The Columbus Crew has been recognized by multiple organizations in recent weeks, with the Black & Gold receiving several club and individual honors. Most recently the Crew took home Smart Business’ 2013 Medical Mutual Pillar Award for Community Service, marking the second consecutive year that the club has earned recognition in this category. Last year the Crew received the 2012 Medical Mutual CVG Samaritan Award.
The Crew was among a prestigious class of eight Pillar Award winners recognized for their contributions to the community. Pillar Award judges cited the Crew and Crew Soccer Foundation’s development of the Crew Soccer Foundation Field and soccer programming for at-risk youth in Columbus as key factors in determining their decision.
The Crew's longstanding community commitment was cemented by more than 250 hours of volunteer service throughout 2012, along with more than $340,000 raised for non-profit organizations and community initiatives. With particular focus on assisting at-risk youth and families, the Crew has worked closely with organizations such as Easter Seals, Faith Mission and the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation.
Additionally, the Black & Gold were recognized at the Columbus American Marketing Association’s annual Achievement in Marketing Awards. The Crew was awarded three honors: Interactive Marketing Award for the club’s movie theatre advertising campaign in 2012; Online Advertising Award for the club’s presentation of Crew Holiday Packs; and the Guerilla Marketing Award for the Columbus Crew Rally Trolley, spearheaded by Brand Ambassador Frankie Hejduk. 2013 marks the fourth consecutive year that the Crew has won a Columbus AIM Award.
The Crew was also recognized at Major League Soccer’s Executive Awards ceremony during the 2013 MLS SuperDraft in Indianapolis. TheCrew.com’s TJ Ansley was the recipient of the 2012 Digital Editor of the Year Award, as the club’s site enjoyed record engagement numbers. TheCrew.com ranked in the top four of year-to-year overall growth among all MLS club sites in pageviews, visits and unique visitors, while also ranking in the top five for overall content produced.
The Black & Gold’s sales staff took home a bevy of League awards. The Crew was at the forefront of rising attendance figures across Major League Soccer in 2012, which surpassed the five million mark last season. At Crew Stadium, attendance increased by 18 percent, marking the second largest year-over-year increase among the 19 MLS clubs, only behind the Houston Dynamo at brand new BBVA Compass Stadium. Under the direction of Vice President of Ticket Sales Clark Beacom, the Crew took home the Commissioner’s Club Award for securing over 90 percent of season ticket renewals. The club also received the President’s Club honor for selling between 75,000 and 90,000 group tickets.
Individuals from the Crew’s sales staff that were recognized at the MLS Executive Awards ceremony were: Phil Goldfarb (Gold Level, new season ticket sales); Adam Carney (Bronze Level, new season ticket sales); Melanie Seiser (Bronze Level, new season ticket sales); Bobby Camilleri (Bronze Level, new season ticket sales). Both Seiser and Camilleri are products of Major League Soccer’s National Sales Center in Blaine, Minn.
On the group sales side, Avin Assomull and Nick White both took home Bronze Level honors, while Sam Beall made the All-Rookie team for his efforts.
