International Business Machines Corp.'s PR department collected a
"big blue" ribbon, taking top honors in the annual public relations
program awards competition of the Public Relations Society of America
(PRSA).
IBM's World Wide Web-based communications of its unsolicited bid
last year for software firm Lotus Development Corp., Cambridge, Mass.,
won top prize in the large company investor relations category as well
as grabbing top honors at last Thursday's ceremony in New York. New
York PR firm Sard Verbinnen & Co. worked with IBM on the Lotus effort.
A total of 42 programs received the prestigious PRSA awards, up
from 34 winners last year. In addition to the much-sought-after
anvils, 39 programs received "Awards of Excellence" from PRSA at the
black-tie event held in the atrium at the Equitable Tower. Just over
600 programs were submitted in the annual competition.
Air Force, SmithKline Hit Doubles
Two organizations were double winners in this year's competition.
The U.S. Air Force landed awards in internal communications for its
"21st century" employee communications plans as well as for a crisis
communications effort, "Operation Joint Endeavor."
Also making two trips to the winner's circle was pharmaceutical
manufacturer SmithKline Beecham. The Anglo-American company won in
the public affairs category for a hepatitis B program, and also
garnered a marketing PR prize for its Tagamet launch in the consumer
market.
Fleishman, Ketchum Get Three
Several agencies also were multiple winners in tandem with
clients. Winning three awards each were Fleishman-Hillard Inc. and
Ketchum Public Relations. This is the second year running that
Fleishman has been at the top of the winner's list; the firm tallied
five winning programs in last year's competition. Ketchum had
garnered the most anvils for four consecutive years before last year
(1991-1994).
Three other firms received two anvils each: Carmichael Lynch
Spong; Rossman Martin & Associates and Shandwick. (PRSA,
212/995-2230)