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Author: Scott Bartels

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A Look Back

Scott Bartels

AAF Buffalo club achievement awards

As another Ad Club year winds down, it is a perfect time to reflect on the many successes of 2015-16 and to look ahead to the future.

A better Ad Club

Our focus in the past year was to bring new and exciting events to our members as well as enhancing our successful annual events, this included:

  • More guest speakers from out of town including Anthony Shop, Anne Esse and Brokaw.
  • Introduction of member-only Skillshops to help you learn and grow in your career.
  • Brand Hack, an all-day “hack-a-thon” for our creative professionals and students
  • Networking trivia nights
  • Your favorite events, bigger and better: Preview Night, Holiday Bowling Tournament and Uber Bowl

Buffalo Wins National Honors

In June, the AAF honored the winners of the Club Achievement Competition at the “Salute to Achievers Ceremony” at the Disneyland Resort in Anaheim.  This competition is designed to recognize outstanding accomplishments of its affiliated advertising clubs, showcasing the programs and projects its professional member clubs undertake each year. It was established to honor significant contributions to the AAF network of professional advertising clubs and to encourage excellence in areas of club operations that strengthen the AAF’s member clubs.

For the first time ever, the Ad Club of Buffalo received awards in the three categories we entered.

As part of AAF Division Two, which includes clubs with 250 to 499 members, we won the following:

  • Advertising Education – 1st place
  • Communications – 1st place
  • Programming – 1st place

American Advertising Awards

What a night it was in March at the 2016 WNY American Advertising Awards show at Statler City, over 420 of the industry’s best gathered to celebrate the achievements of the year.  We had a record of more than 500 professional entries and nearly 50 student entries.  We continued celebrate our region’s great work with an impressive showing at the district awards level as well as a handful of winners at the national show.

On top of all this awesomeness, we were presented the AAF Incentive Award. This award is given to the top 10 clubs nationally that showed the highest increase in entries to the American Advertising Awards.

Saying goodbye…

The summer is always bittersweet as we say farewell to our departing board members and welcome a new group to help guide the club.

Matt Low served five years on the board, including last year as vice president. Not only did he lend his great creative talents and leadership to everything the club did, but Matt was instrumental in improving our academics committee and overseeing the Don Nichols Scholarship Competition.

Corey Crossman served two years on the board as treasurer. Corey brought incredible passion to everything he did for the club, including ensuring the club’s financial success, overseeing the communications committee and leading our efforts in this past year’s Club Achievement Awards.

Sarah DiPofi and Christie Witt Berardi both served two years on the board and took on the difficult role as American Advertising Awards chairs not once, but twice. Their hard work paid off with two successful celebrations of our great industry, setting record attendance each year.

The club is in a great place because of these dedicated individuals and we thank them for their contributions.

Newbies

Our executive board welcomes two second-year board members into new roles, Tim Bouchard as vice president and Kyle Rogers as our new treasurer.

We also welcome five new board members that bring a wide range of experience and skill to the board.

  • Andrew Bevevino – Martin Davison PR
  • Erin Collins – BlueCross BlueShield of WNY
  • Erin Haskell – Crowley Webb
  • Matt LaSota – Outer Harbor Development Corporation
  • Tess Alberts – EMA

Thank You

All of this work would never be possible without a strong team to run the club. I continue to be impressed more and more each year at the talent that makes up our board of directors and volunteers. They put in countless hours and have fun doing it. I thank each one of you for your continued dedication to making the club a huge success.

What’s next?

We are excited about 2016-17 as we take the Ad Club to the next level beginning this August. Join us at The Big Tip-Off on August 25 at Soho Burger Bar to find out more and help support our scholarship fund!

-Scott Bartels, Advertising Club of Buffalo President

ADDYS

Three WNY Companies and one Student Presented National Awards at the 2016 American Advertising Awards

Scott Bartels

It all began in January, when over 500 entries were submitted into the WNY American Advertising Awards. The competition recently concluded on June 7 in Anaheim, California with the National Show.

We are proud to announce that three local companies and one student took home national advertising awards!

Western New York recipients:

andrewbird likeness

White Bicycle (1 Gold, 1 Silver) was awarded a national Gold ADDY for the Institute of Contemporary Art/Boston Andrew Bird: Sonic Arboretum Poster and national Silver ADDY for the Burchfield Penney Art Center-Philip Burke “The Likeness of Being” Book.

independent-health-foundation-vending-machine-prank-eat-healthier-promise-600-13205

Gelia (1 Gold) was awarded a national Gold ADDY for the Independent Health Foundation Vending Machine Prank.

notredame

Crowley Webb (2 Silver) was awarded a national Silver ADDY for the Notre Dame Academy Uh Oh Poster: Cornflakes and another national Silver ADDY for the Notre Dame Academy Uh Oh Poster: Play-Doh.

GG-3

Grace Gruarin of Villa Maria College (1 Silver) won a national Student Silver ADDY for the Fjallraven Annual Report.

Hosted by the American Advertising Federation (AAF), the American Advertising Awards is theadvertising industry’s largest and most representative competition attracting more than 40,000 entries every year from local Club competitions. The mission of the awards is to recognize and reward the creative spirit of excellence in the art of advertising.

A Gold ADDY is recognition of the highest level of creative excellence and is judged to be superior to all other entries in the category. Entries that are also considered outstanding and worthy of recognition receive a Silver ADDY.

Winners will receive a trophy and were recognized a ceremony attended by 750 marketing and advertising executives representing some of the largest companies and advertising agencies nationwide.

View a complete list of national winners here.

Congratulations on great work and well deserved recognition!

ADDYS

Buffalo wins big at the District Two ADDYS

Scott Bartels

While our WNY ADDY show is only a fond memory by now, the great work created by our community is still racking up the awards. You see, any silver and gold winners at the local level were eligible to move on the District Two show – and take on work from the top member clubs in Delaware, DC, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, and Pennsylvania.

It’s always an honor to win at the D2 level, and Buffalo usually brings home a small handful of awards. So you can imagine our level of excitement hearing the news that we’ve brought home nine gold, six silvers, and five student awards.

Congratulations to all! On to the nationals at the AAF American Advertising Awards Show on June 7!

Gold Winners

Crowley Webb

Real Important Mixed Media Campaign
M&T Bank

Notre Dame Academy Uh Oh Poster – Frisbee
Notre Dame Academy

Notre Dame Academy Uh Oh Poster – Play-Doh
Notre Dame Academy

Notre Dame Academy Uh Oh Poster – Corn Flakes
Notre Dame Academy
notredame

Gelia

Vending Machine Prank
Independent Health Foundation

QCRG Travel Team Posters
Queen City Roller Girls
qcrg

White Bicycle

Andrew Bird “Sonic Arboretum” Poster
The Institute of Contemporary Art / Boston
andrewbird

Philip Burke “The Likeness of Being” Book
Burchfield Penney Art Center
likeness

Block Club

UNYTS Video Campaign
UNYTS

 

Silver Winners

15 Fingers

Raise the Dead with Us
Hodgins Engraving Co., Inc.
(Two Silvers)
printisdead

Telesco Creative Group

140 Years Linked with History
Columbus McKinnon
columbus

DG Apparel Official 2015 Buffalo Marathon Apparel
DG Apparel & Gifts
marathon

Block Club

Vera Pizzeria – 100 Passport
Vera Pizzeria
verapassport

LUMINUS

Druthers Website & SVG Animation
Druthers
druthersblog

Student Gold

Megan Sweeney

Buffalo Reptile Expo Poster
Buffalo State College

Grace Gruarin & Lucy Norton

SKALD
Villa Maria College

Student Silver

Grace Gruarin

Fjallraven Annual Report
Villa Maria College

Megan Sweeney

NFPA Brochure Series Redesign
Buffalo State College

Chelsea Turton

The Chew
Daemen College

ADDYS Blog

2016 Addys Recap: Married to Your Work

Scott Bartels

Summary by Scott Bartels

The 2016 WNY American Advertising Awards was truly a special night.  Over 420 people from our local industry gathered on Friday, March 4 at Statler City in Downtown Buffalo for this year’s celebration.  The theme presented by FARM was “Married to Your Work” which pays homage to the labor of love in advertising.

There are so many people to thank for putting another great show.  It all starts with the chairs, April Brown (FARM), Sarah Dipofi (The Martin Group) and Christie Berardi (The Martin Group).  They did a phenomenal job, planning the show since September and executing an event that everyone can be proud of!  Well done and thank you once again.

Their supporting cast really helped bring the show to life.  FARM’s own Greg Bauch was a huge hit kicking off the show with his catchy versions of popular songs such as ADDY (Happy), Route (Shout) and Sweet Headline (Sweet Caroline).   Jon Koziol was the man behind the scenes, running the flawless production of the event.  Lauren Cius and team compiled a beautiful hard cover show book.  The entire team at FARM deserves a lot of credit and thanks for their dedication and work to bring this year’s show theme to life. 

Of course you can’t have an awards show without winners.  And here are the great achievements of the night:

Professional Winners

Gelia was the big winner of the night, taking home the most ADDYs with 35 awards (17 Gold and 18 Silver).  Crowley Webb received a total of 29 awards (4 Gold and 25 Sliver), Block Club was honored with 19 awards (7 Gold and 12 Silver), 15 Fingers took away 12 awards (5 Gold and 7 Silver), and dPost secured 10 awards (2 Gold and 8 Silver). Other award winners include:

  • The Martin Group (1 Gold and 7 Silver)
  • White Bicycle (5 Gold and 2 Silver)
  • Quinlan (5 Gold and 1 Silver)

Best of Show

The whole night built up to the final award of the night, the Best of Show.  This year’s winner was Block Club, picking up for their UNYTS, “Save Warren” TV spot.

Special Awards

Some very talented individuals were also honored with Special Awards.  The 2016 recipients were:

  • Edward J. Healy, Vice President of Marketing, Visit Buffalo Niagara – David I. Levy Communicator of the Year Award
    This award was created to recognize outstanding achievement and service in the communications industry.
  • John Paget, Paget Films – Alex Osborn Award for Creativity
    Named in honor of Alex Osborn of Batten, Barton, Durstine & Osborn fame, this award recognizes individuals who, through outstanding creative achievements, have left an indelible mark on the Western New York creative community.
  • Peter Burakowski, Director of Marketing, 43 North – The Odysseus Award
    The Odysseus Award was established in 2011 by the Advertising Club of Buffalo to honor a client in the Western New York market (individual or group/department) who has used the discipline of strategic marketing and advertising in an extraordinary way.
  • Charlie Fashana, Client Strategy Director, FARM Buffalo– Joe Crowley Award for Service
    This award recognizes not only hard work, but also outstanding achievement in furthering the activities and interests of the club.
  • Jillian Minderler, Graphic Designer, Quinlan & Company – Advertising Club of Buffalo Future Star Award
    This award honors an outstanding young professional in the marketing and advertising field who has demonstrated great potential in his or her early years in the industry.

The Veritiv Creative Use of Paper Award

This year it was awarded once again to White Bicycle for their Charles A. Burchfield, “A Resounding Roar” LP Package for the Burchfield Penny Art Center and Righteous Babe Records.  A special thanks to Jean Clemens from Veritiv for her continued support of the Ad Club and this award.

Best Show Book Ad Award

This year had a tie between BlueCross BlueShield of Western New York and Charles Waldorf Photography.  Congrats to both!

Student Winners

College students were also included in the action. Taking home the Student Best of Show was Jessica Puskar of Villa Maria College for No. 2 Pencil Box. Megan Sweeney from Buffalo State College received 5 awards, 2 Gold and 3 silver.  Students each taking home one Gold award include:

  • Chelsea Turton, Damen College
  • Grace Gruarin, Villa Maria College

Student Silver award winners include:

  • Chad Hornberger, Buffalo State College
  • Eric Hostetter, St. Bonaventure University
  • Grace Gruarin, Villa Maria College
  • Lucy Norton, Villa Maria College
  • Rachel Surdi, St. Bonaveture Universtiy
  • Samantha Lonczak, Villa Maria College

Thank You to Our Sponsors

The 2016 WNY American Advertising Award Show was sponsored by: Buffalo Limousine, Comfort Suites Downtown, WNED TV, Charles Waldorf Photography, Gateway Printing & Graphics, Inc., KC Kratt photography, Big Ditch Brewing Company, IMG_INK, Veritiv, Cohber Press, Inc., Hodgins Engraving, Propellerhead Media, CJ Sound, Premier Sound, TOPS Friendly Markets, Orchard Fresh, Santoras Catering.

On to a bigger stage…

The Gold and Silver winners in both professional and student categories will have the opportunity to compete in the AAF District 2 American Advertising Awards with the hope of moving on to the national show in Anaheim in June. 

Congratulations to all the winners and another successful year of work in WNY!

Blog

If You’re In… Go All-In

Scott Bartels

The Ad Club year is winding down and that means some board members are leaving us.  Before they do, we caught up with these talented individuals to hear about their experience and advice for future board members.

This spring, Tim Marren will be finishing a two-year term with the Ad Club Board of Directors. During that time he helped with public relations, social media, Ad Labs, UberBowl, the Big Tip Off and some other general copywriting needs that popped up from time to time.

When he wasn’t chipping in with Ad Club needs, he was busy as Senior Copywriter at SKM Group in Depew.

Here’s a short reflection on his time as a board member.

How did you land on the Ad Club board?Ad Club 2014-1189

Well, I first heard of the Ad Club when I was making the switch from the world of journalism to advertising copywriting. The agency I joined at that time wasn’t that involved in the Club, so it wasn’t until I started working at my second agency – SKM Group – that I got my first exposure to Ad Club.

SKM is really involved and supportive of the Ad Club and I wanted to be as well, since I was so new to the industry. After going to a few events, I talked to a some colleagues and friends from the Club and was convinced a board seat might be a good fit for me.

I ran and was lucky enough to be chosen at a time when the Club and the Board was really growing and evolving. We’re still very active today – with a ton going on – but the year I joined was really when the momentum was at its highest point.

The rest is history.

What is your fondest memory or favorite Ad Club event?

There have been a bunch. From Addy shows to bowling events and a number of Ad Labs. But I’d have to say the Big Tip Offs are my favorite. It’s a competition among the agencies, with the funds raised going to charity. What more could you ask for?

The attendance is always great. The venue is spot on. And there are drinks, which is typical protocol for Club events.

What kinds of qualities are expected in board members?

I think the most important thing someone should bring to the table is follow-through. Most might think a club like this is about networking or creativity – and it is, but what keeps it going strong is follow-through.

Great ideas can come from anyone. But when those ideas are executed to completion, that’s when we excel.

So those looking to become a board member should be ready to not just contribute great ideas, but to see them through. Own your idea, but ask for help and support. Then watch as it takes shape.

What advice would you give to those thinking of stepping up into a board position role?

It’s a commitment. An Ad Club board commitment (with committee meetings and other events), family, other clubs you might be involved in, organizations and interests can make for a busy lifestyle. Be prepared for that.

That’s not to sound intimidating; it’s just a matter of full disclosure. Like anything else – if you’re looking to get involved, go all-in. If you go half way, no one benefits.

And while it is a commitment, it’s a fulfilling one. The Club is a great way to network, learn, help others, share ideas, collaborate, be creative, plan events and much more. You don’t get that with every volunteer opportunity. It really is a full-service opportunity, but certainly a commitment.

 

Interested in joining the Ad Club Board of Directors for 2015-16?  Click here to learn more and submit your nomination.  Join us on Wednesday, May 20 to network with the current board and get more details on the Ad Club board experience.

Blog

Catching Up & Bidding Farewell to Erin Doherty

Scott Bartels

The Ad Club year is winding down and that means some board members are leaving us.  Before they do, we caught up with these talented individuals to hear about their experience and advice for future board members.

How did you first become a part of Ad Club? Where did you hear about it? Ad Club 2014-1124

I heard of Ad Club within my first few months of starting at SKM Group.  A few of my coworkers were very involved in the club and encouraged others to attend events and later join because of the networking and educational opportunities the club provided. I attended a few Ad Labs and was hooked.

What is your fondest memory or favorite Ad Club event as of today?

That’s a toss-up between the ADDYs and the Big Tip Off. The ADDYs give the local ad community an opportunity to come together and celebrate what we love. It also allows us to see what other agencies and companies are doing from a creative perspective, which we don’t often see because we’re so engrossed in our own work. The Big Tip Off is a bit different in that our goal is to raise money for the club’s scholarship programs, but it’s a fun social event that allows us to enjoy a summer night with a few cocktails, all while supporting a good cause.

Do you have any fun stories, maybe of discussions that went from regular conversation into a potential event for the club?

I find that many times during our monthly board meetings, a conversation or brainstorm about an Ad Lab or speaker event turns an idea into a reality. It’s cool to see people bounce ideas off one another and work together for the betterment of the club.

What advice would you give to those thinking of stepping up into a board position role?

Do it. Jump in with both feet. Not only do you meet a ton of really passionate, talented and fun people, but there’s a good chance you’ll see your ideas become something more than just ideas.

What kinds of qualities are expected in board members?

Hard worker, idea generator, go-getter. Being on the board is a commitment. There are monthly meetings and events and each member is expected to do their share to ensure things get done and we’re making an impact. That said, being at an event where attendance and engagement is high, is quite gratifying. It’s rewarding to see our peers embrace our efforts and applaud what we’re doing.

 

Interested in joining the Ad Club Board of Directors for 2015-16?  Click here to learn more and submit your nomination.  Join us on Wednesday, May 20 to network with the current board and get more details on the Ad Club board experience.

Blog

Saying Goodbye to One of Our Faves, Kristen Cronyn

Scott Bartels

The Ad Club year is winding down and that means some board members are leaving us.  Before they do, we caught up with these talented individuals to hear about their experience and advice for future board members.

 

How did you first become a part of Ad Club? Where did you hear about it?

Untitled

I heard about the Ad Club during my first job as an Interactive Coordinator at SKM Group. I was invited to my first Addys in 2008 (see photo with previous SKM owner, Sue Meany) and thought the event was amazing. I couldn’t wait get involved with people that shared the same passion.

What is your fondest memory or favorite Ad Club event as of today?

My first Addy’s judging weekend as a co-chair for the event. It was the first time I really poured blood sweat and tears in to pulling something substantial together, and I was able to meet some incredibly talented people while gaining a true appreciation for creative work. Being on the project management side for most of my career made me think entirely about the execution of artwork – time, budgets, etc. This event gave me the ability to see things from a design point of view and really changed my perception of  what goes in to each individual piece that is submitted.

What kinds of qualities are expected in board members?

Engagement. Passion. A mix of strategy and detail orientation. The best board members are the ones that step up without asking, get excited about sharing knowledge and work hard to make a difference within the advertising community.

What advice would you give to those thinking of stepping up into a board position role?Ad Club 2014-1185

Be prepared to work hard, laugh, collaborate and grow throughout your time on the board. You will be working with some of the most creative minds in Buffalo –and it doesn’t get any better than that.

 

Interested in joining the Ad Club Board of Directors for 2015-16?  Click here to learn more and submit your nomination.  Also, join us on Wednesday, May 20 to network with the current board and club members to get more details on the Ad Club board experience.

Blog Board

Meet our Newbie

Scott Bartels

 

We are pleased to welcome a new board member to the Advertising Club of Buffalo Board of Directors.  Meet Kyle Rogers…

Name: Kyle Rogers
Company: HealthNow New York Inc.Kyle Rogers
Title: Public Relations Specialist

Kyle Rogers serves as Public Relations Specialist for HealthNow New York Inc. a multi-faceted $2.5 billion health insurance enterprise and parent company of BlueCross BlueShield of Western New York. He is responsible for public and media relations strategies, with the focus of enhancing brand reputation among diverse audiences

Rogers joined HealthNow in September of 2013 following a stint oversees serving as Management Trainee for Enterprise Rent-A-Car at the company’s flagship European location in London, England.

Rogers received his bachelor’s in Business Administration from State University of New York at Buffalo.

 

What are you most looking forward to as a board member?  In my eyes, the Ad Club brings together the broadest range of marketing professionals in our community. I’m looking forward to working with the board to ensure we offer the most engaging and thought-provoking programming possible.

If your best friend had to describe you in three words, what would they be?  Tireless. Quirky. Authentic.

When you were younger, what did you want to be when you grew up?  I grew up assembling and reassembling every object in my house (sorry mom and dad), so I always thought a career as an engineer was in my future.

What is something most people don’t know about you?  I played soccer at UB and most recently for FC Buffalo and for the last 15 years have sacrificed my Saturday and Sunday mornings to watching it on TV.

 

Be sure to say hi to Kyle at our next event.  Stay tuned in May for information on board openings and nominations for 2015-16!

ADDYS Events

Preview Night 2015

Scott Bartels

On, Thursday, February 12, we hosted the ADDYs Preview Night for the second straight year. Over 70 people attended this event at dig Buffalo to view all the work submitted for this year’s show. Print ads, logos, TV commercials, web sites, mailers, posters and more made up the nearly 375 entries received. Thank you to Kristen Cronyn and the Ad Club Board for all their work to bring this event together and make it a success.

Wondering who won? Well, join us on Friday, March 6 at the Tralf to find out who took home gold and silver! Tickets are still available.

In the meantime, enjoy these photos from Preview Night 2015.

Blog Board

Message from the President

Scott Bartels

Ad Club 2014-1261
As this is my first blog post as new President of the Advertising Club of Buffalo, I thought I would introduce myself and provide some insight into the club’s plans for 2014-15. I want to start with saying how honored and excited I am to have this opportunity to lead the club. We are coming off of another successful year in 2013-14, membership continues to be strong and the club is financially stable.

My Background
As a SUNY Geneseo graduate, I stayed in Buffalo after college to pursue my career in marketing. Ten years later, I am fortunate to still be here as this city has great new energy and positive attitude that we haven’t seen in a long time. My experience is on both the agency side, as an Account Executive, and currently on the corporate side focusing in the digital area. This has given me a great perspective on how the club can serve both agencies and non-agency professionals in the local advertising industry.

I joined the board back in 2011 and during the first three years, I served in the Treasurer position. As I have met so many great, hardworking people, it was an easy decision to move into this new role.

This Year
We have another strong group of board members this year who are already focused on achieving our goals for the year.  We look to continue our strong membership and add new members (reminder – accepting new memberships and renewals right now!).  We aim to increase our work with students by visiting classrooms and getting them more engaged in events, especially ADDY submissions.  Also, we want to focus more on networking at our events, encouraging everyone to meet the board, meet new people as this is one of the great benefits of being part of the club.

The year got off to a great start already with another successful Big Tip Off event in August to raise money for our annual scholarships. I am always amazed at the commitment our local agencies make to the club. Without their support, we wouldn’t be as successful as we have been.

Our AdLab series returns this Tuesday with a panel that represents all the major sports programs in the area to discuss a topic that can benefit everyone in the industry, brand management and PR in the social media age.

October brings us Ad Week, from October 21 to 23, we have three events planned, starting with an AdLab topic that focuses on something most will enjoy, beer! We will also be screening the film SignPainters on October 22. The week concludes with a guest speaker, Jesse Reed from Pentagram on October 23. Stay tuned to our web site and social media for full details very soon.

And believe it or not, ADDYs planning is already underway.  The club is excited to have the Martin Group leading the creative design for this year’s show.

We love to hear feedback from members, even if you aren’t on the board, you can contribute to committees and planning events. If you have ideas, questions or want to chat, I can easily be reached through email on Twitter at @sbartels47 or on LinkedIn.

I look forward to continuing to meet new people at our events and thank our members for their continued support of the Advertising Club.

~Scott Bartels, President

P.S. Check back regularly as we’ll soon unveil our newly designed, easier to use website!