Judging the 2010 CCPRO Pro Awards

Last month I had the privilege of being a public relations professional judge for the 2010 CCPRO Awards. Next week, the awards will be presented to the winners of the compeition at a two-day conference at the Hotel Mar Monte in Santa Barbara, CA. The Conference will take place on April 15-16, 2010.

The statewide Community College Public Relations Organization (CCPRO) is a professional development and service organization that seeks to promote excellence in California’s community college public relations, graphic design, media and other related professions.

The CCPRO Awards represent the highest mark of achievement for marketing, public relations and graphic design in California’s community colleges. Awards are presented in more than 20 categories, including web design, class schedules, writing, photography, newsletters, media relations, advertising, broadcast promotions and more!

Receiving the the “All PRO Award” marks outstanding achievement in community college public relations. Winners are nominated by presidents, chancellors and public relations professionals. To win, recipients must have served California’s community colleges with distinction as a public relations professional.

Judging

Judging took place last month at Founder’s Hall at Mt. San Antonio College in Walnut, CA.  I was invited with other editors, writers, graphic designers, web designers and media producers to participate in judging some of the categories.

Judging was based on a point system with category guidelines to assist in determining winning entries. Based on the results of the judging, the PRO Awards Committee will make awards for first, second, and third place for each category as appropriate. Here are the categories I judged with their associated judging guidelines:

1. Annual Report

Judged for attractiveness of cover, copywriting, use and quality of photographs and graphics, quality of printing, effectiveness of message and theme, and overall impact.

2. News Release

Judged for impact of lead, quality of writing, quality of reporting, reader appeal for impact, and depth of subject covered.

3. Print Advertising

Judged for concept, attention-grabbing quality, use and quality of photographs and/or graphics, copywriting, persuasion/call to action, visibility of college logo or name, and overall impact.

4. College Promotional Video

Judged for scripting, use and quality of video, use and quality of audio, interest-holding ability, creativity, and overall impact.

5. Social Media Marketing

Judged for appearance, organization, comprehensive content, ease of use, originality and effectiveness. Entries included social network campaigns such as Facebook or MySpace, blogs, and viral You Tube videos.

6. Logo Design

Judged for design, color, typography, communication of message, reflective of organization, visual coherence, style and overall impact.

Announcement of Winners

Winners will be announced and awards will be presented at the Pro Awards banquet held in conjunction with CCPRO’s next conference titled “CCPRO on the American Riviera“ at the Hotel Mar Monte in Santa Barbara, CA from April 15-16, 2010.