Ivey Palmer PR earns Best in Show at SCPRSA Mercury Awards in debut campaign
May 8, 2026
Ivey Palmer PR, a South Carolina-based public relations agency, has earned the prestigious Best in Show honor at the Mercury Awards, marking a major milestone for the firm in its first year of operation.
The award-winning campaign was developed for Global Core Strategies & Consulting’s UnPacked Leadership Conference. As the agency’s inaugural client and first-ever award submission, the recognition represents a rare achievement in the communications industry: earning the highest honor from a professional association on a debut entry.
Based on available records and institutional knowledge from current leadership within the organization, Ivey Palmer PR is believed to be the first Black-owned agency to receive the Best in Show distinction in the association’s nearly 60-year history.
“This moment represents more than a win. It reflects what is possible when strategy, purpose, and execution align,” said Chelsea Bennett, founder and chief executive officer of Ivey Palmer PR. “To achieve this level of recognition with our first client and first campaign speaks to the intentionality behind our work and the results we aim to deliver for every partner we serve.”
The Mercury Awards, administered by the South Carolina Chapter of the Public Relations Society of America (SCPRSA), recognize excellence in public relations and communications across South Carolina, honoring campaigns that demonstrate strategic thinking, creativity, and measurable impact. Best in Show represents the highest distinction among all entries. Judging for the 2026 awards was conducted by an independent Public Relations Society of America chapter, ensuring an objective, merit-based evaluation process.
“Ivey Palmer PR approached the UnPacked Leadership Conference with strategic excellence and consistency from start to finish, and this Best in Show honor reflects exactly the kind of agency they are,” said Ron Harvey, vice president of Global Core Strategies & Consulting. “When we said yes to partnering with Ivey Palmer PR, we were saying yes to an agency built on talent, integrity, and a commitment to doing the work at the highest level, and that trust was rewarded many times over.”
Since its launch in January 2025, Ivey Palmer PR has focused on helping organizations build strong, trusted brands through strategic communications, reputation management, and community-centered storytelling. The firm works with clients across government, nonprofit, and private sectors.
“This recognition reinforces the value of thoughtful, strategic communications and the impact it can have on organizations and communities,” Bennett added. “We are just getting started.”
ABOUT IVEY PALMER PR
Ivey Palmer PR is a boutique strategic communications agency based in Lexington specializing in public relations, brand development, crisis communications, reputation management, and community-centered storytelling. Founded by communications strategist Chelsea Bennett, the agency is built on nearly two decades of experience leading strategic communications initiatives across government, nonprofit, community health, and private sector organizations. Ivey Palmer PR partners with clients to strengthen visibility, protect reputation, and build meaningful campaigns through thoughtful strategy and purposeful storytelling. Learn more at Ivey Palmer PR.
