Ad People of the Year
Call for Nominations
2011 Nominations are open through April 23, 2012 | Download the Nomination Form
It’s time to honor the best and the brightest in the Northern Nevada advertising community. Nominations are now open for the following awards, which will be presented at a ceremony on Tuesday, June 12, 2012:
Thomas C. Wilson Award
The recipient must have made significant contributions to advertising and been active in furthering the industry’s standards, creative excellence and responsibility in areas of social concern. They must have shown a consistently high degree of excellence in the field of advertising over a lifetime, coupled with strong community involvement.
Ad Person of the Year Award
The recipient must have achieved singular excellence in the advertising field during the last year, while demonstrating strong community involvement.
Promotion Person or Group Award
The recipient must have made an outstanding contribution to the effectiveness of promotional activities on behalf of the community. The time frame of this award is not necessarily limited to the past year.
Community Contribution of the Year Award
The recipient should have made an outstanding advertising-related contribution to the community during 2011. This award recognizes those businesses or individuals that have been active in furthering the industry’s responsibility in areas of social concern.
The 2010 Ad People of the Year Honorees
Thomas C. Wilson Award | Marjie Swiatek, Dynagraphic Printing
Marjie moved from California to Reno, Nevada in 1968 to attend UNR. After she received her BA in English, she never left.
In 1971 she went to work for Dynagraphic Printing. Marjie is the sales manager now, but over the years she has done every job imaginable except for running the printing presses.
When she came to Nevada she brought her love of local involvement with her, and it never left. Highlights of Marjie’s spirit of giving include supporting non-profit organizations such as Easter Seals, Step 2, and she was chair of the board of the Guy and Louise Condrott Foundation (scholarships for graphics) for six years.
As a participant both on and behind the stage she was involved in Sheep Dip — finally ending in earning her DSD. For years she helped make theInternational Association of Printing House Craftsmen (IAPHC) an exciting way to be involved in a printing oriented group. Awarded the local Craftsman of the Year, the district Craftsman of the Year, and the International Governor of the Year shows how involved and appreciated she was.
If Marjie had a second career it would have to be the Reno Rodeo. She worked 15 years as the editor of the Reno Rodeo program, won the Award of Merit, the Silver Spur Award, served on the board of directors, and is currently on the Executive Committee.
And with all that she has accomplished she has always kept her family at the top of her list. Marjie is extremely proud of her husband Bob and their daughter Marcy. Bob and Marjie are building a retirement home in Mexico where they will live part-time after she retires in 2012. Part of the year she will swim in the warm ocean and enjoy Margaritas in Mexico, but the rest of the time she will be in Reno, because she never left.
Ad Person of the Year Award | Gail Letcher, CLM Design, Advertising, Interactive
Gail is a double threat in advertising. With 25 years experience, she excels at both marketing and design with oodles of experience with web/internet development and initiatives. Gail has established branded web initiatives for many clients, including, Truckee Chamber of Commerce; NCOT’s Governor’s Conference on Tourism, Levi Strauss IntraNet; Hall & Wrye Plastic Surgeons; Truckee Tahoe Airport District and the Truckee Tahoe Community Foundation.
Originally from South Africa, Gail was National Marketing Manager for Esteé Lauder, where she developed national marketing programs, advertising and strategy. Gail also worked as Account Manager for international agency Saatchi and Saatchi, where she managed marketing and advertising for British Airways.
Since finding her way to Reno 22 years ago, Gail has worked on both client and agency side. Gail counts many local, regional and national awards on her office shelves including a prestigious W3 International Web Award; an International Graphis Award; 5 ADDY Best of Show Web Awards; and numerous MAGGIE and ADDY Awards won for her team’s work. Her experience includes design of brochures and ads to magazine and web creative direction. She is passionate about web design and its marketing environment.
Gail holds a Bachelor of Arts in Marketing from Johannesburg, South Africa.
Promotion Person or Group Award | The Holland Project
The Holland Project‘s mission is simple: “Art. Music. Culture. By young people, for young people.” Holland seeks to provide community youth a safe and supportive arts and entertainment outlet in an effort to fuel community and personal growth by fostering respect, creativity, education, community activism, and individual empowerment through access to music, art, and diverse learning opportunities. Holland is a volunteer-run, youth-run organization. With three governing bodies — the Youth Board (comprised of 15 students ages 13-18 from area high schools); the Core Crew (over 20 young college students, musicians, artists, activists and young professionals); and the Board of Directors (representing members of Reno’s business, arts, education and activist communities) — Holland empowers young people to guide and grow the organization, while the Core and the BOD provide support, as well as organizational and financial stability.
Holland aims to end the long-standing void for teens in the Truckee Meadows by helping to redefine Reno as a place that is not just for adults. In making Holland both a reality and a success, we hope to further identify Reno as a cultural center with a vibrant urban scene; a place where art and music thrive and one that energetically supports and inspires its young population.
Modeled after successful projects nationwide, including Holland’s sister organization The Vera Project in Seattle, Holland was started by a group of dedicated teens, musicians, artists, teachers, activists, business owners, and community leaders in 2006. Since officially opening its doors in the spring of 2007, Holland has put on over 300 events including music shows in nearly every genre, gallery exhibits, dance performances, workshops, various special events, fashion shows, speaker events, film nights, community collaborations and more.
Holland currently operates the Holland HQ on 30 Cheney Street; a performance space at Rainshadow Community Charter High School; and collaborates with Wolf Pack Radio, the Nevada Museum of Art, Reno River Festival, Speak Your Mind, Boys and Girls Club, Project Moonshine, and Spoken Views to produce off-site events at locations citywide.
This past year, Holland produced roughly 90 events, thanks in part to our partnership with Rainshadow Community Charter High School and our ability to have a consistent and accessible all-ages show space. Holland saw both the number of events (shows, workshops, exhibits, and special events) and attendance at those events increase by almost 50% this year. Holland also formed brand-new collaborative partnerships this past year with KNPB, Go For Broke, Hug High School, UNR School of Dance, Oxbow Press, Black Rock Press, and more. Additionally, Holland was recognized in the book In Every Town: An All-Ages Music Manualfesto launched nationwide; received first place in the Reno News and Review‘s “Best Of Reno” for Best Grassroots Organization; and was represented by the first place winner in A Cause for Style design contest.
Community Contribution of the Year Award | Michael J. Moreno, III, Regional Transportation Commission
A 37-year Nevada resident, Michael joined the Regional Transportation Commission (RTC) in May 2002, as the Community Relations and Public Affairs Officer for the agency.
Prior to his affiliation with the RTC, he was the local chief of staff for United States Senator Richard H. Bryan, managing the Senator’s northern Nevada state office in Reno. Before joining the Senator’s staff, he accomplished a 20-year banking career with Wells Fargo Bank, formerly First Interstate Bank, as Vice President in the Northern Nevada retail division. His banking and political tenure provided him with broad experience in many areas of business and government, media affairs, community relations and outreach.
During his tenure with the RTC, Michael has been instrumental in coordinating the broad and comprehensive community outreach for the projects and programs the agency administers. Additionally, he has primary responsibility for coordinating and retaining community partners for a majority of the special events and programs the RTC executes. He also handles transit advertising sales which supplement the agency’s operating budget for its public transportation program.
Michael has served on many local and national boards during the past 30+ years. He currently serves on the Renown Community Advisory board, the WIN Board of Trustees, the CASA Foundation Board of Directors, having served as the 2007 CASA spokesperson prior to his appointment to the board, and Imagine 2020 Advisory Board for UNR College of Business and Nevada Small Business Development Center. Most recently, Michael chaired the Washoe Counts 2010 Complete Count Committee for the 2010 US Census. He currently chairs the Renown 150th Anniversary Council, which will be celebrated in 2012.
Previous boards include Truckee Meadows Tomorrow; WestED Board of Directors, a national education research laboratory headquartered in San Francisco; Girl Scouts of the USA; United Way of Northern Nevada and the Sierra; UNR Diversity Committee; Reno Arts and Culture Commission; Secret Witness and the Nevada Festival Ballet, among others. Michael also has the distinction of being a founding member for the HAWC Community Health Clinic, I Can Do Anything Charter High School (Nevada’s first charter school), and the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of Northern Nevada, serving as its charter chairman.
In July 2010, Michael received “The Jefferson Award,” awarded through a prestigious national and local recognition system that honors community and public service in America. In December 2010, Michael was honored with the distinguished National Association of Secretaries of State Medallion Award by Nevada Secretary of State Ross Miller in recognition of his efforts in support of the 2010 U.S. Census.
Past Honorees |
|
| 2009 | |
| Thomas C. Wilson Award
Ad Person of the Year Promotions Person/Group Community Service |
Brian Crane
John Murphy Reno Philharmonic The Glenn Group |
| 2008 | |
| Thomas C. Wilson Award
Ad Person of the Year Promotions Person/Group Community Service |
Michael Eardley
Casey Strachan Tune In To Kids Charter Media |
| 2007 | |
| Thomas C. Wilson Award
Ad Person of the Year Promotions Person/Group Community Service |
Jim Burke
Esther Isaac Pete Copeland and Molly Dillon Jeff Ross |
| 2006 | |
| Thomas C. Wilson Award
Ad Person of the Year Promotions Person/Group Community Service |
Dan Gustin
William Letcher Anti-Meth Coalition Dali Weiderhoft |
| 2005 | |
| Thomas C. Wilson Award
Ad Person of the Year Promotions Person/Group Community Service |
Bob Felten
Jeff Dow Reno Radio Reps RTC |
| 2004 | |
| Thomas C. Wilson Award
Ad Person of the Year Promotions Person/Group Community Service |
Tom Rodrigue
Tim O’Brien Moms on the Run Rose/Glenn Group |
| 2003 | |
| Thomas C. Wilson Award
Ad Person of the Year Promotions Person/Group Community Service |
Scott Mortimore
UNR NSAC Team Tiffany Frisch, PR Concepts Nevada Museum of Art |
| 2002 | |
| Thomas C. Wilson Award
Ad Person of the Year Promotions Person/Group Community Service |
Travis Lynn
Stan Byers Reno Air Races Association CSG Direct |
| 2001 | |
| Thomas C. Wilson Award
Ad Person of the Year Promotions Person/Group Community Service |
no award
Karen Ferguson Christy Jefferson Reno News & Review |
| 2000 | |
| Thomas C. Wilson Award
Ad Person of the Year Promotions Person/Group Community Service |
Valerie Glenn
Dan Morgan Susan Komen Race/Nevada State Fair Envision |
| 1999 | |
| Thomas C. Wilson Award
Ad Person of the Year Promotions Person/Group Community Service |
Lynn Atcheson
Michael Eardley Pat Smith Jerry Cail, Bear Printing |
| 1998 | |
| Thomas C. Wilson Award
Ad Person of the Year Promotions Person/Group |
Bob Alessandrelli
Jeff Ross Steve Trounday |
| 1997 | |
| Thomas C. Wilson Award
Ad Person of the Year Promotions Person/Group |
Eric Anderson
Edward Estipona Artown |
| 1996 | |
| Thomas C. Wilson Award
Ad Person of the Year Promotions Person/Group |
Betty Stoddard Muncie
Jackie Shelton Reno Rodeo |
| 1995 | |
| Thomas C. Wilson Award
Ad Person of the Year Promotions Person/Group |
Norm Nielson
Larry DeVincenzi Bruce Van Dyke |
| 1994 | |
| Thomas C. Wilson Award
Ad Person of the Year Promotions Person/Group |
John Glenn
Stephanie Kruse John Ascuaga’s Nugget |
| 1993 | |
| Thomas C. Wilson Award
Ad Person of the Year Promotions Person/Group |
Dave Newman
Scott Voeller Reno Redevelopment Agency |
| 1992 | |
| Thomas C. Wilson Award
Ad Person of the Year Promotions Person/Group |
Jim Elliott
Brian Crane Jay Milligan |
| 1991 | |
| Thomas C. Wilson Award
Ad Person of the Year Promotions Person/Group |
Stanton K. Berdrow
Bob Felten Rick Heckman |
| 1990 | |
| Thomas C. Wilson Award
Ad Person of the Year Promotions Person/Group |
Bourne Morris
Ron Cooney International Winter Special Olympic Games |
| 1989 | |
| Thomas C. Wilson Award
Ad Person of the Year Promotions Person/Group |
Dr. Joseph Howland
Bob Alessandrelli City of Sparks Redevelopment |
| 1988 | |
| Thomas C. Wilson Award
Ad Person of the Year Promotions Person/Group |
Jim Thompson
Steve Rusk/Jennifer Evans no award |
| 1987 | |
| Thomas C. Wilson Award
Ad Person of the Year Promotions Person/Group |
Lynnae Hornbarger
Cynthia Kelly/Valerie Rose Ben Plaza |
| 1986 | |
| Thomas C. Wilson Award
Ad Person of the Year Promotions Person/Group |
Sash Nakamoto
Mark Bayer Willie Davison |
| 1985 | |
| Thomas C. Wilson Award
Ad Person of the Year Promotions Person/Group |
Don Cralle
Mark Bayer Candace Pearce |
| 1984 | |
| Thomas C. Wilson Award
Ad Person of the Year Promotions Person/Group |
Bob Carroll
Tom Draper RSCVA/Dick Scott |
| 1983 | |
| Thomas C. Wilson Award
Ad Person of the Year Promotions Person/Group |
Phil Rose
Alan Randolph Norm Neilson |
| 1982 | |
| Thomas C. Wilson Award
Ad Person of the Year Promotions Person/Group |
Laurie Vasquez
Tom Merrill C.J. Hadley |
| 1981 | |
| Thomas C. Wilson Award
Ad Person of the Year Promotions Person/Group |
Pete Peterson
Dan Gustin/Mark Curtis Bill Thornton |
| 1980 | |
| Thomas C. Wilson Award
Ad Person of the Year Promotions Person/Group |
Jerry Higgins
Gary O’Brien Sierra Arts Foundation Board |
| 1979 | |
| Thomas C. Wilson Award
Ad Person of the Year Promotions Person/Group |
Jim Herzig
Frank Kratzer Howard Cannon |
| 1978 | |
| Thomas C. Wilson Award
Ad Person of the Year Promotions Person/Group |
Allen Dunn
Binney Evans Board of Trustees, Reno Air Races |
| 1977 | |
| Thomas C. Wilson Award
Ad Person of the Year Promotions Person/Group |
Gene Evans
Jan Bleachner Frank Ferrari |
| 1976 | |
| Thomas C. Wilson Award
Ad Person of the Year Promotions Person/Group |
John Garberson
Marion Miller Vern Durkee, Sr. |
| 1975 | |
| Thomas C. Wilson Award
Ad Person of the Year Promotions Person/Group |
Lee Hirshland
Bill Bleachner John Dermody |
| 1974 | |
| Thomas C. Wilson Award
Ad Person of the Year Promotions Person/Group |
Ron Smith
Jim Elliot John Ascuaga |
| 1973 | |
| Thomas C. Wilson Award
Ad Person of the Year Promotions Person/Group |
Gene McKenna
Bob Carroll Mike O’Callaghan |
| 1972 | |
| Thomas C. Wilson Award
Ad Person of the Year Promotions Person/Group |
Fred Davis
Si Sellers Will Jurgens |
| 1971 | |
| Thomas C. Wilson Award
Ad Person of the Year Promotions Person/Group |
Howard Doyle
Lorraine Arms Bill Harrah |
| 1970 | |
| Thomas C. Wilson Award
Ad Person of the Year Promotions Person/Group |
Wallie Warren
Ken Webster Dick Campbell |
| 1969 | |
| Thomas C. Wilson Award
Ad Person of the Year Promotions Person/Group |
Mark Curtis, Sr.
Allen Dunn Pat Baker |
| 1968 | |
| Thomas C. Wilson Award
Ad Person of the Year |
Mel Matheson
Don Thompson |
| 1967 | |
| Thomas C. Wilson Award | Jordan Crouch |
| 1966 | |
| Thomas C. Wilson Award | Roy Powers |
| 1965 | |
| Thomas C. Wilson Award | Thomas C. Wilson |
Neither the nominee nor the nominator need be a2n2 members, though the nominee must do, or have done, business in Northern Nevada.