Public Relations Person of the Year

PR Person of the Year Jean Hiller (center) with Bill Wilson of Roads and Bridges (left) and Greg Sitek of Associated Construction Publications.

Jean Hiller
Two Rivers Marketing
Des Moines, Iowa

The PICA Public Relations person of the Year award is presented annually to an equipment manufacturing industry marketing communications professional whom the PICA editors believe exemplifies “best practices” in media relations with the trade press.

Candidates are rated in the following categories: accuracy, knowledge of company/products (and ability to provide access to proper company officials), knowledge of industry publications, trustworthiness, professionalism, producer of press events, kits materials etc. that are of high quality, value and completeness, and ability to represent company interests and respect trade press integrity and independence.

About Jean Hiller
Jean Hiller has more than 25 years of experience in the construction equipment industry. After a stint as a newspaper reporter, she joined GOMACO Corp. in Ida Grove, Iowa, where she stayed for 16 1/2 years. She moved out of the industry for a short while but came back and in 1998 worked in press relations for Caterpillar for three years. She then handled media relations for JCB until 2004. She moved back to Iowa and since 2004 has been a member of the PR team at Two Rivers Marketing. In addition to primary accounts, she also plays a key role in the agency's new business efforts.

Over the years Jean has been active in many construction and communications industry groups, including the AEM Marketing Council, the Construction Writers Association and the International Association of Business Communicators. She is also active in the Junior League of Des Moines.

Jean's company described her with phrases such as:

• Lucky to have her on board
• Valuable experience and a wonderful way with people
• A friend, a leader and a mentor
• Thorough, caring and passionate about the profession

Editors in the selection process cited Jean for a variety of reasons, including:

• Taking relationships with editors to a high level of professionalism
• Consistency in dealings with the media
• Well written releases that focused on what's new and different about the product
• Dedication to keeping editors informed during corporate restructurings
• A long and rich career in the construction industry

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