News Archive

Waking Sleeping Beauty

Thursday, August 12th, 2010
Posted by Teri Hamburger | No Comments

AAF Omaha Presents
“Waking Sleeping Beauty“ Movie Screening
Thursday, September 16th
The Dundee Theatre – 4952 Dodge Street
7:30 PM

“One of the best comeback stories in show
business history.”
– John Horn, Los Angeles Times

This documentary is a look behind the scenes at the re-birth of Disney animation. “Waking Sleeping Beauty“ is no fairytale. It is a story of clashing egos, out of control budgets, escalating tensions and one of the most extraordinary creative periods in animation history.

View Trailer

Public Service Applications Due September 10

Wednesday, August 11th, 2010
Posted by Teri Hamburger | No Comments

Annually, the American Advertising Federation Omaha (AAF Omaha) invites non-profit organizations from the metro area to submit applications for the voluntary development and placement of a public service advertising campaign.

AAF Omaha consists of more than 275 members from the local advertising community and is affiliated with the American Advertising Federation, headquartered in Washington D.C. Our association has a long-established commitment to public service advertising with the goal of improving the quality of life in our communities. Because of this commitment, AAF Omaha has voluntarily been involved in public service advertising projects for many years, creating and promoting pro-bono campaigns that would normally cost an average of $200,000. Recent campaign recipients include the Hope Center, Youth Emergency Services, Shaken Baby Task Force, The Kim Foundation/Project Relate, Children’s Respite Care Center, and the Family Justice Center of the Midlands.

AAF Omaha invites your organization to submit an application for the 2010-2011 public service campaign. If you believe public service advertising can help your organization achieve its goals, and if you are interested in working with AAF Omaha’s Public Service Committee in the development of a public service advertising campaign, complete and return the enclosed Application for Consideration. Please note that the application is not a form. Feel free to write, type or otherwise present your answers on separate sheets of paper.

Applications must be returned no later than Friday, September 10, 2010, to the attention of:

Jeffrey J. Maciejewski, Ph.D.

Department of Journalism & Mass Communication

Creighton University

2500 California Plaza

Omaha, NE 68178-0100

This application is being distributed to more than 200 non-profit organizations in the Omaha area. The Public Service Committee will review all applications and select one “client” no later than September 30, 2010. All organizations submitting applications will receive confirmation of the committee’s decision.

Questions please feel free to email Jeff at jeffm@creighton.edu.

2010 Public Service Advertising Application for Consideration

Stack Creative unConference

Thursday, July 15th, 2010
Posted by Teri Hamburger | No Comments

Belong. Network. SAVE.

The American Advertising Federation Omaha (AAF Omaha), is pleased to announce an exciting opportunity for its members.

The 2010 Stack Creative unConference is right around the corner, and AAF Omaha is able to offer its members a discounted registration rate-AAF OMAHA MEMBERS WILL SAVE $50!

What is an unConference?

An unConference is an interactive alternative to the usual conference. Because of the constantly changing nature of digital media, presentations that are prepared six months in advance are sometimes no longer relevant by the time they are given. At an unConference, the agenda is created live by its attendees, providing exchanges for participants that are up to the minute and always relevant. Most of the sessions are not
presentations but rather dialogues and conversations about emerging trends, issues
and industry projects.

Attendees will have the opportunity to:

Build new collaborative networks and partnerships across disciplines.
Learn something new from others in the field.
Find answers to the questions that matter to them.
Consider business issues related to the advertising industry.
Be exposed to new ideas for making and keeping advertising relevant.

Who’s Attending?

Participants for The Stack Creative unConference include many of the top creative minds in the MidWest

Including leaders from:

Traditional agencies
Interactive agencies
Clients from a broad range of industries
Production companies
Internet media properties
And people in diverse roles including creative directors, digital artists, CMOs, media planners, copywriters, art directors, futurists, geeks and technical people.

What will be talked about?

We expect questions like these to be addressed:
- What shifts are happening in the media landscape, and how are they changing the creative process?
- What are the shifts in business models?
- How are new technologies like smartphones, netbooks and GPS devices going to change advertising in the near term?
- Will online publications kill print? And if so, what then?
- As a traditional creative, what are effective strategies for expanding into the digital media ecology?
- As a digital native, how can I work more effectively with traditional creatives and weave our different skills/life experiences together?

All the sessions will have notes taken at them and a book of proceedings will be compiled-so those sessions you can’t make, you won’t completely miss. The following week, a summary of the events will be sent out via e-mail so that you can read up on all the other interesting topics discussed.

When and where does it all happen?

Tuesday, September 7
Nomad-1013 Jones Street, Omaha, NE 68102

How much is registration (for an AAF Omaha Member)?

Typically, registration for the event is $100. However, AAF Omaha members are able to receive a $50 discount by entering the organization’s promo code. Simply contact Teri Hamburger at 402.561.6625 or teri@novia.net and let her know that you’re registering for the event. She’ll then provide you with the promo code.
EVEN BETTER NEWS!! . all AAF Omaha members who register for the 2010 Stack Creative unConference will be entered into a drawing to have their unConference registration PAID FOR IN FULL. That’s right . members have the opportunity to attend the unConference for FREE!
And if you’re not currently an AAF Omaha member?? Become one! Check out our website at www.aafomaha.org or contact Teri Hamburger at 402.561.6625 or teri@novia.net and find out how you can become a member. Once you’re signed up, you can also receive the discounted 2010 Stack Creative unConference registration rate (you’ll save more than 25% on membership and unConference registration combined!). Plus, you’ll be entered into the drawing for the FREE unConference registration.

There’s More!!

When you become an AAF Omaha member, you’ll begin receiving other great AAF Omaha benefits including:
- Networking opportunities with local industry leaders
- Discounted rates for professional development
- Discounted ADDY® Awards entries
- Timely information on local and national advertising issues
- And more!!

Check out the 2010 Stack Creative unConference website for more details and to see who’s attending: http://www.stack2010.com/

AAF Omaha Names 2010-2011 Board

Tuesday, July 6th, 2010
Posted by Teri Hamburger | No Comments

Ashlee Purcell, President AAF Omaha

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
American Advertising Federation Omaha

The American Advertising Federation Omaha (AAF Omaha)
Names New Board of Directors

(Omaha, Neb.) July 6, 2010 - The American Advertising Federation Omaha (AAF Omaha) formerly the Omaha Federation of Advertising, a professional organizaiton of advertising agencies, marketers, media, academia and public relations practitioners has elected a new Board of Directors for 2010-2011.

2010-2011 AAF Omaha Board of Directors

Officers:
President                                              Ashlee Purcell, Redstone
1st Vice President – Treasurer                Michael Goldsmith, Lincoln Financial Group
2nd Vice President – Membership           Teresa Lauver, C & A Industries, Inc.
Chairman & Legislative Affairs                 Jane Shinn, JES Design & Domestic Violence Coordinating Council

Directors:
Sarah Childers, Coldwell Banker Commercial World Group
Patrick Stibbs, On the Spot Productions & Journal Broadcast Group
Jenny Dillingham, SKAR Advertising
Morgan Havermann, Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation
Kathleen Overholt, Thought District
Jeffrey Maciejewski, Creighton University
Nicole Steier, Crossroads of Western Iowa
Bryan Mohr, Bozell
Michael Johnson, Swanson Russell
Rhonda Richardson, A & K Marketing, Inc.
Nikki Huffman, Qwest Center Omaha
Brenda Stewart, WOWT

Board Advisor:
Greg Ahrens, SKAR Advertising

American Advertising Federation Omaha, www.aafomaha.org

Founded in 1906, the American Advertising Federation Omaha (AAF Omaha) is considered the unifying voice of advertising in the Omaha/Council Bluffs metropolitan area. The professional association is made up of and represents corporate advertising, agencies, marketing, media, printing, suppliers, academia and other advertising and public relations professionals. As advocates for the rights of advertisers, we educate policy makers, the media and the general public on the value advertising brings to the well-being of our community and the economy.

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AAF Omaha Speakers Bureau

Wednesday, June 23rd, 2010
Posted by Teri Hamburger | No Comments

AAF Omaha is seeking advertising professionals and creative gurus who are interested in joining the AAF Omaha Speakers Bureau. Speakers are needed for the following topics:

     Design
     Agency/Client Relationships
     Media
     Multiculturalism/Diversity
     Interactive
     Management
     Professional Development
     Production
     Public Relations

Comprised of Omaha’s fines advertising professional, the Speakers Bureau is a great opportunity to inspire and educate students about the exciting world of advertising – from the clients and creativity to the occasional chaos. Please consider lending your expertise to the Bureau and to AAF Omaha’s Education Committee. If you would like to become a member of the Speakers Bureau, please contact Teri Hamburger at teri@novia.net or call the AAF Omaha office at 402.561.6625.

AAF Omaha Wins National Awards

Tuesday, June 22nd, 2010
Posted by Teri Hamburger | No Comments

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
AAF Omaha
402.561.6625

(Omaha, Neb.) June 22, 2010 – The American Advertising Federation Omaha (AAF Omaha), a professional organization of advertising agencies, marketers, media, academia and public relations practitioners, won several national American Advertising Federation awards including first place in the category of Public Service, and second place in Advertising Education, Government Relations and Membership. Awards were presented during the national American Advertising Federation annual conference June 10-12, 2010 in Orlando, Florida.

The AAF Omaha received top honors for its public service advertising campaign developed for the Domestic Violence Coordinating Council (DVCC) Family Justice Center of the Midlands. The DVCC is an Omaha-based non-profit providing prevention, intervention, and treatment techniques for assisting individuals, area organizations and agencies dedicated to serving those effected by and at greatest risk of domestic violence. Members of Omaha’s advertising and marketing community donated time and resources to complete the public awareness campaign. AAF Omaha will continue their partnership with the DVCC through the 2010 calendar year.

Each year, the AAF Omaha chooses a local non-profit organization to receive a comprehensive advertising campaign at little or no cost. Local non-profits can apply to be considered for the 2010-11 Public Service Campaign. The application can be found online at www.aafomaha.org. Recent campaign recipients include Partners for Meth Prevention, The Hope Center, Shaken Baby Task Force, The Kim Foundation/Project Relate, Youth Emergency Services and Children’s Respite Care Center.

AAF Omaha also won national American Advertising Federation awards for second place in Advertising Education, Government Relations and Membership. “Receiving recognition for AAF Omaha’s club achievements was exhilarating! The creative and talented collection of AAF Omaha members’ collective work is extraordinary and rival those across the nation”, said AAF Omaha president, Jane Shinn.

AAF Omaha educates members on the latest trends in technology, creativity and marketing through seminars, monthly luncheon speakers, exhibitions and trade shows. In addition, AAF Omaha offers members networking to assist members in expanding client and referral lists, offering the opportunity to broaden members’ appeal in the job market.

One of AAF Omaha’s national award winning programs is Meet the Pros, attended annually by over 200 students and involves over 150 area professionals. Meet the Pros is a two-day educational program that helps college students learn more about the advertising industry, become better prepared for the “real world,” and meet area professionals. The American Advertising Federation Omaha each spring awards college juniors and seniors scholarships to area universities. For more information on AAF Omaha educational programs visit www.aafomaha.org .

AAF Omaha, www.aafomaha.org, founded in 1906, formerly the Omaha Federation of Advertising (OFA) is considered the unifying voice of advertising in the Omaha/Council Bluffs metropolitan area. The professional association is made up of and represents corporate advertising, agencies, marketing, media, printing, suppliers, academia and other advertising and public relations professionals. As advocates for the rights of advertisers, we educate policy makers, the media and the general public on the value advertising brings to the well being of our community and the economy.

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AAF Omaha Board of Director Bios

Monday, June 21st, 2010
Posted by Teri Hamburger | No Comments

Election Bios 2010-2011

Join an AAF Omaha Committee today!

Wednesday, June 9th, 2010
Posted by Teri Hamburger | No Comments

The American Advertising Federation Omaha (AAF Omaha) is driven by the volunteer efforts of its membership. Through the work of board members and committees AAF Omaha remains a strong voice in your industry. Most efforts require just an hour or two of your time per month. Please consider joining a committee today!

Thanks to members like you, AAF Omaha will continue to grow stronger. As we move forward to make our club and industry even better, we need your active involvement to achieve another successful year for the club.

Please email teri@novia.net with your committee selections. Or update your Membership Profile and tell us what activities you would like to be involved with. You may select more than one committee listed below. You will be contacted by an AAF Omaha Board Member to provide you with committee information and meeting dates. Your active participation in the American Advertising Federation Omaha is very much appreciated!

Education/Scholarship/Speakers Bureau
Meet the Pros
AdBites Professional Development over Lunch
AdNight After Hours Networking
Fundraisers
Holiday Party
Bowl-O-Rama
AdWars
Nebraska Advertising Awards, ADDYs
Newsletter, AdMuse and Public Relations
Public Service
Membership
Legislative Issues
Diversity
Movie Series

AAF Omaha Announces Scholarship Winners

Tuesday, April 27th, 2010
Posted by Teri Hamburger | No Comments

American Advertising Federation Omaha Awards
Scholarships for 2010-2011 School Year

(OMAHA, Neb. – April 26, 2010) – American Advertising Federation Omaha (AAF Omaha), formerly the Omaha Federation of Advertising, announced winners of the 2010 AAF Omaha Scholarships today. In 1987 AAF Omaha established two scholarship funds to honor students attending Creighton University, University of Nebraska at Omaha, University of Nebraska-Lincoln and University of Nebraska at Kearney.

“AAF Omaha proudly supports students pursuing careers in advertising, marketing, graphic design and communications,” said Jane Shinn, AAF Omaha’s president. “Offering scholarships is one way to help them meet their goals and help us build future leaders for our community and our industry.”

Eligible students must have completed the first semester of their junior year as an advertising, marketing or communications related major and show great interest in the field of advertising. Selection criteria include academic performance of a 3.0 grade point average or above and extracurricular activities including AAF student advertising club involvement.

We are pleased to award three $2,000 scholarships to the following students:

Anna Marie Berlett, University of Nebraska at Omaha
Tom McCauley, University of Nebraska at Omaha
Yang Song, University of Nebraska at Kearney

$1,000 scholarships will be awarded to the following four students:

Maureen Lodoen, Creighton University
Brittany Mascio, Creighton University
Allison Busch, University of Nebraska-Lincoln
Brianne Hake, University of Nebraska-Lincoln

The winning 7 scholars have been invited to attend the AAF Omaha AdBites, Professional Development Seminar, on May 18^th at the Regency Lodge where they will be honored by the AAF Omaha membership. For more information on this educational program please contact the AAF Omaha office 402.561.6625.

With more than 250 members, the American Advertising Federation Omaha is the unifying voice for advertising in the Omaha/Council Bluffs metropolitan area.

2010 AAF Omaha Ad Pro & Ad Rookie

Thursday, February 18th, 2010
Posted by Teri Hamburger | No Comments

AAF Omaha proudly congratulates Greg Ahrens Ad Pro of the Year!

Greg Ahrens is the recipient of the AAF Omaha Ad Pro of the year. Ahrens is a partner and co-creative director with SKAR Advertising. He wears lots of hats with great aplomb, including writer and producer/co-creative director/vice president/partner.

The Ad Pro of the Year award is give to an AAF Omaha member who has a distinguished track record of service in advertising including professional and community service, with particular attention to AAF Omaha Service.

Ahrens has been involved with the AAF Omaha board of directors for the past five years and has been a member of AAF Omaha for many more. Ahrens has served as the president of our organization and as the board chairman. He also has chaired several public service campaigns on behalf of AAF Omaha. Ahrens has more than 20 years of advertising experience and has worked for SKAR Advertising for 15 years. With Greg’s Public Service leadership, he and his committee won both AAF District Nine and AAF national awards with outstanding public service campaigns.

Ahrens also served our country as a member of the Iowa National Guard for approximately 20 years. He has been involved in public service projects for Teddy Bear Hollow, JDRF, the Ollie Webb Center, the Hope Center and Partners for Meth Prevention. Other professional pursuits on behalf of AAF Omaha include his involvement with legislative issues as they affect advertising and his creative contributions to local ADDY shows and the District Nine Convention held in Omaha in 2008.

AAF Omaha proudly congratulates Katie Godbout Ad Rookie of the Year!

Katie Godbout has been awarded the 2010 AAF Omaha Ad Rookie of the Year. Godbout is the Public Relations Director for the Boy Scouts of America, Mid-American Council. She’s in charge of nearly all things communication including the councils website, newsletter, e-newsletters, media relations and promotional pieces.

Despite her young age, her responsibilities are great. She handled the crisis communications for the Little Sioux Scout Ranch in June of 2008. This year, the council is celebrating 100 Years of Scouting. Katie developed the Mid-America Council Centennial History Exhibit at the Durham Museum and she’s even compiling the Council’s History Book.

The Ad Rookie of the Year award is given to an AAF Omaha member with five or fewer years in the advertising business who demonstrates outstanding work both professionally and in the community, with attention to AAF Omaha service.

Godbout started her AAF Omaha involvement serving on the Communications Committee and has served on the board of directors for the past three years as the Communications Board Member in charge of the organization’s monthly newsletter and official club communications.

Katie is a dedicated AAF Omaha board member who truly understands the AAF mission. She shares her commitment to make advertising a positive force in our community and helps bind together the mutual interest of corporate advertisers, agencies, suppliers, academia and other advertising and public relations professionals.

Cris Hay-Merchant Silver Medal Recipient

Sunday, February 7th, 2010
Posted by Teri Hamburger | No Comments

Cris Hay-Merchant has been named the
recipient of the 2010 Silver Medal Award from the American Advertising Federation Omaha (AAF Omaha).

Hay-Merchant, who currently serves as Director of Marketing Communications at Woodmen of the World Life Insurance Society, has more than 20 years of marketing communications experience and has worked in both corporate and agency settings.
The Silver Medal Award is given to an AAF Omaha member who has achieved success in his or her career; shown a consistent high degree of creative and original thinking in work endeavors; worked to increase the stature and raise the standards for the advertising profession; and been active in civic groups including the AAF Omaha.

Throughout her career, Hay-Merchant has been actively involved in industry organizations. She served as President and Chair of the Omaha Federation of Advertising (now American Advertising Federation Omaha); as President of the International Association of Business Communicators; and as President and then Chair of the National Fraternal Congress of America, Nebraska Chapter. She earned her Accreditation in Public Relations in 2006 from the Public Relations Society of America.

Hay-Merchant was presented the Silver Medal Award on Saturday, February 6, at the 17^th Annual Nebraska ADDY Awards.

Diane Krajicek, Director of Strategic Planning at Bailey Lauerman was named the American Advertising Federation Lincoln 2010 Silver Medal winner.

OFA Selects Domestic Violence Coordinating Council for Public Service Campaign

Wednesday, February 25th, 2009
Posted by Teri Hamburger | No Comments

The Omaha Federation of Advertising (OFA) has selected the Domestic Violence Coordinating Council of Greater Omaha (DVCC) as its public service recipient for 2009.

“This year’s OFA Public Service Committee will be producing a highly effective public awareness campaign to promote essential prevention, intervention, and treatment techniques for assisting individuals, area organizations and agencies dedicated to serving those effected by and at greatest risk of domestic violence (DV).” said James Taylor, OFA public service committee chair.

Karen Hadley, DVCC Executive Director said, “We’re looking forward to working with the OFA to create an ad campaign that will serve as a powerful Call to Action to create awareness about the inexcusable acts of violence that take a tremendous toll on families. We are keenly aware that many victims live in fear and silence every day. DV effects people from all walks of life and knows no boundaries. The DVCC is truly excited to work with the OFA to raise awareness and give hope to those in need of services and support.”

The OFA will help DVCC by providing a pro-bono advertising campaign, which in the past has had an average worth of $300,000 thanks to the support of area advertising agencies and vendors. The campaign is currently under development and is slated to kick off in May 2009 and run through December 2009. Past public service projects recipients include, Project Relate, The Shaken Baby Task Force, The Hope Center, The Ollie Webb Center, Parents United, Youth Emergency Services, the Aidan O’Neil Foundation for the Prevention of Childhood Cancer, Partners for Meth Prevention and Children’s Respite Care Center.

Speakers’ Bureau

Thursday, January 8th, 2009
Posted by Teri Hamburger | No Comments

The OFA strives to educate members, students and area professionals about the advertising industry. If you’re looking for a speaker for your next event please contact us.

(Use the list below to choose a speaker topic and email teri@novia.net to schedule an engagement.)

Advertising
Agency/Client Relationships
Communications
Creativity
Design
Interactive
Management
Marketing
Media
Personal/Professional Development

Speakers
We are looking for professionals in the advertising/marketing industry who are willing to share their knowledge and experience with our club. Please email teri@novia.net if you are interested in speaking about one of the topics above.