As I look around my office, I notice Gold Pick awards on desks, shelves and carefully displayed at our front entrance. It’s something Webb PR has participated in pretty much every year since the firm opened more than 20 years ago.
Colorado’s Gold Pick Awards celebrates 45 years in May. A lot has changed in the chapter since the very first awards program in 1966 when only one Gold Pick Award was given. Doug Hock chaired the Gold Picks Committee in 1994 when they planned a Hollywood Affair with movie star look-alikes such as Marilyn Monroe and Cher presenting the awards. Another year, PRSA Colorado Member Jane Dvorak, APR recalls the ceremony was held inside the Museum of Nature and Science with a “Wild” theme to celebrate the new African Exhibit. This year the chapter “Celebrates Innovation” at Denver’s Marriot City Center Thursday, May 5.
The Colorado Chapter of PRSA formed September 1957 by 13 men meeting at the Denver Press Club. The first chapter president was Richard K. Ayers, whose public relations legacy still lives on in the Colorado chapter through senior PR counselor Sydney Ayers.
Throughout its history, PRSA Colorado has been one of the larger chapters in terms of members, but didn’t have its first female member until Gail Pitts in the late 1960’s. Now if you look around the room at any PRSA Colorado event, you’ll notice more women than men.
The first awards program was organized by Cal Pond, PRSA Colorado president in 1966. The only award given that night went to Columbia Savings & Loan Association’s President Dan Ritchie.
A total of 45 awards including the Grand Gold Pick will be handed out at this year’s “Celebrating Innovation” awards ceremony. From selecting an outside chapter to help judge the entries, planning entertainment for the night and event emcees, it’s a big job for those who serve on the Gold Pick Committee.
At this year’s Gold Pick Awards, we’re looking forward to our emcees — Denver media talents Erica Cobb from Alice 105.9’s BJ, Howie and Erica Morning Show and 9 News and Metromix reporter Heidi McGuire. Purchase early-bird tickets before April 27 at the PRSA Colorado website.
Jennifer Holliman is an account manager at Webb PR and a member of the PRSA social media committee. You can follow her on Twitter at @JHOMamma.
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