Dallas International Association of Business Communicators Celebrates Top Professionals at 2012 Quill Awards

DALLAS--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The Dallas chapter of the International Association of Business Communicators (IABC) presented local communicators with 42 Awards of Excellence and 24 Awards of Merit at its annual Quill Awards banquet on October 17 at Edison’s in Dallas. Pamela Ribon, best-selling novelist, TV writer, blogger and all-around funny personality, delivered the keynote address.

“Face it, we’re communicators; we don’t like dealing with numbers. Just finding someone to take on that role is hard. Finding someone who does it well is special. Andrea is really special”

Melyssa Prince, ABC, earned the chapter’s highest designation--Communicator of the Year (COTY)--which recognizes an individual who has demonstrated top-notch professionalism in communications as well as dedicated service to IABC. Susan Straub, 2011 COTY and Corporate Affairs senior manager with Alliance Data, made the presentation. Three senior-level communicators within IABC’s global organization who judged this year’s COTY finalists said Prince’s portfolio demonstrated her dedication to excellence in communication and making a substantial contribution to the profession.

Prince is the director of retail marketing for Calloway's Nursery, Inc. She facilitates the advertising, marketing and public relations activities for the corporate marketing department. Her accomplishments include launching the company's first intranet site for employees and executing an ongoing mobile marketing campaign. She earned her bachelor's degree in public relations and was granted her master's degree in communication from the University of Texas at Arlington. She has been a member of IABC since 2008, earned three Quill Awards and secured the Accredited Business Communicator designation.

“IABC offers many benefits, and being a part of the organization is rewarding in a myriad of ways,” Prince said. “To be individually recognized for my professional efforts is an emotionally overwhelming honor that I share with my colleagues at IABC and Calloway’s Nursery.”

The other COTY finalists were Richard Buse, owner of R.S. Buse Communications Services, and Lorraine Jameson, project manager of community involvement with CH2M HILL, Inc.

Andrea Kirsten-Coleman was named the Pegasus Outstanding Volunteer for 2012, an annual award presented by the IABC Dallas president. The award recognizes stellar service to the chapter. Kirsten-Coleman is the marketing director for the Cooper Institute in Dallas, and serves as the finance director on the 2012 IABC Dallas Board.

“Face it, we’re communicators; we don’t like dealing with numbers. Just finding someone to take on that role is hard. Finding someone who does it well is special. Andrea is really special,” Richard Buse, chapter president, explained in presenting the award to Kirsten-Coleman.

“It’s an honor to receive this award and be a part of such a high caliber team that truly supports marketing and communications professionals in Dallas,” Kirsten-Coleman said.

IABC Dallas also presented its first-ever Legacy Award to Etheridge Printing of Dallas, in recognition of Etheridge’s ongoing sponsorship support.

“I joined the chapter board in 2004. Etheridge was already a sponsor for longer than anyone could remember. They just keep supporting us; they do so much good,” Buse said.

“We are extremely honored by the award and grateful for our longstanding relationship with IABC. IABC is the real deal. We thank you for your service to the industry, ongoing real education, professional development opportunities, and enriching fellowship with our peers. Thank you so much,” Howard Etheridge, owner of Etheridge Printing, responded.

This year, 38 different communication professionals or teams were honored with Quill Awards for their entries in three divisions that cover communications management, communication skills and communications creativity.

A complete listing of Quill Award winners can be accessed at: www.iabcdallas.com.