The Southern Public Relations Federation (SPRF)  established the Chapter of Distinction Awards (CODA) program in 2009 to promote continuous improvement in chapters’ function, outreach, and benefits to their members and communities. The competition allows chapters to use best practices in public relations by setting objectives in each area, developing a clear strategy and underlying tactics to achieve those objectives, and providing measurable evaluation. The program encourages member organizations to annually evaluate their activities as well as plan ahead to make progress in these areas to improve the chapter and its services.

SPRF recognizes achievement in four categories:

• Accreditation and Education

• Communications (promoting public relations externally and internally)

• Membership

• Programs and Projects

Each of SPRF's chapters may choose to compete in any or all categories. Each first-place win earns a chapter four (4) points, with two (2) points awarded for second place and one (1) point for third place. At the conclusion of judging, the chapter accumulating the most points overall will be recognized as the Jamie Palmer Chapter of the Year, and the individual who led the chapter during the awards’ eligibility period named SPRF President of the Year.

All entries must be submitted via the SPRF online awards management system by midnight on Friday, August 15, 2025. 

Chapters will upload two PDF documents -- an entry narrative (up to 8 pages double-spaced) and a second file containing all support materials -- reflecting work completed between January 1 and December 31, 2024, for each category. Judging criteria are based on the four-step formal RPIE process: Research, Planning, Implementation, and Evaluation, supported by a file of collateral materials.

Fees are $25 for each category entered. Checks should be made payable to SPRF and mailed to:

SPRF
c/o Micah Walker
Southern Heritage Bank
5211 Jackson Street Ext.
Alexandria, LA 71303
mwalker@shbnet.com

Awards will be announced during the SPRF Annual Conference.

If you have questions about the program or your entry, contact Lisa Frazier, APR, COD Chair, at lvdarnell@una.edu.