The American Advertising Federation Omaha (AAF Omaha), a professional organization of advertising agencies, marketers, media, academia and public relations practitioners, won several national American Advertising Federation (AAF) awards including first place in the category of Government Relations; second place in Membership Diversity & Multicultural Initiatives and Communications; and third place in Club Operations, Advertising Education, Programs, Membership and Public Service. Awards were presented during the national American Advertising Federation annual conference ADMERICA June 10-13, 2015 in Las Vegas, Nevada.
All clubs and federations affiliated with the American Advertising Federation and in good standing may compete for Club Achievement awards within their membership size division. AAF Omaha is a member of the AAF 9th District and has been participating in the Club Achievement national competition for more than 25 years.
AAF Omaha’s first place in Government Relations and placing in all eight Club Achievement categories is a great accomplishment for the club, and the organization’s leadership. AAF Omaha president, Matt Wilson (First National Bank) is commended for an outstanding year along with the federation’s current board members; Michael Johnson (Bailey Lauerman), Amanda Peterson (Redstone), Sarah Pieper (Ervin & Smith), Jessica Lightner (Swanson Russell), April Clark (CAS), Lisa Conklin (A&K Marketing, Inc.), Sarah Childers (Woodmen of the World), Mark Carpenter (SKAR), Trish Haniszewski, Teonne Wright (University of Nebraska Omaha at Omaha), Edward Hunt (Darkside Advertising), Amanda Olson (Swanson Russell), Michael Hennings (Omaha Video Solutions), Lisa Healy (Webster), Jim Deitering (Lamar Outdoor Advertising-Omaha), Angel Carl (Angel Carl Marketing), Bob Mancuso (Mid-America Expositions, Inc.), Michael Goldsmith (REI), Heidi Grunkemeyer (Swanson Russell), Carrie Kentch (Omaha World-Herald), Laura Spaulding (Bozell), and Sheila O’Connor (Metropolitan Community College).
Through the hard work and dedication of a fabulous board of directors, committee members and a strong member base, AAF Omaha was able to gain national recognition for their accomplishments. The club’s board of directors could not have done it without the support of all of member companies.
AAF Omaha educates members on the latest trends in technology, creativity and marketing through seminars, monthly luncheon speakers, and ongoing communication initiatives. In addition, AAF Omaha offers members networking opportunities to assist members in expanding client and referral lists, as well as leadership opportunities for professional growth and development, offering the opportunity to broaden members’ appeal in the job market.
AAF Omaha protects and promotes advertising at all levels of government through grassroots activities. The nationwide AAF network monitors advertising-related legislation on local, state and federal levels. AAF Omaha puts our members face to face with influential lawmakers and also encourages industry self-regulation as a preemptor to government intervention, when appropriate.
One of AAF Omaha’s national award winning programs is Meet the Pros, attended annually by more than 250 students, and involving more than 150 area professionals. Meet the Pros is a two-day educational program designed to help college students learn more about the advertising industry, become better prepared for the “real world,” and meet area professionals. Additionally, each spring the American Advertising Federation Omaha awards college juniors and seniors scholarships to area universities. AAF Omaha awarded $12,300 in scholarships this year. For more information on AAF Omaha educational programs visit www.aafomaha.org.
AAF Omaha, founded in 1906, as the Omaha Federation of Advertising (OFA), is considered the unifying voice of advertising in the Omaha/Council Bluffs metropolitan area. The professional association is made up of more than 330 members, and represents corporate advertising, agencies, marketing, media, printing, suppliers, academia and other advertising and public relations professionals. As advocates for the rights of advertisers, AAF Omaha educates policy makers, the media and the general public on the value advertising brings to the well being of our community and the economy.
