2012 State of the RAF

The 2012 state of the RAF. My last address I get to give as president, and I am leaving on a high note. I soon pass the presidential torch to T.C. Pellett. The Marketing guru over at the Monroe County Parks Dept. As a non-agency employee, he brings a unique perspective to the board. One that welcomes the further inclusion of our entire creative community from agency to client and freelancer to student. T.C. has an extensive background serving on boards to help make our community stronger. He is connected. Works with the Seneca Park Zoo, owns a freelance design firm and was honored this past year with the prestigious RBJ 40 under 40 distinction. He gets it. And the RAF is lucky to have him at the helm. For me, turning things over is bitter sweet. I have enjoyed being the RAF president (way more than I thought I would… thanks Kate and Pete for the push) but since I am three years into a two year term, I know it’s time to let a new way of thinking take over to continue the positive momentum. T.C. is the perfect choice, and I thank him for his service to the RAF in advance.

Our year started out strong with our board completely retooling the RAF bylaws and returning the board structure back to its roots. I know, it sounds boring, but for those serving on the board it was a much needed step in order for us to grow. The RAF board is a volunteer working board that needs to have a process in place in order to move forward. T.C.’s influence and experience on past boards has already paid off, since he spearheaded this effort along with Andrea Zuegel, Jeff Zielinski (the Partner’s one) and myself. Our programing also started with solid showing with the Cannes Lions event at the Eastman House. This event brought together broadcast and agency people together for a spirited discussion from our 3 panelists and moderator. Inspiration was overflowing that day, I encourage you not to miss the next one coming this fall. 20 Minutes and a Beer has been a staple program for the RAF and has caught the National eye form our fellow AAF affiliates from across the county. Using the RAF program as a model other groups now hold their own 20 Minutes and a Beer events in Florida, Pennsylvania and Ohio to name a few. Wait until they hear about how we customized it for the students at RIT with 20 Minutes and a Pizza. The RAF is again lead the way Nationally. And If you want to be one of the speakers for this event or have some ideas on topics please let us know. We are always eager for suggestions. This year also marked the first time the RAF was awarded with a 3rd place AAF Club Achievement award for our programming. The AAF Club Achievement awards recognize the good efforts Clubs like our do over the year. It’s kinda like the Addy’s for the Groups.

Speaking of which, the Addy’s this year were way different. It was a gamble that I am glad the RAF board took in order to bring the show into the digital age. And for the first time in recent memory the Addy’s didn’t lose money. A huge step for the RAF. Some of our Addy winners went on to win Gold and Silver at the District 2 level. And the RAF is also fortunate to have a great showing at the National Addys his year in Austin.

Our National winners are:

From RIT, congrats Hope Tweed for this #addyinspired entry: La Jolla Mobile App Design,

Also from RIT congrats to Jon Brennan for a 2 #addyinspired entries: Know Your Beers and Traveller’s Guide to Boulder

Roberts Communications also is #rafaddyinspired with this entry: Xerox – Jazz Festival Campaign. This entry also was the 2012 people’s choice award at the Addy’s this year. What can I say, the RAF membership has good taste. 🙂

Partner’s and Napier also has this #rafaddyinspired entry in the National Addy mix: Mondavi Family of Wine Brochure

The National Addy’s are this Tuesday, June 5th in Austin Texas. Good luck to all those nominated and we look forward to toasting your success!

The state of the RAF is good. We’re moving in the right direction with our membership, programming content, professional development, students, and even our Addy clout nationally. Like I said at the top of the post I am leaving on a high note and I leave the RAF in the very capable hands of T.C.

Thanks for sticking with me for three years,

Prez Joe.