Fleishman-Hillard's Project E.R.A.S.E. Awarded 'Best of the Best' Silver Anvil

ST. LOUIS, June 19 /PRNewswire/ -- Fleishman-Hillard Inc. was awarded the prestigious 2007 "Best of Silver Anvil" award last evening for its work in developing, launching, and executing Project E.R.A.S.E. (Eradicating Respiratory Asthma in Schools to Help Children Excel). The agency-developed and pro bono effort by the firm's New York office improves the health, education, and quality of life for New York City students undiagnosed or undertreated for asthma. Project E.R.A.S.E. was selected as the best of the 48 public relations programs receiving Silver Anvils, the iconic award of the public relations profession.

Fleishman-Hillard and its clients also received six Silver Anvil awards and seven Award of Excellence honors saluting programs in multicultural PR, reputation management, event management, community relations, public service, and marketing consumer services.

The Silver Anvil Award winners were: -- Abbott Laboratories and The Magic Johnson Foundation with Fleishman- Hillard for the "I Stand With Magic Campaign to End Black AIDS." -- AT&T with Fleishman-Hillard for "The New AT&T. Delivered." -- Fleishman-Hillard for "Project E.R.A.S.E. Spells for Success for Underprivileged NYC Kids with Asthma: Fleishman-Hillard through Partnership with the Public and Private Sector." -- Hallmark Cards with Fleishman-Hillard for "Hallmark Sound Card Product Launch: Sweet Music!" -- National World War I Museum with Fleishman-Hillard for "A Window to the Human Spirit: The National World War I Museum." -- St. Louis Regional Chamber and Growth Association with Fleishman- Hillard for "From Rust Red to Investment Green ... Repositioning the St. Louis Brand"

The Silver Anvils are presented annually by The Public Relations Society of America (PRSA). The awards were announced Thursday, June 14, at the PRSA's annual Silver Anvil Evening in New York. There were 104 finalists selected from a total of 855 entries submitted for consideration.

"Fleishman-Hillard is once again proud that the innovative work done on behalf of our clients has been recognized by industry leaders as being among the best of the best," said Dave Senay, president and CEO of Fleishman-Hillard. "Receiving the 'Best of Silver Anvil' award is truly gratifying since Project E.R.A.S.E. grew from a sensitivity for the issue of childhood asthma among our employees -- many whose children suffer from asthma. A group of concerned senior staff rallied together to make a meaningful contribution to the community. They developed a plan that would provide underserved children with access to diagnosis, advice on treatment, and management of asthma and allergies at no cost to the families or schools. This passion and commitment illustrate both our company's talents and our sense of responsibility to use our healthcare marketing and social responsibility expertise to good use in our own communities."

After just one school year, Project E.R.A.S.E. reduced asthma-related absenteeism by 55 percent, hospitalization by more than 75 percent, emergency room visits by more than 25 percent. Further, this award-winning program helped reduce hospital visits and emergency room related costs by an estimated $141,000.

"Fleishman-Hillard would like to sincerely thank our partners in this effort, Joel I. Klein, Chancellor of New York City schools, and Paul Erhlich, M.D. medical adviser and champion of Project E.R.A.S.E.," continued Senay. "Without their long-term vision, the gains of the last year would not have been achieved."

(For more information on joining Fleishman-Hillard as a sponsor for Project E.R.A.S.E., visit http://www.projecterase.org/ or call Michael Rinaldo or Barbara Cutler at 212-453-2000.)

The PRSA's Silver Anvil is the public relation industry's most prestigious award. They have been awarded annually for more than 50 years to recognize organizations for their exemplary professional skill, creativity, and resourcefulness in addressing contemporary issues. Recipients' programs must incorporate sound research, planning, execution and evaluation, and meet the highest standards of performance in the profession.

With the Best of Silver Anvil, six Silver Anvils, and seven Award of Excellence winners, Fleishman-Hillard had more recognized programs than any other firm this year. The firm's seven Award of Excellence trophies went to:

-- Abbott Laboratories and The Magic Johnson Foundation with Fleishman- Hillard for " I Stand With Magic Campaign to End Black AIDS." (Finalist in two categories) -- Bayer Animal Health with Fleishman-Hillard for "Rediscovering Kansas City's 'Cowtown'" -- Cathay Pacific Airways with Fleishman-Hillard for "Introducing the World's Most Admired Airline to the U.S. Market." -- Dannon Company with Fleishman-Hillard for "Dannon Activia." -- Fleishman-Hillard for "Project E.R.A.S.E. Spells for Success for Underprivileged NYC Kids with Asthma: Fleishman-Hillard through Partnership with the Public and Private Sector." (Finalist in two categories) -- Nationwide Insurance with Fleishman-Hillard for "Life Comes At You Fast: Moving the Retirement Needle." -- United States Potato Board with Fleishman-Hillard for "Healthy Mr. Potato Head Quarters."

This year's Fleishman-Hillard Silver Anvil winners and finalists represent 11 clients who are served by dozens of the firm's offices worldwide. Including the aforementioned wins, Fleishman-Hillard has now earned a total 94 Silver Anvil Awards.

About Fleishman-Hillard

Fleishman-Hillard Inc., one of the world's leading public relations firms, has built its reputation by using strategic communications to deliver what its clients value most: meaningful, positive, and measurable impact on the performance of their organizations. The firm is widely recognized for excellent client service and a strong company culture founded on teamwork, integrity, and personal commitment. Based in St. Louis, the firm operates throughout North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Middle East, South Africa, and Latin America through its 80 owned offices. For more information, visit the Fleishman-Hillard Web site at http://www.fleishman.com/.

Fleishman-Hillard is a part of Omnicom Group Inc. . Omnicom is a leading global advertising, marketing and corporate communications company. Omnicom's branded networks and numerous specialty firms provide advertising, strategic media planning and buying, direct and promotional marketing, public relations, and other specialty communications services to over 5,000 clients in more than 100 countries.