PRSA Celebrates the Champions of Public Relations

In May, the Sierra Nevada Chapter of the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA) recognized public relations, communications and marketing work and professionals from across the region at their annual Silver Spike Awards. The theme of the event was “Champions,” acknowledging that PR practitioners have been among the unsung heroes of the COVID-19 pandemic as they remained committed to success and survival - for themselves, for their community and for their clients. We sent our personal salute to our clients and our community as well.

KPS3 submitted nine awards and received honors for seven of them. Work was judged for excellence in public relations planning which looks at research, planning, implementation and evaluation. Before we highlight our award-winning clients, the true honors of the night were for two outstanding team members who were recognized for individual achievements within the industry and within our community.

Chrisie Yabu, APR, Vice President of Public Relations is best known as being an advocate for her clients, building up her colleagues and supporting their professional development and passionately serving as a role model for Asian Americans. With over 20 years of experience spanning from travel and tourism to the National Council of Juvenile and Family Court Judges, Chrisie so deservingly received the organization's Hall of Fame award. Inspired by having grown up watching one of the first female Japanese American anchors on television, Chrisie developed her knack for leadership early on in her life and has carried it with her throughout the duration of her career.

Check out Chrisie’s acceptance speech here, and feel free to send her a note of congratulations via LinkedIn.

Lizbeth Alvarez, CPPR and Public Relations Coordinator for KPS3 is incredibly passionate about expanding the space for the Latino/x population in northern Nevada, which was most prevalent in the “Pongamos de Nuestra Parte” or “Do Your Part” campaign she worked on with the Regional Information Center. Focused on encouraging the community to wear masks, wash hands and avoid large gatherings during the COVID-19 pandemic, Lizbeth excelled in doing personal, relatable outreach to Latino/x neighborhoods. So much so, the campaign was recognized by Senator Catherine Cortez-Masto and NBC national and, ultimately, it was this work that earned her the New Practitioner of the Year award.

Check out Lizbeth’s acceptance speech here, and feel free to send her a note of congratulations via LinkedIn.

As we mentioned earlier, our Public Relations team had a lot to celebrate throughout the evening which coincided with Chrisie and Lizbeth’s recognition. The team took home seven awards, including:

Silver Spike Award
Programs, Special Events 1 or 2 Days
Visit Carson City Railbikes Media Day
Client: Carson City Tourism Authority

Bronze Spike Award
Programs, Multicultural Communications
Pongamos de Nuestra Parte 
Client: Regional Information Center

Award of Excellence
Strategies & Tactics, Media Relations - Owned: Social Media
Pat the Plover and Plover Patrol
Client: Santa Maria Valley

Strategies & Tactics, Media Relations - Earned
Nevada Dairy Farmers
Client: Nevada Dairy Farmers

Strategies & Tactics, Audio, Video, Webcasts
Nevada Dairy Farmers Facebook Live Series
Client: Nevada Dairy Farmers

Programs, Overall Campaign
Mail It In, Nevada
Client: Nevada Secretary of State

Programs, Emergency or Crisis Programs
The Trump Bump
Client: Nevada Secretary of State