#United States #Topeka #Violet PR #Silver Anvil

Violet PR's Triumph at the PRSA Silver Anvil Awards

Violet PR, an acclaimed public relations agency focusing on economic development and place marketing, recently achieved a significant milestone by winning the 2026 Silver Anvil Award from the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA). This prestigious award was presented for their campaign titled "The U.S. City Bridging Borders: How Topeka Tackled Tariffs," which elevated Topeka, Kansas, to the forefront of North American trade discussions.

The campaign's mission was straightforward yet ambitious: to position Topeka as a globally engaged city amid the changing landscape of U.S.-Canada trade relations. Under the guidance of Violet PR and in collaboration with the Greater Topeka Partnership, the initiative leveraged extensive research on trade data, workforce implications, and rail infrastructure, resulting in a robust international media relations strategy.

Securing International Attention

Violet PR's efforts paid off significantly, garnering feature coverage in high-profile Canadian media outlets such as The Canadian Press, The Globe and Mail, Toronto Star, BNN Bloomberg, and Politico. The campaign resulted in over 50 media placements throughout Canada and the United States, achieving an extraordinary coverage reach of more than 200 million views.

April Mason, the founder and president of Violet PR, expressed her enthusiasm regarding the campaign's success, noting, "It is rare for a mid-sized American city to break into the international news cycle in this way. This campaign succeeded because of our client's boldness, being the first U.S. region to travel to Canada and meet with reporters in person following the announcement of tariffs."

Acknowledgment from the Industry

Bob Ross, president of the Greater Topeka Chamber of Commerce, praised Violet PR’s contributions, stating, "Violet PR helped us elevate Topeka's voice on an international stage during an extremely crucial moment for trade and economic development. Their strategic media outreach enabled us to connect meaningfully with Canadian audiences while showcasing Topeka as a collaborative, globally connected community."

This award is highly sought after within the communications profession and recognizes excellence in strategic public relations programs. Judges commended the campaign for its insightful strategy, agile execution, and measurable outcomes, distinguishing it from other entries in the category. One judge highlighted the "creative, resourceful execution" that allowed the team to secure notable international media coverage within a limited timeframe.

A Track Record of Success

Violet PR has established a reputation for effectively representing various economic development organizations, trade associations, and entities focused on business attraction and tourism. The firm's impressive track record includes securing 3,665 earned media placements in 2025 alone, translating to a staggering global audience reach of over 15 billion. Their diverse clientele includes states like Georgia, New Jersey, and North Carolina, along with international locations such as Switzerland and Bermuda.

In addition to the celebrated Silver Anvil Award, Violet PR has also received accolades for being named the Best Boutique Agency by the PRSA and the Best Industry-Focused Agency by Bulldog Reporter. The agency continuously strives to enhance economic growth for cities and states through its innovative storytelling and strategic communication efforts.

Conclusion

Violet PR’s achievement with the Silver Anvil Award not only reflects their creative strategies and impactful execution but also emphasizes the importance of collaboration in advancing economic development and community engagement. As they continue to bridge local initiatives with international conversations, agencies like Violet PR play a critical role in shaping prosperous futures for communities across the nation and beyond.