Winner: U.S. Postal Service - Purple Heart with Ribbon Forever Stamp Dedication
In 2011, the USPS issued its Purple Heart postage stamp in a new Forever Stamp design. As one of the largest civilian employers of veterans, with more than a quarter of its employees having served in the military, the stamp was a natural tie-in.
In May 2011, Deputy Postmaster General delivered the speech at the stamp’s unveiling and first-day-of-issue dedication ceremony. The USPS speechwriter, a Purple Heart honoree from the Vietnam War, wrote the remarks to highlight the Purple Heart medal, commemorate the Purple Heart winners and honor their sacrifices and create publicity and support for sales of the stamp. Coverage of the speech generated placements in more than 700 print and broadcast publications while more than 187 million Purple Heart with Ribbon Forever stamps have been sold in just one year. —RD
Honorable Mentions:
American Osteopathic Association – “Thinking Osteopathically”: In his inaugural address as the AOA’s 115th president, Martin S. Levine unveiled the theme of his year in office “thinking osteopathically.” The speech, delivered to more than 500 attendees, encouraged peers to embrace the theme and many of the messages in the Osteopathic Pledge of Commitment including providing quality care, promoting health and continue lifelong learning.
The Mosaic Company – University of Tampa Fellows Forum Speech: In his speech to more than 1,000 business and community leaders at the annual University of Tampa Fellows Forum, Mosaic President and CEO Jim Prokopanko touched on Mosaic’s role in developing and advancing crop nutrition worldwide and highlighted the sustainable practices that Mosaic openly shares in an effort to make the marketplace more impactful. The event raised $43,000 to benefit the Board of Fellows Endowed Scholarship Fund.
Office Depot Foundation – “Leadership Strategies for Nonprofit Organizations”: Office Depot Foundation president Mary Wong delivered a speech to more than 200 attendees at the 2011 Chick-fil-A Leadercast event. The speech focused on three leadership strategies for business and nonprofits alike, and reinforced Office Depot’s commitment to local nonprofit and business communities.
Pacific Gas and Electric Company – Bay Area Council California Outlook Conference Speech: With an audience of hundreds of CEOs and top executives, elected officials and civic leaders in California, PG&E CEO Tony Earley’s speech put a stake in the ground on the issue of infrastructure investment, and his message was included in the wide media coverage of the event.