New Golden Ruler Award from Institute for Public Relations Recognizes Excellence in Measurement that Proves Value of PR

6/28/2004

From: Frank Ovaitt, 703-568-5611 or iprceo@jou.ufl.edu, Michelle Hinson, 352-392-0280 or mhinson@jou.ufl.edu, both for the Institute for Public Relations

GAINESVILLE, Fla., June 28 -- The Golden Ruler of Measurement Award for proving the value that public relations adds to organizations was announced today by the Institute for Public Relations (IPR).

"This first of its kind award will recognize public relations programs or campaigns that have clear, measurable objectives and innovative methods of research and evaluation," said Jack Felton, CEO of the Institute.

Created by IPR's Commission on Measurement and Evaluation, the award, unlike any other in the industry, focuses solely on measurement and research that demonstrate how public relations activities are linked to achieved objectives. The award is sponsored in part by Lawrence Ragan Communications, Inc.

The new Golden Ruler Award is based on criteria that reflect the "four pillars" of public relations measurement -- academic, corporate, agency and research companies. The award will be judged by representatives from each of these four areas.

Criteria for judging will include contribution to the public relations profession's body of knowledge; innovation in research design and reliability of results; demonstrated impact on business outcomes; linking public relations outputs to outcomes; cost effectiveness and rigorous research design.

Deadline for entry forms is August 30, 2004, with completed submission due by September 30. Winners will be announced at the Institute's Annual Distinguished Lecture and Awards Dinner in New York in November 2004.

For additional information on requirements for this award and detailed instructions on how to prepare a submission, see the Institute's website http://www.instituteforpr.com/goldenruler.phtml or call the Institute at 352-392-0280.

The Institute for Public Relations was founded in 1956 and is dedicated to improving the professional practice of public relations through research, education, measurement and evaluation. The IPR includes the Commission on Public Relations Measurement and Evaluation, widely regarded as the pre-eminent source of best practices and advocacy for research and evaluation. IPR's work is funded entirely through contributions, and all publications and research studies are provided free on its website, http://www.instituteforpr.com.