Eric Polins Awarded Silver Medal by American Advertising Federation
TAMPA, Fla. (Feb. 17, 2017) Last night at the Addys Live Gala Night at Baystage LIVE, the American Advertising Federation—Tampa Bay (AAF-TB) presented its Silver Medal Award, the organization’s highest honor, to local advertising executive Eric Polins in recognition of his contributions to advertising and commitment to actively furthering the industry.
The Silver Medal Award is bestowed annually by American Advertising Federation (AAF) clubs throughout the country to outstanding members of their local advertising community. The award was presented to Polins by last year’s winner, Barry Wallace at the 2016 American Advertising Federation—Tampa Bay ADDY Awards Gala.
“It makes me feel old,” Polins joked. “I’m honored to win such a prestigious award doing what I love. It feels good to live your passion…and it’s a pretty cool job too!”
“The Silver Medal represents a strong commitment to our industry and a significant contribution to the community. As a professional organization supporting and protecting the advertising industry, AAF Tampa Bay is dedicated to recognizing the achievements of those within our market,” said Jenn Greacen, Founder of ClearLabs.org and President, AAF Tampa Bay. “I understand the importance of ensuring that message is heard far outside our market. Tampa Bay is a major contributing force in the Advertising industry and should be on the advertising radar nationally as a resource. It’s the real deal here. Eric Polins and his leadership at HCP Associates are on a tremendous track and emulate that model of pride in Tampa Bay advertising.”
Polins has more than 23 years of marketing and advertising experience with an emphasis on creative direction, writing, broadcast production and technology. Polins is a Senior Brand Strategist/Partner at HCP Associates. He is also the co-founder of Gulf+Atlantic Films and remains in the indie film industry.
Prior to HCP, Polins served with Amherst Marketing, the Lipphardt Agency and Inteledigm Communications.
He has written and directed over 100 commercials, films and videos with awards ranging from Tellys to Addys. He executive produced his first SAG motion picture film in 2006 starring Gary Busey and Charles Durning. In 2010, Polins achieved second place in the industry ad giant Ogilvy’s “Greatest Sales Person in the World” competition. He was the only American finalist out of 18 competing countries.
Polins is a graduate of Leadership Florida XXVIII and Leadership Tampa 05; he serves on the Board of Directors at the Tampa Theatre and is an advisory board member and past president of the Gasparilla International Film Festival. He’s an active member of the Penn State Alumni Association (Tampa Bay) and a member of the Marine Corps Association.
Polins is also a published author, professional artist, husband to Maria and father of two boys, Zane and Lacher.
About AAF – Tampa Bay
The American Advertising Federation—Tampa Bay exists to support its members, the community and the advertising industry. Its mission is to promote fellowship, education and career enhancement among members of the advertising community; foster and recognize excellence in advertising; champion public service causes; build an understanding of the role and benefits of advertising at all levels; and encourage advertising self-regulation and continuous improvement to raise industry benchmarks. For additional information on the American Advertising Federation—Tampa Bay, The Silver Medal Award or the ADDY Awards, please visit www.aaf-tampabay.org.
About The Silver Medal Award
Silver Medal recipients are selected by a panel of judges consisting of past Silver Medal winners and past presidents from each local club of the American Advertising Federation. Judges use the following criteria when making their selections: contribution to the community, creative ability, contribution to the advancement of advertising, betterment of his/her own company. More information on the Silver Medal award is available at http://www.aaf.org/AAFMemberR/Awards_and_Events/Awards/Silver_Medal/Criteria.aspx.