AAF West Michigan Selects 2013 Silver Medal Award Recipient: Mark Tanis of The Image Group

(GRAND RAPIDS, Mich., January 29, 2013) – The American Advertising Federation of West Michigan (AAF West Michigan) has named Mark Tanis, president of The Image Group in Holland, as the 2013 AAF West Michigan Silver Medal Award winner. The Silver Medal Award will be presented to Mark at AAF West Michigan’s annual ADDY Award ceremony, Thursday, February 21 at the Grand Rapids Art Museum in downtown Grand Rapids. The ADDY Award ceremony is from 6:00 to 10:00 PM and is open to the public. The Silver Medal Award and ADDY Award presentations will begin at 8:00 PM. Tickets to the ADDY Awards can be purchased at www.aafwmi.org.

“It’s our pleasure to recognize a person who is both a gifted creative professional and a highly respected business leader as this year’s Silver Medal Award winner,” said AAF West Michigan President Nick Katsarelas. "Mark exemplifies everything our organization stands for. He’s a true visionary in the industry, and has advanced the level of advertising and communications in West Michigan.”

In 1986 Mark set out to create a creative communications agency that worked hand-in-hand with its clients. Determined to take on a wide variety of communication projects, Mark has always been open to almost any communication challenge that has come his way, especially when it involves making a difference in the community.

“As a true visionary, Mark was one of the first in the region to look ahead at new markets,” explained Adrianna Snyder, a team member at The Image Group. “He quickly saw a need in education for better communication strategies. The Image Group began working with Holland Christian Schools and Hope College. Mark realized the size of the opportunity and hired staff to pursue this industry as their sole focus. Today, because of his foresight, The Image Group is known in education circles around the country and works with a broad client list that includes Western Michigan University, South Dakota State University, Broward County Public Schools and Tabor College to name a few.”

The Silver Medal—the American Advertising Federation’s highest honor—is awarded by local AAF chapters to professionals who have made outstanding contributions to the advertising and marketing industry and who have been active in furthering creative excellence and responsibility in areas of social concern. For more information about the AAF Silver Medal Award and this year’s winner, please visit www.aafwmi.org/About/silvermedal.

About AAF West Michigan
The American Advertising Federation (AAF) West Michigan is a non-profit industry association that serves more than 800 people and organizations throughout the region to promote professional excellence through education, advocacy, networking and community affairs. AAF West Michigan members work in many different fields, including advertising, marketing, communications, public relations, printing, video production and graphic arts. For more information, contact 616.459.9196 or www.aafwmi.org.
__

CONTACT:
Nick Katsarelas, AAF West MI Board President
Amway
616.745.7714
Nick.Katsarelas@amway.com