HOUSTON, Texas – The daily newsletter published by the George R. Brown Convention Center (GRBCC) during relief operations after Hurricane Katrina in September 2005 has been recognized as the best “special publication” in Texas as part of a statewide communications contest.

The Texas Association of Municipal Information Officers cited “The Survivor” as the winner of a Tami Award June 9 at TAMIO’s annual meeting in League City. The George R. Brown won in the same special publications category last year for a 12-page marketing brochure about downtown Houston.

In presenting the Tami to the City of Houston’s Convention & Entertainment Facilities (CEF) Department, one judge commented, “Heartwarming and chilling. After reading only one issue … I could image myself at the convention center anxiously awaiting each daily edition.” Another panelist remarked, “This served such an important need during a crucial time. What a commitment to make … especially not knowing how long it would last.”

Director of marketing Anna Hawley, communications manager Pete Radowick and graphic designer Shane Hughes produced “The Survivor” daily without fail during the 18 days in which the George R. Brown functioned as a temporary relief shelter.

“We believe The Survivor provided regular, reliable information that helped improve the morale of evacuees facing uncertain futures,” CEF director Dawn Ullrich said. “Fostering a well-informed population created a climate that enabled us run the shelter more efficiently, serve evacuees better, and wrap up operations sooner.”

Contact:

Pete Radowick
713-853-8077
peter.radowick@cityofhouston.net

Anna Hawley
713-853-8287
anna.hawley@cityofhouston.net