FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 25, 2005

OAAA Honors 2005 OBIE Winners: Peterson Milla Hooks Takes Best of Show Award

Chicago, Il ­ At a gala reception and awards dinner last evening at the Hilton Chicago Hotel, the Outdoor Advertising Association of America (OAAA) unveiled its 63rd Annual OBIE Awards, which recognize creative excellence in outdoor advertising and are the oldest and among the most prestigious awards in the advertising world.

Best of Show honors were awarded to Peterson Milla Hooks of Minneapolis, MN, for its work with Target that featured a series of billboards from the Retail category. The billboards were designed to show creatively how consumer wants and needs can be met at Target. (See attached images)

“The best of show winner showcases the qualities that make the outdoor industry strong: innovative work that highlights the enormous creative potential that outdoor can offer,” stated Nancy Fletcher, OAAA president and CEO.

In addition to Best of Show, a total of 14 OBIEs were awarded in individual categories at last night’s ceremony. Adding to its OBIE in the retail category, Peterson Mill Hooks won a second OBIE in the Special F/X category for its 3D billboards, also for Target. In the Special F/X category, Crisping Porter + Bogusky won for its work “Neon XXS” for Mini Cooper. Crispin Porter + Bogusky was received three other OBIE awards, all in the Automotive category and all for its work on Mini Cooper. Leo Burnett Company came away with two OBIE Awards, one in the Business & Technology category for its US Army billboard, and one for its McDonalds billboard in the Food & Restaurants category. The Amusement & Entertainment category awarded one OBIE, which went to Bailey Lauerman for its work for the University of Nebraska. The International category recognized three agencies with four OBIE awards; RMG for World Wildlife Federation, BBDO Canada for Pepsi, and TAXI for MINI Cooper Canada and Nike. In addition, Sukie Advertising & Design won an OBIE in the Consumer Goods & Services Category for its work with Fairmount Cemetery & Mortuary.

Twenty-eight Merit and 74 Finalist certificates were also awarded. The complete list of OBIE Winners, Merits, and Finalists can be found at www.oaaa.org.

The OAAA is the largest trade association representing the outdoor advertising industry. It is dedicated to leading and uniting a responsible outdoor advertising industry that is committed to serving the needs of consumers, advertisers and the public. The OAAA’s nearly 1,100 member companies generates $5.8 billion annually in ad revenues, representing more than 90% of industry income, and donate space to charitable organizations in excess of $350 million each year.

OAAA (Outdoor Advertising Assoc. of America)
1850 M Street, NW Suite 1040
Washington, D.C. 20036
Phone: 202-833-5566
E-Mail: mmoller@oaaa.org
Website URL: www.oaaa.org