Shreveport-Bossier City, La. – Members of the Public Relations Association of Louisiana (PRAL) Northwest Chapter have garnered prestigious awards for their exceptional work in public relations at two significant events: the PRAL State Conference Torche’ Awards in Alexandria, Louisiana, and the Southern Public Relations Federation (SPRF) Lantern Awards in Biloxi, Mississippi. Recognized for their innovative campaigns and impactful community events, three PRAL Northwest members received accolades for their contributions to the field.
Award Recipients and Winning Campaigns
- Emerie Eck Holtzclaw, Owner of Lagniappe P.R.I.M.E., LLC, was celebrated for her work on the Beads & Brushes event benefiting the Highland Jazz and Blues Festival.
- PRAL State Torche’ Awards: Award of Excellence in Tier Two: Short Term/Special Events
- SPRF Lantern Awards: Award of Merit in Tier Two: Short Term Strategic Programs/Special Events
- Michelle Marcotte, Communications Consultant, Sr. at Southwestern Electric Power Company (SWEPCO), earned recognition for her long-term strategic program, Shaping Tomorrow’s Energy: Understanding Smart Meters with SWEPCO.
- PRAL State Torche’ Awards: Award of Excellence in Tier One: Long Term Strategic Programs/Community Relations and Public Service
- SPRF Lantern Awards: Award of Excellence in Tier One: Long Term Strategic Programs/Community Relations and Public Service
- Paige Melton, Associate Director of Communications at United Way of Northwest Louisiana, achieved multiple honors for The United Way Book Club campaign.
- PRAL State Torche’ Awards: Torche’ Award and Best of Show Award in Tier Two: Short Term Strategic Programs/Community Relations and Public Service
Recognition for Excellence
The awards were determined through rigorous evaluation by PR professionals, assessing entries based on the four-step RPIE process (Research, Planning, Implementation, and Evaluation). Winners were selected from 30 categories, spanning long-term strategic programs, short-term strategic programs, and tactical materials. Projects demonstrating excellence received Awards of Merit, Awards of Excellence, and the prestigious Torche’ and Lantern Awards.
The Best of Show Award, earned by Melton, is a testament to the outstanding quality and impact of her work on The United Way Book Club.
Celebrating Public Relations Achievements
The PRAL State Conference and Torche’ Awards are held annually in June, while the SPRF Conference and Lantern Awards take place each October at rotating locations across the region. Notably, the 2025 SPRF Conference and Lantern Awards will be hosted in Bossier City from October 19-21, further spotlighting the local PR community.
About PRAL Northwest
PRAL Northwest is committed to advancing the profession of public relations and supporting practitioners through education, networking, and professional recognition. To learn more, visit PRAL Northwest, follow them on Facebook @PRALNorthwest, or email [email protected].