The Central West Coast Chapter of the Florida Public Relations Association (CWC-FPRA) was recognized with leading awards at FPRA’s 79th annual conference last week. Both the organization and individual members received significant honors. CWC-FPRA won the coveted Chapter of the Year award, in recognition of its financial health, strong retention and new member attraction rates, media coverage and its leadership within the community and the industry. It also received the Promoting the Profession & FPRA award for the promotion of its programs and chapter member achievements through the media and creating awareness about FPRA throughout the community. Cheray Keyes-Shima, APR, CPRC, was recognized with the John Dillin Professional Award, the highest honor accorded by FPRA. Longtime chapter member Joe Curley, APR, CPRC, was named FPRA Statewide Member of the Year for his significant contributions to the Association through outstanding leadership, demonstrated enthusiasm, extraordinary involvement and loyal support. Sharon Kunkel was named to the 2017 Joe Curley Rising Leader Class, which recognizes and honors up-and-coming leaders in regional chapters and builds leadership streams at the state level. CWC-FPRA members Tara Poulton and Rhonda Leiberick, APR were installed as state board members and Lynn Hobeck Bates, APR, was installed to the state’s executive committee. During the conference gala event, chapter members were presented with six Golden Image Awards for excellence in public relations programming, including Visit Sarasota, Southwest Florida Water Management District, Circus Arts Conservatory, Marie Selby Botanical Gardens and Coldwell Banker.

CWC-FPRA