The Public Relations Society of America’s National Capital Chapter (PRSA-NCC) recognized and honored the talent, creativity and innovation in Washington public relations at its annual Thoth Awards, held at the Hotel Monaco.
From 135 entries in 27 categories, 23 Thoth Awards and 25 Certificates of Excellence were presented to representatives of PR agencies, corporations, government agencies and trade and professional associations. The Thoth Awards (pronounced "Tot") are named for the Egyptian god of information and communication.
This year’s Las Vegas inspired theme was “You’ve Got a Winning Hand” and recognized area agencies and organizations that raised the stakes and proved through big ideas and sound strategies that PR is a safe bet. Heathere Evans-Keenan, president of the PRSA National Capital Chapter and founder of Keenan PR, Inc. gave a brief presentation that highlighted the winners of the component categories, program categories and best in show category. Following the presentation, guests were encouraged to enjoy the Las Vegas style atmosphere, complete with assorted casino tables, and mingle with fellow members from the PR field.
“This year marked the 40th anniversary of the Thoth Awards and some amazing work and achievements were honored tonight,” said Evans-Keenan. “We congratulate all those who have been recognized and thank those who submitted entries for the competition. We also extend our appreciation to the Thoth judges and the Thoth committee for their efforts in helping to ensure a successful Thoth program.”
(Michael Sheward, Heather Evans Keenan and Fred Whiting)
The “Best of Show” award for public relations excellence, one Thoth Award and one certificate of excellence were presented to Ruder Finn and its client, Jamestown 2007, for creating, executing and promoting an integrated communications plan for “America’s 400th Anniversary”, an 18-month commemoration that honored the founding of Jamestown, Va. The agency executed an extensive campaign that increased awareness for the event both nationally and internationally, securing more than 24,000 media placements. Jamestown’s historic sites received more than one million visitors in 2007, a 44.7 percent increase over 2006, due in part to Ruder Finn’s campaign efforts. The entry “presented the challenge with the largest breadth with the most significant outcomes,” in the opinion of the Thoth judges.
Two agencies tied for picking up the most awards this year: Office of the Secretary of Defense - Public Affairs New Media Directorate won three Thoth awards and two Certificates of Excellence and Ogilvy Public Relations Worldwide won five Certificates of Excellence. Home Safety Council received the second largest number of awards with one Thoth and two Certificates.
Thoth Awards and Certificates of Excellence presented are:
Component Awards
Media Relations Category
- Thoth – Focused Image and Citizant
- Certificate of Excellence – Adventure Sports Center International and Stanton Communications, Inc.
Social Media Category
- Thoth – OSD-PA New Media Directorate and U.S. Department of Defense
- Certificate of Excellence – Edelman Public Relations and Consumer Healthcare Products Association
- Certificate of Excellence – OSD-PA New Media Directorate and U.S. Department of Defense
Annual Reports Category
- Thoth – Constellation Energy and Addison
- Certificate of Excellence – Westminster Canterbury Richmond
Publications Category
- Thoth – Daughters of the American Revolution
- Certificate of Excellence – National Catholic Educational Association
Newsletters Category
- Certificate of Excellence – Anne Arundel Medical Center and MSK Partners
Direct Mail Category
- Thoth – Crosby Marketing Communications and Kaiser Permanente
Television PSAs Category
- Thoth – Ketchum and U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
Speeches Category
- Thoth – Marie L. Lerch and Booz Allen Hamilton
- Certificate of Excellence – Ogilvy Public Relations Worldwide and Greater Washington Board of Trade
Advertorial Category
- Thoth – Direct Selling Association
Research and Evaluation Category
- Thoth – The Hannon Group and xG Technology
Multimedia Communications – External Video Program Category
- Thoth – Operation Lifesaver and Big Picture
- Certificate of Excellence – Magellan Health Services
- Certificate of Excellence – Crosby Marketing Communications and National Association of Social Workers
- Certificate of Excellence – Daughters of the American Revolution
Program Awards
Community Relations Category
- Thoth – OSD-PA New Media Directorate and U.S. Department of Defense
Reputation/Brand Management Category
- Thoth – Focused Image and Citizant
- Certificate of Excellence – Home Safety Council and Brand Resources Group
- Certificate of Excellence – OSD-PA New Media Directorate and U.S. Department of Defense
Events and Observances (7 or fewer days) Category
- Thoth – Imre Communications and Travelers
- Certificate of Excellence – Ruder Finn, Inc. and Jamestown 2007
- Certificate of Excellence – Ogilvy Public Relations Worldwide and U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
Events and Observances (more than 7 days) Category
- Thoth – Ruder Finn, Inc. and Jamestown 2007
- Certificate of Excellence – Ogilvy Public Relations Worldwide and The Leverage Group for Jones New York In the Classroom
- Certificate of Excellence – Imre Communications, Manning Selvage & Lee Worldwide and American Institute of Architects
Public Service Category
- Thoth – Home Safety Council and Brand Resources Group
- Certificate of Excellence – Abbot and the Magic Johnson Foundation and APCO Worldwide
- Certificate of Excellence – Home Safety Council and Brand Resources Group
- Certificate of Excellence – Ogilvy Public Relations Worldwide and U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
Public Affairs/Issues Management Category
- Thoth – GolinHarris and The Meth Project Foundation
- Certificate of Excellence – Van Eperen Public Relations and enviroCAB
- Certificate of Excellence – Edelman and Panama Canal Authority
Marketing Consumer Products and Services Category
- Thoth – Spectrum Science Communications and Kennedy Krieger Institute
- Certificate of Excellence – Ogilvy Public Relations Worldwide and The Leverage Group for Jones New York In the Classroom
Marketing Business-to-Business Category
- Thoth – Rubbermaid Commercial Products and Brand Resources Group
- Certificate of Excellence – Mortgage Insurance Companies of America and APCO Worldwide
Crisis Communications Category
- Thoth – Media & Communications Strategies LLC and Mitsubishi Heavy Industries America
Internal Communications Category
- Thoth – OSD-PA New Media Directorate and U.S. Department of Defense
Investor Relations Category
- Thoth – Richard Ramlall and RCN Corporation
Multicultural Public Relations Category
- Thoth – St. Mary’s College of Maryland and St. Mary’s County
Integrated Communications Category
- Thoth – U.S. Navy Office of Information (CHINFO) and U.S. Navy Corps and Coast Guard
- Certificate of Excellence – American Medical Association
- Certificate of Excellence – AAMC Public Relations and Anne Arundel Medical Center