The work of public relations typically happens behind the scenes, but at yesterday’s 2019 PR People Awards and Rising Stars 30 & Under Awards PRNEWS put the spotlight on the communicators behind some of the year’s most impactful work. While the awards honored individuals, many of the recipients emphasized the importance of their colleagues in their success throughout the year and in their careers.
Stories by Mark Renfree


SEO on a Budget: How to Stay Searchable Using Free Tools
September 11th, 2019 by Mark RenfreeThe privilege of pulling the data can sometimes cost thousands of dollars. With top-flight offerings requiring a significant buy-in, it’s easy to believe that SEO requires deep pockets. With a little effort, what’s freely available online can give you the same results as the heavy hitters in the industry. The expensive tools will do all the analysis for you, taking all the disparate data points presenting them in one place. But if you’re willing to do the work, you can avoid the big spend.

How to Research the Reporters You Want to Pitch
August 5th, 2019 by Mark RenfreeWhen it comes to pitching reporters, the more things change, the more they stay the same. While Twitter and contacts saved to your phone replace Rolodexes, much of the work to land impactful placements remains developing solid relationships with reporters. Software offerings can give you a list of potential media contacts in a few minutes, but seasoned pros still caution against blasting reporters with generic emails.
2016 Diversity & Inclusion Awards: Diversity & Inclusion Leaders
December 5th, 2016 by Mark RenfreeWinner: Teresa White, Aflac It was unlikely for a woman with Teresa White’s background to beat the odds. Having grown up in low-income housing and raised by a single parent, the statistics that haunt the… Continued
2016 Diversity & Inclusion Awards: Diversity & Inclusion Campaign
December 5th, 2016 by Mark RenfreeWinner: HP Inc. – Bringing HP’s Culture of Diversity and Innovation to Life Women, who will control two thirds of consumer wealth over the next decade, continue to face challenges around equality in the workforce—especially… Continued
2016 Diversity & Inclusion Awards: Diversity & Inclusion Campaign
December 5th, 2016 by Mark RenfreeWinner: Imprenta Communications Group – Plastic Pollution Awareness Campaign Communities of color make up a majority of California’s population, yet they remain largely unrepresented in the state’s mainstream environmental movement. The long-term strength of California’s environmental… Continued
2016 Diversity & Inclusion Awards: Diversity & Inclusion Campaign
December 5th, 2016 by Mark RenfreeWinner: Lubrizol Corporation – Rebrand Lubrizol Diversity and Inclusion (D&I) The Lubrizol Corporation is a technology-driven company that combines complex specialty chemicals to optimize the quality and value of its customers’ products while reducing their… Continued
2016 Diversity & Inclusion Awards: Diversity & Inclusion Campaign
December 5th, 2016 by Mark RenfreeWinner: Mastercard – Launch and Implementation of the PRIDE BRG Mexico and Central America Chapter of Mastercard MasterCard set out to leverage diversity in 2016 by promoting awareness and inclusion for all MasterCard employees, fostering… Continued
2016 Diversity & Inclusion Awards: Diversity & Inclusion Leaders
December 5th, 2016 by Mark RenfreeWinner: Maxine Williams, Facebook Since joining Facebook three years ago, Maxine Williams and her team have encouraged and supported the entire company as Facebook works hard to increase diversity within its culture. Williams developed a… Continued
2016 Diversity & Inclusion Awards: Diversity & Inclusion Campaign
December 5th, 2016 by Mark RenfreeWinner: Moet Hennessy USA – Women @ MHUSA Initiative In 2015, Moet Hennessy USA formed Women @ MHUSA, an employee-based initiative with the goal of providing positive and uplifting resources for women within the organization.… Continued