February President’s Message

2019 Virginia PR Awards: There’s a lot to celebrate!

Can you feel it? There are compelling stories and innovative strategies and positive results in the air . . . yours included. It’s a time to honor achievement and flat out celebrate because (almost always) we love what we do!

Submissions for the 2019 Virginia PR Awards, held May 23rd and presented by Padilla, are currently open. This year is your year, with new categories like “Campaign on a Shoestring Budget,” “New Media,” and student awards. Awards applications for Capital (tactical) and Commonwealth (campaigns) are due by the early deadline of February 27 or final deadline of March 6.

This year, we’re hoping to draw a new breadth, depth and diversity for the Individual Award applications, because let’s get real – you all know these amazing professionals out there consistently exceeding goals. The Thomas Jefferson for Award for Excellence and Rising Star honorees need not be those who always attract the spotlight. If you have admired the outstanding work of a seasoned PR pro or up-and-comer, then they deserve to be nominated. Be the one who helps make this recognition possible.

At the John Marshall Hotel in Richmond, you can expect a little something different at this year’s PR Awards. The Awards Committee is incorporating several new elements in the event as a response to member and attendee feedback. Host NBC12’s Andrew Freiden is bringing his twitter game, so fire up your smartphones and get a jump on things at a VIP Meet-and-Greet. There’s also (finally) an official after-party.

Check out this quick video about the 2019 Virginia PR Awards. And say ‘yes’ to celebrating achievement and being part of the excitement!

PRSA Awards on Biteable.

PRSARVA Service Project

Another exciting effort to highlight is our Service Project, with PRSARVA volunteers making the PR/communications magic happen for a deserving nonprofit. Nominate and spread the word to 501(c) 3 nonprofits who need support for a specific project or event, including:

Strategic planning
Event management
Tactics (social media, media relations or internal communications)

Surely you know of organizations solving problems and putting passion behind their mission – information will be on the website soon, with an application deadline in mid-late March. We will need your specific skills once the nonprofit is chosen and the service project takes shape.

Thanks to all of you for being wide open to PRSARVA’s ‘Year of Yes.’ We’ve gotten off to a fantastic start that already has new collaborations forming and a burst of energy to begin the new year. With each member’s active contribution, a positive force will continue to build and we’ll accomplish all sorts of ‘Yes’!

Judi Crenshaw , APR
President, PRSA Richmond