The winners and honorable mentions in this year's PR news Platinum PR awards issue exemplify the most innovative approaches to redefining traditional PR with anything-but- traditional strategies. From a marketing communications effort that united a country over the search for the stars of a 1950s TV commercial to an event that landed a flock of pink flamingos around the windy city, the following winner confirms that the PR profession has indeed stepped out from the shadows to take a front-and-center role in delivering business results to their own organizations, and to their clients. Below is the winner of the 2008 PR News Platinum PR award for larger PR agency of the year.
Weber Shandwick
2007 marked the best year in Weber Shandwick's history, thanks in large part to the agency's ability to make a successful push toward being a more global business. With multinational clients including Unilever, Mastercard Worldwide and Pfizer, the agency experienced double-digit growth across all regions.
Talent Show
High-profile clients weren't the only contributors to Weber Shandwick's success. Its attention to recruiting and retaining top talent has kept its staff strong in spite of the turbulent economy. What's more, the agency capitalizes on its global network through its global exchange program, in which employees have the opportunity to work in a different office for up to six months, thus expanding their skill sets and introducing them to new parts of the world. This program facilitates the Weber Shandwick's collaborative culture and expansion to new markets.
Doing Well by Doing Good
Staying with the firm's focus on cultivating leadership, its "making a difference" internal awards program encourages employees to contribute their time and expertise to nonprofit organizations worldwide. In 2008, Shandwick's U.S. offices were even awarded the prestigious "Green Certification" (ISO 14001) following a review of its environmental management processes. This accolade, combined with a roster of well-serviced clients and a stellar talent development program, makes the agency tough to beat year after year. �