Best of public relations honored at annual Silver Spike Awards

 RENO " Trooper Chuck Allen of the Nevada Highway Patrol was honored with the Mark Twain Community Service Award at the Sierra Nevada Chapter of the Public Relations Society of America's annual awards ceremony Thursday evening.

"The award is given annually to an area newsmaker, who is not a communications professional, but who has, during an extended period of time, demonstrated a sensitivity and appreciation of the need to communicate candidly with the media and the public regardless of the consequences," a press release stated. "The recipient has also demonstrated integrity, honesty and sincere concern about the community."

The Sierra Nevada Chapter of the Public Relations Society of America recognized northern Nevada's outstanding programs and top professionals for the past year at the 22nd Annual Silver Spike Awards.

"Our industry has advanced because of the exceptional professionals throughout the community," said Dan Davis, director of annual awards for the Sierra Nevada Chapter of PRSA. "The Silver Spike Awards dinner is an opportunity to acknowledge those who set the standard and inspire others to communicate with effectiveness and integrity."

Nearly 60 entries were submitted by public relations professionals throughout northern Nevada and Truckee. Entrants were able to select from 23 different categories ranging from special events and ongoing public-relations programs to media relations and special purpose videos.

Members of PRSA also selected four local professionals for their contributions to the public relations profession and the community.

Chris Chrystal, media relations manager for the Nevada Commission on Tourism, received the Sierra Nevada Chapter Hall of Fame Award. The annual award recognizes an individual's significant contributions to the advancement of the public relations profession, a long history of continuous involvement in the profession and the community and a commitment to quality.

Tiffany Frisch East, vice president/director of public relations for The Glenn Group, was presented with the Gold Spike Award. The Gold Spike Award recognizes professionals who use their skills in public service activities that have a positive impact on the well being of the community over time. As tradition, last year's recipient, Alison Gaulden, will present this year's Gold Spike Award.

Don Butterfield, director of communications for Renown Health, was honored with the Mark Curtis, Sr. Award. The award is presented to a member of the PRSA Sierra Nevada Chapter who has demonstrated excellence over the past year in their chapter role and as a public relations professional.

The Sierra Nevada Chapter of PRSA was established in 1984 by a dozen public relations practitioners in northern Nevada. It was the second PRSA chapter in the state, complementing an older chapter based in Las Vegas, and aimed to provide public relations practitioners in northern Nevada and the Lake Tahoe area with a closer professional connection to each other and to national public-relations activities.

Special Purpose Video

Award of Excellence:

- The Department of Conservation and Natural Resources for Nevada's Conservation News

Publications " Magazines

Silver Spike:

- Nevada National Guard for Battle Born Magazine

Internet-Based Communications

Awards of Excellence:

- Renown Health for Renown Health: e-News

- Renown Health for Renown Health: 10amazingstories.com

Media Relations

Awards of Excellence:

- Renown Health for Lili Claire Foundation Family Resource Center

- R&R Partners for National Championship Air Races

- Olsen & Associates for Shared Success

Silver Spike:

- John Ascuaga's Nugget Casino Resort for Presidential Pig Race at the Rib Cook-off

Special Events & Observances, Budget Less Than $10,000

Award of Excellence:

- Renown Health for Lili Claire Foundation Family Resource Center

Special Events & Observances, Budget $10,000 to $25,000

Awards of Excellence:

- Switchback Public Relations & Marketing for the 4th Annual Downtown Truckee Wine, Walk and Shop

- Switchback Public Relations & Marketing for BoboFest '07 National and Regional PR

- Bauserman Group for SK Baseball Stadium Groundbreaking

Special Events & Observances, Budget More Than $25,000

Award of Excellence:

- Weidinger Public Relations for American Century Championship

Internal Communications

Award of Excellence:

- Renown Health for its Purpose Statement Awareness Program

Marketing Communications

Award of Excellence:

- Renown Health for its da Vinci Integrated Marketing Communications Program

Ongoing Programs for a Budget of more than $25,000

Award of Excellence:

- Switchback Public Relations & Marketing for Chase International

Silver Spike:

- Switchback Public Relations & Marketing for Reno-Tahoe, America's Adventure Place

Judges' Choice Award: This award was determined by the judging chapter from all eligible entries.

- Switchback Public Relations & Marketing for Reno-Tahoe, America's Adventure Place

PRSSA Students' Award of Excellence: This award was determined by the UNR PRSSA chapter from all eligible entries.

- Bauserman Group for the 2008 Reno River Festival

PRSSA Students' Choice Award: This award was determined by the UNR PRSSA chapter from all eligible entries.

- Abbi Public Relations for Buckbean Brewery