Southwest Strategies Celebrates Strong Night at 2015 Bernays Awards

SAN DIEGO - Oct. 22, 2015 - PRLog -- Southwest Strategies LLC, one of San Diego's top public relations and public affairs firms, last night was presented with 12 awards at the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA) – San Diego/Imperial Counties Chapter's 2015 Bernays Awards, setting a new record for the company.

"We would like to congratulate all of the award recipients and nominees this year and thank PRSA for such a tremendous honor," said company President Chris Wahl. "Our successes this year are due to the tireless dedication, high standards and strategic direction that Southwest Strategies seeks to bring to our clients, and we look forward to keeping up the momentum."

The annual Edward L. Bernays Mark of Excellence Awards are the highest honors in the local public relations industry. Awards are categorized by complexity, with Silver Awards recognizing extended campaigns and Bronze Awards noting single tactics. Southwest Strategies won five awards in the Bronze category and six awards in the Silver category. New to the competition this year were the Best of the Best Awards, recognizing the highest scores in both the Bronze and Silver divisions. Southwest Strategies was honored to take home this prestigious prize in the Silver category.

Southwest Strategies was recognized for its work with longtime client shopping center developer Donahue Schriber and the community organization What Price Main Street? in collaborating with the community related to the One Paseo project planned in Carmel Valley. Southwest Strategies worked to support local residents who had concerns about the project and were seeking modifications. As a result of these efforts, the community secured commitments from the developer to amend the project.

Southwest Strategies received a Silver Bernays Award in the category of Community Relations – Business for its work on the Carlsbad Desalination Project: Pipeline Construction Outreach. The firm was retained by Poseidon Water in January 2013 to launch a three-year public outreach effort for the construction of the Carlsbad Desalination Project, the largest, most technologically advanced and energy-efficient seawater desalination plant in the nation. Over the course of the public outreach program, Southwest Strategies successfully reached nearly 25,000 individuals and businesses located near project construction areas, proactively educating them about the project and the construction timeline. More than 150 news stories were printed in local, regional and national media outlets highlighting the project's milestones and positive benefits to the San Diego region. City staff, elected officials and local residents also commended the Southwest Strategies team for its successful efforts to engage the community.

PRSA also awarded Southwest Strategies a Silver Bernays Award in the category of Events and Observances, Seven or Fewer Days – Business for its public affairs campaign on behalf of H.G. Fenton's Piazza Familia: The New "Heart" of San Diego's Little Italy. To commemorate the beginning of construction of this iconic space, H.G. Fenton tapped Southwest Strategies to plan and execute a groundbreaking ceremony. The event promoted the Piazza's benefits to the community and its role in honoring the past and future of the Little Italy neighborhood. Southwest Strategies surpassed its attendee goal and secured participation of all invited elected officials and stakeholders. As a result, the event generated overwhelmingly positive media coverage in local television and print outlets, strengthened H.G. Fenton's relationships with elected officials and generated significant community excitement.

The firm also accepted Silver Bernays Awards in the following categories: Events and Observances, Seven or Fewer Days – Nonprofit/Government/Association; Events and Observances, More than Seven Days; Public Affairs; and Issues Management. The team was presented with Bronze Bernays Awards in the categories of Editorials/Op-Ed Columns; Social Media; Press Conferences; Newsletters; and Direct Mail/Direct Response.

About Southwest Strategies

San Diego-based Southwest Strategies offers a full range of communications and strategic services for a diverse client list throughout the State of California. The firm's services include public affairs, community relations, crisis communications, public relations, media relations and government affairs. The company has been ranked by the San Diego Business Journal as one of San Diego's top three public relations firms. Alan Ziegaus and Chris Wahl formed Southwest Strategies in April 2000. For more information, visit www.swspr.com.