The City of Hampton was recently honored by the Hampton Roads Chapter of the Public Relations Society of America at its annual Pinnacle Awards Gala.  The City’s Media & Community Relations office received an award in the Public Relations Tactics category for its employee newsletter, Hampton Notes.

Hampton Notes is the City’s primary communication device produced to promote positive employee relations.  The Media & Community Relations office writes, designs, produces, and distributes this bi-monthly publication to over 3,000 city employees.  The goals of this publication are to improve employee morale by keeping employees at the center of the publication, equip employees with information on city initiatives and projects so that they can be successful ambassadors to our community, and provide employees with information that has a direct impact on them such as changes in benefits, city emergency planning, and technology tips.

Hampton Notes has had success in facilitating employee interaction through its interactive features, generating feedback through an online survey, and increasing article submissions via email.  In a recent survey, employees responded to the publication with great enthusiasm, praising the publication for becoming more employee-focused.  This focus on employees has had a positive impact on morale by successfully communicating that employees’ contributions to the organization are acknowledged and appreciated.

The Pinnacle Awards recognize outstanding work in the field of public relations. Pinnacles are awarded for both strategic programs and individual tactical projects demonstrating the highest standards of excellence.  Entries were judged on criteria such as research, planning, creativity, technical excellence and final outcome.

The Public Relations Society of America is the world's largest organization for public relations professionals. Its nearly 20,000 members represent business and industry, counseling firms, government, associations, hospitals, professional services firms and not-for-profit organizations.  The Hampton Roads Virginia Chapter serves public relations professionals in the greater Hampton Roads region with professional development programs, resources and services.