Tell it like a story, in plain language.
Tips: Open with why this person deserves to be honored with this award. What would Toledo’s advertising community be missing without them? Then let the details in the next sections make your case. Skip acronyms and inside references, and don’t assume the committee already knows your nominee’s history.
The recipient must have achieved success in one of the following areas of work: advertising agency, advertiser, media or advertising service.
Show results, not just titles.
Weak: “She was a successful leader at her agency for many years.”
Strong: “She joined as a junior copywriter in 1994, became creative director in 2003, and grew the agency’s client roster from 12 accounts to 40, including its first national account.”
The recipient must have shown a consistent, high degree of original thinking in their field.
Name the work, and show it over time. The criterion asks for consistent original thinking, so one great campaign isn’t enough. Give two or three examples from different points in their career.
Weak: “He is incredibly creative and always thinks outside the box.”
Strong: “He wrote a regional grocery chain’s signature campaign, which ran for 11 years and earned three Gold ADDYs. A decade later, he led one of the first fully digital launches for a local hospital system.”
The recipient must have worked to increase the stature and raise the standards of the advertising profession.
Show how they raised the bar for others. This is about their impact beyond their own job: mentoring, teaching, judging, setting standards, and serving the profession.
Weak: “She is very respected in the industry.”
Strong: “She has mentored more than 30 interns, eight of whom now work at Toledo agencies. She’s taught as an adjunct professor for six years and served two terms on the AAF Toledo board.”
The recipient should be someone who has been active in civic or other groups dedicated to human or social welfare.
Be specific about what they did.
Weak: “He gives back to the community.”
Strong: “He has served on a local food bank’s board since 2012, led its rebrand pro bono, and chaired its annual fundraiser, which grew from $40,000 to $150,000 under his leadership.”
Use the uploads to back up your nomination.
They’re optional, but they’re the easiest way to strengthen it. Consider including:
Proofread your application before submitting.
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