Hello AAF of SWVA!

I just wanted to take a moment to thank each and every one of you for the excellent work that you have done this year. It is the work that you do day in and day out the elevates the businesses and organizations of our region, and inspires us to be better creatives, writers, marketers and communicators.

As you wind down 2016 and reflect on the year (and what a crazy year it has been), take some time to think about your best work this year. The work that was on point, sent a clear message, met the needs of your client – you know what I’m talking about…the work you are absolutely proud of. We want to celebrate that!

Take a few moments over the next couple of days and start your American Advertising Awards entries. Don’t worry – you have time to finish them when you get back into the office, but I promise you’ll be happy you got started.

This year is our 5th year hosting the first round of the American Advertising Awards in Southwest Virginia! Can you believe it?! And this year, more than most, I think we are all ready to unwind and relax a bit. That’s why I am so excited about our “Addy in Paradise” theme. Jimmy Buffett is the king of relaxing. I’m also excited to announce that our laid-back celebration will be taking place at the Wayne C. Henderson School for Appalachian Arts in Marion, VA the unofficial “Keywest of SWVA”. And to celebrate our 5th year and all the hard work we each do, we are partnering with the Henderson School to display all our entries in their main gallery from February into March! This is just one more way to showcase the creative communications work of Southwest Virginia.

Enjoy these last few days of 2016. We’ll see you at entry drop-offs on January 10th, 2017. In the mean time, let me know if I can help you in anyway with your entries. And remember – “when life gives you limes, just make margaritas.”