(November 11, 2005 – San Diego) Two-hundred and fifty public relations practitioners gave Bernie Rhinerson, Vice President and Partner of Southwest Strategies, a standing ovation as he took the stage to receive the Otto Bos Lifetime Achievement Award presented by the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA) at the annual Edward L. Bernays Mark of Excellence Awards on October 26.

“It is an incredible honor to be recognized for the Otto Bos Lifetime Achievement Award,” said Rhinerson. “This is very important moment in my career and life, and I truly appreciate this achievement.”

Although Bernie was the honored guest at the ceremony, he shared the spotlight with his business partner and colleague, Chris Wahl, for his work with the City of Poway’s Redevelopment Agency. Among the awards handed out by PRSA were two to Southwest Strategies and Wahl.

Housing Solutions, an organization partnered with the Poway Redevelopment Agency, was recognized as the top Public Service campaign, making it eligible for submission at the National PRSA annual award ceremony. The category description was programs/campaigns that advance public understanding of a societal issue, problem or concern.

The second award was given to Wahl for creating the Poway Redevelopment Agency’s annual report in the category of top non-profit Annual Reports. The category description was publications, which report on an organization’s annual performance.

The Edward L. Bernay’s Mark of Excellence Awards is the industry’s most comprehensive form of recognition, and the Otto Bos Award, is the highest accolade. Other recipients of the Otto Bos award include Donna Alm, Kenn Ulrich and Southwest Strategies partner Alan Ziegaus.

Rhinerson has more than 20 years of experience in developing successful strategic communications plans on major San Diego projects. His client list reads like a Who’s Who of San Diego including companies such as, Sycuan, Delaware North, Lennar, Pardee Homes and more. Bernie has also earned the following awards:

•		National award from the PRSA for the San Diego State University Centennial Year Celebration
•		Creativity in Public Relations Award from the national magazine Inside PR
•		Pollie Award American Association of Political Consultants for producing the nation’s best long format political commercial of the year
•		Eva Irving Award from the Public Relations Society of America for his community service

“Bernie is one of the most effective and strategic public relations practitioners in the country,” said Alan Ziegaus, President and Partner at Southwest Strategies. “He is an integral member of our industry and we are very proud of him and his accomplishments.”

Southwest Strategies was formed in 2000 by three of San Diego’s most well known and experienced public relations practitioners, Alan Ziegaus and Bernie Rhinerson. What started as a four-person company has grown five times the original size. Southwest Strategies has consistently been noted as one of San Diego’s top 10 public relations firms by the San Diego Business Journal. The firm offers a full range of communications and strategic services including; public affairs, community relations, crisis communications, public relations, media relations, and government affairs.