PHILADELPHIA, December 16, 2011 – The annual Pepperpot Awards, hosted by the Philadelphia Chapter of the Public Relations Society of America to honor the region’s top public relations professionals, took place on December 6. Brownstein Group (BG) was the recipient of six awards, including five first-place finishes, for its work in crisis communications, public affairs, newsletter writing, brochure writing and social media.
“As the achievement awards for public relations professionals in the Philadelphia area, it is truly an honor to receive recognition for excellence in six of the 31 categories,” said Erin Allsman, public relations and social media director at Brownstein Group. “We’re particularly proud of our team’s sweeping the social media categories, winning for both campaign and platform, given our emphasis on developing this core competency.”
BG received the following awards:
Pepperpot (First Place)
Social Media Campaign – Independence Blue Cross
Brownstein Group completed a social media strategy for Independence Blue Cross (IBX) and from there, the “Healthy Steps” campaign was born. Since its launch, engagement has skyrocketed, and Facebook likes saw a 205% increase in the first three months and now exceed 5,000 – an increase of more than 1,500%. IBX mentions in social media are also up 119% from the prior year.
Social Media Platform – Independence Blue Cross
Brownstein Group’s social media strategy for Independence Blue Cross positioned Facebook as the center of IBX’s social universe. Tactics included the “Healthy Steps” campaign, photo contests and custom tabs for customer service and marketing.
Crisis Communications – Campus Apartments
Campus Apartments (CA) risked criticism from media and residents while undergoing significant renovations to a student housing complex. BG developed internal and external crisis management plans. There was not a single media report throughout seven months of construction, and the property remained 100% leased.
Public Affairs – American Society of Transplantation
In 2010, the Arizona government eliminated Medicaid coverage for several transplant procedures, putting people at risk for death for a mere $1.4 million in savings. BG helped the American Society of Transplantation (AST) launch a campaign to influence the state legislation to reverse its decision. After unfavorable attention to the Arizona government, the decision was reversed and coverage was reinstated.
Newsletter – The Graham Company
The Graham Company, one of the Mid-Atlantic region’s largest insurance and employee benefits brokers, needed a newsletter that promotes its brand promise, showcases thought leadership and provides content for republishing in the media. The resulting publication, Graham Advisor, a four-page self-mailer, has helped the company improve its internal and external communications.
Ladle (Second Place)
Brochures – The Graham Company
Brownstein Group created a brand identity that communicates Graham’s unique value proposition. The rebranding campaign was executed through several communication tactics, including a corporate brochure that brought the “Actions Matter” brand alive through dramatic stories of Graham’s customers.
About Brownstein Group
Brownstein Group is a brand communication firm located in Center City Philadelphia. Founded in 1964 as Brownstein Advertising, Brownstein Group has since evolved into a network of integrated communication specialties encompassing brand strategy, advertising and design, public relations and social media, and interactive. A member of the 4As, the Public Relations Society of America and Philly Ad Club, Brownstein Group provides services to local, national and international clients such as IKEA, Comcast, Berkadia Commercial Mortgage, SUPERPRETZEL, The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, the Philadelphia International Auto Show, Bancroft, Campus Apartments and The Graham Company. For additional information, connect with Brownstein Group on Twitter @Brownstein_Grp or on Facebook at www.facebook.com/brownsteingroup, or visit www.brownsteingroup.com.