IABC is known for recognizing and celebrating its members for excellence in strategic communications. Innovative thinking, creative solutions and demonstrated results are the backbone of its international Gold Quill Award, the Silver Leaf Award nationally here in Canada, and, most recently in BC, Bronze Quill. With the strength and vibrancy of both the international and national programs, interest in our local awards program waned, and a refresh was needed. As a result, the chapter has reviewed and revamped its local level awards and is launching a new program — the IABC/BC Wave Awards. Starting in 2015, IABC/BC will celebrate and recognize the person – the force – behind the excellent work done in our chapter.
Buzzing as they did 25 years ago around a similar IABC/BC volunteer table, working on a similar project, program co-chairs Jennifer Wah, ABC, MC, IABC Fellow, and Gail Pickard, ABC, say they are honoured to help steer the launch of the Wave Awards.
“For those who remember the chapter’s Blue Wave Awards, naming the new program the IABC/BC Wave Awards evokes some chapter history and nostalgia,” says Jennifer. “Some of the chapter’s brightest stars still proudly display their Blue Wave trophies.” The Blue Wave Awards ran from 1995 to 2010, and replaced by Bronze Quill following a request from IABC headquarters for it to be the first stepping stone to its Gold Quill Awards.
Leadership from both Jennifer and Gail drew upon past learnings each had from both the Blue Wave and Bronze Quill awards – as well as drawing on their combined knowledge as both evaluators and recipients of IABC awards. “Their depth and breadth of volunteering with the chapter, connection with members and experience in the profession brings a clear focus on how IABC/BC can celebrate the individual communicator,” says Wendy Kubota, ABC who is leading the co-ordination of the new awards on behalf of the Board.
“Much of my success with my company, Forwords Communication, has been through the process and result of winning IABC awards,” says Jennifer. Gail adds, “Having led the chapter awards program in its early years, I am very proud that our chapter has now matured to the point where we can honour local communicators for their contributions to the profession.”
The Wave Awards will encompass the existing volunteer (President’s Awards) and Student Communicator of the Year awards, and add three new categories: The Making Waves Award to celebrate the “up-and-coming” communicator, the Lighthouse Award for the more senior communicator, and the Ripple Effect Award for a communicator with any level of experience who has used their skills to support a community organization or cause in a non-paid role.
“We all know people whose energy does exactly what our new categories describe,” says Gail. “And this energy links back to the idea of a wave – its forward motion and something we all strive for in our work.”
To participate in the inaugural IABC/BC Wave Awards:
- Submit nominations for the IABC/BC Wave Awards between May 5, 2015 and May 22, 2015. Full program details and nomination forms will be available here.
- Join us in recognizing our awards winners at IABC/BC’s awards celebration held at the Diamond Ballroom. Registration will open soon – learn more here.
Questions? Please contact Past-President, Wendy Kubota, ABC.
