• Each year members of the advertising creative community (i.e., the "creatives") are recognized by the Central Georgia Advertising Federation at its annual ADDY Awards show. Until recently there has been little done to recognize the achievements of the other local advertising & marketing professionals (i.e., "the suits"). To rectify this oversight the Central Georgia Ad Fed is going to recognize Central Georgia's outstanding marketing & advertising Xecutives and Xperts at its 2006 ADDY Awards Show on Friday, March 3, 2006.

• Any Central Georgia Ad Fed member or individual employed by a local (Central Georgia) marketing or advertising firm, supplier, or local media is eligible to nominate one or more persons for the "MAX" Awards. The official 2006 "MAX" Awards Nomination Form is can be downloaded here. You may make nominations in one or all categories… whoever you feel is deserving. Download the form now to nominate someone.

• You first need to be nominated in the appropriate category by your superior, subordinate, peer, colleague, or even a competitor. Votes will be tallied by the Central Georgia Ad Fed's Board of Directors and the Board will determine all final winners. Winners will receive a free invitation to the 2006 ADDY Awards Show in February where they will be recognized for their accomplishments and receive a framed 2006 MAX Award.

• All nominations must be postmarked/e-mailed by Thursday, February 15, 2007.
• Return nominations via e-mail.

 

2006-2007 MAX AWARD WINNERS

Dedicated to Jess Branson

The 2006-2007 MAX Awards are dedicated to the memory of Jess Branson
Some of the radio stations where Jess worked over his years were WRPB, WRBN and WNNG in WR; ,WCEH in Hawkinsville; WOGA in Chattanooga; WPLO in Atlanta; WAME in Miami and of course WMAZ,WCRY,WPEZ,WDEN, WNEX, and WBML here in Macon.

Some comments from his former colleagues include:
From Jim McLendon, now at Cox Media:
“Jess Branson was a pioneer in radio broadcasting, starting as a newscaster and moving into sales. His career spanned well over 30 years and his leadership and positive attitude influenced many young broadcasters and sales people. His positive attitude led him to work right up until the last few weeks of losing his hard fought battle with cancer.”

Skip Holmes, one of his friends and a fellow broadcaster comments:
“Jess was a credit to the business, sorely missed by a number of friends and fellow broadcasters. ...”

It is rare to have had an individual who had been in all aspects of a particular media. Jess Branson was that person. Whether it was production, management, sales, promotion or any other facet of radio, Jess was the consummate professional.

2006 Best Local TV Personality
Laurie Sikora – Sikora Productions

2006 Best Local Radio Personality
Jami Gaudet – WMAC AM940

2006 Most Knowledgeable TV Account Executive
Kim Hanks – WGXA FOX24

2006 Most Knowledgeable Radio Account Executive
Derek Wright – Clear Channel

2006 Most Knowledgeable Print Account Executive
Diane Rankin – The Telegraph

2006 Best Local Photographer
Maryann Bates – Maryann Bates Photography

2006 Best Marketing Director
Cyndey Busbee

2006 The Advertiser of the Year
American Professional Institute

2006 Best Graphic Designer
Meagan Evans – 11th Hour

2006 Best Video Editor
Greg Dinkins – Cox Media

2006 Best Videographer
Spiro Winsett – Casta Diva Productions

2006 Best Producer
Tabitha Walker – Cox Communications

2006 Best Sound Producer
Ben Sandifer – GMS Productions

Best Production Manager
Parla Brigman – Cox Communications

2006 Best Sales Manager
Amy Rowley – Cox Communications

2006 Best Website Designer
Mark Strozier – The Brainstorm Lab

2006 Best Copywriter
Jessica Walden-Griner – iMedia

2006 Best Editor
Jessica Walden-Griner – iMedia

The Sage
Ron Williams – iMedia