RIESTER, one of three HRC Arizona award winners, was recognized within the corporate category for outstanding leadership and service to the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) community relating specifically to the firm’s work with Arizona Together, the ‘No on Prop. 107′ campaign. With a landmark decision by Arizona voters on Nov. 7, 2006, Proposition 107 was denied making Arizona the first of 27 other states to defeat a gay marriage ban.

“RIESTER’s involvement with the Arizona Together campaign just made sense; we share a common mission with both HRC and Arizona Together which includes a dedication to advancing equal human rights by advocating for issues that will accomplish that goal,” said Tim Riester, President and CEO of RIESTER. “We are honored to receive this prestigious recognition from a nationally-respected organization such as HRC, for a cause we couldn’t believe in more- fairness and equality.”

HRC, the country’s largest civil rights organization working to achieve LGBT equality, was a strong supporter of Arizona Together’s ‘No on Prop. 107′ campaign which was organized to defeat the so-called “Protect Marriage” Arizona amendment. If passed, the measure would have taken away domestic partner benefits such as healthcare, from all unmarried couples, gay and straight across the state.

RIESTER’s public affairs arm- later joined by RIESTER’s public relations, advertising, and media buying teams- managed the Arizona Together campaign. RIESTER, who offers its own employees domestic benefits, was a perfect fit for Arizona Together’s cause, especially considering that the firm’s public affairs team consists of seasoned professionals well-equipped with a background in managing contentious measures.

HRC Arizona’s Steering Committee deliberately waited for the 2006 general election results before making their final selection of award recipients. While RIESTER was selected for the Corporate Equality Award, other award winners included Kyrsten Sinema, Arizona Together Campaign chair, and Bill Lewis and Ric Underwood, major campaign contributors.

RIESTER met the criteria for the Corporate Equality Award by not only aligning with HRC’s mission but furthering it. In fact, rare post-election polling conducted by Lake Research Partners revealed that the Arizona Together campaign along with RIESTER’s help, actually changed public perception and attitudes among Arizonans in terms of fairness, equality and human rights.