$30 for PRSA members,students
$45 for nonmembers
The Public Relations Society of America (PRSA) Capital Region Chapter created the Empire Awards competition in 2008 to celebrate and commemorate the triumphs of the programs, projects and people that strengthen, promote and sharpen the public relations profession.
The awards recognize programs, projects and professionals for outstanding achievement in the practice and support of public relations in the Capital Region and beyond. The competition is open to both PRSA members and non-members.
Kirk Hazlett, APR, Fellow PRSA, Associate Professor of Communication, Curry College (Milton, Mass.) and National PRSA Board Director will emcee the evening.
In addition to bestowing awards in eleven categories, the chapter will recognize two local individuals for special awards: Outstanding Practitioner and Outstanding Communicator.
Outstanding Practitioner Award
This award is given to a Capital Region public relations professional, who has achieved exceptional success, displayed the highest ethics, and is dedicated to serving the community and our profession. A Nominee and candidate MUST be a member of the PRSA Capital Region Chapter.
2011 Winner: Tom Nardacci, Principal and Founder of Gramercy Communications
The business that Tom Nardacci started in a spare bedroom six years ago has grown to represent clients with nearly $2 billion worth of economic development projects in New York State. He has given of himself and his company in an effort to promote and recognize the public relations profession in the Capital Region. Tom has been a key figure in the PRSA Capital Region chapter’s leadership in recent years; he has created and supported events focused on recognizing and elevating the public relations profession; and he has consistently provided education and work experience to students and junior and mid-level public relations professionals.
Past Recipients
2010 Ben Marvin, The College of Saint Rose
2009 Jonathan Pierce, APR, Pierce Communications
2008 Jo Ann LeSage Nelson, APR, Pierce Communications
Outstanding Communicator Award
This award is given to a Capital Region professional/community leader/public figure who has demonstrated excellence in the field of communications. Both PRSA members and non-members are welcomed to participate in the nomination. (Please note that current public relations/communications professionals are excluded from consideration for this award.)
2011 Winner: Dr. Alain E. Kaloyeros, Professor of Nanoscience and Senior Vice President and Chief Executive Officer, College of Nanoscale Science and Engineering
Dr. Alain E. Kaloyeros has a 21st century vision for the region and is a vocal advocate for the Capital Region to the international science and technology communities. Alain is highly regarded in the scientific and broader communities and is a public figure who has used his communications skills to move forward New York's aspirations of becoming a global leader in nanotechnology. Through his leadership of the UAlbany College of Nanoscale Science and Engineering, he has fostered a community of more than 2,500 scientists, researchers, students, faculty and staff from more than 250 global corporate partners and leading research universities.
Past Recipients
2010 Ed Lewi, Ed Lewi Associates
2009 Linda Hillman, Rensselaer County Regional Chamber of Commerce
2008 Pamela Sawchuk Brown, Eric Mower and Associates
2011 EMPIRE AWARD FINALISTS
PR Campaign (For Profit)
PR Campaign (Nonprofit)
Public Affairs Campaign
Integrated Campaign
Media Relations/Regional (Profit)
Media Relations/Regional (Nonprofit)
Media Relations/Statewide+
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