IABC/Toronto Captures International Award for Chapter Management

TORONTO, Ontario – February 4, 2010 – The International Association of Business Communicators (IABC) selected Toronto from its 100 chapters worldwide to win the 2010 International Chapter of the Year award for the first time in more than 20 years. IABC/Toronto was recognized for its management and quality-driven membership programs in 2008/09 at the global association’s Leadership Institute conference held in San Diego, California at the end of January. For a second year in a row, IABC/Toronto also won the IABC’s Large Chapter of the Year award and received 10 other awards in various categories.

“IABC/Toronto is a leader in chapter management and sustainability; communications and marketing; and in delivering real value to members,” says IABC President Julie Freeman, ABC*, APR**. “The ways in which businesses communicate with, and engage, their employees, clients, and audiences are rapidly changing. Amidst all this change, the critical role of the communications professional and its impact on the bottom line remains the same. IABC/Toronto provides members with the professional tools and training they need to ensure their organizations succeed. These awards recognize that important work and set a standard for IABC chapters across the world to maintain.”

IABC/Toronto claimed a total of 12 awards this year, including:

• International Chapter of the Year;
• Large Chapter of the Year;
• Award of Excellence – Leadership Development;
• Award of Excellence – Professional Development;
• Award of Excellence – Communications;
• Award of Excellence – Community Development;
• Award of Merit – Finance;
• Award of Merit – Membership Marketing;
• Award of Merit – Student Involvement; and
• Award of Merit – Branding
• Chapter with the most new members
• Chapter with the most new ABCs

Having acquired the most new members during such a tough economic climate in worldwide business is a particularly proud feat for this chapter, which serves up a hefty dish of membership benefits including informative seminars and training on the latest trends and technologies in business communication, mentoring opportunities, professional accreditation programs, and networking events.

“We are honoured to receive this recognition from our colleagues in the international community of business communicators,” says IABC/Toronto President, Brent Carey, ABC. “Not only do these awards instill in us – IABC/Toronto’s dedicated members, volunteers, and Board – a sense of pride and accomplishment for our hard work and efforts, but they also present an opportunity for us to reflect on, and renew our commitment to helping Toronto’s communicators learn and grow; build meaningful professional relationships; and do their best work.”

Special thanks go to 2008/09 President Leslie Hetherington, APR, and board members Christine Andrew, Linda Andross, ABC, Shari Balga, Brent Carey, ABC, Trell Huether, Carrie MacAfee, Yasmin Ranade, Anna Relyea, Natasha Renaud, and Janet Wile ABC, APR, MC, who led portfolios that figured prominently in the chapter management category awards.

The ongoing success of IABC/Toronto depends on the volunteer leaders who set strategy and direction for its programs and offerings. Call for Nomination forms for the 2010/2011 IABC/Toronto board will be available by April 1, 2010 and accepted until May 7, 2010.  For more information, contact Leslie Hetherington, APR, nominating committee chair, at toronto-pastpresident@iabc.com.

Communication professionals interested in learning more about or joining IABC/Toronto can call 416-968-0264 or visit http://toronto.iabc.com.  For a social media release listing 2010 chapter management award details, visit: http://socialmediareleases.x.iabc.com/

*ABC – Accredited Business Communicator
**APR – Accredited in Public Relations

MEDIA CONTACT:
Christine Andrew, VP Marketing Communications, IABC/Toronto
905.491.2257
toronto-marketing@iabc.com

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About IABC/Toronto

With approximately 1,600 members, IABC/Toronto is the largest IABC chapter in the world. Established in 1970, the chapter offers its diverse membership multidisciplinary resources, varied professional development events, an annual awards program, an exclusive job board and networking opportunities, to identify, share and apply best communications practices.   For more information, visit http://toronto.iabc.com

About IABC

The International Association of Business Communicators (IABC) is a global network of communication professionals committed to improving organizational effectiveness through strategic communication. Established in 1970, IABC serves more than 16,000 members in 70 countries. IABC members practice the disciplines of corporate communication, public relations, employee communication, marketing communication, media relations, community relations, public affairs, investor relations and government relations. For more information, visit www.iabc.com.