Sep 22, 2010

PRSA Charlotte Announces 2010 Award Winners

The Charlotte chapter of the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA) today announced it has selected Michael Smith, Philip Tate and Ryan McShane as the winners of its three annual awards. The recipients will be recognized at the chapter’s awards gala on Oct. 27, 2010, at Byron’s in the Design Center of the Carolinas.

Pegasus Award Winner – Michael Smith, President and CEO, Charlotte Center City Partners

Since 1992, PRSA Charlotte has given the Pegasus Award to an individual outside of the public relations profession who demonstrates superior knowledge and use of public relations for the betterment of the community. Michael Smith, President and CEO of Charlotte Center City Partners, is the 2010 recipient of the Pegasus Award.

Smith is an effective business and community leader who embraces the practice of public relations. Earlier this year, he brought together PR professionals with representatives from the Charlotte Chamber, the Charlotte Regional Partnership, the Charlotte Regional Visitors Authority and Charlotte Center City Partners to discuss the need for a national public relations campaign. Plans and funding for that initiative are now underway.

In his six years at the helm of Charlotte Center City Partners, he has been the driving force behind a number of key initiatives including the successful Find Your Center marketing campaign and a partnership with economic developers to recruit more jobs to the Center City. He and his team at Charlotte Center City Partners are currently facilitating the 2020 Center City Vision Plan which serves as the blueprint for development of the urban core.

Smith serves on the Board of Directors for the International Downtown Association as well as a number of regional Boards including the Board of Visitors of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Sisters of Mercy Foundation, Belk College of Business at UNC Charlotte, the United Way, the Hospitality and Tourism Alliance, the Charlotte Chamber and the Arts and Science Council.

Infinity Award Winner – Philip Tate, SVP, Luquire George Andrews

The Infinity Award honors a local public relations professional whose character, career and service represent the highest standards for the profession. Philip Tate, senior vice president/client services of Luquire George Andrews (LGA), is the 2010 recipient of the Infinity Award. In his current role, Tate develops, implements and supervises advertising, marketing and public relations strategies for several of LGA’s leading clients, including 3A Composites, Blum, Lincoln Harris, National Gypsum and Syska Hennessy Group.

He served on the board of directors for the Charlotte chapter of PRSA from 2002 through 2007 and currently serves as treasurer on the national board of directors for PRSA. In February 2002, he received his Accreditation in Public Relations (APR) from the Universal Accreditation Board and remains deeply involved in the Charlotte chapter’s accreditation program.

Tate also applies his public relations background and skills to support local nonprofits. He has served as volunteer chair for the YMCA of Greater Charlotte Y-Guides Program, a father-child program for more than 3,000 families that ranks as one of the largest programs of its kind in the United States. Tate has also spearheaded local fundraising campaigns for the American Heart Association, National Multiple Sclerosis Society and the YMCA of Greater Charlotte.

Young Professional Award Winner – Ryan McShane, Assistant Account Executive, Taylor

The Young Professional Award began in 2007 to honor a younger member of the chapter who exemplifies strong professional capabilities, leadership qualities, service to the public relations community and a respected character. Ryan McShane, assistant account executive at Taylor, is the 2010 recipient of the Young Professional Award.

McShane’s commitment to public relations is shown through his professional and volunteer work. He has experience representing national brands including Allstate Insurance, Kimberly-Clark and Gillette. Currently, he works full time on the Allstate account, supporting the client’s college football sponsorships and motorcycle awareness initiative.

Prior to joining Taylor, McShane interned with the Arkansas Twisters, an arena football team, and the Madison (Wis.) Mallards, a collegiate summer league baseball team. During his collegiate career at Arkansas Tech University, McShane served on the Public Relations Student Society of America (PRSSA) national committee and is now a featured columnist for PRSSA’s newspaper, FORUM. He also is a regular speaker for UNC-Charlotte’s PRSSA Chapter and has a blog dedicated to PR students and young professionals.

About the Gala:
The gala will take place on Wednesday, October 27, 2010 from 6 to 9 p.m. at Byron’s in the Design Center of the Carolinas. Tickets for the cocktail hour and plated dinner may be purchased in advance through www.prsacharlotte.org. The cost is $60 for members and $75 for nonmembers. Companies interested in sponsorships or silent auction donations should contact either akirkpatrick@carolinapr.com or ashley@thesherrygroup.com.

About PRSA Charlotte:
Founded in 1978, PRSA Charlotte has approximately 250 members representing public relations professionals in corporate, nonprofit, government and consulting sectors. The association emphasizes continuing education, professional accreditation, networking and adherence to ethical standards. For more information, visit www.prsacharlotte.org.

Categories: Business, Charlotte Center City Partners