Regional News: the local update
Tim Brennan
An affiliate of the American Advertising Federation, Ad 2 Phoenix is a nonprofit organization made up of motivated young professionals in advertising, marketing and communications. The organization takes a fresh approach to helping new industry faces grow their careers, get involved in the community and remain connected through valuable and fun networking events. According to members, the group is an unusual combination of professionalism and social events that help young industry leaders stay fired up and advance in their careers. A big proponent of advanced technology and social media, Ad 2 Phoenix has risen to a new level of constant interaction through the unseen webs of cyberspace and satellite frequencies—technology that the average person hardly thinks twice about. But while they’re all about connecting through social media, they’re also big fans of that old school form of communication—meeting and mingling face to face. With their monthly happy hours at RA Sushi on Mill in Tempe, and educational events with guest speakers from the advertising industry, they bring people together for good times and intriguing discussions. “Work hard and play hard” is a common theme in the advertising industry. Ad 2 Phoenix members live by this philosophy, with an eagerness to succeed and to help others succeed. The organization is also about giving back to the community through an annual public service campaign for a local non-profit. Ad 2 Phoenix also offers access to VIP events and agency tours, leadership opportunities through participation on committees, Ad 2 regional and national conferences and networking at monthly happy hours, Ad Bash and Dodgebowl tournaments. For more information, visit www.ad2phoenix.com.
(Seated, left to right): Greg Swiscz, Julie Baker, Aga Westfal. (Standing, left to right): Elizabeth Hannen, Tim Brennan, Jessica Wong, Ryan Ferris, Candie Guay, Rachel Brockway. Not pictured: Courtney Crane, Freedom Shannon, Rayme Lofgren.
West Press recently received Master G7 certification from IDEAlliance, making it the only printer in southern Arizona to achieve this goal. The program certifies that the Tucson-based printer can implement the new G7 Proof-to-Print process, which provides 100 percent verifiable accuracy of color reproduction from digital image to final printed press sheet. West Press joins 220 other printers nationwide that have achieved this certification.
Also in the national spotlight is Tonic Photo Studios, a Phoenix commercial photography studio that specializes in cuisine, architecture, product and conceptual imagery. A division of R&R Images, the studio received a Gold ADDY at the AAF National 2009 ADDY Awards for “Smoke and Water,” a conceptual photo series by photographer Matt Baldwin. “For me, it’s an incredible personal achievement,” says Baldwin. “I’d say it ranks right up there with winning an Oscar.” Valley photographer David Zickl is in transition. After years of shooting for such publications as Arizona Highways, Time, Fortune and Forbes, he has decided to put down the lens and pick up the spatula as a student at the Arizona Culinary Institute. Known for its small class sizes and personalized, hands-on training, ACI is renowned for their program founded on proven French method cooking skills. An avid cook at home—and always one to entertain—Zickl enrolled at the culinary school in February and is set to graduate in November. “I may work at a fine restaurant like Binkley’s in Cave Creek, or perhaps I’ll incorporate food and photography and become a travel photographer/writer specializing in food and wine,” he says.
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fall 2009
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