President’s Column – March 2016

by Megan Lewis, IABC/Tulsa President

MeganLewisCan you believe we’re nearly through the first quarter of 2016? It’s even beginning to feel like spring; although, I have a feeling it could be a trick. As the weather has warmed up, so have the IABC/Tulsa events. In February, we held a standout luncheon on the topic of inbound marketing. On March 3, we held our annual Bronze Quill Awards.

The awards ceremony was a huge success with record attendance and winners. We recognized our area’s top communicators for their outstanding work throughout the year including these special award winners:

  • Shagah Zakerion, executive director, Tulsa’s Young Professionals – Communicator of the Year;
  • Kendra Thompson, Cancer Treatment Centers of America – John Hartman Professional of the Year (Get to know Kendra in our Meet a Member article this month);
  • Hayley Westwood, ONE Gas – Leon Bolen Service Award; and
  • Keith Isbell, Williams – Best of Show Award. (See the event recap below and a full list of winners on our website.)

We also presented the first ever IABC/Tulsa Lifetime Dedication Award to John Simmons, a co-founder of IABC/Tulsa, member for more than 50 years and co-creator of Tulsa’s Bronze Quill Awards.

The impressive talent of our area’s communicators never ceases to amaze me. The knowledge, experience and love of the communications field I see every day through IABC/Tulsa is truly inspiring. Thank you to the board members who spearheaded this year’s awards. It was a very special night – we have the photosto prove it.

If you attended the event and were as inspired as I was, and if you aren’t currently a member, I hope you’ll consider joining this amazing group of communicators. March is Member Month, which means great savings for new and renewing members if you join this month (see below for additional details). Consider joining, and help make IABC/Tulsa an even stronger organization.

Posted in Announcements & News.