2023
Best of San Diego & Imperial EVENT PROGRAM
Edward L. Bernays Mark of Excellence Awards
October 26, 2023 San Diego State University Parma Payne Goodall Alumni Center
2023 Edward L. Bernays Mark of Excellence Awards
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Event Program President’s Welcome
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II.
About the Awards
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III.
Chapter Sponsors
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IV.
Event Sponsors
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V.
2023 Board of Directors
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VI.
Keynote Speaker
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VII.
Emcee
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VIII.
Event Program
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IX.
Awards Overview
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X.
Accreditation in Public Relations
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PRESIDENT’S WELCOME
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PRSA San Diego/Imperial Counties Chapter
Welcome to the 2023 Edward L. Bernays Mark of Excellence Awards It’s hard to believe that only three years ago we were unable to celebrate this chapter’s successes. We’re grateful to put the masks behind us though I do have mine saved on my orders list – just in case. But face it, we’re public relations professionals – our mentality is one of moving upward and forward in spite of the obstacles. With the number of submissions the chapter received for this year’s awards program, it looks like the community feels the same. It’s humbling to call you colleagues and I’m thankful to call so many of you friends.
While our landscape continues to change – at lightning speed for some -- for me it feels like if I take a few vacation days with the kids, it’s like playing catchup with the latest technology, tools and tactics. That may be a bit of an exaggeration, but there is no denying we are working double time to provide our clients with top notch expertise. PRSA -- should be a primary resource to support this goal for its membership. Rest assured, the San Diego/Imperial Counties Chapter board is actively working with the national organization to ensure that happens. Stay tuned. I’d like to thank the 2023 Board of Directors for its work to rebuild momentum in our post-COVID world. This chapter has cultivated a group of folks who are dedicated to this profession and committed to giving back to help their colleagues meet their goals. I encourage all of you to consider recruiting for a spot on the board to keep us moving forward. Finally, a special thanks to our chapter and event sponsors who helped make this event – and every other event this year – possible. We appreciate you. With gratitude, Blake Nelson, APR
2023 Edward L. Bernays Mark of Excellence Awards
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About the Awards The Edward L. Bernays Mark of Excellence Awards recognize the expertise and dedication of public relations and communications professionals within San Diego and Imperial Counties. The Public Relations Society of America San Diego/Imperial Counties Chapter (PRSA SD/IC) presents the Silver and Bronze Bernays Awards annually to recognize public relations programs and tactics incorporating research, planning, creativity, technical excellence and evaluation. The awards are named after Edward L. Bernays, the “father of public relations.” Those who knew him were inspired by his powerful use of communications and believed he should be on historians’ lists as one of the most influential figures of the 20th century. Entries for the Bernays Awards must meet the highest standards of performance, and winning entries demonstrate creative vision and capture the best of the best in our profession.
The three main elements of public relations are practically as old as society: informing people, persuading people or integrating people with people. Of course, the means and methods of accomplishing these ends have changed as society has changed.
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PRSA San Diego/Imperial Counties Chapter
Bernays Sponsors Platinum
Diamond
Bronze
2023 Edward L. Bernays Mark of Excellence Awards
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Chapter & Program Sponsors
Website Sponsors
Photography and Program Design by
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PRSA San Diego/Imperial Counties Chapter
Board of Directors EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE PRESIDENT Blake Nelson, APR My Sage PR PRESIDENT ELECT Arturo Garcia Sierra Museum of Contemporary Art SECRETARY Barbara Cosio Moreno California Office of Data and Innovation TREASURER Jenny Mehlow Rady Children’s Institute for Genomic Medicine PAST PRESIDENT April Tellez Green UC San Diego Library – Project Reboot
2023 Edward L. Bernays Mark of Excellence Awards
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DIRECTORS AT LARGE ACCREDITATION IN PUBLIC RELATIONS (APR) Anne Buckley, APR UC San Diego BERNAYS AWARDS Paulina Sierra Southwest Strategies COMMUNITY RELATIONS + ADVOCACY William Lopez Alternate Strategies Sammi Reyes PRSSA SDSU* DIVERSITY + INCLUSION Alexis Cortes J/PR COMMUNICATIONS Monica Gil Dos Santos Katz & Associates Karlene Sanchez Katz & Associates*
Chris Jenkins Chris Jenkins Photography* MEMBERSHIP + VOLUNTEER ENGAGEMENT Anthony King, APR UC San Diego School vof Arts and Humanities PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT Cheryl P. Robinson, APR UC San Diego Amanda Nelson Mandavision Strategies Elena Gomez University of San Diego ETHICS OFFICER Julie Smith-Taylor, APR Taylor PR Strategies*
*Associate New Pros + Ethics Officer (Non-Voting)
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PRSA San Diego/Imperial Counties Chapter
Scott Panksy KEYNOTE SPEAKER Scott Pansky is the Co-Founder of Allison, formerly Allison+Partners. Scott leads the agency’s Social Impact Practice with more than 30 years of professional experience in strategic communications, public affairs, government relations, media relations, cause-related marketing, sponsorship, nonprofit services and board training. Scott has led successful campaigns for the State of California’s Tobacco Control program, ReadySD and ReadyOC, First 5 California, Thrive Scholars, March of Dimes, Smile Train, Stand Up To Cancer, Partnership with Native Americans, and numerous projects with the Los Angeles’ County Department of Public Works. Scott is a graduate of San Diego State University and started his career here at The Gable Group. Scott has taught hundreds of nonprofits through his courses at UCLA Extension Course and at conferences around the country. Scott was recognized last year for his commitment to mentorship as a Senior Luskin Fellow at UCLA and was the recipient of the David Ferguson Award, PRSA’s highest honor for Professional Education. He currently chairs San Diego State University’s Journalism and Media Studies Advisory Board and just finished his first Children’s book, Playing Together in the Sandbox.
2023 Edward L. Bernays Mark of Excellence Awards
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Audra Stafford EMCEE Audra Stafford is proud to be a part of the NBC 7 News Team as a morning reporter and fill-in anchor. She has covered news in San Diego County for more than two decades as a television news writer, producer and reporter. She is also a correspondent for the syndicated lifestyle show California Life and for BroadwayWorld.com and hosts Broadway/San Diego’s annual Season Preview TV special. Audra has earned seven Emmy Awards from the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences Pacific Southwest Chapter and two Student Emmys while at San Diego State University, where she earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Television, Film and New Media Production. Audra is a member of SAG-AFTRA and the SDSU Alumni Association (Go Aztecs!). In her free time, Audra loves spending time with her husband, fellow NBC 7 reporter Joe Little, and her two amazing stepsons. She also enjoys going to the theater, the beach and exploring everything San Diego has to offer.
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PRSA San Diego/Imperial Counties Chapter
Event Program
WELCOME FROM BLAKE NELSON President, PRSA San Diego/Imperial Counties KEYNOTE SPEAKER - Scott Pansky Co-Founder Allison
MARK OF EXCELLENCE SPECIAL AWARD WINNER New Pro of the Year BRONZE AWARD WINNERS Annual Reports
2023 AWARD WINNERS RECOGNITION
Collateral
STUDENT AWARD WINNERS
Magazines
PR Campaign of the Year
Creative Tactics Editorials/Op-Ed Columns Media Relations • Associations/Government • Business to Business
2023 Edward L. Bernays Mark of Excellence Awards
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SILVER AWARD WINNERS (CONT.) Crisis Communications Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Communications Events and Observances • Less than Seven Days, Business • Consumer Products and Services • Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
• Less than Seven Days, Nonprofit/ Government/Association
• Nonprofit
• More than Seven Days
• Press Conferences
Integrated Communications
Newsletters
Internal Communications
Social/Digital Media
Marketing
Videos
• Consumer Products and Services
Websites
• Content
Word of Mouth
• Influencer
MARK OF EXCELLENCE SPECIAL AWARD WINNER PR Team of the Year
Public Affairs Public Service Reputation/Brand Management Social/Digital Media
SILVER AWARD WINNERS
BEST OF SHOW AWARDS
Community Relations
Bronze Awards Best of Show
• Government • Nonprofit/Association
Silver Awards Best of Show CLOSING REMARKS
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PRSA San Diego/Imperial Counties Chapter
Awards Overview BERNAYS JUDGING The PRSA SD/IC received 76 Silver and Bronze award submissions this year, showcasing the vast communications work being done in the region. This year’s award entries were judgedby practitioners from the South Carolina Chapter of the Public Relations Society of America and additional volunteers. Continuing this year is the “Best of Show” award, which will be presented to the entry with the highest overall score of all Silver Bernays entries and Bronze Bernays entries, respectively.
SPECIAL AWARDS One of the highlights of the Edward L. Bernays Mark of Excellence Awards is the recognition of individuals with Special Awards. Each year, PRSA SD/IC honors individuals who have made significant contributions to the public relations profession in San Diego and Imperial Counties. These awards cover a wide range of individual and team achievements. The Special Awards Judging Committee is selected by PRSA SD/IC Bernays Awards board members and the board of directors. The committee typically consists of senior level PR professionals from diverse backgrounds who are current chapter members and do not currently serve on the board of directors. One volunteer on the judging committee serves as the chair of the committee and leads the committee in the discussion and selection of award recipients.
SPECIAL THANKS TO OUR 2023 SPECIAL AWARDS JUDGING COMMITTEE Jorge D’Garay Hope Reilly Dr. Kaye Sweetser Reema Boccia William Gay Elena Gomez
2023 Edward L. Bernays Mark of Excellence Awards
Accreditation in Public Relations As a skilled public relations professional, you know that your success is dependent on staying relevant, resourceful, and inspired. The Accreditation in Public Relations (APR) credential certifies your drive, professionalism, and principles, setting you apart from your peers and positioning you as a leader and mentor in the competitive public relations field. The APR: •
Asserts professional competence.
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Communicates professional expertise, plus personal and professional dedication and values.
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Reflects progressive public relations industry practices and high standards.
GET STARTED TODAY For more information about the APR/APR+M Accreditation Program, contact Blake Nelson, APR at prsasdic.adm@gmail.com or 2023 APR Committee Chair Anne Buckley at albuckley@ucsd.edu. SOCIAL MEDIA LinkedIn: @prsasdic Facebook: @PRSASanDiegoIC Instagram: @prsa_sandiego Twitter: @PRSAsandiego YouTube: PRSA San Diego/Imperial Counties
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PRSA SAN DIEGO / IMPERIAL COUNTIES CHAPTER
Contact us Address: PO Box 22672, San Diego, CA, United States, California prsasdic.org info@prsasdic.org
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