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IALR Communications Team Wins Five Gold Awards at 2026 PRSA Summit Awards

IALR Communications Team Wins Five Gold Awards at 2026 PRSA Summit Awards

DANVILLE, Va. — The Institute for Advanced Learning and Research (IALR) Marketing and Communications team earned five Gold Awards from the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA) Blue Ridge Chapter’s 2026 Summit Awards. The awards recognize outstanding communication efforts in the Blue Ridge region, including Danville, Roanoke, Blacksburg and the surrounding area.

These honors recognize outstanding work across the following categories: newsletter, writing, multimedia, annual report and multipage publications.

“Recognition is always an honor, and recognition received from fellow professional communication peers is especially rewarding,” said Allison Moore, Senior Director, Marketing and Communications, IALR. “Thank you to the Blue Ridge Chapter of PRSA and thank you, most of all, to my amazing team and our highly talented content creators, Caleb Ayers and Daniel Dalton.”

Six people post for a photo while holding five awards.

L-R: Savannah Callahan, Cassidy Pruitt, DBA, Daniel Dalton, Caleb Ayers, Allison Moore, Cassie Jones

Annual Report Receives Two Gold Awards

IALR’s 2024 Annual Report earned Gold Awards in the multi‑page publications category and the annual report category. The digital version recorded nearly 700 views, a strong average read time and consistent download activity. The report showcased IALR’s role as a proven, trusted partner across different focus areas, including applied research, workforce training, conference services, economic development and more.

“Truly a team effort, “A Proven Partner” was the theme of the 2024 annual report, reflecting IALR’s mission to drive economic transformation across Southern Virginia through partnerships. This annual report tells a comprehensive story—highlighting IALR’s key focus areas, strategic initiatives, and measurable achievements, all presented in an impactful visual format.” – Daniel Dalton, Graphic and Multimedia Specialist II

View the Award-Winning 2024 Annual Report 

Podcast Wins Gold in Multimedia Category

The Inside IALR podcast earned a Gold Award in the multimedia category. The podcast recorded 2,110 downloads during the award period and produced multiple episodes that exceeded 75 plays soon after release.

The podcast also continues to accumulate downloads well after the initial publishing window. This long‑tail pattern is intentional, as episodes are designed to be evergreen, drive ongoing engagement and enhance IALR’s website with durable, high‑quality content.

 

“With 61 episodes published to date, our goal for Inside IALR remains the same: to provide an in‑depth look at economic transformation in action, both within IALR and through the work of our many great partners. It’s super fun using this show to shine a spotlight on the talented people and impactful organizations that are making a difference in Southern Virginia and beyond.” – Caleb Ayers, Senior Content Manager

Listen to the Award-Winning Podcast 

Newsletter Earns Two Gold Awards

IALR’s monthly newsletter, IALR at a Glance, received Gold Awards in the magazines/newsletter and writing categories. Throughout 2025, the newsletter maintained strong engagement, with open rates regularly above 30 percent and click rates consistently meeting or exceeding expected benchmarks. These performance indicators show sustained interest in the organization’s updates on workforce development, research initiatives and regional programs.

Subscribe to the Award Winning Newsletter

About IALR 

The Institute for Advanced Learning and Research serves Virginia as a regional catalyst for economic transformation with applied research, advanced learning, manufacturing advancement, conference center services and economic development efforts. IALR’s major footprint focuses within Southern Virginia, including the counties of Patrick, Henry, Franklin, Pittsylvania, Halifax and Mecklenburg along with the cities of Martinsville and Danville. 

Four IALR Staff Selected for Leadership Southside

Four IALR Staff Selected for Leadership Southside

Four employees of the Institute for Advanced Learning and Research (IALR) have been selected to participate in this year’s cohort of Leadership Southside, a professional development program offered through the Danville Pittsylvania County Chamber of Commerce. The program equips emerging and established leaders with the tools, experiences and connections needed to make an impact across Southern Virginia.

The IALR participants are:

  • Dr. Sajeewa Amaradasa, Senior Scientist
  • Daniel Dalton, Graphic & Multi-Media Specialist II
  • Abby Karavanic, Program Assistant, GO TEC®
  • Tim Kruggel, Director of Information Technology Operations

“I’m attending the Leadership Southside program to build meaningful connections with area leaders, gain deeper insight into my leadership style, and sharpen my skills in conflict resolution and effective communication. It’s also an opportunity to reflect on my strengths and weaknesses so that I can grow into a more impactful and self-aware leader.” – Dr. Sajeewa Amaradasa, Senior Scientist

“By participating in the Leadership Southside program, I aim to build greater self-confidence, enhance my communication skills, foster initiative, and differentiate myself from my peers. I want to expand my ability to give back, contribute and mentor. As an advocate for lifelong learning, this program will also help me gain a deeper understanding of my strengths and weaknesses.” – Daniel Dalton, Graphic & Multi-Media Specialist II

“To me, leadership isn’t limited to just a title, it’s about supporting others and moving work and community forward. Even in roles where I’m not formally leading a team, skills like communication, collaboration, and adaptability are essential. Through Leadership Southside, I hope to build on those skills so I can be a stronger teammate and a meaningful community leader.” – Abby Karavanic, Program Assistant, GO TEC®

“After more than 30 years in IT, I know there’s always more to learn about leadership and collaboration. This program provides the tools and reflection needed to help me continue developing as a leader and support my team and organization more effectively.” – Tim Kruggel, Director of Information Technology Operations

Now in its 33rd year, Leadership Southside is a leadership development program for the business, education, public and nonprofit sectors that aims to connect and build leaders. The cohort meets monthly to explore topics such as the role of a leader, self-management and the management of others, and inspiring others to action. Several IALR employees have participated in past cohorts.

Participant Biographies

Dr. Sajeewa Amaradasa, Senior Scientist
Amaradasa conducts research on beneficial plant endophytes to control crop diseases and promote sustainable agriculture. His work includes laboratory, greenhouse and field trials to develop biological alternatives to pesticides.

Daniel Dalton, Graphic & Multi-Media Specialist II
Dalton is responsible for creating high-quality content and supporting the planning and execution of strategic marketing and communications campaigns and projects that support all aspects of IALR. He creates content across multiple platforms, including digital, print and multimedia.

Abby Karavanic, Program Assistant, GO TEC®
Karavanic supports the operations of the Great Opportunities in Technology and Engineering Careers (GO TEC®) program, helping coordinate activities that introduce students to future careers. She also assists with program development and community engagement.

Tim Kruggel, Director of Information Technology
Kruggel oversees the technology infrastructure for IALR, ensuring staff, guests and partners have the tools and systems needed for success. He leads IT operations and support across the campus.

IALR Communications Team Wins Four PRSA Awards

IALR Communications Team Wins Four PRSA Awards

The Institute for Advanced Learning and Research (IALR) Public Relations and Communications team recently earned four awards – three gold and one silver – from the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA) Blue Ridge Chapter’s 2024 Summit Awards. The Awards recognize outstanding communication efforts in the Blue Ridge region, including Danville, Roanoke, Blacksburg and the surrounding area.

“It is an honor to be recognized among the region’s top communications professionals. I am especially grateful for the award-winning efforts of such exceptional team members, Caleb and Daniel, and for the transformative work our IALR colleagues perform that we are fortunate to promote.” – Allison Moore, Senior Director, PR & Communications

Annual Report – Silver Award (One-time Publication, Multiple Pages)

IALR’s Fiscal Year 2023 Annual Report received a silver award in the One-time Publication, Multiple Pages category. The Communications team successfully produced a professional, engaging report by the early calendar year with updated visuals, fresh photography and straightforward, informative content.

“Growing Impact” was not only the theme of the 2023 annual report but also the visual representation of IALR’s mission to transform Southern Virginia. Our annual reports are not traditional with large amounts of text and financial information, but a comprehensive story of IALR’s focus areas, activities and achievements.” – Daniel Dalton, Graphic and Multimedia Specialist II

Inside IALR Podcast – Two Gold Awards (Shared Media: Social Media Streaming and Campaigns: Community Partnerships)

The “Inside IALR” podcast earned two gold awards—one for Shared Media: Social Media Streaming and another for Campaigns: Community Partnerships. The podcast, hosted and produced by Caleb Ayers (Communications Content Manager) and Daniel Dalton (Graphic and Multimedia Specialist II), released 27 episodes and achieved 1,639 total downloads during the award period. Episodes offer a behind-the-scenes view of IALR’s impact and various community partnerships.

“The IALR podcast is our way of giving an inside, behind-the-scenes, and more in-depth view of all the unique programs, people and partnerships that drive our impact.” – Caleb Ayers, Communications Content Manager

IALR at a Glance Newsletter – Gold Award (Writing)

IALR’s monthly “IALR at a Glance” newsletter was awarded gold in the Writing category. The newsletter’s compelling stories and targeted promotional campaigns resulted in a 20% growth in subscribers within one year, surpassing its original goal. The consistent open rate of over 30% indicates strong audience engagement and content relevance.

The Institute for Advanced Learning and Research (IALR) Public Relations and Communications team: Daniel Dalton, Allison Moore, and Caleb Ayers.

 

Inside IALR Podcast: Transforming the Region for 20 Years – Building an Anniversary Special Series

Inside IALR Podcast: Transforming the Region for 20 Years – Building an Anniversary Special Series

2024 marks the 20th anniversary of the opening of the Institute for Advanced Learning and Research main building. To celebrate, we will feature several guests who have been integral to the operation of this iconic facility over the last twenty years.

For the fourth and final anniversary episode, guest host Daniel Dalton is joined by two important guests who are vital to driving economic transformation: IALR President Telly Tucker and Linda Green, Vice President of Economic Development and Executive Director of the Southern Regional Alliance (SVRA).

There aren’t many facilities that serve such a multi-purpose function as the main IALR building, which offers a full-service conference center, on-site café, educational classrooms, research labs for different purposes and a high bay, all in one building. The building has hosted visiting international patrons and guests, governors, various ranking military officials, regional representatives and educators. As economic developers, Telly and Linda have also used the building (and now the IALR campus as a whole) as one of the primary selling points for companies interested in locating in Southern Virginia.

  • Background and early career (00:45)
  • Reactions to the construction of IALR (05:13)
  • Catalyzing economic transformation (08:39)
  • Since day one (15:30)
  • Evolution of IALR (16:30)
  • The building as a tool for economic development (27:41)
  • IALR as a host (35:32)
  • Flexing to meet demands (44:51)
  • Hopes for the next twenty years (46:33)
  • Parting thoughts (51:12)

For more history and information and to view photos of the construction of 150 Slayton, please visit https://www.ialr.org/history/.

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IALR Team Wins Gold in PRSA Summit Awards

IALR Team Wins Gold in PRSA Summit Awards

L-R: Allison Moore and Daniel Dalton of IALR’s PR and Communications team accepted three gold Summit Awards and one special COVID Response Award from the PRSA Blue Ridge Chapter.

IALR’s Public Relations and Communications team won several awards at the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA) Blue Ridge Chapter Summit Awards. The 2021 Industrial Hemp Summit won Gold for Special Events, two days or shorter. The 2020 Annual Report received a Gold award for best Annual Report, and the Monthly Newsletter received Gold for best Newsletter for External Audiences. The Monthly Newsletter also won the COVID Response Award, a new category added to recognize the “tremendous work done by communications professionals during the response to the pandemic.”

“Telling the story of IALR’s work and regional impact has always been an honor, especially considering the high-quality and innovative programs, research, services and facilities that are championed day in and day out by such tireless and exceptional staff,” said Allison Moore, manager of public relations and communications for IALR. “Thank you to the PRSA Blue Ridge Chapter for the incredible honor of winning three Gold Summit Awards, including the seventh consecutive one for our monthly newsletter, which also received the special COVID Response Award this year.”

Two of the winning entries may be viewed at www.ialr.org/newsletters and www.ialr.org/annual-reports.

The Summit Awards are open to all professional public relations practitioners and students in the Blue Ridge Chapter area, which includes Central, Southern and Southwest Virginia. The competition was decided by a panel of judges from the Agricultural Relations Council chapter of PRSA.