Distinctive Call For Entries Attracts High Response to the Jersey Awards

Using a lighthearted spoof of a catalog offering supposed items to accompany a coveted Jersey Awards trophy — such as a stroller, car seat, computer screen savers, matching shower caps, embroidered towels and more — the 38th Jersey Awards call for entries has drawn a positive response the from the creative community to the competition. As a result, the entry deadline was extended to March 9, with judging by the Long Island Advertising Club set for March 18 at a new location — Bloomfield College. The college provides ample facilities and high-tech equipment to handle the judging requirements, plus student volunteers to provide support at both the judging and the awards dinner as well.

Completely revamped and updated by last year’s Best of Show winner Scheer Advertising Group of South Orange, this year’s call for entries featured 134 entry categories, including expanded selections for out-of-home, photography and interactive media as well as new categories for advertising for the arts and unsold advertising programs. The latter, covering creative projects turned down by clients, was added by popular demand.

“It’s a fun piece aimed at broadening the appeal of the prestigious annual awards competition,” explained creative director Jeff Griffith and business and strategic development director Scott Lackey. The pair also designed a new Jersey Awards logo and a new honors certificate as well as a few surprises still in store before awards night.

A special offer this year is free self-promotion signage and display at the Jersey Awards dinner on May 23, 2006, at Mayfair Farms in West Orange, N.J., for those who submit $2,500 or more in total entries. The self-promotion cost is $150 for members and $250 for non-members. All submissions must be entered electronically by going to the NJ AdClub website at www.NJAdClub.org.

“The system speeds up and simplifies the entry process,” noted Jersey Awards co-chairs Oscar Betancur of the Star Group and Ralph Gonzalez of Three Rivers Associates. “Once all information is entered and submitted, the program prints a label, totals all entries and then supplies you with the final cost, which you can pay by credit card or check. All that’s needed is to affix the printed label onto each entry and forward all entries via messenger or mail to the Ad Club office at 75 Kearny Avenue, Kearny, NJ 07032.”

“We extend special thanks to photo stock house Getty Images, RPR Graphics for proofing and retouching, and Swank for the printing of the call for entries,” they added.

Additional members of the Jersey Awards Committee are Herb Barry, Titan Outdoor; Gary Denburg, NJ AdClub president; John Howlett, Adergy Inc.; Lana Jackson, WLTW Lite FM 106.7; Vanessa Perez, Bloomfield College; Suzanne Poor, Miller/Poor Associates; and Marvin Strauzer, Clear Channel Outdoor.

return to March 2006 Adtalk