The Public Relations Council of Alabama (PRCA) is committed to promoting the professional and ethical practice of PR. We've built a community that develops both current and future practitioners through effective member action and strong volunteer leadership.

Southern Public Relations Federation (SPRF) is a network of public relations professionals from Alabama, North Florida, Louisiana, and Mississippi who share a common interest in the public relations profession. Membership in the Federation is automatic for members of the Public Relations Council of Alabama (PRCA), the Emerald Coast Public Relations Organization (ECPRO), the Public Relations Association of Louisiana (PRAL), and the Public Relations Association of Mississippi (PRAM).

 

Medallions (Professionals & Students)

The PRCA Medallion awards program offers members and students the opportunity to have their work recognized and receive feedback that can facilitate continuous improvement. The PRCA awards program is sponsored by PRCA and is open to PRCA members only.

PRCA members (professionals and students) enter their work in a variety of categories from campaigns to individual tactics. Award-winning entries will demonstrate knowledge and application of the four-step process which emphasizes research, planning, implementation, and evaluation.

Entries are evaluated on their own merits by public relations practitioners across the country. The highest honors are Medallion awards, followed by the Awards of Excellence and Certificates of Achievement in each category. A Best of Show award and up to two Judges' Choice awards are selected among the highest scored entries in each competition.

SPRF has a similar awards program (Lantern awards) and the Public Relations Council of Mississippi (PRAM) has the PRism awards. 

 

Philip R. Forrest, Jr. Professional Achievement Award (Professionals)

The Philip R. Forrest Jr. Professional Achievement Award (PAA) is the highest annual honor bestowed by the Public Relations Council of Alabama to a single practitioner.

It is given to recognize public relations practitioners who are outstanding in the field of public relations. One practitioner may be selected each year (judges are given the option of not selecting a winner in any given year). The winner and all chapter nominees are recognized at the annual PRCA State Conference in April.

 

Grover Smith Award (Professionals)

The Public Relations Council of Alabama (PRCA) Grover Smith Lifetime Achievement Award is the organization’s highest honor. It was established to recognize a dedicated practitioner whose life has been one of distinguished service to the public relations profession and PRCA. Recipients have demonstrated the highest and most meritorious contributions to the improvement, promotion, development, and progress of public relations throughout their careers. This award is presented to individuals who have devoted 25 or more years of service to the field of public relations. 

The award is given the discretion of the PRCA State board of directors and does not have to be awarded annually. A panel of three accredited public relations professionals in good standing with PRCA will review the nominations.

 

Chapter of the Year (Professional & Students)

The Sharon Heflin Chapter of the Year Award annually recognizes the professional chapter achievements in eight areas critical to a vibrant local PRCA presence:

1. Accreditation
2. Chapter Management
3. Communications
4. Community Service
5. Membership
6. Programs
7. Projects
8. PR Education

Judges use a rating system based on how well the chapter achieved specific goals for the year. Their evaluations are based on the merits of achievements and activities of the chapter as presented. Documentation of activities through narratives, clippings, and photographs allow the judges to make an informed judgment.

Awards are given for first, second, and third place in each individual area, and then a single chapter is selected at PRCA's Chapter of the Year.

Similarly, the Bettie W. Hudgens Student Chapter of the Year award judges based on the following criteria: programs, membership, projects, interaction with sponsoring chapter and the state organization, chapter communication, and chapter recognition. The award is named after Bettie Hudgens, a past Mobile chapter member, who was state president in 1988.

 

Student of the Year (Students)

The Michael K. Simmons Student of the Year award recognizes a student who is an active member of a PRCA student chapter. The award recognizes not only academic achievement in the field of public relations but also leadership through community service and campus activities. The winner receives a $500 cash scholarship.

The award is named after a North Alabama member who was influential in his career with students throughout the state. He was the 1988 Philip R. Forrest Jr. Professional Achievement Award winner. 

 

Educator of the Year (Professionals)

The PRCA Educator of the Year award was established to recognize an educator who has taught public relations, or a closely-related discipline, and who has demonstrated a commitment to advance the profession of public relations.

Eligible nominees must be full-time faculty members teaching in a public relations/journalism/communication curriculum, at any rank, who are members of the Public Relations Council of Alabama. The recipient of this award is typically announced at PRCA’s annual conference and goes on to compete in the SPRF competition against other regional Educator of the Year nominees.

*Please note, there will not be an Educator of the Year Award for 2020.