ALBION, MI – Members of Starr Commonwealth’s Marketing and Public Relations team attended the PACE Awards banquet on April 24 in East Lansing where the organization received six Pinnacle Awards for its integrated communications efforts.

The Central Michigan Chapter of the Public Relations Society of America (cmprsa.org) hosts the PACE Awards annually and are mid-Michigan’s highest honor for public relations activities. Top honors go to public relations professionals who, in the judgment of their peers, have successfully addressed a contemporary issue with outstanding professional skill and creativity.

“As a key directive in our strategic plan to become a national leader in our field, we are committed to sharing the good work of Starr Commonwealth with key stakeholders,” said Simon Bisson, Senior Vice President and Chief Development Officer. “This recognition speaks to those efforts as we continue to reach out to, donors, peer agencies, parents, referral sources and others, in presenting Starr as a worthy cause and a child caring organization capable of providing high quality treatment programs and creating lasting value change.”

Starr works closely with BluFish Consulting LLC of Marshall, which supports the organization in its branding, strategic objectives and communications.

At this year’s ceremony, the following Pinnacle Awards (top honor) were received:

• “Help Your Middle Schooler Get Up To Speed” in the Feature Story category
• “Montcalm Research” in the Research category
• “Dream” in the Video Program category
• “Starr News” in the Magazines category
• “President’s Report” in the Annual Reports category
• “Founder’s Day” in the Special Events category

Bill Traver, owner of BluFish Consulting, said Starr Commonwealth’s efforts to heighten the awareness of the organization are paying off.

“We are honored to work with Starr and to assist them in their mission to provide positive environments where children flourish,” Traver said. “We are proud to partner with such a dedicated organization that is truly passionate about helping children and families.”

Founded in 1913, Starr Commonwealth is a nonprofit organization that serves children and families from locations in Albion, Battle Creek and Detroit, Michigan, and Van Wert and Columbus, Ohio. Services range from foster care to residential treatment and in-home counseling programs that help young adults learn to live independently. Starr also offers No Disposable Kids, a multi-faceted training program that helps schools identify their strengths, analyze their weaknesses and utilize practical, prevention-oriented tools for creating safe and productive school environments.

For more information on Starr Commonwealth, visit www.starr.org or call 800-837-5591.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 28, 2008
Contact: Dana Jacob
800-837-5591 ext. 2312
jacobd@starr.org