City of Vaughan named 2016 CPRS Don Rennie Memorial Award winner

TORONTO, June 1, 2016 /CNW/ - The Canadian Public Relations Society (CPRS) named the City of Vaughan as the recipient of the 2016 Don Rennie Memorial Award for Excellence in Government Public Relations. The award was presented during the Awards Gala on the final night of the World Public Relations Forum in Toronto on May 31.

The City of Vaughan was recognized for its excellent implementation of a new internal communications strategy. The City established the need for a new, co-ordinated approach to internal communications after conducting research with City employees. The corporate communications department identified an opportunity to improve the organization's internal communications function, recognizing it to be not only a powerful investment in transforming morale and ensuring a high-performing organization, but also a motivator for shifting the corporate culture to one that's more open and engaging.

 "The City of Vaughan's Internal Communications Strategy has allowed the organization to deliver on its commitment to enhance internal communications. The strategy strengthens employee engagement and fosters a positive and inclusive corporate culture, all while reinforcing our corporate vision, mission and values," said Gary Williams, director of communications, City of Vaughan. "Most importantly, we are increasing employee awareness about the vital role they play in the community. We are very proud and honoured to receive this prestigious award that recognizes outstanding achievement in strategic government communications."

The Award is presented annually in memory of Don Rennie, a CPRS member who helped change the face of government communications in Canada through his pivotal role in developing and introducing a new communications policy that would span all departments of the Federal Government.

The Don Rennie Memorial Award was one of several noteworthy CPRS Major Awards presented over the course of the three-day World Public Relations Forum. The CPRS Major Awards recognize exceptional involvement in the public relations profession.

About CPRS

Founded in 1948, the Canadian Public Relations Society (CPRS) is a not-for-profit organization whose members are engaged in the practice, management or teaching of public relations. Members work to maintain the highest standards and to share a uniquely Canadian experience in public relations. CPRS is a federation of more than 1,800 members across 14 Member Societies based in major cities or organized province-wide.  For more information, visit our website: cprs.ca.

SOURCE Canadian Public Relations Society

Image with caption: "City of Vaughan (CNW Group/Canadian Public Relations Society)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20160601_C5187_PHOTO_EN_703467.jpg

For further information: MEDIA CONTACT: Karen Dalton, Executive Director, CPRS National, 416-239-7034, [e-mail]