Pittsburgh, January 23, 2009 – The National Aviary and Forge Communications received the Renaissance Award for Marketing Communications at the Public Relations Society of America Pittsburgh Chapter’s annual event held January 22 at Heinz Field.

The organizations were recognized for a complete range of communications activities including media relations, collateral development, signage, advertising and Web site enhancement. The National Aviary also initiated several new activities for interacting with the birds, all of which led to significant increases in total and paid attendance and memberships.

Said one judge of the comprehensive award entry, “Very creative update. I wanted to visit after I read the entry.”

About the National Aviary
The National Aviary is America’s only independent indoor nonprofit zoo dedicated exclusively to birds. Located in West Park on Pittsburgh’s historic North Side, the National Aviary’s diverse collection comprises more than 600 birds from around the world, many of them threatened or endangered in the wild. The National Aviary’s large walk-through exhibits allow for intimate, up-close interaction between visitors and free-flying birds, including opportunities to hand-feed and meet many species rarely found in zoos anywhere else in the world.   Programming such as indoor and outdoor free-flight bird shows, public feedings and educational presentations serve to teach and inspire a respect for nature and an appreciation of birds.

About Forge Communications
Forge Communications focuses on reputation management, litigation support and crisis and issues management for corporations, health care institutions, educational facilities and professional service firms. To learn more, visit the Web site at www.forgepr.com.