Sabo PR swept the West Michigan Public Relations Society of America PRoof Awards, capturing Best in Show for the second consecutive and earning an additional 12 awards for excellence in communications.

In addition to receiving top honors, the Grand Rapids-based integrated communications firm earned eight gold and four silver awards, including three for its work in crisis communications and issues management. Sabo PR was also recognized for integrated communications, media relations, feature stories, community relations, executive communications and videography for projects for 10 clients in a variety of industries.

“We are incredibly honored to be recognized again this year for the stellar work we do for our clients,” said Mary Ann Sabo, president of Sabo PR. “These 13 awards are decided by our communication peers and truly represent the best work from the greater West Michigan public relations community.

“We appreciate the opportunity to showcase the meaningful work we’ve done for municipalities, nonprofits, financial institutions and retailers during 2023. From recruiting videos to voter education campaigns to environmental outreach, it’s gratifying to partner with great organizations who enhance the quality of life in West Michigan.”

Sabo PR earned a gold award and Best in Show for integrated communications for its work on the 2023 Kent District Library millage proposal. Partnering with Kent County’s award-winning library system, SPR developed a voter education campaign utilizing a mix of media relations, social media, website, video, community engagement, direct mail, newsletters and other tactics that propelled the ballot question to success, earning 77% approval from voters.

This is second consecutive year Sabo PR has earned Best in Show, which signifies an entry has earned more total points than any other. In 2023, SPR received a gold award and Best in Show for its work on the 2022 Kentwood Parks and Recreation perpetual millage. That campaign was also recognized with a Diamond Award by the PRSA East Central District.

Sabo PR received the following gold awards:

• Crisis communications for its work in support of Ottawa County Public Health Officer Adeline Hambley in her battle against Ottawa Impact.
• Issues management for a ballot education campaign, again on behalf of Kent District Library, to ensure Algoma Township voters had access to library services.
• Media relations for a first look at the unveiling of the Gerald R. Ford International Airport Concourse A, a key part of a $600 million expansion and upgrade.
• Media relations for a music therapy pitch to showcase the complementary therapies offered by Emmanuel Hospice.
• Feature stories for a series of articles in community newspapers spotlighting Emmanuel Hospice.
• Community relations for the announcement of the new Lowell facility for Care Resources.
• Most effective campaign on a shoestring budget for the Berrien County Health Department’s underage marijuana use prevention campaign.

Sabo PR also received the following silver awards for 2023 work:

• Crisis communications for partnering with a municipality to educate residents on PFAS contamination.
• Long-form video for the city of Wyoming’s police recruitment.
• Media relations for the announcement of Main Event coming to Woodland Mall.
• Executive communications for a leadership transition for Southern Michigan Bank & Trust.

About Sabo PR LLC

Founded in 2003, Sabo PR is an integrated communications firm that helps organizations tell their stories, engage with their stakeholders and build their brands. From its headquarters in Grand Rapids, Sabo PR provides a suite of human-centered, tailored communication solutions for stakeholder engagement, issues management, marketing communications and visual services to Michigan’s leading businesses, municipalities, education providers and nonprofits. Sabo PR: Best communicators. Best Brands. For more information, visit sabo-pr.com.

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