Dan Livengood, senior manager of business expansion and professional development for Newton Manufacturing, won the prestigious AMA Iowa 2012 NOVA Award, Best in Category. Livengood created an event called The First Annual Charity Squash Toss, where Midwest athletes and local celebrities all compete for honors in tossing five- to seven-pound pumpkins for distance.
The family-friendly event’s premise is to raise awareness and funds for charities around the Midwest. “I wanted to create something fun and inviting — yet quirky, to help get the attention of both sponsors and participants to help support a worthwhile cause,” said Livengood. “Another important objective is to encourage physical fitness and activity; a healthy habit in which Americans continue to struggle.”
The 7th annual NOVA Awards season wrapped with a retro-themed awards ceremony on May 10, 2012. Award-winning teacher, entertainer and author Juli Burney emceed the event, which awarded more than 35 awards. Best in Category winners included Aviva USA, Drake University, Lessing-Flynn Advertising, The Members Group (TMG), Prairie Meadows Racetrack & Casino, Iowa Lottery, Marsh U.S. Consumer and Newton Manufacturing. This year’s event marked the achievement of two broken records for AMA Iowa: a 33-percent increase in award entries for an all-time high of 82 entries; and ceremony attendance of nearly 120 marketers, the most ever to attend a NOVA awards ceremony.
American Marketing Association of Iowa is a group of marketing and business professionals who are dedicated to advancing the practice of marketing by promoting the professional development of its members. In conjunction with the international AMA, AMA Iowa provides programs, communications and resources that contribute to members’ career success. For more information, visit www.amaiowa.com.