Breakfast at the Addys

Ken Heath | 2O19 Silver Medal Award Town of Marion, Director of Community & Economic Development

The American Advertising Federation’s Silver Medal Award Program was established in 1959 to recognize men and women who have made outstanding contributions to advertising and who have been active in furthering the industry’s standards, creative excellence and responsibility in areas of social concern. Annually, AAF member clubs bestow this honor upon outstanding members of the local advertising community. Silver Medal recipients are selected using the following criteria when making their selections: Contribution to His/Her Company, Creative Ability, Contributions to the General Advancement of Advertising and Contributions to the Community. This year’s recipient of the American Advertising Federation of Southwest Virginia’s Silver Medal Award has served the community for more than 33 years— and for more than two decades has served as his hometown’s downtown director—working with small businesses, from inception and development through ongoing marketing and promotion in Public Relations and Advertising. This hometown hero is a product of the culture and quality of our region. From humble beginnings at Marion Senior High School, to Wytheville Community College, to East Tennessee State University graduating in Communication Arts and Broadcasting, to his continued education in the Sorensen Institute for Political Leadership at University of Virginia, he continues to develop his leadership to apply his skills towards the

betterment of Marion and Southwest Virginia by being an active public servant and community developer. This passion for communications and community growth began as Program and Promotions Director at WMEV AM/FM, and evolved into a career as his hometown’s first Director of Community and Economic Development. He is no stranger to hard work, collaboration and creativity that produced numerous awards from the Virginia Association of Broadcasters, regional groups, non-profit organizations and national awards. He also serves as Executive Director of Marion Downtown Revitalization Association where he has created a vibrant downtown community. In his free time he runs a successful business, Bow Tie, Professional Music and Sound Entertainment Services, providing the voice for brands as well as musical entertainment in our area. The creative naming of his company showcases one of his favorite fashion accessories, a bow tie, that he most likely to be seen wearing tonight. Through collaborative partnerships, strong community leadership, and a shared vision, he has worked with the community to build Marion and the region into one of the gems of the Commonwealth, and laid the foundation for the future. We applaud this year’s very deserving recipient of the American Advertising Federation of Southwest Virginia’s Silver Medal Award, Ken Heath, Director of Community and Economic Development, Town of Marion, Virginia.

SILVER medal award 2O19