Celebrating 40 Years of Industry Change: Highlights from the 56th Annual Bell Ringer Awards
Last night was our annual Bell Ringer Awards celebration, and it was a night to remember. Hosted by WBZ News Reporter Matt Shearer, an Emmy nominee and National Murrow Award winner for Excellence in Media Innovation, the event was all about celebrating the amazing work of PR and communications professionals from across New England. Weren’t able to attend? Here’s what you missed.
A Lifetime of PR Brilliance
One of the highlights of the evening was Cheryl Gale receiving the John J. Molloy Crystal Bell Lifetime Achievement Award. Cheryl co-founded March Communications, known for its innovative and people-first approach. She led March for 16 years before its acquisition by Walker Sands in 2021. Cheryl’s journey from intern at The Weber Group (now Weber Shandwick) in Boston to a top executive in the UK is a true success story.
Celebrating the Rising Stars
The PR Club also gave a nod to the future stars of PR. Sean McLean from Matter Communications won the 2024 Striker Award for his passion and dedication. Carly Martinetti, co-founder of Notably, snagged the 2024 Ringer Award for her significant contributions and steady progress in the industry.
Leading the Pack
The top honor, the prestigious Platinum Super Bell Award, went to 360PR+ for their standout campaign, “Trainline: America’s Ultimate Travel Guide to Europe.”
And the accolades didn’t stop there. RDW Group dominated the evening with an impressive 13 Bell Ringer Awards. Hot on their heels were Duffy and Shanley, along with 360PR+, each taking home 12 awards. These wins underscore the exceptional talent and creativity flourishing in New England’s PR scene. Check out the full list of winners here.
Giving Back
We’re also excited to have donated $1,000 to ZUMIX, an East-Boston based nonprofit that helps young people through music, technology, and creative jobs. ZUMIX provides a platform for young talent to thrive, offering programs in songwriting, performance, audio engineering, and more. The donation, in honor of our host Matt Shearer, reflects our dedication to fostering creativity and opportunity for the next generation.
As the night came to a close, everyone left feeling inspired and excited for another year of innovation and excellence in PR and communications. Here’s to the next 40 years of amazing industry achievements!
