The Ames Regional Economic Alliance is proud to announce that the AREA Podcast has been honored with an Award of Excellence in the 32nd Annual Communicator Awards, the program’s highest distinction.
The Communicator Awards recognize excellence, effectiveness, and innovation across all areas of communication. This year’s competition received more than 3,000 entries from agencies, production studios, in-house teams, and global brands. Winners are selected by the Academy of Interactive & Visual Arts (AIVA), an invitation-only body of over 1,100 industry leaders representing organizations such as JPMorgan Chase & Co., FedEx, Netflix, National Geographic Society, and more.
Award of Excellence winners represent the top tier of entries, typically scoring a 9 or higher on a 10-point scale and demonstrating exceptional quality and execution.
“We’re incredibly honored to have the AREA Podcast recognized at this level,” said Eric Smidt, Vice President of Marketing & Communications at the Ames Regional Economic Alliance and host of the podcast. “To be acknowledged alongside nationally recognized brands and organizations is a testament to the intentional storytelling and production value we’ve built into this project. Our goal has always been to elevate the stories of our region in a way that feels both authentic and high-quality.”
The AREA Podcast highlights the personal stories and professional journeys of business leaders, innovators, and community leaders across the Ames region, offering insight into economic development, entrepreneurship, leadership, and more.
“This recognition reflects the strength of our team and our commitment to telling meaningful stories about our region,” said Dan Culhane, President & CEO of the Ames Regional Economic Alliance. “Competing and being recognized alongside some of the most well-known brands in the country speaks volumes about the caliber of work being produced right here in Ames. It reinforces the value of investing in high-quality communications that elevate our mission and our members.”
All Communicator Award winners are featured in the official Winners Gallery, showcasing work that sets the standard for excellence in marketing and communications worldwide. The AREA Podcast is currently in its second season and is available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, and more locations where you listen to podcasts.