Hundreds of the top PR professionals in the Greater Philadelphia Area are proud PPRA members. With the 2013-2014 membership deadline just around the corner (September 30), now is your chance to join the oldest and largest independent metropolitan public relations association in the nation or renew your existing membership. Although the benefits of being a PPRA member are countless and everyone has their own reasons for getting involved, here are a few of the top reasons you should join:

1. Networking –  Relationships are important in any profession, but nowhere is that more true than in the communications industry. Whether you are a student looking to make your first connections in the “real world” or an established PR professional, networking is vital to your success. As a PPRA member, you will have plenty of opportunities to meet and build relationships with others in the field.
2. Media Directory – For a PR professional, there is nothing more sacred than their media list. A solid list takes serious time and dedication to develop, but as a PPRA member you will have access to an extensive directory of media contacts in Pennsylvania, New Jersey and Delaware.
3. Leadership Opportunities – With any organization, you get out as much as you put in. In order to get the full PPRA experience, you should get involved. Help plan an event, write for the newsletter, or work on improving PPRA’s relationship with local colleges and universities. Being an involved member can often result in becoming a leader within the organization. When you’re looking for a job, leadership experience will never hurt your chances.
4. Membership Directory – In addition to interacting with fellow members at events, you will also have access to a directory which contains contact information for all PPRA members. Next time you’re looking for a point of contact at another organization, you’ll know exactly where to start.
5. Industry Discounts – PPRA members are entitled to reduced pricing for a number of services, including Cision and TVEyes. These tools can become your best friends if you let them.

This post was written by PPRA Blog Chair Lauren Cox. Lauren is a Public Relations Specialist in the Office of the CIty Representative, where she works on the City’s major events like the Wawa Welcome America! Festival and the Philadelphia Marathon. Connect with her on Twitter or LinkedIn.