SEPTEMBER 2021
Southwest Florida BUSINESS TODAY ®
Page 9
Priority Marketing achieves a first at FPRA Golden Image Awards Priority Marketing won the Florida Public Relations Association’s top three honors during its 2021 Golden Image Awards competition, becoming the first firm in the awards program’s 64-year history to sweep the highest honors. Overall, Priority Marketing won 16 awards, including two Grand Golden Image Awards and the organization’s highest annual honor, the Dick Pope All Florida Golden Image Award. The Golden Image Awards is FPRA’s statewide competition that recognizes outstanding public relations programs while encouraging and promoting the field of public relations. Winners represent the best examples of innovation, planning and design. “We’re incredibly happy to see FPRA recognize our team’s exceptional work, but we’re especially proud to see our work deliver phenomenal results for our clients,” said Priority Marketing President and Senior Creative Director Teri Hansen. “Each of our award-winning entries helped raise awareness and support for important causes, and it’s truly gratifying to know that we’re making a difference in the lives of our clients and community.” FPRA announced winners of its 64th annual Golden Image Awards on Aug. 10 in Orlando. Priority Marketing was recognized with the following awards:
Teri Hansen, APR (bottom left), Melissa Mitchell, APR, CPRC (middle left), Emily Golden (top left), Nicki McTeague (second from right) and Holly Boldrin, APR, CPRC (far right) • Dick Pope All Florida Golden Image Award, Golden Image Award and Judges’ Award for developing, publicizing and executing Guadalupe Center’s virtual fundraising event, Circtacular, a circus-themed extravaganza that drew more than 100 paid registrations and raised $1 million to support transformational educational programs.
• Grand Golden Image Award, Golden Image Award and Judges’ Award for the development of a compelling public service video for Kids’ Minds Matter, which raised $2.6 million at the nonprofit’s annual Secret Garden Gala fundraising event. • Grand Golden Image Award, Golden Image Award and Judges’
Protect your business from cyber threats Question: I am concerned with the recent rash of cyber theft and ransomware activity. What can a small business with limited resources do to protect itself? Answer: The Benjamin Franklin axiom “an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure” is as true today as it was then. Consider the following key cybersecurity tips to protect your small business: 1. Your employees are the first line of defense in protecting your business from cyber threats. Educate them regarding basic security practices including strong computer passwords that should be changed every three months. Also, never open unfamiliar attachments. Make sure a separate user account is created for each employee. 2. Employees should only be given access to the specific data systems that they need for the their jobs. 3. Administrative privileges should only be given to trusted IT staff and key personnel and no one should be allowed to install software without their permission. 4. Consider multifactor authentication that requires additional information beyond a password to gain entry. 5. Backup important files daily and store them offsite or in the cloud. 6. Installing the latest firewall security software, web browser and operating system is the best defense
against viruses, malware and other online threats. Run a scan after each update with anti-virus software. 7. If your employees work from home, ensure that their home system(s) are protected by a firewall and the latest security software. 8. Make sure your Wi-Fi networks are secure, encrypted and hidden. Make sure your router does not broadcast the network name. This is important for both office BY GRAY and work from home computers. POEHLER 9. If you use a laptop computer Guest Columnist make sure they are safely stored when not in use. 10. Talk to your insurance agent about Cyber Liability Insurance. This coverage can be added to a business owners policy or commercial liability policy. It will protect your business assets by covering your legal defense costs, and any settlements or judgements if you are sued. Also, public relations and other expenses you may incur to salvage your reputation and recover from the incident.
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Award for the creative execution of an eye-catching invitation for Guadalupe Center’s virtual fundraising event, Circtacular. • Golden Image Award and Judges’ Award for the creation of an annual impact report enabling Guadalupe Center to educate community members about its success while raising $128,933 to support transformational educational programs. • Award of Distinction and Judges’ Award for launching Unmasking the Epidemic, a public service campaign and virtual event that generated $1 million for Kids’ Minds Matter while raising awareness of the need for mental health services during the pandemic. • Award of Distinction and Judges’ Award for conceptualizing and implementing Mental Health Mondays, a series of Facebook Live conversations for Kids’ Minds Matter that reached more than 1.2 million people in less than six months. • Award of Distinction for raising awareness of Fort Myers Brewing Company’s six-pack craft beer fundraiser, Adyn Strong, that raised $6,000 to help a local family pay medical expenses for an 8-year-old boy with leukemia. Prior to the statewide competition, Priority Marketing in April earned eight awards, including two coveted Grand Image Awards, through the FPRA-Southwest Florida Chapter’s Image Awards.
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THREAT See page 22
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... of public radio listeners hold a more positive opinion of companies that support the informative programs of NPR.
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... of PBS viewers agree that its sponsors are committed to quality and excellence.
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