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TRIAD/Next Level was recently honored with 10 awards, five gold and five silver, at the American Advertising Federation-Akron ADDY Awards ceremony.

Gold Awards were received for:

Tuesday Musical Association 125th Anniversary Poster
• Cleveland Museum of Art 'Generations' Membership Package
• ADM Board 'Recovery Starts Here’ Campaign
• TRIAD/Next Level ‘Crappy Holidays’ Campaign
• TRIAD/Next Level ‘Crappy Holidays’ Photography

Silver Awards were received for:

• 91.3 The Summit Mobile App
• The Giving Doll Website
• Next Level Interactive Website
• Summa Foundation Sapphire Ball invitation
• Tuesday Musical Association - Making of the 125th Anniversary Poster

“It was another incredible year for TRIAD/Next Level. Our award-winning work was a great mix of traditional print design, interactive and integrated marketing campaigns which really showcased our full range of talents and capabilities,” said Rick Krochka, president of TRIAD/Next Level. “What’s more, the work that was honored was produced for a diverse mix of clients and industries and included our Design4Good probono work and self-promotional material. All in all, it really was a great showing for the whole creative team.”

TRIAD/Next Level announces Annie Ochsenhirt has joined the staff as a customer service specialist, traditional + emerging media.

“Annie is a great addition to the TRIAD/Next Level team,” said Mike Zimmerman, director, client services + business development. “She not only brings with her a background in marketing and account management, but great energy as well. Having Annie on board will help increase our capacity for new business and her extensive experience and track record of success are exactly what the company needs for its next major phase of growth.”

Ochsenhirt, a 2004 graduate of Saint Mary’s College in Notre Dame, IN with a B.A. in Communications, has eight years of project management, account executive and visual management and merchandising experience. Prior to TRIAD/Next Level, she worked as an Account Executive in the wine industry and as a Visual Manager for Anthropologie in Palo Alto, CA. Most recently, Ochsenhirt served as Campaign Manager for the very successful Summit County Children Services Levy in 2012.

In addition to the annual Design4Good program, which provides pro bono design work to area nonprofits, TRIAD/Next Level recently launched a social media campaign contest in association with its annual interactive holiday card. The campaign, which included an eblast, microsite (www.triadadv.com/crappy) and social media blitz, was titled ‘Crappy Holidays’ and showcased TRIAD/Next Level staff members in humorous holiday situations, and allowed visitors to post their own personal holiday stories.

The microsite utilized Facebook’s ‘Like’ button plugin technology so users could vote for an organization, and at the time spread the word about the campaign via personal Facebook pages. Eight charitable organizations from the Greater Akron area were highlighted on the microsite and visitors were encouraged to vote for the organization they preferred to win a donation from TRIAD/Next Level. The nonprofit with the most votes would receive a $500 donation with the second and third place vote-getters receiving $250 and $100 respectively.

“We really wanted to create something different, interactive and that would result in a positive impact for the greater good,” said John Moulagiannis, director, interactive + digital media. “We were able to marry fun and technology, show off our creative capabilities and allow others to interact and join in the fun."

The organization that received the most votes was The Akron-Canton Regional Foodbank, with The Giving Doll a close second. The Battered Women’s Shelter of Summit County received the third most votes.

The campaign launched December 19, 2012 and lasted through January 1, 2013.

January 4, 2013 – TRIAD/Next Level will work with 17 local nonprofits as part of its “Design4Good” pro bono partnership program for the year 2013. For the past 19 years, the full-­‐service advertising and interactive design firm has provided local charitable organizations more than $300,000 in pro bono marketing services.

Projects ranging from logo development to brochures, newsletters and websites will be completed for the following organizations:

“Northern Ohio, generally, and Greater Akron, specifically, have been very good to TRIAD/Next Level as our agency has consistently grown through sometimes very tough economic conditions. This is one small way that we can say thank you to the communities we serve,” said Rick Krochka, president, TRIAD/Next Level.

“We’re extremely pleased with the diversity of organizations who applied and the quality of those applications,” added Krochka. “Many organizations were first-­‐time recipients with whom we had no prior relationship. We’re looking forward to working with all these organizations and helping them make a difference in the communities in which we live and work.”

Applications for Design4Good for the year 2014 are available on TRIAD’s website triadadv.com/design4good/. Interested organizations must have a 501c3 or other nonprofit status and strive to meet the needs of the community through various programs and services. Communication materials created through Design4Good will be used to help raise awareness and funds for the organizations.

• Ronald McDonald House of Akron
• CANAPI
• Akron Civic Theatre
• National Multiple Sclerosis Society (Ohio Buckeye Chapter)
• Community Legal Aid Services, Inc.
• Peninsula Valley Historic & Education Foundation
• Community Support Services
• Tuesday Musical Association
• Akron Summit Convention & Visitors Bureau: 2014 Gay Games
• United Way of Summit County/Bridges Out of Poverty Summit County
• Kym Sellers Foundation
• Blick Clinic
• University of Akron: Varsity ‘A’ Association
• Cascade Park Locks Association
• Good Neighbors Inc.
• Fair Housing Contact Service
• AMHA (Building for Tomorrow)

Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio - TRIAD/Next Level has been honored with ten MarCom Awards, an international competition that recognizes outstanding achievement by marketing and communication professionals.

TRIAD/Next Level received two Platinum awards, presented to those entries judged to be the most outstanding entries in the competition. The Platinum winners include:

• First Energy Lemonade Stand Commercial
• The County of Summit Alcohol, Drug Addiction and Mental Health Services Board ‘Recovery Starts Here’ campaign

TRIAD/Next Level was also honored with five Gold Awards, presented to those entries judged to exceed the high standards of the industry norm. The Gold winners include:

• OMNOVA Solutions Foundation 2011 annual report ‘At the Core of Our Giving’
• The Boys & Girls Clubs of the Western Reserve website (2012 Design4Good pro bono services)
• Cohen & Company website
• Cleveland Museum of Art Generations Society new member package
• Sequoia Financial client clambake invitation

In addition, the agency received three Honorable Mentions including:

• Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad 2011 annual report ‘Connections’
• Soprema Liquids website
• Summit County Re-Entry Network logo (2012 Design4Good pro bono services)

“Because our integrated services range from traditional to digital mediums, we’re able to strategically reach our clients’ target markets on a variety of levels,” said Rick Krochka, president of TRIAD/Next Level. “We pride ourselves on the quality, creativity and effectiveness of our work, and to have that work recognized on this level is an honor.”

The MarCom Awards are perhaps the largest of their kind in the world. Entries come from corporate marketing and communication departments, advertising agencies, PR firms, design shops, production companies and freelancers. There were over 6,000 entries from around the United States, Canada and several other countries in the 2011 MarCom Awards competition.

Having spoken on several occasions about collaborating on a project, creative directors of two award-winning local design agencies, Justin Tokos (427 Design) and Joe Nemeth (TRIAD/Next Level) discovered the perfect opportunity with a project for Tuesday Musical Association.

TMC PosterIn December 2011, Tuesday Musical Association was selected as a recipient of pro bono design services through TRIAD/Next Level’s Design4Good program, whereby providing design and production services for a poster celebrating the 125th Anniversary of the organization.

After reaching out to 427 Design, it was decided the two agencies would work together to produce an original, limited edition silk-screen poster, and the artwork would also be featured on the cover of Tuesday Musical’s programs during its 125th Season (2012- 2013).

Creative teams at TRIAD/Next Level and 427 Design met with Barbara Feld and Jeneé Garlando from Tuesday Musical in March 2012 to gain background information on the organization. Concepts developed individually by both agencies were presented in July 2012.

“It’s such a beautiful poster, and it really commemorates our 125th anniversary,” said Barbara Feld, executive director of Tuesday Musical. “We will have our artists sign several copies which we’ll give to the foundations, organizations, business owners and individuals who have been so generous in supporting us.”

“When we were making our initial selections for Design4Good, we immediately thought this would be a great project and the perfect opportunity to collaborate with 427,” said Joe Nemeth, director, design + visual communication at TRIAD/Next Level. “We have such respect for their work and are glad we were able to come together to produce suchan amazing product.” “This has been such a great collaboration. We’ve always wanted to work with another area design firm on a project and we’re glad that we were able to do so with TRIAD/Next Level,” said Justin Tokos, creative director at 427 Design. “The poster turned out remarkably well and we couldn’t be happier.”

The selected design celebrates the rich history of the organization while looking ahead with excitement to the next 125 years. The four-color design reflects the beauty, elegance and boldness of the performances, and thanks Tuesday Musical's patrons for their support and their love of music. Both teams worked at the 427 Design offices, along with Barbara Feld and Jeneé Garlando to complete the silk-screen process in early November 2012. One hundred and twenty five original posters were created for limited distribution and sale to benefit Tuesday Musical.

TRIAD/Next Level was recognized with two awards at the third annual Ohio Interactive Awards ceremony, which was held October 25, 2012 at the Ohio Union at The Ohio State University.

The team received top honors in the Healthcare & Wellness category for the Rock and Recovery website rockandrecovery.com, as well as the Mobile Marketing category for The Summit.FM app.

“It’s an honor to be recognized on a state level for our work,” said John Moulagiannis, TRIAD/Next Level director, interactive + digital media. “Every year, web technology and capabilities continues to advance, making the interactive industry a very competitive market. It's rewarding to go up against the top interactive marketing companies around, and be honored for our work and impact.”

The Ohio Interactive Awards is an annual program that brings attention to the outstanding digital and interactive work being done in the State of Ohio. Detailed information on the awards can be found at ohiointeractiveawards.com.

Adam Mullen joins the TRIAD/Next Level team as a media specialist, traditional + emerging media.

“Expanding and enhancing our media department is an integral part of our strategy to provide our clients with an even broader range of services and support,” said Michael Zimmerman, director, client services + business development. “Adam’s knowledge of both online and traditional media will be a great resource for our clients and we’re extremely pleased to have him on board.”

In his new position, Mullen is responsible for organizing, developing and implementing research-based advertising schedules for print, digital and social media campaigns for a variety clients in different industries.

Mullen is a graduate of The University of Akron with a BA in Communications. He worked previously as an interactive products representative at the Akron Beacon Journal. Mullen is also a member of Toastmasters. Share This Using Popular Bookmarking Services

TRIAD/Next Level has been named among the Best In Show for the agency’s own 2011 Open House “Time to Sit Down with the Family” microsite by the W3 Awards. The international web competition honors creative excellence in website design, video production and online marketing. In addition, the agency was also presented with four Silver Awards.

“It’s an incredible honor for the TRIAD/Next Level team and our clients to receive these awards," said John Moulagiannis, director, interactive + digital media. "We believe strongly in collaborating with our clients and our team is exceptionally skilled at bringing clients’ visions to life. We’re very proud of the work we’ve produced and more importantly, the successful results we’ve obtained for our clients.”

Silver Award winners included:

• Glenbeigh website
• Boys & Girls Clubs of the Western Reserve website
• Rock and Recovery website
• Weathervane Playhouse mobile website

Companies and agencies of all sizes, from Fortune 500 corporations to small private firms, are eligible to enter the W3 Awards. Winners were selected from over 3,000 entries from top companies and agencies worldwide.

TRIAD/Next Level Interactive, announces Joshua Clevenger has been promoted to Senior Designer, Interactive + Digital Media.

“Joshua approaches every project as though he’s creating a functional piece of art – pushing design and continually challenging himself,” said John Moulagiannis, Director, Interactive + Digital Media. “It's this type of drive that is critical to our clients' success, as well as our own."

Clevenger focuses on user interface design as well as motion design and digital video. Most recently, Joshua played an essential role in the creation of the new Giving Doll website and FirstEnergy video spot.

The TRIAD/Next Level team was recently honored with eight Communicator Awards, the leading international awards program honoring creative excellence for communications professionals.

We were presented with one Gold Award (Excellence) for:

• Girl Scouts of North East Ohio 100th Anniversary Mixed Media Campaign

In addition, we received seven Silver Awards (Distinction):

• Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad 2010 Annual Report Powered By People
• Akron Community Foundation 2011 Annual Report You've Got A Story To Tell
• Margaret Clark Morgan Foundation 2010 Annual Report Catalyst
• Akron Symphony Orchestra 2011 Fanfare Invitation System
• Weathervane Playhouse Website
• Hospice of Wayne County A Place Like Home Capital Campaign Materials
• TRIAD's own website TRIADadv.com

"Creating award-winning work is exciting, of course." said Joe Nemeth, our director, design + visual communication. "But getting results for our clients really does matter to us."

The Communicator Awards received over 6,000 entries this year from companies and agencies of all sizes, making it one of the largest awards of its kind in the world.

We were recently honored with two District ADDY Awards; a Gold award for the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Western Reserve website, and a Silver for the TRIAD/Next Level ‘Family’ poster, designed for our 2011 open house event. The Fifth District of the American Advertising Federation (AAF) represents 11 professional advertising associations and 18 college chapters throughout Ohio, Kentucky and West Virginia. Gold ADDYs will go on to compete at the national ADDY Award Competition.

"We are proud to represent the Akron chapter and honored by this regional recognition," said Rick Krochka, our president. "Our local Boys & Girls Clubs of the Western Reserve is an incredible organization and we are very proud supporters. Not only is their site attracting attention from the advertising community but other Boys & Girls Clubs from around the country, as well."

The Fifth District of the American Advertising Federation (AAF) is the regional voice of the advertising industry to the AAF and protects and promotes the well being of advertising in the district through various programs. TRIAD/Next Level is a member of the American Advertising Federation of Akron.

TRIAD/Next Level Receives A Record 15 Awards

TRIAD/Next Level was honored with an impressive 15 ADDY Awards including a coveted Judge’s Choice and the People’s Choice award. Our agency was presented with eight gold awards and five silver at the American Advertising Federation-Akron ADDY Awards ceremony held Friday, March 2 at the Akron Urban League’s President’s Hall.

Judge Amanda Butts, VP Creative Director for Leo Burnett in Chicago, awarded the TRIAD/Next Level Open House Mixed Media Campaign with a Judge's Choice award and the Open House ‘Family’ poster won the People’s Choice award. ADDY Gold awards automatically move on to compete in the regional District Five ADDY competition.

“We've got a team of incredibly talented, creative and hard working individuals, and when you combine that level of expertise with the diverse list of clients we serve, the results are pretty extraordinary,” said our president, Rick Krochka. “In addition to the client work, we also spent some time focusing on our own marketing efforts this year – something that is usually the last thing you think about in this industry. We’re honored that something we're emotionally attached to, resonated with our industry peers as well.”

Judge's Choice:

TRIAD/Next Level Open House Mixed Media Campaign

People's Choice:

TRIAD/Next Level Open House ‘Family’ Poster

Gold Awards:

• ASO Fanfare 2011 Invitation System
• ASO Fanfare 2011 Mixed Media Campaign
• Akron–Canton Regional Foodbank 2010 Annual Report
• Conservancy for CVNP Promotional Video
• Boys & Girls Clubs of the Western Reserve website
• Rock & Recovery Logo
• TRIAD/Next Level Open House Mixed Media Campaign
• TRIAD/Next Level Open House ‘Family’ Poster

Silver Awards:

• Shear Artistry Outdoor Signage
• Weathervane Playhouse Mobile website
• OMNOVA Solutions Foundation 2010 Annual Report
• Girl Scouts of NE Ohio 100th Anniversary Campaign
• TRIAD website

TRIAD/Next Level has chosen 15 northeast Ohio nonprofit organizations to receive design services through our 2012 Design4Good pro bono partnership program.

Projects ranging from web design, print work, logo development and interactive videos will be completed for the following organizations throughout the 2012 calendar year:

• Akron Urban League
• Arlington Church of God
• Church of Our Saviour Episcopal
• Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad
• Episcopal Diocese of Ohio/Camp Cedar Hills
• First Friday Club of Greater Akron
• Greater Akron Chamber YPN
• Harvest Church/Ashtabula Dream Center
• Ronald McDonald House of Akron
• Stan Hywet Hall & Gardens
• Summit County Reentry Network
• The Giving Doll, Inc.
• Tuesday Musical Association
• Victory Gallop, Inc.
• Youth Excellence Performing Arts Workshop

“Once again, we are extremely pleased with the diversity of organizations who applied for D4G and those projects we will be developing throughout the year,” said our president, Rick Krochka. “We completed a large scope of work last year, creating new or stronger partnerships with those organizations and helping them make a difference in the community in which we live and work. As a team, we’re very proud of the work we do through Design4Good, and we’re looking forward to the opportunity to do it all again in 2012.”

Organizations interested in applying for 2013 Design4Good services may apply before November 30, 2012 by submitting a form found here.

Interested organizations must have a 501c3 or other nonprofit status and strive to meet the needs of the community through various programs and services. Communication materials created through Design4Good will be used to help raise awareness and funds for the organizations.

Two of our own team members, John Moulagiannis and Marsha Griswold have been accepted into the 2012 class of Torchbearers Akron.

“This is going to be a valuable experience – both personally and professionally,” said Moulagiannis. “Torchbearers provides opportunities to connect with other young professionals with a variety of skill sets, knowledge and capabilities; learn more about Akron, and become more involved with some great community organizations.”

“This is an exciting time for Akron, and Torchbearers provides the opportunity to get involved,” said Griswold. “I’m really looking forward to the chance to connect with and learn from my peers in our community.”

Moulagiannis, Director, Interactive + Digital Media is a graduate of Cuyahoga Community College with a degree in Visual Communication and Design. Griswold, Client Service Specialist, Traditional + Emerging Media is a graduate of The University of Toledo and holds a BA in Communication.

About Torchbearers

Torchbearers was founded in 2003 by Akron area residents Scott Read and Jefferson Satterfield. The organization was designed to strengthen the connection between Akron area non-profits and young adults, and to further efforts to attract and retain young professionals to Greater Akron. The organization exists as a bridge connecting senior established leadership to the community leaders of the future.

TRIAD Communications, Inc./Next Level Interactive has been honored with nine MarCom Awards, an international competition that recognizes outstanding achievement by marketing and communication professionals. TRIAD/Next Level received five Platinum awards, presented to those entries judged to be the most outstanding entries in the competition.

In addition, TRIAD/Next Level received four Gold Awards, presented to those entries judged to exceed the high standards of the industry norm.

“We are extremely proud of this international recognition,” said Rick Krochka, president of TRIAD/Next Level. “As an agency that prides itself in quality, creativity and resourcefulness, these awards provide additional validation for our team and our clients."

The MarCom Awards are perhaps the largest of their kind in the world. Entries come from corporate marketing and communication departments, advertising agencies, PR firms, design shops, production companies and freelances. There were over 6,000 entries from around the United States, Canada and several other countries in the 2011 MarCom Awards competition.

TRIAD Communications, Inc./Next Level Interactive has been presented with four Communicator Awards, the leading international awards program honoring creative excellence for communications professionals.

TRIAD was presented with one Award of Excellence (Gold Award) for Akron-Canton Regional Foodbank's 2009 Annual Report, 'Hope Made Fresh Daily'.

In addition, TRIAD received three Awards of Distinction (Silver Awards) for Summa Magazine's Fall 2010 Issue, Acuative's corporate logo and 91.3 The Summit's Kidjam Radio website.

"Helping our clients communicate with their target audience and achieve strategic performance goals is something we do every day," said Joe Nemeth, director, design + visual communication. "We are humbled and very proud of this national recognition."

The Communicator Awards received over 9,000 entries this year from companies and agencies of all sizes, making it one of the largest awards of its kind in the world.

The Fall 2010 issue of Summa Magazine, designed by TRIAD Communications and printed by Oliver Printing, received a Bronze Certificate Print Excellence Award presented by The Printing Industries Association, Inc., serving Northern Kentucky and Ohio (PIANKO).

“Graphics and design, of course play an integral role in the production of any piece, but it’s the printers that ensure superior finished products for our clients,” said Rick Krochka, president of TRIAD Communications. “We’re extremely appreciative of these trusted partnerships and for helping us to produce award-winning work.”

About Oliver Printing

Founded in 1924 by Wilfred G. Oliver, Oliver Printing Company is under the fourth generation of family leadership. Oliver is known for a unique blend of white glove service and boutique quality outcomes combined with vast printing, bindery, assembly and fulfillment capabilities. An award-winning printer, this year alone Oliver Printing was honored by the Printing Industry Association, receiving 31 PIANKO Print Excellence Awards.

About PIANKO

The Printing Industries Association, Inc., serving Northern Kentucky and Ohio (PIANKO), provides a broad range of products and services to its nearly 400 commercial printer and supplier members, including workers' compensation and product discounts. PIANKO is an affiliate of the national Printing Industries Association, the largest graphic arts association in the world. Please visit pianko.org for complete information on PIANKO and the Printing Industries.

TRIAD Communications, Inc. was presented with two ADDY Awards by the American Advertising Federation – Akron (AAF-Akron) at the recent ceremony held at the Akron Urban League’s President’s Hall.

A Gold award was received for the Akron-Canton Regional Foodbank 2009 Annual Report Hope, Made Fresh Daily. A Silver award was received for the Akron Symphony Orchestra’s Fanfare event collateral, invitation and microsite.

In addition to the ADDY honors, TRIAD also designed the new Gold ADDY statuette. The statuette consists of a clear acrylic block (which, represents Akron’s polymer product and technology industry) sandwiched between two black, metal blocks (symbolizing the rubber industry on which Akron was founded). Copper plates that sit between the acrylic and rubber blocks represent the Penny Awards – named for J. Penfield Sieberling – which honored the best creative work by member and advertising agencies, and are now known as the Akron ADDY Awards.

“It’s very rewarding to be recognized for these two diverse projects,” said Rick Krochka, president of TRIAD Communications, Inc. “The awards are a testament to both our print and interactive teams, and highlight the quality creative and custom oriented solutions we are producing for clients regardless of industry.”

TRIAD Communications, Inc. was honored by the Society for New Communications Research, receiving two Merit Awards for the Parkshares.org website and the GenerationsCVNP.org Bike Aboard! interactive game.

Each year the Society for New Communications Research presents the prestigious SNCR Excellence in New Communications Awards. These awards honor corporations, governmental and nonprofit organizations, educational institutions, media outlets, and individuals who are innovating the use of social media, ICT, mobile media, online communities and virtual worlds and collaborative technologies in the areas of business, media, and professional communications, including advertising, marketing, public relations and corporate communications, as well as entertainment, education, politics, and social initiatives.

“The Parkshares.org website and Bike Aboard! game were both such creative and diverse projects,” said John Moulagiannis, director, interactive + digital media. “Not only were we able to really have fun with our creative abilities but building custom solutions for these clients that were entertaining and educational was also very rewarding.”

The Society for New Communications Research is a global nonprofit 501(c)(3) research and education foundation and think tank focused on the advanced study of the latest developments in new media and communications, and their effect on traditional media and business models, communications, culture and society.

Visit parkshares.org

Play the CVNP game