Webster's defined Polaris as the star of the northern hemisphere toward which the axis of the earth points. Also known as the North Star, it is a guide for travelers to follow - a beacon of true north. Thus Polaris Awards are the guiding light of the public relations profession – a guide for others to follow and a beacon of true excellence.

The Polaris Awards and Annual Dinner is annual gala program recognizing the Inland Empire's most accomplished public relations professionals. It incorporates sound research, planning, execution, and evaluation. The Polaris Award represents the highest standards of performance in the public relations profession.

Awards are judged by Public Relations Society of America members from a different chapter. They are designed to recognize outstanding public relations achievements from the previous year.

The California Inland Empire Chapter presents two awards—the Polaris Award for superior achievement in public relations and Capella Award for achievement in public relations.

As part of the annual Polaris Awards and Annual Dinner, the Chapter holds a Silent Auction. This is the chapter's annual fundraiser to support its Scholarship Fund and to supports its professional development programs.

Each year, nearly 80 entries are submitted and many of those receive Polaris and Capella Awards.

Do you have what it takes to win? Did you have an amazing PR Campaign? Did you develop an amazing web site and/or collateral pieces? Did you have a crisis and you saved the day thanks to your strategic communication skills? Do you have a media relations campaign you want to share? Did you launch a new product or service that deserves recognition.

This is your chance - Show how good you are in PR - Enter the Polaris Awards in 2009! The Polaris Awards and Annual Dinner is slated for October 2009. See you then.