AAF to honor WalMart.

The American Advertising Federation (AAF) Tenth District will present its highest honor of leadership and innovation in advertising to Walmart Stores, Inc. and the retailer’s portfolio of agencies including GlobalHue; I W Group; Lopez Negrete; the Martin Agency; and MediaVest at a ceremony May 7, 2009, in Rogers, Ark. The award acknowledges the company for its “Save money. Live better.” brand positioning campaign.

This marks the third year for the AAF to host the Innovation and Leadership in Advertising Award (ILA), which recognizes businesses that demonstrate excellence in four key areas of their advertising efforts:

Media – Use of wide-ranging multimedia platforms in traditional and non-traditional methods that creates awareness or drives sales

Employment – Number of people employed and the collaboration with businesses throughout the Tenth District, which incorporates Arkansas, Louisiana, Oklahoma and Texas.

Diversity – Embracing diversity in messaging and employment of staff and personnel.

Leadership – Demonstrating leadership and boldness in the advertising message and creative uses of media.

Stephen Quinn, chief marketing officer for Walmart, said, “Receiving this award and having this recognition for our work is testament to the dedication of all our associates at Walmart. Sam Walton said it best with, ‘If we work together, we’ll lower the cost of living for everyone…we’ll give the world an opportunity to see what it’s like to save and have a better life.’ It’s the spirit behind our campaign and why we believe it has been so well received by our customers and by our associates.”