(Albuquerque, NM – May 7, 2013) – The Rio Metro Marketing Department received Eight Communicator Awards from the International Academy of Visual Arts (IAVA). This is the first time Rio Metro has entered work in a non-transit award competition. Many of the 6,000+ entries were from ad agencies that represent major national and international clients such as PF Chang’s, Toyota, NASA, Bank of America, Al Jazeera TV and Red Bull.
“I am so proud of our marketing team for their creativity, energy and can do attitude”, said Jay Faught, Rio Metro Marketing Manager. “It is such an honor to work with this talented group of people, and my hat goes off to everyone who played a role in the award-winning campaigns and projects.”

Winners were hand-selected by IAVA professionals from acclaimed media, communications and marketing firms. Judges were from Conde Nast, Coach, Disney, The Ellen DeGeneres Show, Estee Lauder, Lockheed Martin, MTV Networks, Victoria’s Secret, Wired and Yahoo.
“This is quite an honor to be recognized by the by an organization that receives thousands of award entries from all over the world,” says Dewey Cave, Executive Director of the Mid-Region Council of Governments. “Our marketing team continues to showcase outstanding work that is bringing recognition to the New Mexico Rail Runner Express and the Rio Metro Regional Transit District.”

GOLD AWARDS (Highest Honor)
• WEBSITE
     - New Rio Metro Website – Government Category
     - New Rio Metro Website – Transportation Category

SILVER AWARDS
• VIDEO
     - Next Generation TV Spot – Social Responsibility Category
     - Next Generation TV Spot – Corporate Image Category
     - Next Generation TV Spot – Government Relations Category
     - Rio Metro Takes You TV Spot – Videography/Cinematography Category

• INTEGRATED CAMAPIGN
     - Next Generation Campaign – Green/Eco Friendly Category

• PRINT
     - A Faster Way To Santa Fe – Billboard Category