The heart and soul of AAF Asheville is its committees; these are the best opportunities to get involved. All our committees are recruiting more members, so don’t be shy. Contact the committee chair person to see how you can both give and receive.
Membership
Chair: Ty Hallock (828-225-8124), This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
The primary responsibilities of this committee are member recruitment, retention, and involvement. Membership is open to all advertising and marketing professional in Western North Carolina, ranging from Murphy to Franklin to Waynesville, Asheville, Black Mountain, Brevard, Hendersonville, Hickory, and other towns in the area. This includes networking with members and guests at AAF Asheville functions, maintaining current membership lists, and seeking out and responding to the current membership needs. We also recognize new members and members who make special contributions to the club, respond to inquiries about membership, and promote membership benefits. Concerted outreach efforts to prospective members and supporters throughout Western North Carolina are also part of this committee’s responsibilities.
Programs
Chair: Ray Straub, This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
The programming committee makes sure members and prospective members have ample opportunities for networking and professional development. They plan, book, and coordinate informative, creative, and fun monthly programs of interest to a wide range of members. They also plan and promote social events called AAF Asheville CONNECT for members and prospective members. Committee members handle scheduling and logistics for all programs, and solicit sponsorships for programs and events. Most program planning is done during the summer months, but there is always an ongoing need for help with logistics, greeting guests at events, helping staff the registration table, and more.
Communications
Interim Chair: Gary James, 828-279-7517,
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
This hard-working committee handles all internal and external communications for the club, including creation and distribution of monthly e-newsletters and event e-minders, development and maintenance of the club’s Web site, creation of consistent branding in all member materials and marketing communications, publicity in the local media for all club programs and events, and increased awareness about the club throughout Western North Carolina via social media platforms as well as traditional news outlets. Whew! The Communications Committee also helps document the work of the club by collecting news clippings and photographs of club events. That’s a handful, and we LOVE new committee members; this is a great way to increase awareness of your skills and talents.
ADDY
Chair: Tim Shumbera (828-210-8214), This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
The prestigious ADDY® Awards are a three-tiered creative competition run by our national affiliate, the American Advertising Federation (AAF). This competition is the ad industry’s equivalent of the Oscars. The competition starts at the local level, and winners then have the chance to advance to regional and national competitions. AAF Asheville’s first ADDY Awards program will occur in February 2010, and we’re already in the planning process. This committee handles all aspects of this first level of competition: collecting entries, securing judges, judging entries, creating a winners book, planning and hosting the awards gala, and forwarding entries to the next level of competition. Throughout all of these steps of the process, the committee keeps club members informed about the most current ADDY news. This is a HUGE undertaking, and many volunteers are needed. Jump in now and make a difference!
Government Relations
Chair: Gary James (828-279-7517), This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
This committee manages projects and programs designed to build effective relations with local, state and national government officials. Committee responsibilities include monitoring legislation for anything that might threaten the advertising industry, educating lawmakers about the mission of AAF, and promoting industry self-regulation. Anyone who has personal relationships with any elected officials is encouraged to contact the Government Relations chair, since the club might need to contact them to support or oppose legislation related to the industry.
Public Service
Chair: Martha Dugger (828-299-8231), This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
This committee chooses a nonprofit beneficiary of donated creative services for an annual public service campaign. The Public Service Committee plans and coordinates this program. This is a critical part of our club, and our way of giving back to the community. There will be an application process for nonprofits.
Coming soon!
Fundraising
The Fundraising Committee will secure sponsorships for programs and plan and produce special fundraising events. As a nonprofit organization, AAF Asheville depends on these funds to plan and carry out programs for our membership.
Education
This committee will provide leadership and learning opportunities for students, and help educate the general public about the advertising industry. Committee members will serve as liaisons with faculty and students at area colleges and universities, will solicit and mentor student members of AAF Asheville, and will seek out opportunities to help interested schools form their own student ad clubs on campus.