PRSA Phoenix Distributes More than 100 Awards Recognizing Excellence in Public Relations

Posted on Oct. 20, 2023  /  Subscribe 0

The 2023 Copper Anvil Awards, presented by the Public Relations Society of America's Phoenix chapter (PRSA Phoenix), marked a spectacular evening honoring outstanding achievements in the field of public relations. The event celebrating the Valley’s excellence and innovation in public relations took place on Thursday, October 12th, at The Showcase Room in Tempe.

A Copper Anvil Award is considered one of the highest honors in the industry. Over the years, hundreds of winning programs have solved problems, changed opinions and created business opportunities. This year, record-breaking nominations were received, and the chapter distributed more than 100 awards.

Diane Smith was honored with the prestigious Percy Award. Established in 1960, the Percy Award is PRSA Phoenix’s highest honor and is only given when a panel of past award recipients agrees on a deserving practitioner. Smith has more than 17 years of experience in PR and more than a decade of experience in broadcasting as a producer and executive producer. Diane has been an active member of PRSA Phoenix for more than 10 years, serving on the board of directors in just about every role, including President in 2020. She is the current Chair of the Western District Board of Directors.

The City of Tempe earned the Communications Team of the Year award and 10 to 1 Public Relations earned Agency of the Year. The Diversity Driver Award was presented to Avnet. The coveted Judge’s Award, which is presented to the campaign or tactic that the reciprocating judging chapter felt best defined public relations excellence, was presented to the Aker Ink. Madison Breuer of Serendipit Consulting was awarded the annual Up and Comer award, recognizing her growth and achievements as a new PR professional.

This year’s Phoenix Award was presented to Judy Kioski, the Lead Public Information Officer at the Arizona Department of Emergency and Military Affairs. The award recognizes a CEO, business leader or community leader outside of the public relations, marketing and advertising industries for supporting and elevating the best practices of public relations. Kioski provides leadership coordination with numerous executives at state agencies, tribes, counties, and volunteer organizations for disaster and emergency preparedness and response.

The following companies, organizations, and firms were awarded with Copper Anvil Awards, the highest honor awarded to public relations campaigns and tactics:

• Allison and Partners

• City of Phoenix

• City of Mesa

• EdPlus at Arizona State University

• O.H. Partners

• Town of Queen Creek

• Heart & Soul Marketing

• 10 to 1 Public Relations

• Gordon C. James Public Relations

• Lambert/Bell

• Gilbert, Arizona

• Serendipit Consulting

• W-S-P USA/Arizona Department of Transportation

• ASU Media Relations & Strategic Communications

• KB Woods

• Ewing Outdoor Supply

Student scholarship winners included Arizona State University journalism students Gabriella Herran and Boi Ngoc Thai. PRSA Phoenix Student Scholarships are supported through donations throughout the year, as well as through funds raised at the annual Copper Anvil Awards ceremony. The scholarships help Arizona students in their academic pursuits and studies of communications.

One of the highlights of the evening was the emcee, Jordan Bontke from ABC15, who lent his charisma and humor to the event. Jordan's career has sent him thousands of miles across the country, covering a variety of events, including presidential campaigns, hurricanes, and an unforgettable three-week embedding experience with our nation's armed services in Afghanistan in 2014.

This year’s Copper Anvil Awards was sponsored by K.B. Woods, APS, Lane Award Manufacturing, The Keller Group and Desert Financial Credit Union.

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