The Gemological Institute of America received three Edward L. Bernays Awards, presented by the Public Relations Society of America’s San Diego Chapter, at the association’s annual dinner on Oct. 16.

PRSA is the world’s largest organization for public relations professionals, with more than 32,000 members nationwide. The Bernays awards were named for the “father of public relations,” and recognize the industry’s finest PR campaigns, writing, tactics, and professionals.

The San Diego chapter presented a total of 66 Bernays awards in categories including media relations, publications, community relations, crisis communications, and special events. The ceremony was attended by some 200 public relations and communications professionals from agencies and corporate PR teams.

GIA brought home three Bernays Awards for campaigns conducted in 2007.

GIA’s new alumni e-newsletter was honored with a Bernays Bronze Mark of Excellence in Multimedia Communications Ezines/Newsletters. Alum.connect was launched in April 2007 to keep GIA’s alumni updated and connected around the world.

Gems & Gemology was recognized with a Bronze Mark of Excellence in the Magazines category.

GIA’s public outreach campaign, titled “Marry Christmas! ‘Tis the Season to Propose!” was honored with a Bronze Mark of Merit for Creative Tactics. The campaign offered tips to the public on where to go for information about diamonds during the holiday season, the Four Cs, and how to read a diamond grading report.

The 2008 Bernays Awards were judged by senior-level and Accredited Public Relations certified professionals from the Portland, Oregon chapter of PRSA.

Caption: GIA Bernay Award winners (from left): Amanda Luke, editor, Alum.connect; Tom Overton, managing editor, G&G; and Laura Simanton, senior public relations manager.

JCK