Local PR Chapter, Members Recognized at State Conference

August 11, 2023 – Sarasota

The Central West Coast chapter of the Florida Public Relations Association (CWC-FPRA) was recognized for excellence in public relations during FPRA’s 84th annual conference in Orlando, Fla. The organization was recognized with President’s Awards for Community Relations and Sponsorship Development; additionally, five members earned awards during the prestigious Golden Image Awards Gala.

The Golden Image Awards competition is conducted annually by the Florida Public Relations Association to recognize outstanding public relations programs in Florida and to encourage and promote the development of public relations in our state. The Golden Image Awards have become a standard of excellence – winners demonstrate the very best examples of innovation, planning and design.

The following local organizations and practitioners received awards in this year’s competition:

Division A – Public Relations Programs
Hunter Carpenter/First Watch earned a Golden Image Award and Judges’ Award in the Integrated Marketing category for “Sip, Sip, Hooray!”
Premier Sotheby’s International Realty and PHMG earned a Golden Image Award in the “Other” category for “Being Premier at Abbey Road Studios” (accepted by Elise Ramer, APR, CPRC).
NAMI of Sarasota and Manatee Counties and KSC Inc. earned an Award of Distinction in the Integrated Marketing category for its entry, “2022 Giving Challenge” (accepted by Erin Hoffer, APR, CPRC).
Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall Marketing Department earned an Award of Distinction in the Community Relations category for “The Healing Power of Music” (accepted by Muffy Lavens).

Division B – Digital Tools of Public Relations
Florida Swimming Pool Association earned an Award of Distinction and a Judges’ Award in the Digital Promotion category for “FSPA’s Hurricane Ian Relief Fund Campaign (accepted by Alyssa Holcomb).

There were other achievements to celebrate as well:

• Hunter Carpenter and Travis Cornwell graduated from LeadershipFPRA Class VII
• Jennifer Hemmerdinger and Kaylea Schule participated in their LeadershipFPRA Class VIII orientation
• Laura Ansell, APR and Jennifer Linzy, APR were recognized for earning their accreditation
• Monica Yadav, APR, CPRC was recognized for earning her certification
• Travis Cornwell was recognized for being selected for the 2023 Joe Curley Rising Leader Class
• Longtime FPRA leader and dedicated CWC-FPRA member Joe Curley, APR, CPRC was honored with a lifetime membership to the association
• Lynn Hobeck Bates, APR, CPRC will serve as the VP of Research & Planning on the state board in the coming year
• Elise Ramer, APR, CPRC will serve as the 85th annual FPRA Conference chair next year (the event will be held in Tampa)

“Every year, the annual conference is – by far – our most anticipated program,” said CWC-FPRA president Sheryl Vieira. “The sessions offer an intensive look at best practices, case studies, and new technology and trends to keep an eye on as well as amazing opportunities to network with our chapter peers and meet like-minded professionals from around the state. We never fail to come back reinvigorated and excited to put our learning to good use!”

The Central West Coast Chapter of the Florida Public Relations Association meets monthly for professional development luncheons and networking. Visit cwcfpra.com for further information.