Teams honored for achieving improved communication, collaboration with North Dakotans
FARGO, N.D. — Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Dakota (BCBSND) and Flint Communications were recognized with a prestigious Silver Anvil Award from the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA) for BCBSND's efforts to improve communication, provide better customer service and help explain the complexities of health care and health insurance. The Silver Anvil Award, which recognizes outstanding achievement in strategic public relations planning and implementation, was presented to both companies during the PRSA's Silver Anvil Awards ceremony on June 12 in New York City.
"Our communications efforts have focused on our promise to listen, educate and demonstrate how we are helping our members and all North Dakotans," said Tim Huckle, BCBSND's interim president and chief operating officer. "That sparked an important, ongoing dialogue across the state that has and will continue to make us more responsive to members' needs. We are humbled by the recognition for our efforts."
More than 800 entries and 156 finalists were considered in 16 categories and more than 60 sub-categories. BCBSND and Flint received the 2014 Silver Anvil Award for the Bolder Shade of Blue integrated campaign in the Reputation/Brand Management category, which honors companies and their public relations firms for programs designed to enhance, promote or improve the reputation of an organization either proactively or in response to an issue or event.
"This award recognizes a multi-year, integrated effort based on sound strategy," said Roger Reierson, CEO of Flint Communication, a marketing communications company. "To have the results of the work receive the iconic PRSA Silver Anvil along with some of the best public relations work across the nation is a testament to the strength of our strategic team and our partnership with Blue Cross Blue Shield."
Bestowed annually since 1944 by the largest professional organization serving the U.S. public relations community, PRSA's Silver Anvil Award is meant to symbolize the forging or public opinion and recognized outstanding professional achievement. Entries are judged on their research, planning, execution and evaluation, while also taking factors such as creativity, ethics and budget into consideration.
About Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Dakota
BCBSND is a member-owned, not-for-profit independent licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association. As North Dakota's largest provider of health care coverage, BCBSND is taking BOLD steps to collaborate with doctors, hospitals, clinics and members to ensure affordable access to quality health care in the state. To learn more about BCBSND, visit www.BCBSND.com.
About Flint Communications
Flint Communications offers strategic, integrated marketing and communications expertise in both traditional and non-traditional spaces. Established in Fargo, N.D., in 1946, it serves a diverse list of businesses, industries, government entities and not-for-profit clients.
