BARBARA CHAFFEE RECOGNIZED AS 2003 DISTINGUISHED PENNSYLVANIAN

PITTSBURGH (PRWEB) June 30, 2003 -- Barbara Chaffee, former special assistant to the President of the United States, was honored as a 2003 Distinguished Pennsylvanian by Gannon University on June 14, 2003. Chaffee, who is currently president of Pittsburgh-based strategic communications consultancy Public Intelligence and president of Ripple Effects Interactive, was honored for her efforts as senior director for public liaison in the Office of Homeland Security, as well as her accomplishments while directing economic development and tourism marketing initiatives for Pennsylvania.

Chaffee was one of two individuals to be honored for their exceptional accomplishments exemplifying leadership and community life. At the Office of Homeland Security, she worked with private sector, international trade and special interest organizations to help secure the nations critical infrastructure from terrorist attack.

It is a great honor to join other distinguished past recipients of this award, said Chaffee. Though I plan to continue to build and promote a better Pennsylvania, I am grateful for the recognition of my past work."

Prior to her stint in the nations capital, Chaffee served the state as deputy secretary for the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development. Under her direction, the commonwealth was widely recognized for its innovation and leadership in tourism, economic development and interactive marketing.

Chaffee accepted the award at a special dinner on Gannon Universitys campus with guests including a representative from Governor Edward Rendells office. The governor issued a proclamation that noted Chaffees lasting contributions to the growth, vitality and prosperity of our commonwealth."

He added, It is this passion for creating endless opportunity and a secure future for Pennsylvania that earned you the respect of your colleagues and our entire commonwealth."

Chaffee is a recognized business leader with more than 30 years of experience in the hospitality industry. Under her leadership, Pennsylvania was the recipient of 135 creative awards from 1998 through 2002 -- 60 for interactive marketing and Web sites and 75 for print, brochures, television ads, special events, public relations initiatives, marketing plans and integrated campaigns. In 2001, she was named one of the most powerful women in travel globally by Travel Agent Magazine.

Past recipients of the Distinguished Pennsylvanian award include secretary of Homeland Security Tom Ridge, Senator H. John Heinz III, Dr. Gertrude Barber and world-renowned artist Susan Kemenyffy.

Raised in Erie, PA, and now living in Pittsburgh, Chaffee has served on numerous boards of directors, including the International Association of Holiday Inn, where she was recognized as the Outstanding Committee Person of the Year for three years, and the Greater Erie Community Action Committee. In addition, she was involved with Leadership Erie, First Night Erie, and the Erie Chamber of Commerce/Tourist and Convention Bureau. Chaffee attended Kent State University.

Public Intelligence is a strategic marketing communications firm focusing on delivering to Fortune 500 companies, as well as various levels of governments, practical advice on the best strategies to address critical communications challenges. Operations for Public Intelligence are based primarily in the Pittsburgh, Philadelphia and Washington, D.C., triangle.

Ripple Effects Interactive is a premier agency that partners with clients to create innovative online programs. As a full-service interactive agency, Ripple Effects Interactive offers a complete range of services - from strategic planning to application development to universal accessibility consulting. Located in Pittsburgh and Philadelphia with representation in Washington, D.C., Ripple Effects Interactive features a team of 40 interactive specialists. Since 1998 the company has worked with government, education and large corporate clients, including the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, Carnegie Mellon University, Johnson & Johnson and Coca-Cola. Ripple Effects Interactive has built a reputation for high-quality work, winning 70 industry creative awards in the past three years alone, including the prestigious 2002 ID Magazine Gold Award for website design. For more background, visit www.RippleEffectsInteractive.com.
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