(Salem, Oregon) Nov. 8, 2018 – The Public Relations Society of America (PRSA) Oregon Chapter honored Mary Louise VanNatta, APR, CAE, owner, and CEO of VanNatta Public Relations with the (PRSA) Oregon Chapter William W. Marsh Lifetime Achievement Award. The award recognizes her years of excellence in public relations.
The Oregon PRSA held the Annual Spotlight Awards event on November 7, 2018, in the Multnomah Athletic Club Ballroom in Portland, Oregon. The annual gathering draws hundreds of industry professionals for a night of networking, food, drink and awards.
In her acceptance speech, VanNatta dedicated her award to her father, Fred VanNatta, sharing that he always knew how to put problems into perspective. “My father always told me,” said VanNatta, “If your problems can be solved with money or hard work, then you don’t have a problem.”
Mary Louise VanNatta has over 30 years of public relations experience. She is one of the few people in Oregon with her Certified Association Executive (CAE) designation and Accreditation in Public Relations (APR) from the Public Relations Society of America. She has consulted with such nationally recognized clients as the NFL, NBA, Alamo Rental Car and Cricket Communications. She has worked with the Medical Foundation of Marion and Polk Counties to plan fundraising events with celebrities such as Jane Goodall, Jean-Michael Cousteau, Christopher Gardner and Barbara Bush.
“Mary Louise never did anything halfway,” said past award winner, David Thompson. “Mary Louise has given back to the industry by mentoring nearing 100 interns. Many of these professionals have gone on to achieve great success in the field.”
The award's namesake, William Marsh, significantly influenced public relations in Oregon. He was an early Portland PRSA President and continued to contribute to the Oregon chapter. Marsh worked in PR for 28 years.
VanNatta is the 33rd winner of the award. For more information on the Spotlight Awards, visit http://prsaoregon.org/programs/awards/spotlight-awards/.
Founded in 1967, VanNatta Public Relations is a Salem-based public relations, association management and event planning firm. The success of VanNatta Public Relations, Inc. is the result of experienced and knowledgeable staff who thrive in an ever-changing and demanding environment. From politicians and campaigns to nonprofits and associations, VanNatta PR works to help clients meet their goals and reach for new ones. For more information about VPR visit PRSalem.com or call 503-585-8254.