Merlot Marketing Excels at the 2025 PRSA Influence Awards
The California Capital Chapter of the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA CCC) marked a remarkable moment in the communications industry on October 16, 2025, during their 11th Annual Influence Awards ceremony held at the beautiful Vizcaya Sacramento. This prestigious event brought together some of the region's most outstanding communications professionals to applaud exceptional creativity, storytelling, and tangible results across 18 diverse categories. Emceed by the award-winning producer and journalist, Carolina Estrada, the evening celebrated 84 remarkable campaigns that truly highlighted Sacramento's vibrant communications community.
Among the highlights of the evening was the remarkable achievement by Merlot Marketing, which was honored with a total of six awards, illustrating their dedication to excellence in public relations and marketing. This included the coveted Influence Award in the Special Events category for their compelling campaign titled "Empava KBIS 2025." This particular endeavor was designed to vividly convey the client's brand narrative on one of the industry's grandest stages, showcasing the creative prowess and strategic insight of the agency.
In addition to the top award, Merlot Marketing received several Merit Awards that recognized their diverse talents. These accolades showcased their success in various areas, including Audiovisual communications for the "Delta Regional Monitoring Program (DRMP)", Collateral Materials for "CAHP Credit Union Bank with the Badges™", Internal Communication efforts for the "Sac Sewer Media Training", and Media Relations for both the "NaturVet–All-in-One Multivitamin" and "Swedencare Crunchy Dental Bites" campaigns. Each of these achievements underscores the agency's commitment to transformational storytelling that not only captivates but also achieves significant results.
Debi Hammond, the Founder and CEO of Merlot Marketing, shared her reflections on the recognition, stating, "Our team pours heart, hustle, and teamwork into everything we do. These awards are not just a reflection of our creativity; they represent the trust our clients place in us to help tell their stories in ways that inspire connection and deliver measurable impact. When our clients win, we win, and that's what drives us every day."
Looking to the future, Merlot Marketing remains steadfast in their mission to infuse passion, creativity, and results in every client’s campaigns. Central to their strategic approach is the proprietary REDiscover™ process, a robust framework that expertly combines insights, creativity, and passion to engage both hearts and minds effectively. The agency’s commitment to supporting partners in the home and building sector while also exploring new industry horizons ensures that they continually deliver integrated campaigns that leave memorable impressions.
Furthermore, the culture of fearless innovation at Merlot Marketing assures that their future endeavors will be just as pioneering and impactful. With over 20 years in the marketing field, they have established themselves as a leading force in promoting brands across North America and Canada, gaining accolades such as the Influential Agency of the Year awarded by PRSA in 2022. They are also a proud member of the National Kitchen & Bath Association (NKBA), showcasing their broad expertise in consumer goods and home-based products.
As they continue to evolve, Merlot Marketing invites you to discover their blend of passion, creativity, and measurable results by visiting
merlotmarketing.com. Their tenacity and dedication to bringing clients' visions to life ensure that this is only the beginning of what they can accomplish together.
In summary, the celebration of Merlot Marketing's achievements at the 2025 PRSA Influence Awards not only highlights their exceptional work but also marks a significant milestone in their journey to transform client stories into successful narratives that resonate and inspire.