Curley & Pynn Recognized for Excellence in Public Relations at 2012 FPRA Golden Image Awards Gala
August 21, 2012
By Kacie Escobar, MBA, APR
MAITLAND, Fla. (August 21, 2012) – Curley & Pynn (C&P) was honored with two Awards of Distinction this year at the annual Florida Public Relations Association (FPRA) Golden Image Awards gala at the Renaissance Resort World Golf Village in St. Augustine. The C&P team was recognized for its exceptional work on behalf of the Florida High Tech Corridor Council (FHTCC) and Visit South Walton (the South Walton Tourist Development Council).
FHTCC is a regional economic development initiative of the University of Central Florida, the University of South Florida and the University of Florida. As part of its mission to grow high tech industry and innovation in the region through research, workforce and marketing partnerships, FHTCC releases an annual editorial-style magazine highlighting innovative people and companies in the region. For its 2011 publication, C&P produced a notable edition despite the challenge of losing its long-time printing partner that had closed its doors. Thanks to promotion through social media tactics and coverage by regional news outlets, this magazine marked the first time FHTCC distributed its entire supply of 20,000 magazines through repeated requests from partners and other readers.
South Walton is an upscale destination of 15 unique beach neighborhoods along Florida’s Northwest Gulf Coast – neighborhoods such as Seaside, Rosemary Beach and Sandestin.
After the Deepwater Horizon oil spill in summer 2010 caused a heavy decline in tourism to the area, C&P was charged with boosting visitation. C&P launched a research-driven integrated campaign that helped drive a more than 40 percent increase in visits by “thanking” and rewarding loyalists, showcasing the beauty of the beaches and reaching media in target markets. The campaign included the development of a social media contest, as well as the creation of a South Walton beach appreciation team, staffed with enthusiastic and knowledgeable ambassadors of the destination’s beautiful beach neighborhoods.
“We don’t set out each day with the objective of winning awards. Our clients’ needs and goals come first, and we meet those goals with strategic, research-driven programs,” said Roger Pynn, president and founding partner of Curley & Pynn. “I am proud that our team’s hard work continues to be recognized by FPRA as some of the best public relations and marketing campaigns in the state.”
The Golden Image Awards competition is conducted annually by FPRA to recognize outstanding public relations professionals statewide for the best in innovation, planning and design. The Golden Image Awards program is designed to encourage and promote public relations professionalism in Florida.
About Curley & Pynn
Founded in 1984, Curley & Pynn provides counsel and advice and total program management to Florida professionals and corporate clients who recognize that in today’s business environment it is essential to communicate with all who have an interest in their success. Curley & Pynn is the Central and North Florida affiliate of MSLGROUP Americas, one of the world’s largest public relations firms. For more information, visit www.TheStrategicFirm.com.
