I am absolutely thrilled to share with you the incredible success and excitement that unfolded at this year’s Gem City PR Awards banquet. As the President-elect for PRSA Dayton and Awards Co-Chair for the Gem City PR Awards, I had the privilege of being part of a remarkable event that recognized the outstanding achievements of our local communications professionals in Dayton, Ohio. Trust me when I say, this was an evening filled with inspiration, camaraderie and celebration!
The Gem City PR Awards, presented by CareSource, took place on May 24, 2023, at the beautiful Top of the Market Banquet Center. This highly anticipated ceremony has become an annual tradition, where we gather to honor and acknowledge the exceptional talent in public relations throughout the Miami Valley. As Steven Solomon, President of the Dayton Area Chapter, eloquently put it, “We have an amazing community of marketing and communications professionals here in Dayton and the Miami Valley. It’s truly an honor to pause and celebrate their accomplishments.”
Throughout the evening, we had the pleasure of recognizing eight local businesses who truly stood out in six categories for their superior work in public relations. The competition was fierce, and each winner showcased their excellence and dedication in their respective fields. Three PR Awards and 12 Awards of Merit were given out, making it abundantly clear that our region is home to remarkable PR professionals.
One of the highlights of the evening was the presentation of the prestigious “Best in Show” award, which went to Crystal Allen, CEO of the Boys & Girls Club of Dayton. Crystal accepted this well-deserved recognition for the exceptional article titled “MAKE A DIFFERENCE: Kids in West Dayton Need School Supplies and More.” This impactful piece was published by the Dayton Daily News on October 15, 2022. I had the honor of contributing to the article as a media relations specialist at CareSource. Crystal was also commended for the positive news coverage generated by the Club under her exemplary leadership. It was a truly inspiring moment that showcased the power of effective public relations in making a difference in our community.
In addition to the organization awards, we celebrated outstanding individuals and newsmakers who are shaping Dayton into a better place to live and work. Let’s take a moment to recognize these exceptional individuals:
- Benjamin Baugham, Community Engagement Coordinator, received the Young Professional of the Year award and was nominated by Bill Perry and Sarah Chapman.
- Helen Jones-Kelley, Executive Director of Montgomery County ADAMHS, was named Newsmaker of the Year and was nominated by Tina Rezash Rogal.
- Lynn Hulsey, an investigative reporter at the Dayton Daily News, was honored as Media Friend of the Year and nominated by Joe Kelley.
- Mark D. Weinstein, Executive Director of Public Relations at Cedarville University, received the prestigious Communicator of the Year award and was nominated by Clem Boyd.
These individuals have truly made an impact on our community through their dedication, innovation, and commitment to excellence. We are fortunate to have such remarkable professionals in our midst.
One of the most remarkable aspects of the Gem City PR Awards was witnessing the unity and collaboration of the entire PRSA Dayton board. As the awards co-chair, I had the privilege of working alongside an incredible team who went above and beyond to ensure that every detail of the event was meticulously planned. From coordinating the venue to curating an exquisite menu, from organizing the judging process to ensuring the nominations were handled seamlessly, our board rallied together to create an unforgettable evening. I am immensely proud of how we came together to guarantee that everyone who attended could relax and enjoy in the celebration of our remarkable community.
To all the Gem City PR award winners, congratulations on your well-deserved recognition! Your hard work, creativity, and strategic brilliance have set the bar high for our industry. I have no doubt that your accomplishments will continue to inspire and motivate others in the field.
I would also like to express my heartfelt gratitude to our incredible sponsors who played a vital role in making the Gem City PR Awards a resounding success. Thank you to CareSource, Fahlgren Mortine, TriComB2B, Jamie Kenny and Kenny Consulting Group, Montgomery County Veterans Service Commission, Gabriel Marketing LLC, Preservation Society, and Minuteman Press. Your support and commitment to the public relations community are deeply appreciated.
For those who couldn’t attend this year’s event, don’t worry! You can relive the excitement and view photos soon from the evening on PRSA Dayton’s Facebook page. Remember to mark your calendars, as nominations for the next Gem City PR Awards will open in January 2024 via the PRSA Dayton website. This is an opportunity you won’t want to miss!
I want to express my utmost gratitude to PRSA Dayton for giving me the opportunity to contribute to the success of the Gem City PR Awards. As a passionate member of this profession, I am incredibly proud of our community’s accomplishments, and I can’t wait to see what the future holds for each and every one of us.
Let’s continue to raise the bar, inspire one another, and create meaningful connections through the power of public relations. Together, we can make a difference, not only in Dayton but throughout our lives.
