2019 American Advertising Awards ‘Unmask Creativity’

Sample ADDY awards from past winners. File photoSample ADDY awards from past winners. File photo

By: Allison Robbins—

Muncie, INThe American Advertising Federation of East Central Indiana (AAF ECI) “unmasked creativity” Saturday evening at a masquerade-themed awards gala. The American Advertising Awards, often dubbed the ADDYs, recognize the most prominent advertising and creative works from the past year, including that of professionals and of students.

“The American Advertising Awards celebrates the creative talent in East Central Indiana,” said Allison Robbins, executive director of AAF ECI. “We were excited to showcase the advertising arts that happen in Muncie and the surrounding communities.”

This year’s submissions for the ADDYs were judged by three out-of-market advertising professionals in a blind judging process.

Silver and Gold awards are presented to the top-scoring pieces in the show. Intersection Advertising Agency led the show with three Gold awards and three Silver awards, followed by Ball State University with two of each award and Burkhart Advertising with one Gold and three Silver awards. Whitinger Strategic Services and Meridian Health Services each walked away with two Silver awards, and Emens Auditorium earned one Silver award.

In the student categories, Studio 165+ led with one Gold and one Silver award. McKinley Avenue Agency earned one Silver award.

“The judging panel was impressed with the level of both student and professional work,” Robbins said. “AAF ECI is proud to host this local competition, as these entries are forwarded to the District 6 judging and hopefully onto the national stage in June at the AAF national conference.”

Every year, the judges also choose Best of Show awards, and each judge has the option to choose a piece to receive their Judge’s Choice award.

Best of Show Digital and Best of Show Campaign were awarded to Intersection Advertising Agency, and Best of Show Print was awarded to Ball State University. Studio 165+ won Best of Show in the student categories.

Burkhart Advertising took away Best of Show Overall for its “Jack O Lantern Pie” billboard for Mrs. Wick’s Pies.

“Our philosophy of team, trust, and continued improvement continues to work in conjunction with our creative team ECP, our clients, and the great sales team that continues to grow and make business better,” Joe Cielinski, sales manager at Burkhart Advertising, said. “Put that in the great community of talent in our AAF district, and you have success. We are honored to serve among these forces.”

This year’s Judge’s Choice awards were given to Emens Auditorium, Ball State University and Intersection Advertising Agency.

The Mosaic Award, which is given to a project that highlights diversity, was awarded to Intersection Advertising Agency in recognition of its work with the Big Brothers Big Sisters of East Central Indiana (BBBS ECI) website.

“We have been intentional to show full representation of the Bigs, Littles and future volunteers so that everyone feels a sense of inclusivity and is empowered to reach their full potential,” said Amanda Price, senior account manager at Intersection and board member for BBBS ECI. “Big Brothers Big Sisters of East Central, while the smallest in the national network, is doing remarkable work to impact our community.”

A complete list of the 2019 awards is available on the AAF ECI website. The ADDYs accept all creative pieces, including works in print, digital, radio, television, copywriting, design, event promotion and more. AAF membership is not required to submit. To learn more about how to enter in the 2020 ADDYs, visit aafeci.org.

About American Advertising Federation of East Central Indiana

AAF ECI is the premier resource for advertising, marketing and communications professionals in East Central Indiana. To view all of the award-winning creative works from the ADDY’s, visit https://www.aafeci.org/2019-addy-winners