Sonnhalter, a communications firm marketing to the professional tradesman in the construction, industrial and MRO markets, received a silver award in the “Trade Media Relations” category at the 22nd Annual Public Relations Society of America’s (PRSA) Cleveland Rocks Awards competition recognizing excellent communications programs and tactics. 

Sonnhalter received the silver award in “Trade Media Relations” for NIBCO’s proactive media program that maximized its effort to increase knowledge of its products among end users, distributors and media.

Sonnhalter worked to develop a proactive, strategic media relations program to leverage the knowledge and expertise within NIBCO and take advantage of key opportunities to spread awareness about the company, its products and technologies, and its experts.

The Sonnhalter program included an editorial audit that identified and outlined potential editorial opportunities, a consistent press release program, ongoing media pitches to place bylined feature articles, technical articles, and case histories, pitching NIBCO experts as sources for trade editors’ round-up articles covering industry trends, issues and products and arranging one-on-one media meetings at key trade shows.

“We’re honored to receive this recognition from other public relations professionals and proud of the work we’ve done with NIBCO," said Matt Sonnhalter, vision architect at Sonnhalter. "This award shows how a well-executed media relations strategy and how our collaboration with NIBCO is driving industry awareness and engagement.”

Annually, the PRSA-Cleveland Rocks Awards acknowledge Northeast Ohio’s outstanding communications programs, which incorporate research, planning, execution and evaluation. PRSA Cleveland Rocks Award winners demonstrate leadership in public relations and contribute to advancing the profession locally.