Awards Show Recognizes Excellence in Advertising Creativity

WATERLOO, Iowa — The American Advertising Federation of the Cedar Valley (AAF-Cedar Valley) hosted the annual American Advertising Awards ceremony Friday, Feb. 23, at the Waterloo Center for the Arts. 20 ADDY awards were handed out to entrants for advertising submissions created for local, regional and national audiences. 

The American Advertising Awards is the advertising industry's largest and most representative competition whose mission is to recognize and reward the creative spirit of excellence in the art of advertising. The local awards show marks the first stop in a three-tiered national competition. Local winners advance to districts to compete against entries from other clubs, and top district picks to advance to the national stage for the chance to win a national ADDY.

"I am constantly amazed by the level of creativity that exists in the Cedar Valley, said Jordan McNamara, AAF-Cedar Valley president. "It is profoundly inspiring to witness the exceptional quality of work produced by our advertising professionals. The submissions represented the breadth of creativity from both agencies and individuals in our community. It's great to have a chance to celebrate and recognize their outstanding achievements."

IFC Studios emerged as the judges’ top winner, clinching the Best of Show award for their innovative Cedar Falls Public Library Campaign. This accolade celebrates the highest level of creative achievement and is a testament work they put into the rebranding campaign. The judges recognized the entry as the best of the show for its creative and fun departure from the usual library branding approach.

“We were thrilled and deeply honored,” said Tony Kraayenbrink, Owner and Founder of IFC Studios. “Having our whole team get to work with the amazing staff at the Cedar Falls Public Library on such a wide-reaching creative project was wonderful. To have that work specially recognized by the judges amongst our incredibly talented peers took it to the next level."

The complete list of Gold, Silver and Bronze winners follows.

BEST OF SHOW – Professional

• Cedar Falls Public Library Campaign by IFC Studios

Judges’ Citation

• Take on Tomorrow from Anywhere by the University of Northern Iowa  

GOLD ADDY WINNERS – Professional

• Logo Design: Dynamic Beta Rebrand by Red Lab Technologies

• Websites: Cedar Falls Public Library Website by IFC Studios

• Product or Service Sales Promotion Campaign: Organic Moments Simply Made by Frontier Co-op

SILVER ADDY WINNERS – Professional

• Websites: Dynamic Beta Investments Website by Red Lab Technologies

• Social Media: Cedar Falls Public Library Social Media by IFC Studios

• Branded Content & Entertainment: Hometown Heroes - Trevor Penning by the University of Northern Iowa

• Logo Design: Cedar Falls Public Library Logo by IFC Studios

• Special Event Material: My Waterloo Days Branding by Experience Waterloo

• Direct Mail: Scholar Academy Campaign by the University of Northern Iowa

• Publication Design: 2023 UNI Alumni Magazine by the University of Northern Iowa

BRONZE ADDY WINNERS – Professional

• Direct Mail: FRA Christmas Gift Box by 1Vision Communications

• Integrated Advertising Campaigns: Wilson Announcement by University of Northern Iowa

• Publication Design: The Impact of Business Magazine by University of Northern Iowa

• Special Event Material: The National Invite by Professional Office Services

• Direct Mail: Oncology Mailer by Professional Office Services

• Brochure: CMC Patient Handbook by Professional Office Services

• Installations: I (heart) W by Experience Waterloo

• Social Media: WildKind Packaging Social Media by Chipera Creative

GOLD ADDY WINNERS – Student

• Integrated Advertising Consumer Campaign: "Find Your Better" Campaign by AAF-UNI (University of Northern Iowa)

About The American Advertising Federation

AAF-Cedar Valley is the regional affiliate of the American Advertising Federation (AAF), headquartered in Washington, D.C., which acts as the "Unifying Voice for Advertising." The AAF is the oldest national advertising trade association, representing more than 40,000 professionals in the advertising industry. The AAF has a national network of 200 ad clubs located in ad communities across the country. Through more than 200 college chapters, the AAF provides 6,500 advertising students with real-world case studies and recruitment connections to corporate America. The AAF also has more than 100 blue-chip corporate members that are advertisers, agencies and media companies, comprising the nation's leading brands and corporations. For more information, visit www.aaf.org.