FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 25, 2005

Outdoor Industry Salutes a Few Who Make a Big Difference: OAAA Honors Its Leaders at Gala Event

Chicago Il ­ Last night, the Outdoor Advertising Association of America (OAAA) used the platform of its biennial convention, held at the Hilton Chicago Hotel, to honor individuals whose contributions have inspired many. This 50-year tradition has evolved to recognize not just outdoor media professionals, but also the advertisers who make significant contributions to the industry.

“The individuals honored last night embody the leadership and dedication that sets an example not just for their peers, but for all American service industry professionals,” said OAAA President and CEO Nancy Fletcher.

The 2005 inductees were as follows:
MYLES STANDISH AWARD: Eric Rubin, Rubin, Winston, Diercks, Harris & Cooke
The Myles Standish Award for distinguished achievement was established in 1954 as a tribute to those who have made a lasting and outstanding contribution to the outdoor advertising industry.

After earning his law degree from Rutgers University in 1967, Eric Rubin began a distinguished legal career at the Federal Trade Commission. Shortly after leaving the FTC, Rubin began his long tenure as counsel to OAAA and the outdoor advertising industry. In 1981, Rubin founded a Washington, DC, law firm specializing in constitutional, regulatory, and administrative law. After decades of advocacy for the outdoor industry, Rubin is recognized nationally as a leading legal expert on issues effecting outdoor industry. A problem solver who brings his considerable intellect to bear on complex challenges, Rubin’s loyalty to the outdoor advertising industry is unwavering. L. RAY VAHUE AWARD: Jack Sullivan, Starcom USA
The L. Ray Vahue Award for excellence was established in 1979 to honor a person who best embodies the marketing aims of the industry.

A champion of outdoor advertising, Jack Sullivan has always found innovative ways to communicate brand benefits and is committed to creating custom planning for clients, utilizing a wide palate of outdoor formats. He has worked for more than 25 years developing the outdoor department for one of the largest agencies, Starcom USA. Under his direction, the department is known for being a strategy and investment powerhouse within the ad industry. His drive has led the agency to winning two Media Plan of the Year Awards from Mediaweek, as well as two Outdoor Media Plan Awards from OAAA.

The HALL OF FAME AWARD: John Barrett, Barrett Outdoor Communications; Mike Deeds, Clear Channel Outdoor; Beverly French, Orde Advertising; Joe Little, Viacom Outdoor; Robert “Bobby” Switzer, Lamar Advertising
The Hall of Fame Award was established in 1991 to recognize those who have made enduring contributions in various capacities throughout their careers.

John Barrett, Barrett Outdoor Communications: John Barrett grew up in the outdoor business, working for his father’s company while attending Carnegie Mellon. Today he serves as the chief operating officer of his family’s outdoor company and is a strong voice for independent operators through his leadership at the state and national levels.

Mike Deeds, Clear Channel Outdoor: Recognized as one of America’s experts in the field of outdoor operations, Mike Deeds began his career more than 30 years ago as a bill poster. Today, he is executive vice president for operations, and part of the corporate team at Clear Channel headquarters in Phoenix, AZ.

Beverly French, Orde Advertising: A true outdoor advocate, Beverly French has served the industry and OAAA in numerous leadership roles throughout the years. Orde Advertising is a model company operating with a high degree of integrity, innovation, and community involvement. Beverly French is the first woman to receive an outdoor industry award.

Joe Little, Viacom Outdoor: Active in the industry at the national and state levels, Joe Little has advanced outdoor advertising on multiple fronts. With more than 30 years in the business, he started his tenure with Whiteco in 1974 and is currently Viacom’s vice president for real estate in the Southeast.

Robert “Bobby” Switzer, Lamar Advertising: Growing up in the outdoor business, Bobby Switzer has been vice president for operations at Lamar Advertising for the past 16 years. Using his wealth of knowledge of operations, Switzer promotes safety, innovation, and technology in outdoor advertising.

For a history of past winners, please visit OAAA’s website at www.oaaa.org

OAAA is the trade association representing the outdoor advertising industry. It is dedicated to leading and uniting a responsible outdoor advertising industry that is committed to serving the needs of consumers, advertisers and the public. The OAAA’s nearly 1,100 member companies generate more than $5 billion annually in ad revenues, representing more than 90% of industry income, and donate space to charitable organizations in excess of $350 million each year.

OAAA (Outdoor Advertising Assoc. of America)
1850 M Street, NW Suite 1040
Washington, D.C. 20036
Phone: 202-833-5566
E-Mail: mmoller@oaaa.org
Website URL: www.oaaa.org