High Road Communications

Having been a part of the High Road team for almost nine years (the company is eleven years old), it’s gratifying to see High Road be named to top 25 SMB places to work. From day one, we wanted to be a workplace based on great people – the most passionate, innovative and results-oriented professionals in the business. And despite our growth (we had a dozen employees when I joined in 1999 – today we are 85 strong), our entrepreneurial spirit has never wavered. Everyone in the company, regardless of seniority or title, can make a difference. The Globe and Mail article highlights five key attributes that all 25 companies listed share: employee input; career opportunities; proactive employee communications; talent development; and a responsive leadership team. Such an environment creates a strong culture of empowerment, allowing employees to take chances, accomplish great things and achieve real personal satisfaction in their work. This is no easy feat and employers that make this level of commitment to their employees should certainly be recognized for their efforts. Now, bring out the cake.

Last night I attended the ACE Awards by the Toronto chapter of the Canadian Public Relations Society (CPRS).  I was definitely jaded going in, thinking it would be another night of high fives and back slapping with a room full of PR flacks, putting a powerful spin on their latest campaign.  But I have to say, I was wrong.

Not only was I amazed at the high caliber campaigns and breakthrough thinking in our industry, but I was blown away by the professionalism and accomplishments of the young PR professionals entering our field.  And CPRS deserves huge kudos for putting so much emphasis on our future leaders.  For the first time, they added the Student PR Campaign of the Year and the winner gave the best speech of the night.  I am sure all the agencies were frantically writing down her contact information, in an attempt to recruit her first thing this morning.

And they also gave out two awards for Young PR Professional of the Year. One went to Rachelle Khalaf of Torchia Communications and the other to our own, Cortney Anderson (see photo). Congratulations! 

We need to do more in the industry to recognize the work of our future leaders and the young professionals that work so tirelessly and often behind the scenes to drive the outstanding results for our campaigns.  CPRS took a great step in the right direction and I hope more professional organizations follow suit.

Mia