Getting out of your comfort zone can be a little disconcerting, but you can learn a lot by doing so. Case in point: Central Iowa PRSA held its annual awards last week, and I had the privilege of serving as the emcee. This experience led to a deeper appreciation for the work of area PR professionals on multiple platforms and at companies or organizations large and small. (I also appreciate the lovely and airy Wellmark offices, where the event was held.)

Allison Hay, PR and marketing professional with Mercy Medical Center-Des Moines, said the chapter represents all of Iowa and has about 200 members. (It felt like all of them were in the room.) There were five individual awards of excellence that were noted. Winners included the Outstanding Public Relations Professional: John McCarroll, executive director of university relations at Iowa State University. (I did a little Google-digging and found the 1997 Iowa State Daily article naming him as director.)

The PRIME Awards — as they are called, who knew? — recognized two Best of Show honors. The Best of Show winner for the nonprofit category was Mercy Medical Center-Des Moines. Wellmark Blue Cross and Blue Shield was honored for its social media entry. These two winners will later share their insights to teach others in the industry. 

Among the interesting notes I got to read as emcee:

• Lessing-Flynn worked with Vermeer for the launch of a new product, the Silver Series Drill Rod, with the tagline “Firestick has a new sidekick.”
• Lessing-Flynn also teamed up with the National Pork Board for the Hams Across America campaign to give some love to pig farmers.
• Two Rivers Marketing and Doosan Infracore North America worked together for an informational safety article, “Get a Handle on Heavy Equipment Fluid,” which charmed my inner headline writer.