The International Association of Business Communicators (IABC) of Canada recently awarded Chris Freek, Principal of BrandFreek communications, a Silver Leaf Award of Merit for his work on Prospera Credit Union and Insurance Agencies' innovative employee magazine, goodprospects. The award was presented on October 16, 2005, during the IABC Canada National Conference in Halifax as part of the annual IABC Canada Conference.

“At Prospera, our mission is to excel in every aspect of our business. It is not just the external bottom line that motivates us to do our best,” says Keith Puiu, president and CEO of Prospera. “We are proud to be recognized for the internal work of our credit union and in particular for a service we provide our employees.”

Goodprospects magazine is a bi-monthly employee magazine providing a platform for employees to share professional, and sometimes personal, achievements with their peers in a storytelling format.

“Our judges considered how well goodprospects was conceived, created and executed; how appropriate the strategy and objectives were in relation to the results received; and how well the project demonstrated a sound understanding of its intended audience,” notes Sue Bugos, Chair, 2005 Silver Leaf Awards. “Based on those criteria, goodprospects stood apart as a leading example of communications excellence.”

Silver Leaf is Canada's premiere professional awards program celebrating excellence in business communication. It's a chance for communicators working in all disciplines across Canada to receive recognition for their outstanding work. This year, the award program received 178 submissions and awarded 18 winners.

“We are thrilled to be selected as one of the award winners this year,” says Bette Sterling, Sr. VP, HR & internal communications. “At Prospera, we truly value our employee’s and are proud to provide them with such a high quality publication.”

Instrumental in the production of goodprospects, Chris Freek was presented the award at the annual IABC Canada Conference.

“I find my work very rewarding,” says Chris. “There is tremendous value in connecting co-workers and updating their knowledge of company policies and strategies, as well as their knowledge of each other.”