PRSA Creates Award Stampede: Copper Anvil Awards at Phoenix Zoo Recognize Best of Breed

Business Wire, June 26, 2001

Business Editors

PHOENIX--(BUSINESS WIRE)--June 26, 2001

The Valley of the Sun Chapter of the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA) recognized the best contributions to the public relations profession at its 20th Annual Copper Anvil Awards, held June 14 at the Phoenix Zoo.

Approximately 200 people from the Arizona public relations community attended the event.

Choosing from more than 60 entries, judges granted awards of excellence and merit in 26 categories to recognize the best work of the past year. Receiving multiple "Awards of Excellence," the highest honor (in order of the most awards received) were:

-- Cramer-Krasselt Public Relations with five awards of excellence in the
categories of Crisis Communications Program, Innovative Use of Technology,
Direct Mail Pieces, Brochures and Marketing Communications;

-- B.J. Communications, Inc. with three awards of excellence in the categories
of Newsletters, Media Relations Programs and Press Kit/Media Materials;

-- Joanie L. Flatt & Assoc., Ltd. with three awards of excellence in the
categories of Public Service Campaigns, Crisis Communications Programs and
Editorial/Op-ed Pieces;

-- Martz Public Relations with two awards of excellence in the categories of
Special Events/Promotions and Marketing Communications;

-- Mullen Public Relations with two awards of excellence in the categories of
News/Feature Articles and Media Relations;

-- Northern Arizona University with two awards of excellence in the categories
of Innovative Use of Technology and Direct Mail Pieces; and

-- Sun Health Communication Services with two awards of excellence in the
categories of Newsletters and Marketing Communications.

Single award of excellence winners included:

-- Maricopa Association of Governments in the category of

Community Relations Programs;

-- The Segal Company in the category of Internal Communications

Campaigns;

-- Phoenix Children's Hospital in the category of Special

Events/Promotions;

-- Carl T. Hayden VA Medical Center in the category of Public

Affairs;

-- Lavidge & Baumayr Public Relations in the category of Special

Events/Promotions;

-- Pinnacle West Capital Corp. - APS in the category of Special

Events/Promotions; and

-- Heard Museum in the category of Media Relations.

Nineteen "Awards of Merit" were also presented at the ceremony, which featured an "animal" theme. Other highlights of the evening included a silent auction and raffle for America West Airlines tickets to raise money for student scholarships and programs. The award for "Best Animal Attire," was awarded to Ellen Bilbrey, public information officer for Arizona State Parks, for her exotic animal print ensemble and feather headband.

"It's exciting to see the public relations excellence that abounds in the Phoenix area, and it's great to see so many outstanding programs recognized for being strategic, innovative and effective," said Juliet Martin, president of the Valley of the Sun Chapter of PRSA and director of marketing communications at the Heard Museum. "The awards event celebrated the accomplishments of the Valley's public relations professionals, and the evening was truly fun for all."

Sponsors for the event included Cramer-Krasselt, Video Monitoring Services, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona, Business Wire, Prism Design, Clear Channel Communications, Burrelle's and America West Airlines.

The Public Relations Society of America was established in 1948. With more than 20,000 members, it is the world's largest individual member professional society devoted to the practice of public relations. PRSA serves its members by providing professional development, continuing education and networking opportunities. The PRSA Valley of the Sun Chapter was established in 1961 and continues to uphold the highest standards of the Society's Code of Ethics.