Anna Finlay (KCS), Jennifer Winn (EVMWD), Sylvia Ornelas (EVMWD), Gina Chapa (KCS), Christina Henry (EVMWD), and Haley Munson (EVMWD) receiving the PRSA-IE Polaris Award

Kleinfelder Construction Services Celebrates at PRSA-IE’s Polaris Awards Gala

December 8, 20250

KCS PR Team Celebrates Excellence at the 60th Anniversary of PRSA-IE’s Polaris Awards Gala

The Kleinfelder Construction Services (KCS) Public Relations Team celebrated a powerful dual achievement at the 2025 Public Relations Society of America Inland Empire (PRSA-IE) Polaris Awards 60th Anniversary Gala. With more than 150 communications professionals in attendance, the night celebrated innovation, strategy, and excellence in public relations.

Polaris Recognition for Project Excellence

KCS was thrilled to stand alongside their client, Elsinore Valley Municipal Water District (EVMWD), as they accepted a Polaris Award for the Septic to Sewer Conversion Project. PRSA-IE presented the team with the top honor in the Branding: Tactics category.

As the prime public outreach consultant on the project, KCS was tasked with a critical challenge: integrating EVMWD’s new, modernized brand identity into all public-facing materials. This required a seamless transition that leveraged new fonts, colors, and logos, while maintaining the clarity and familiarity of the ongoing campaign, including the continued presence of EVMWD’s beloved mascot, Elsinore Eddie. This strategic integration of the refreshed visual identity was more than just aesthetic—it directly reinforced public trust. The communications campaign successfully supported the collection of over 700 signed Right of Entry (ROE) agreements, making this Polaris Award a testament to the power of strategic branding tactics to achieve measurable, high-stakes project goals.

Leadership, Creativity, and Collaboration on Full Display

KCS didn’t just attend the 60th Anniversary Awards Gala; they played a pivotal role in shaping the experience, demonstrating exceptional commitment to the PRSA-IE chapter and the communications community. The scope of KCS’s involvement was significant, blending strategic leadership with creative execution:

  • Event Leadership: Gina Chapa served as Co-Director of the 2025 Polaris Awards Gala. Her leadership guided the planning, logistics, and execution of the event, resulting in what became the most attended gala in PRSA-IE chapter history.
  • Creative Support: KCS served as the official In-Kind Graphic Design Sponsor. Leveraging their creative expertise, the team developed the event’s visual branding and design elements showcased across all event materials, including presentation decks, printed programs, event signage, and swag bag items.
  • On-Site Execution: Anna Finlay, KCS’ Director of Public Relations, further supported the event by volunteering on site, helping to run the live program and ensuring a polished, seamless experience for all 150+ attendees.

“It has been an honor to serve on the PRSA-IE Board and collaborate with outstanding PR professionals who champion strategic storytelling and meaningful community impact,” shared Gina Chapa. “I am grateful that KCS encourages leadership, service, and involvement within our industry.”

KCS was proud to support and uplift the PR community through dedicated leadership and service, and even more proud to be recognized among the Inland Empire’s leading communications experts for the successful results they deliver for their clients. It was truly a night celebrating a win for their team, their profession, and the communities they serve.