March 4, 2001 - Roanoke, VA - On February 24, Roanoke County's direct mail piece and compact disc for the Center for Research and Technology (produced by Access Advertising Agency) won an Addy award in the 2000 -01 Western Virginia Awards Ceremony. Access submitted the award on the County's behalf under the 'Direct Marketing - Business-to-Business' category.
An article on the event was published in the Roanoke Times (February 26 edition) as well as coverage in the Blue Ridge Business Journal. "We are proud to be producing award-winning, quality marketing pieces in the Department of Economic Development," exclaimed Jill Loope, Assistant Director of Economic Development.
Advertising companies throughout the Lynchburg, New River Valley and Roanoke regions submitted over 400 submissions in 70 categories in the Western Virginia Addy awards program. Entries varied from public relations campaigns, brochures, pamphlets, websites and other advertising pieces. First place in each category is presented with an Addy, and subsequent levels include silver and bronze awards.
The Advertising Federation of the Roanoke Valley and the Ad Club of Central Virginia sponsored the formal affair, held at the Mill Mountain Theatre. Pat Harpell, Chief Executive Officer of Harpell, a Massachusetts ad agency; Tom Kane, Creative Director with Fry, Hammond, Barr in Orlando, FL; and Michael Schmalz, President of Refinery Design Co. in Dubuque, Iowa were the three judges who evaluated the submissions. All three judges were impressed with all the entries, stating that several entries were distinctive enough to perhaps make it to the national Addy awards.
"The body of work here I think is very progressive," said Judge Kane.