PRSA Names Apex Winners

Delia Haak, executive director of the Illinois River Watershed Partnership, was named “Communicator of the Year” for 2009 by the Northwest Arkansas chapter of the Public Relations Society of America.

Christi Gallagers, senior manager for public relations and brand reputation at Wal-Mart Stores Inc., was honored as “Public Relations Professional of the Year.”

The PRSA chapter annually accepts entries for Apex awards in the categories of public relations campaign, media kits, annual reports, internal and external publications, writing and creative tactics.

Other Apex winners included:

Wal-Mart Stores won for best public relations campaign for its “Healthy Families H1N1 Flu Shot” campaign.

Southwestern Energy with Mitchell Communications Group won four Apexes:  one for special events and observances for the five-year anniversary of the Fayetteville Shale play, an Apex for best Web site, one for a feature story, and another for a recruiting brochure.

Tyson Foods Inc. with Mitchell Communications Group won two awards for social media and press conferences for the Lift Up America event at the University of Arkansas.

UA University Relations won an Apex for Arkansas magazine.

United Way of Northwest Arkansas won for best annual report.