The AAF Fresno Board of Directors are from left to right: Wesley Wise, Ruth Lichenstein, Shadia Salem, Shatera Sangster, Cody Medaris, Emily Vagim, Jessie Irwin, Kristin Bonillas, Rebecca Barnes, Brandon Ocegueda and Daisy Cordero. Board Members not pictured: Jan Edwards, Amy Wilson, Natalie Ramirez, Karen Franz and Academic Advisors Roberta Asahina, Greg Baker and Betsy Hays.

The American Advertising Federation (AAF) Fresno hosted its first American Advertising Awards Friday, restarting the tradition of honoring the achievements of local marketing agencies and students.

The awards presentation formerly known as the ADDYs, which were temporarily discontinued in 2018, looks to highlight achievements in marketing and advertising in a variety of categories ranging from social media, online and interactive campaigns and television campaigns.

 

The Best of Show award — now referred to as an “ADDY” in paying homage to the original competition — was presented to Topograph, a Visalia-based marketing company, for work in promoting the expansion of Component Coffee to Tower District.

“It was an exciting night,” said Eric Riley, CEO and president of Topograph. “It was great to be with other people in the industry and get connected again after some years of not being able to network.”

In addition to the Best of Show award, Topograph also received gold and silver awards for their entries.

JP Marketing took home the Judge’s Choice Award, and Jeffrey Scott Agency captured both Best of Online/Interactive campaign and Best of Film/Video/Sound campaign.

 

Overall, eight gold awards were presented, as well as 21 silver awards for content ranging from television marketing campaigns to billboard and photography campaigns.

Jeffrey Scott Agency took home the most ADDYs, bringing home 13 total awards including their two Best Of awards. JP Marketing came in a close second with 10 total awards.

Best of Show winner Topograph also took home three ADDYs.

Honors for student showcases from Fresno State and Fresno Pacific University were presented to 60 contestants, including a Best of Show Student award given to Alicia Benitez. Three campaigns were honored as Judge’s Choice Awards, including one award presented to Nayeli Flores and two to Eliza Gabito.

 

The American Advertising Federation of Fresno hosts the local competition for what culminates in a national competition later in the year. Winners at the local level are eligible to attend the regional competition, which includes San Francisco, Silicon Valley, Reno, Sacramento along with Fresno in the District 14 showcase.

“The Gala ceremonies were well attended with over 100 professionals and students participating in the AAF Fresno American Advertising Awards ceremonies,” said Rebecca Barnes, a member of AAF Fresno Board of Directors. “There was excitement in the air the moment attendees entered the transformed venue, red carpet and all.”

The event was held at Frank’s Place in Downtown Fresno.

Proceeds from the AAF and its local and district affiliates aim to enhance advertising through public service programs, scholarships and advocacy groups as well as spreading advertising education and consumer awareness.