Ann Rein to be Honored as 2012 'Indy PR Legend'

Oct. 2, 2012 - PRLog -- Ann Montgomery Rein, who has served as a public relations and advertising professional in Indianapolis for nearly a half century, will be honored as the recipient of the 2012 “Indy PR Legend Award.” Presented by the Indianapolis Public Relations Society, the award will be given to Rein, who recently retired as executive director of the National Art Museum of Sport at IUPUI’s University Place, at IPRS’ monthly luncheon meeting on Wednesday, October 17, at Christ Church Cathedral on Monument Circle.

A cum laude graduate of Butler University’s journalism program, Rein began her career in 1951 as feature writer, columnist and home furnishings editor for the Indianapolis News.  She moved to the world of public relations and marketing in 1963, initially working on a freelance basis, joining Caldwell VanRiper in 1975 as an account executive.  Eventually rising to vice president of the firm, Rein’s accounts included Jenn Air, Carrier Corp. and the American Wood Council, and she oversaw many of CVR’s cultural projects.

After 15 years, Rein moved to the University Place Conference Center and Hotel in 1990 as director of public relations and advertising.  In 1994 her duties expanded as she took leadership of the National Art Museum of Sport, overseeing its move from a gallery in downtown Indianapolis to University Place, located on the IUPUI campus.  In 2004, oversight of the museum became her sole role, and she continued in that position until her retirement in 2011. She remains a member of the museum’s board of directors.

Rein is past president of IPRS (2001), the Hoosier chapter of Public Relations Society of America (PRSA; 1992) and the Indianapolis chapter of Women in Communications Inc. (1979-80).  She has also served in volunteer roles with Association of Indiana Museums, the American Association of Museums, and the International Sports Heritage Association.

She also holds a degree in graphic arts from Meramec Community College, St. Louis.

“Ann Rein has been an important and influential force in bringing more focus to the arts and cultural offerings of Indianapolis,” says IPRS President Bob Birge.  “She has inspired many who have followed her path to success, and is seen by many in our industry as a ‘legend.’ It will be an honor to officially bestow that title in a few weeks.”

Julie Vincent, instructor of public relations at the Indiana University School of Journalism – IUPUI will emcee the award ceremony.

The Indy PR Legend Award was first presented in 2008 to James R. Hetherington, long-time Indianapolis journalist and public relations executive. The 2009 honoree was Robert L. Gildea, senior vice-president of Sease, Gerig & Associates, and Myra Borshoff Cook, principal of Borshoff, was the 2010 recipient. Carl Henn, executive producer of the Philharmonic Orchestra of Indianapolis, received the 2011 award.

The Indianapolis Public Relations Society, formed in 1949, is a limited membership organization comprised of senior level public relations personnel.