message from the president

Leigh Farrior, President

 The American Advertising Federation (AAF) Montgomery is a professional organization comprised of advertising agencies, marketing professionals, broadcast and media as well as other advertising-related professionals.  Founded over five decades ago, AAF-Montgomery inspires creativity and excellence in advertising. Our mission is to protect and promote the well-being of the advertising industry in the River Region. We do this by:

• Bringing members together to yield creative business solutions.
• Educating members on the latest trends in technology, creativity and marketing. 
• Providing professional development programs to members.
• Honoring advertising excellence through the ADDY® Awards program.
• Nurturing future leaders in our industry through student programs.

Did you know that, out of over 200 ad clubs across the country, AAF-Montgomery received several honors and awards in both the district and national divisions this past June? On the district level, we placed first for club operations and government relations, second for communications and third for diversity. We placed second overall for Club of the Year and received a check for $500. Nationally, we placed third for club operations. AAF-Montgomery is proud to accept and share these honors with its members. It’s their participation and hard work that made these achievements possible! We hope our members will consider pledging time on committees this year and help us strive for first place Club of the Year.

We’re going to have yet another exciting year and are continuing to strive to make our club the very best it can be by having fantastic speakers and continuing our tradition of having a successful ADDY® Awards. I hope that you will consider being a more active member this year. AAF-Montgomery is as strong as its members make it. We are looking for committee members to assist with the ADDY® Awards, the Marketing 101 for Non-Profits workshop, DESIGNRALLY designers, copywriters and media buyers, and many more. 

But AAF-Montgomery offers more than just chapter meetings and ADDY® Awards. In addition to our Student Portfolio Day, we also diversify our outreach volunteer efforts by supporting various community causes, which include the Adopt a Fisherman in the Gulf program, hosting our third annual DESIGNRALLY with the Small Business Resource Center and a yet-to-be-named non-profit, a Marketing 101 for Non-Profits workshop that will include a media auction, and many more exciting things to come.

And if you’re not a member, I hope you consider joining! From creatives to account representatives, we have a place for everyone and we’d love to have you join us! If you would like to become a member, please use the membership application and submit to the address noted. If you would like more information about our organization, please contact our membership chair via email at membership@aafmontgomery.org or myself at president@aafmontgomery.org.

As your president, I am at your service. Please feel free to call or email me with any questions, to discuss more volunteer opportunities, or even grievances. I am ready to listen to make sure we meet our members’ needs. I hope to see you at several events throughout the year!