The Austin Chapter of the Public Relations Society of America Honors Communications and Media Professionals.

AUSTIN, Texas -- The Austin Chapter of the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA) today announced the recipients of its 2004 PR Choice and Texas Star Awards for outstanding contributions in Journalism and Public Relations. E[acute accent]Each year, the organization awards individuals and organizations in about 15 categories recognizing outstanding commitment and contributions to the chapter and community as well as journalistic ethics and integrity. This year's award winners were honored at the PRSA Austin Star Awards Gala Tuesday night, March 22, at the Headliners Club in Austin. Chantal Blanchard, Touring Publicist for Cirque du Soleil's "Varekai," was the featured speaker. E[acute accent]"Tonight the focus is on our great community of Journalism and Public Relations professionals," said Sarah Russ, Senior Account Director, Waggener Edstrom and PRSA 2005 Past President. "A consistent theme among all of us is a passion for our work and a desire to positively impact our communities. Tonight we will recognize, celebrate, and honor the best of the best." E[acute accent]The PR Choice Awards are bestowed to the following individuals and organizations whose work made a positive impact on the local community in 2004:

E[acute accent]--Best TV News Anchor: Olga Campos, KVUE

E[acute accent]--Best Print Reporter: Pamela LeBlanc, Austin American-Statesman

E[acute accent]--Best Radio Reporter: Steve Pickering, KLBJ

E[acute accent]--Best Media Organization: Austin Business Journal

E[acute accent]--Outstanding PR Mentor: Andy North, Dell Inc.

E[acute accent]--Best PR Campaign in 2004 for a Business: Flight to Fight Hunger Campaign, HEB and TateAustin

E[acute accent]--Best PR Campaign in 2004 for a Non-Profit: The Austin Computer Recycling Project, Goodwill Industries of Central Texas, City of Austin, Dell Inc., and GCI Read-Poland

E[acute accent]--Best PR Agency: TateAustin

E[acute accent]--Organization/Person Receiving the Best Publicity in 2004: Wear Yellow Live Strong Campaign, The Lance Armstrong Foundation

E[acute accent]The Texas Star Awards were bestowed to the following individuals:

E[acute accent]--Austin Star Award: Marian Kelley, AMD, for outstanding and ongoing contributions to the profession of public relations in Central Texas.

E[acute accent]--Rising Star Award: Julie Dye, Porter Novelli, for outstanding contributions to the PRSA Austin Chapter for three years or less.

E[acute accent]--Chapter Star Award: Amy Shields, GCI Read-Poland, for outstanding contributions to the PRSA Austin Chapter for more than three years.

E[acute accent]--Shining Star Award: Marty McKellips, American Red Cross of Central Texas, for a public relations person who exemplifies the right standards of public relations ideals.

E[acute accent]--Lifetime Achievement "Superstar" Award: Reed B. Byrum was recognized for his significant contributions to advancing the public relations profession and for his leadership contributions to the Society and other organizations dedicated to public relations education.

E[acute accent]About the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA) - Austin Chapter

E[acute accent]The Public Relations Society of America Austin Chapter (www.prsa.austin.org) is a major association for professionals in public relations, government relations, communications, lobbying, marketing, publications, special events, and fund raising. Chartered in 1966, PRSA Austin is the networking link to the professionals in these fields. Membership in the PRSA Austin network provides access to dynamic local resources and more than 15,000 colleagues nationwide to help its members become a more effective, successful practitioner. E[acute accent]PRSA Austin is a chapter of PRSA National, the world's largest organization for public relations professionals. The Society has nearly 28,000 professional and student members. PRSA is organized into 116 Chapters nationwide, 18 Professional Interest Sections along with Affinity Groups, which represent business and industry, counseling firms, independent practitioners, military, government, associations, hospitals, schools, professional services firms, and nonprofit organizations. The Public Relations Student Society of America (PRSSA) has 250 Chapters at colleges and universities throughout the United States.