BOSTON, MA., and SAN FRANCISCO, CALIF. – June 12, 2007 –
SHIFT Communications,
one of the fastest-growing national Public Relations firms, won THE
coveted Stevie Award for being named Agency of the Year in The 2007
American Business Awards last night.
Hailed as “the business world’s own Oscars” (New York Post , April 27,
2005), The American Business Awards are the only national,
all-encompassing awards program honoring great performances in business.
Nicknamed the Stevies for the Greek word “crowned,” the awards were
presented during ceremonies at the Marriott Marquis Hotel in New York
City. The ceremonies were hosted by Larry Wilmore of THE DAILY SHOW
with JON STEWART, videocast live on the Internet, and broadcast
nationwide on radio.
In
winning the Stevie, SHIFT beat out other finalists including NY-based
Peppercom, Inc., Manning Selvage & Lee, and many other nationally
recognized PR firms.
Jim Joyal, a SHIFT principal, was presented the Stevie before a
packed ballroom reception. In accepting the Stevie, Joyal thanked his
staff of 100 people in both San Francisco and Boston for their tenacity
and creativity in keeping clients thrilled with their technology-focused
public relations firm’s efforts. He also thanked several clients in
attendance, including fellow Stevie Award winners
Habeas
and
Entuity.
Members of the Awards' Board of Distinguished Judges & Advisors and
their staffs selected Stevie winners from among the Finalists.
Finalists were chosen by business professionals nationwide during
preliminary judging in April and May.
“We owe our talented staff and valuable clients for this humbling
honor,” Joyal said.
Stevie Awards were presented in over 40 categories including Best
Overall Company, Best Executive, and Best Corporate Social
Responsibility Program. More than 2,000 entries from companies of all
sizes and in virtually every industry were submitted for
consideration.
In
under 4 years, SHIFT Communications has attracted technology industry
stalwarts and stars such as
Akamai,
Novell,
WebTrends, and
RSA Conference; consumer brand-names such as
Shimano,
Real Networks,
Travelocity (emerging brands) and
Oakley;
and, rising stars like
NeatReceipts,
Yelp
and
800-Free411.
In
2006, SHIFT developed the world’s first template for a “Social
Media News Release” (SMNR), which has been covered by publications
ranging from PRWeek to BusinessWeek. With over 50,000 copies downloaded
from SHIFT’s web site,
the template continues to generate a blizzard of conversation within and
outside the PR industry. Billion-dollar corporations including
Hewlett-Packard, Coca Cola, Novell, Belkin and SAP AG have used the
template masterminded by SHIFT.
“It’s wonderful that our work in developing social media tools has been
recognized as a benefit to the public relations industry,” said
Todd Defren, a SHIFT Principal. “This award will get prominent
placement in our growing trophy case.”
The elegant Stevie trophy was designed by R. S. Owens, the same company
that makes the Oscar® and the Emmy.
Details about The American Business Awards and the list of Finalists and
Stevie Award winners are available at www.stevieawards.com/aba.
