Counterpart Wins Top Award in Video Category

ARLINGTON, Va., March 16, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- An inside look at an innovative community-run tourism program in rural Guatemala has earned Counterpart International a prestigious national award. (www.Counterpart.org)

(Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20110818/DC54764LOGO)

The Nonprofit PR Awards gave top honors to Counterpart for its multimedia production in the competitive category of Best Video and/or Podcast Program. Winners of this year's national competition, which is organized by PR News, were announced March 15 at the National Press Club. http://bit.ly/iPtDk6

"After watching this video, you'd want to be a tourist in Guatemala, too!" said Judith H. Whittlesey, a Counterpart Board Member and Executive Vice President of Susan Davis International, Washington, D.C.  "I'm so proud of the small team at Counterpart, and I'm proud to share their success today."

Counterpart also received honorable mention in the category of PR on a Shoestring Budget. http://www.prnewsonline.com/nonprofitPRawards2012/

Counterpart's winning multimedia package consists of an exciting six-minute video shot in the jungles of northern Guatemala, a feature story that appeared in Americas magazine's English and Spanish editions, an eight-page publication, a slide show and online content.

To see the package, please visit: http://bit.ly/iPtDk6.

In addition, the U.S. State Department distributed the video to its embassies and consulates in the Western Hemisphere. Voice of America ran a 15-minute Spanish-language television segment focusing on the Guatemala program based on the launch of Counterpart's multimedia package.

"We're excited and honored to win in this very competitive category," says Joan Parker, President and CEO of the global nonprofit. "Our outstanding team in Guatemala led by Rony Mejia should be recognized for running a program that is truly making a difference for thousands of people."

The Guatemala Community Tourism Alliance is a five-year initiative that creates and supports community-based enterprises in rural areas. Since its inception, it has created more than 1,000 sustainable jobs and generated in excess of $15 million in new sales revenue for small businesses.

In addition to economic development, Counterpart integrates these small and medium-sized tourism enterprises into a larger plan to help communities co-manage and conserve cultural and natural resources through tourism.

The Guatemala Community Tourism Alliance is funded by the U.S. Agency for International Development. For more information, please visit: http://bit.ly/y6BQym.

Parker congratulated the Communication's team for their effort: Michael J. Zamba, Senior Director of Communications, who produced the package and wrote the magazine article; Maggie Farrand, Communications Associate, who coordinated the production, created the slide show and developed the website landing page; Chris Overbeck, videographer; Amy Overbeck, video editor; Bruce Jewett, brochure designer; and Jennifer O'Riordan, production assistant.

The Guatemala package has been followed by other multimedia productions, including Afghanistan, Yemen, Senegal and coastal communities. They are available online at www.Counterpart.org.

About Counterpart International
Counterpart International is a global development organization that works in partnership to empower people, communities and institutions to drive and sustain their own development.

For nearly 50 years, Counterpart has been working in partnership with communities in need to address complex problems related to economic development, food security and nutrition, and building effective governance and institutions. Learn more at www.Counterpart.org.

For more information:
Maggie Farrand
Counterpart International
(703) 236-3436
[email protected]

SOURCE Counterpart International