Fort Smith CVB garners ‘Gritapalooza’ recognition

Fort Smith Convention & Visitors Bureau won the most awards during the 2011 Apex awards program conducted by the Northwest Arkansas chapter of the Public Relations Society of America.

For its “True Gritapalooza” media campaign built around the release of “True Grit,” the Fort Smith CVB won three awards; Social media: True Gritapalooza; Feature stories: "The Real Fort Smith”; and, Creative tactic: True Gritapalooza.

“Getting recognized for our work on True Gritapalooza is almost as much fun as putting the campaign together was. We have some incredibly talented PR professionals in Northwest Arkansas, so it was quite an honor to take home awards in three categories,” said Jennifer Boulden, Fort Smith CVB communications and event services manager, and the creative leader for the True Gritapalooza campaign. “Gritapalooza was in every way a collaborative effort, though, so we share these awards with all the passionate True Grit fans from Fort Smith who came out during the events and supported our social media campaign leading up to the new movie’s premiere. Fort Smith’s energy, creativity and pride in our heritage was the driving force behind what we did, why we did it, and how successful it has been in creating positive publicity for the city and attracting more tourists to come visit.”

The chapter also honored Eric Edelstein, general manager of the Northwest Arkansas Naturals, as Communicator of the Year. It also presented its award for Public Relations Professional of the Year to chapter member Dave Edmark, APR (Accredited in Public Relations).

Edelstein, who has been general manager of the Texas League baseball club since the club’s relocation to Springdale was announced in 2006, was recognized for his work in promoting the team’s presence in the region. He previously served three years as general manager of the Wichita Wranglers and has also been named the Texas League Executive of the Year.

Edmark has served since 1995 as communications director for the Food Safety Consortium in the University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture where he works with faculty, staff and administrators in a variety of communications functions. He has also been president and accreditation chair of the PRSA chapter.

Several other awards were also presented in these categories:
• PR Campaign: iPay Technologies Marketing and Acquisition Campaign, Clarus Communications, St. Charles, Mo.

• Special events/Observances: The Burlsworth Trophy, Mitchell Communications Group, Fayetteville.

• Magazines: Arkansas magazine, University of Arkansas.

• Websites: Walton International Scholarship Program, Mitchell Communications Group, Fayetteville.

• Podcasts/vodcasts/webcasts: Zion House Project, Youth Bridge, Fayetteville.

• Brochure: "Explore With Us," Southwestern Energy Resources Canada.