John Deveney, ABC, APR, founder of New Orleans-based Deveney Communications, practically needed a gurney to help him carry his (multiple) Gold Quill Awards from the stage at
the IABC's annual conference in L.A. last week. (For a full conference wrap-up, see page 1.)
Deveney captured Gold Quill Awards for Excellence in Government Relations and Multi-Audience Communications (both on behalf of the Louisiana Physical Therapy Association) as
well as for Excellence in Customer Relations (for its Holiday Campaign, a brand-building and business development campaign that's put together in-house). The Customer Relations
Quill "is part of our effort to have great shoes," says Deveney, referring to the old adage, "Cobbler's Children Have No Shoes," that PR firms know all too well. He adds: "There
are parallels between our awards and the industry. You have to demonstrate results and methodology in addition to good creative, which is what clients are looking for. They want
the steak, not the sizzle." For a complete list of Gold Quill 2004 Awards, go to http://www.iabc.com/info/news/2004_05_04.htm.