Advantage Communications, Inc. Receives National Recognition for Minority-Based Stamp Out Smoking Campaign - Again

(Little Rock, Arkansas – October 30, 2013) Advantage Communications, Inc. – a full service marketing, advertising, and public relations agency based in Little Rock, Arkansas – has received a DTC Multicultural Health National Advertising Award honoring its work in consumer communications for Stamp Out Smoking.

DTC Perspectives’ Multicultural Health National Advertising Awards recognize the outstanding creative accomplishments of companies and advertising agencies in multicultural health advertising.  Now in its second year, the DTC Multicultural National Advertising Awards accepted nominations and reviewed submissions by a team of creative experts.  Advantage Communications, Inc.’s work for the Minority Initiative Sub-Recipient Grant Office (MISRGO) at the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff (UAPB) and Stamp Out Smoking (SOS) was recognized from a pool of hundreds of entries.

In partnership with MISRGO/UAPB/SOS, Advantage Communications, Inc. executed a campaign entitled “I Can’t Imagine” featuring former Arkansas Razorback and New York Knicks and current Oklahoma City Thunder NBA player, Ronnie Brewer.  This campaign received a Bronze Award for Best Radio Campaign at the DTC Multicultural Health National Awards Dinner in October.

“This recognition demonstrates the commitment of Advantage Communications, Inc. to produce consumer communications materials that speak to the needs of our valued citizens,” stated Michael Steele, President and CEO of Advantage Communications, Inc. “We are honored to have received recognition from the DTC Perspectives’ Awards in support of the great work spearheaded by MISRGO/UAPB.  We look forward to continuing our partnership with this client to educate Arkansans about the dangers of tobacco use and encourage them to Stamp Out Smoking.”

Advantage Communications, Inc. is an award-winning advertising agency.  Over the years, Advantage Communications, Inc. has received awards such as the W3 Award, the International Davey Award, Addy Award, Public Health Award, The Communicator Award, the DTC National Advertising Award, and the Small Business of the Year Award.

“We are very proud of the ‘I Can’t Imagine’ campaign with Ronnie Brewer,” said Dr. Marian Evans-Lee, MISRGO Program Coordinator.  “The initiative was very successful in targeting African American males and increased the number of minority calls to the Arkansas Tobacco Quit Line.”

To learn more about the DTC Multicultural Health National Advertising Awards, visit www.dtcperspectives.com. 

About Advantage Communications, Inc.

Advantage Communications, Inc. is a full-service, advertising, marketing and public relations agency. This agency specializes in creating value for its client partners and providing multicultural marketing expertise. Advantage Communications, Inc. proudly serves a variety of clients some of which include Verizon Wireless, General Motors, Central Arkansas Water, Arkansas Adult Education, Stamp Out Smoking, the Department of Workforce Services, the Arkansas Department of Health HIV/STD Section, Arkansas Rehabilitation Services, and more. For more information, visit www.advantageci.com.

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Advantage Communications, Inc. Nationally Recognized for Work with General Motors

Agency Receives Award for Publication Excellence (APEX)

Advantage Communications, Inc., touted as the fastest growing full-service marketing, advertising, and public relations agency in the South, received a national Award for Publication Excellence (APEX) for work with General Motors’ Minority Dealer Development (MDD) program, specifically via the initiative’s quarterly publication, Inform. The publication was recognized by APEX in the category of “Most Improved.”

“We consider this recognition a true testament of our commitment to quality communications, brand marketing, discipline, and innovation at Advantage Communications, Inc.,” said CEO, Michael Steele. “Value-added marketing is the cornerstone of our company’s culture and one of the many things that has allowed us to exceed our clients’ expectations. We thank APEX for this prestigious honor.”

Since 1972, General Motors has provided industry leading training opportunities to qualified minorities to help prepare them to become future dealers and to help them succeed once they become dealers. GM was the first US automaker to institute a structured minority dealer initiative in the industry.

Advantage Communications, Inc. has the privilege of working with national brands including General Motors, Verizon Wireless, The Coca-Cola Company, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation and strong regional campaigns such as Stamp Out Smoking and HIV/AIDS prevention. Advantage Communications, Inc. has also received recognition/awards such as the Small Business of the Year Award, The Communicator Award, the W3 Award, several Addy Awards, the Davey Award, the DTC National Advertising Award, and the Public Health Award, to name a few.

APEX, sponsored by Communications Concepts, Inc., is now in its 25th year of recognizing excellence in graphic design, editorial content, and the success of the entry in achieving overall communications effectiveness and excellence. For more information, visit www.apexawards.com. To view a copy of Inform, visit www.gmdealerdevelopment.com/events.aspx.

About Advantage Communications, Inc. 
Advantage Communications, Inc. is a full-service marketing, advertising, and public relations agency represented by a multi-talented, multicultural staff. Advantage Communications, Inc. clients include General Motors, Verizon Wireless, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Arkansas Department of Health, ARVEST Bank, the Arkansas Department of Career Education, and the Arkansas Department of Workforce Services, to name a few.. For more information about Advantage Communications, Inc. visit www.advantageci.com or call 501.374.2220.

Advantage Communications, Inc. to Partner with Arkansas State Board of Optometry

Advantage Communications, Inc. – a full service marketing, advertising, and public relations agency – will partner with the Arkansas State Board of Optometry to educate Arkansans on the dangers associated with wearing decorative contact lenses purchased online or in convenience stores.

The Arkansas State Board of Optometry is made up of licensed optometrists who work with the Arkansas Governor and Arkansas Attorney General to prepare optometrists to practice in Arkansas, award and renew licenses, provide continuing training, and enforce laws banning the illegal sale of decorative contact lenses.

“We are honored and excited to partner with the Arkansas State Board of Optometry,” said Michael Steele, President and CEO of Advantage Communications, Inc. “We are passionate about health issues affecting our neighbors and look forward to a successful public education initiative.”Decorative contact lenses (i.e. cosmetic tinted or Halloween design) can cause serious damage and, even, vision loss if worn without a prescription from a licensed eye-care professional.

“We have seen a lot of damage done by Arkansans – especially young people – wearing these decorative contact lenses without a prescription,” said Dr. Howard Flippin, O.D. and Executive Director of the Arkansas State Board of Optometry.  “We are looking forward to letting Arkansans know how dangerous these contacts can be without first consulting your doctor.”

Recognized by Black Enterprise magazine as the fastest-growing agency in the South, Advantage Communications, Inc. is an award-winning advertising agency.  Over the years, Advantage Communications, Inc. has received awards such as the W3 Award, Addy Award, Public Health Award, The Communicator Award and the Small Business of the Year Award, and, most recently, the DTC Perspectives Advertising Award for health communications.  For more information, visit www.advantageci.com.

About Advantage Communications, Inc.
Advantage Communications, Inc. is a full-service, advertising, marketing and public relations agency specializing in creating value for client partners and providing multicultural marketing expertise. Advantage Communications, Inc. proudly serves a variety of clients some of which include Verizon Wireless, General Motors, Central Arkansas Water, Arkansas Adult Education, Stamp Out Smoking, the Department of Workforce Services, the Arkansas Department of Health HIV/STD Section, Arkansas Rehabilitation Services, and more. 

Advantage Communications, Inc. Receives International Recognition for Annual Report

Advantage Communications, Inc. – a full service marketing, advertising, and public relations agency based in Little Rock, Arkansas – has received notification by The International Davey Awards that its work in consumer communications will be honored by the organization.

The International Davey Awards recognizes the outstanding creative accomplishments of advertising agencies.  Now in its eighth year, The International Davey Awards accepted nominations and reviewed submissions by a team of creative experts. Advantage Communications, Inc.’s work for Central Arkansas Water was recognized from a pool of thousands of entries.

The Consumer Confidence Rule requires public water suppliers that serve the same people year round (community water systems) to provide consumer confidence reports (CCR) to their customers. These reports are also known as annual water quality reports or drinking water quality reports. In compliance and adherence to this rule, Central Arkansas Water releases its Water Quality Report each year. Central Arkansas Water’s 2011 edition of its Water Quality Report has won this recognition by The International Davey Awards.

“This recognition demonstrates the commitment of Advantage Communications, Inc. to produce consumer communications materials that speak to the needs of our valued citizens,” stated Michael Steele, President and CEO of Advantage Communications, Inc. “We are honored to have received recognition from the Davey Awards in support of the great work spearheaded by Central Arkansas Water. We look forward to continuing our partnership with this client to share with Arkansans why our water is truly Essential and Exceptional.”

Advantage Communications, Inc. is an award-winning advertising agency.  Over the years, Advantage Communications, Inc. has received awards such as the W3 Award, Addy Award, Public Health Award, The Communicator Award and the Small Business of the Year Award. 

About Advantage Communications, Inc.

Advantage Communications, Inc. is a full-service, advertising, marketing and public relations agency located in downtown Little Rock with a satellite office in Phoenix, Arizona. This agency specializes in creating value for its client partners and providing multicultural marketing expertise. Advantage Communications, Inc. proudly serves a variety of clients some of which include Verizon Wireless, General Motors, Central Arkansas Water, Arkansas Adult Education, Stamp Out Smoking, the Department of Workforce Services, the Arkansas Department of Health HIV/STD Section, Arkansas Rehabilitation Services, and more. For more information, visit www.advantageci.com. 

Advantage Communications, Inc. Receives National Recognition for Minority-Based Stamp Out Smoking Campaign

Advantage Communications, Inc. – a full service marketing, advertising, and public relations agency based in Little Rock, Arkansas – has received a DTC National Advertising Award honoring its work in consumer communications for Stamp Out Smoking.

DTC Perspectives’ National Advertising Awards recognize the outstanding creative accomplishments of companies and advertising agencies in health advertising.  Now in its eleventh year, the DTC National Advertising Awards accepted nominations and reviewed submissions by a team of creative experts.  Advantage Communications, Inc.’s work for the Minority Initiative Sub-Recipient Grant Office (MISRGO) at the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff (UAPB) and Stamp Out Smoking (SOS) was recognized from a pool of hundreds of entries.

In partnership with MISRGO/UAPB/SOS, Advantage Communications, Inc. executed a campaign entitled “I Can’t Imagine” featuring former Arkansas Razorback and New York Knicks and current Oklahoma City Thunder NBA player, Ronnie Brewer.  This campaign received a Silver Award for Best Multicultural Campaign at the DTC National Awards Dinner in April.

“This recognition demonstrates the commitment of Advantage Communications, Inc. to produce consumer communications materials that speak to the needs of our valued citizens,” stated Michael Steele, President and CEO of Advantage Communications, Inc. “We are honored to have received recognition from the DTC Perspectives’ Awards in support of the great work spearheaded by MISRGO/UAPB.  We look forward to continuing our partnership with this client to educate Arkansans about the dangers of tobacco use and encourage them to Stamp Out Smoking.”

Advantage Communications, Inc. is an award-winning advertising agency.  Over the years, Advantage Communications, Inc. has received awards such as the W3 Award, the International Davey Award, Addy Award, Public Health Award, The Communicator Award and the Small Business of the Year Award.

“We are very proud of the ‘I Can’t Imagine’ campaign with Ronnie Brewer,” said Dr. Marian Evans-Lee, MISRGO Program Coordinator.  “The initiative was very successful in targeting African American males and increased the number of minority calls to the Arkansas Tobacco Quit Line.”

To learn more about the DTC National Advertising Awards, visit www.dtcperspectives.com. 

About Advantage Communications, Inc.

Advantage Communications, Inc. is a full-service, advertising, marketing and public relations agency. This agency specializes in creating value for its client partners and providing multicultural marketing expertise. Advantage Communications, Inc. proudly serves a variety of clients some of which include Verizon Wireless, General Motors, Central Arkansas Water, Arkansas Adult Education, Stamp Out Smoking, the Department of Workforce Services, the Arkansas Department of Health HIV/STD Section, Arkansas Rehabilitation Services, and more. For more information, visit www.advantageci.com.

Hallie Shoffner Hired as Associate Account Executive

Hallie Shoffner, recent graduate of the University of Arkansas Clinton School of Public Service, has been hired as Associate Account Executive at Advantage Communications, Inc. – a full-service, marketing, advertising and public relations agency located in Little Rock, Arkansas.

In her role, Shoffner will support the development and execution of strategic marketing and communications plans for specific agency clients.  She will also support and manage social media strategies and provide public relations for the agency.  

“Our industry is driven by new talent such as Hallie, and we are proud to bring her on board.  She brings new thinking and innovation to our growing team here at Advantage Communications, Inc.” commented Michael Steele, President and CEO, Advantage Communications, Inc.  “Our industry mandates fresh ideas and new experiences.  We look forward to witnessing Hallie’s success.”

A Newport, Arkansas, native, Shoffner earned a bachelor’s degree in Spanish from the Vanderbilt University in Nashville, Tennessee and a master’s degree in Public Service from the University of Arkansas Clinton School of Public Service. Prior to joining Advantage Communications, Inc., Shoffner worked in the nonprofit arena including projects in women’s health in Kolkata, India; Lima, Peru; and the Peruvian Amazon Rainforest.  From 2011-2012, Shoffner served as Executive Director of Seis Puentes, a nonprofit in North Little Rock committed to serving Arkansas’ immigrant community through education.  Shoffner is fluent in Spanish.  Most recently, she worked as Deputy Campaign Manager on Representative Tracy Steele’s bid for Mayor of North Little Rock, Arkansas.

About Advantage Communications, Inc.

Advantage Communications, Inc. is a full-service, advertising, marketing and public relations agency located in downtown Little Rock with an office in Phoenix, Arizona. This agency specializes in creating value for its client partners and providing multicultural marketing expertise. Advantage Communications, Inc. proudly serves a variety of clients some of which include Verizon Wireless, General Motors, Central Arkansas Water, Arkansas Adult Education, Stamp Out Smoking, the Department of Workforce Services, the Arkansas Department of Health HIV/STD Section, Arkansas Rehabilitation Services, and more. For more information, visit www.advantageci.com.

Ben Brockman Hired as Marketing Coordinator

Ben Brockman has been hired as Marketing Coordinator at Advantage Communications, Inc. – a full-service, marketing, advertising and public relations agency.

In his role, Brockman will support the tracking and analytics division of the agency in measuring and evaluating the success of all agency campaigns.  He will also specialize in direct mail and e-blast communications.    

“Our industry is driven by new talent such as Ben, and we are proud to bring him on board.  He brings new thinking and innovation to our growing team here at Advantage Communications, Inc.” commented Michael Steele, President and CEO, Advantage Communications, Inc.  “Our industry mandates fresh ideas and new experiences.  We look forward to witnessing Ben’s success.”

An Arkansas native, Ben earned a bachelor’s degree in Marketing Management from the University of Arkansas.  He is a member of the American Marketing Association, involved with the community service team and winner of a product development competition for Spectrum Brands.

About Advantage Communications, Inc.

Advantage Communications, Inc. is a full-service, advertising, marketing and public relations agency located in downtown Little Rock with an office in Phoenix, Arizona. This agency specializes in creating value for its client partners and providing multicultural marketing expertise. Advantage Communications, Inc. proudly serves a variety of clients some of which include Verizon Wireless, General Motors, Central Arkansas Water, Arkansas Adult Education, Stamp Out Smoking, the Department of Workforce Services, the Arkansas Department of Health HIV/STD Section, Arkansas Rehabilitation Services, and more.  For more information, visit www.advantageci.com.