenstern, APR, Fellow PRSA
“Counselors Academy has been one of my richest experiences in public relations.  I joined Counselors as soon as I became accredited in 1983.  The organization has shaped my career, accelerated my growth as a professional, strengthened my commitment to the business, and has resulted in life long friendships I will forever treasure.”Deborah Radman, APR, Fellow PRSA

“I attended the Counselors Academy conference two years ago and was quickly impressed by the willingness of so many agency principals to share best practices across a spectrum of topics.  This level of openness and sharing is, I believe, unprecedented in our industry.  I am looking forward to the same type of interaction this year."Scott Smith