Communicator

Jess Bennett, 2009 IABC/Toronto MAVERICK PR Student of the Year
The IABC/Toronto MAVERICK PR Student of the Year award is presented annually to a student
who demonstrates exceptional communications skills and exceptional creativity. Award judge and
President of MAVERICK PR, Julie Rusciolelli, presented this year’s award to Jess Bennett.
Jess is a graduate of Seneca College’s Corporate Communication program and the Master of
Professional Communication program from the University of Western Sydney, Australia. She
has already made a name for herself in social media with her blog titled “Sift, Dust & Toss”
about her passion for food, which is definitely worth the read.
Judges were impressed with Jess’ submission stating, “While it was difficult to select a winner from
the record breaking number of submissions this year, we felt that Jess’ creativity, commitment to
excellence and strong leadership made her stand out from the rest.”
Pictured left to right: Julie Rusciolelli,
MAVERICK Public Relations,
and Jess Bennett
To be considered for this award, entrants were required to submit a news release on how they plan
to make an impact on the future practice of communications and submit one writing sample. Jess’
news release titled “Engagement Announcement: Public Relations to Wed Social Media” caught
the judges’ attention immediately. The release stated that, “Social media has become a buzz word,
but communicators must remember that it is a tactic fitting into a greater strategy.”
~ Natasha Hotchkiss
And the Bobbie Resnick Philanthropy
award goes to... APEX Public Relations
The 2009 Bobbie Resnick Philanthropy award was presented
to APEX Public Relations Inc. for its entry “Charity Starts at
the Office – Creating On Your Bike!” Bobbie Resnick, ABC,
APR, MC, IABC Fellow, presented the prestigious award to
Pat McNamara, APR, Tracey Bochner, APR, Ellen Leesti
and Scott MacFadyen.
On Your Bike! (OYB!) is a not-for-profit foundation that collects second-hand bicycles
to repair and donate to disadvantaged children throughout Toronto. According to
award judges, the campaign was “A simple but very powerful idea. The project offers
employees a great opportunity to become involved and make a very meaningful
contribution to the community.” This is a true philanthropic effort, which will
continue to give back for years to come.
Looking to the future, OYB! has organized many successful bike drives. As APEX
celebrated its 10th anniversary last year, the agency made a special $10,000 donation
to purchase new bikes to be distributed through the organization this year.
Pictured left to right: Ellen Leesti, APEX Public Relations,
Bobbie Resnick, ABC, APR, MC, IABC Fellow, and Pat
McNamara, APR, CPRS Fellow, APEX Public Relations
~ Natasha Hotchkiss
3