By Renita D. Young, NOLA.com
Professionals attending the American Advertising Federation-Baton Rouge’s annual awards show went back to high school Saturday (Feb. 28) night.
This year’s AAA ceremony theme, Prom Night, lived up to its expectations, with a night full of surprises at L’Auberge Hotel & Casino.
Hosted by creative personality Kendrick Benoit, the AAA Awards recognizes and awards outstanding creativity in the advertising field. More than 70 local agencies, individuals and students entered the AAA competition this year, for a total of 431 entries.
Fifty gold AAA Awards, 51 silver AAA Awards, three Special Judge’s Awards, Best of Show and Best of Category Awards were also presented. Advertising students were also recognized with four gold AAA Awards, 11 silver AAA Awards, a Special Judge’s Award and a Best of Show.
This year’s E.A. “Pete” Goldsby Silver Medal Award was given posthumously to Jeff Wright of Wright Feigley Communications for his dedication to his community.
According to Stuart Feigley, Wright’s business partner, “Wright realized long ago that his communication skills could be used for more than just promoting a client’s products and services. He had a special place in his heart for non-profits… By giving his time and efforts to key community organizations, he was able to help make Baton Rouge a great place to call home.”
Theresa Nguyen of Rockit Science Agency received the 2015 President’s Service Award. Nguyen earned the distinction through her tireless service to AAF-BR, which not only included her six years as an active member, but also her recent fundraising co-chair and club vice president positions. “Nguyen has been an invaluable asset on the board and much of this year’s success could not have been possible without her involvement,” said Jason Broha, 2014-15 AAF-BR president.
AAF-BR awarded Otey White & Associates Advertising Agency the 2015 Company Service Award for outstanding contributions toward the advancement of the club. “Without their support, much of this year’s American Advertising Awards Ceremony could not have been as spectacular as it was,” said Trent Bland, American Advertising Award Ceremony co-chair.
Highest honors include:
- BEST OF SHOW OVERALL: TILT, “Brew at the Zoo Campaign”
- BEST OF SHOW INTEGRATED CAMPAIGN: Lamar Advertising Company, “Creative Camp”
- BEST OF SHOW INTERACTIVE: Covalent Logic, “Hilton Worldwide Connect Plus Idea Network Website”
- BEST OF SHOW BROADCAST: Louisiana Economic Development, “Job Love Video Campaign”
- BEST OF SHOW PRINT: dezinsINTERACTIVE, “CUT Fine Jewelers Business Card”
- BEST OF SHOW COPYWRITING: Louisiana Economic Development, “Louisiana Job Connection Integrated Campaign”
- BEST OF SHOW ART DIRECTION: MESH, Women’s Center for Wellness Campaign
- SPECIAL JUDGE’S AWARD: BREW Agency, “Wake Up Your Brand”
- SPECIAL JUDGE’S AWARD: Blue Cross Blue Shield of Louisiana, “Angel Award Program”
- SPECIAL JUDGE’S AWARD: BRZoom, “Two Roads Brewing Philsamic”
Other ADDY winners:
- AAF-BR: 1 silver
- Blue Cross Blue Shield of Louisiana: 2 gold, 2 silver
- BREW Agency: 3 gold
- BRZoom: 7 gold, 2 silver
- Covalent Logic: 1 gold, 1 silver
- dezinsINTERACTIVE: 1 gold
- Digital FX: 1 gold, 3 silver
- Dimassimo Goldstein: 1 silver
- elbow/room: 1 gold, 1 silver
- Envoc: 2 gold
- Gatorworks: 1 gold
- Hatchit: 2 silver
- Lamar Advertising Company: 1 gold, 1 silver
- Lamar Graphics: 2 gold, 2 silver
- Launch Media: 1 gold, 1 silver
- Louisiana Economic Development: 7 gold, 5 silver
- LSU Athletics: 1 silver
- MESH Integrated Marketing & Advertising: 10 gold, 14 silver
- Miles: 1 silver
- Our Lady of the Lake Regional Medical Center: 2 gold
- Red Six Media: 1 gold, 1 silver
- Rockit Science Agency: 2 gold, 1 silver
- Rotolo’s Pizzeria: 1 silver
- The Day Group: 1 gold, 1 silver
- TILT: 1 gold
- tommysTV: 2 silver
- Visit Baton Rouge: 1 gold, 1 silver
- Xdesign Inc.: 1 silver
- Zehnder Communications: 2 gold, 5 silver
Student ADDY winners:
- STUDENT BEST OF SHOW: Louisiana State University, School of Art, “BFA Recruiting Material”
- SPECIAL JUDGE’S AWARD, STUDENT: Alexande DeBlieux, “#HoldYourTongue”
- GDSO – LSU School of Art: 2 Gold, 3 Silvers
- Alexande DeBlieux: 1 Gold
- Victoria Roberts: 1 Gold
- Amy Blacketter: 1 Silver
- Sarah Kershaw: 3 Silver
- LSU Graphic Design – Junior Class: 1 Silver
- Lauren Zimmermann: 1 Silver
- Nichole Wierschem: 1 Silver
- Madison Scullin: 1 Silver