CALGARY, March 6, 2014 /CNW/ - Canadian Astronaut, bestselling author and social media sensation, Col. Chris Hadfield, is the recipient of the 2014 CPRS President's Award for Outstanding Public Relations and Communications Management. The prestigious public relations honour is awarded to an individual who demonstrates outstanding leadership through communications. Col. Hadfield was presented with the award in Calgary on March 5 by CPRS National President, Richard Truscott, APR.
"I'm thrilled to present Col. Hadfield with the President's Award on behalf of the CPRS Board of Directors. Chris was the face of not only the Canadian space program, but of the world's collaborative mission while he commanded the International Space Station," said Truscott. "Through his remarkable, unique and personal approach, Chris was able to communicate with the people of the world, inspire the next generation of astronauts and scientists, and engage everyone in the conversation about space and Earth."
During his time as the Commander of the International Space Station (ISS), Col. Hadfield captivated the world through the use of his multimedia-rich social media presence. Stunning photographs, viral videos and live feeds with classrooms full of wide-eyed students helped remind global citizens about the world in which they live. The profile of the Canadian Space Agency (CSA) and space exploration overall was raised through the communications efforts of Col. Hadfield.
"I am both honoured and delighted to receive the CPRS President's Award," said Col. Hadfield. "The credit goes to the team at the Canadian Space Agency who worked creatively and tirelessly for over 2 years in preparation and support of C2, Canada's mission to command the International Space Station. The impact on Canada, especially on Canadian youth, as well as the rest of the world, was heart-warming for us all to see — the direct result of good people doing hard work."
CPRS National is delighted to have members of the Canadian Space Agency's Montreal-based communications team deliver a keynote address at the upcoming Canadian Public Relations Conference in Banff, May 25-27, 2014.
"I look forward to hearing from the CSA team first-hand how this creative project was planned and executed," added Truscott.
This is the fifth time that the CPRS President's Award for Outstanding Public Relations and Communications Management has been awarded to an individual. Past recipients of the award include: retired General Rick Hillier, Canadian Forces; Kellie Garrett, Senior VP, Strategy, Knowledge & Reputation, Farm Credit Canada; Rick Hansen, Chief Executive Officer, The Rick Hansen Foundation; Clara Hughes, Olympian, humanitarian, motivational speaker.
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. The annual Canadian Public Relations Conference will be held in Banff, AB, May 25-27, 2014. For more information, visit our website: cprs.ca.
Image with caption: "Col. Chris Hadfield and CPRS National President Richard Truscott, APR. (Photo Credit: Jodi Oosterlee Photography) (CNW Group/Canadian Public Relations Society)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20140306_C9610_PHOTO_EN_37647.jpg
Image with caption: "Col. Chris Hadfield (Photo Credit: Jodi Oosterlee Photography)(CNW Group/Canadian Public Relations Society)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20140306_C9610_PHOTO_EN_37641.jpg
Image with caption: "CPRS President's Award for Outstanding Public Relations and Communications Management. (Photo Credit: Jodi Oosterlee Photography) (CNW Group/Canadian Public Relations Society)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20140306_C9610_PHOTO_EN_37642.jpg
SOURCE: Canadian Public Relations Society
Media Contact:
Bryan Sparks
Coordinator, Communications and Professional Development
Canadian Public Relations Society (CPRS)
T 416 239 7034
E [email protected]
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