Columbus Crew SC today announced that it has earned several club awards for its 2014 efforts as an organization. Crew SC secured honors within the city of Columbus for marketing and community service initiatives as well as Major League Soccer recognition for ticket sales, marketing and content production. Additionally, several members of the Black & Gold front office earned individual recognition for achievements in ticket sales, coaching or turf certification in 2014.
“One of our stated objectives is to strengthen our position as a progressive leader in the community, and the entire organization is extremely humbled that our collaborative efforts have made such a positive impact resulting in recognition from our peers," said Crew SC President of Business Operations Andy Loughnane. "The Columbus Crew SC rebrand initiative was the first step in endeavoring to enhance our relevance in the market, and our unwavering commitment to philanthropic platforms will continue to be our way of honoring the community we are proud to call home.”
At separate award ceremonies last week, Columbus Crew SC earned both the Medical Mutual Pillar Award for Community Service, presented by Smart Business Magazine, as well as 12 Columbus American Marketing Association Achievement in Marketing (AIM) Awards.
The Pillar Award, presented to Crew SC and the newly evolved Columbus Crew SC Foundation, honors businesses of all types and sizes that make outstanding contributions to their communities. Its purpose is to encourage a charitable environment, recognize creative efforts that make a difference and demonstrate the ties between the for-profit and nonprofit worlds. This is the sixth year that the Pillar Award has been presented, with the judging being conducted by past honorees, sponsors and business leaders within the community.
The Columbus American Marketing Association presented Crew SC with 12 AIM Awards, largely centered on the club's #NewCrew brand evolution. Among the areas within the brand evolution campaign receiving top recognition were outdoor advertising, media kit packaging, event marketing, integrated marketing, the reveal video and the new Crew SC badge design.
At the League level, Crew SC also earned three Club and Executive Awards, including the title of Marketing Team of the Year. The Black & Gold also captured the Ticketing Sales Innovation Award presented by the National Sales Center for its Membership Extension Program, as well as the MLS Article of the Year for the three-part series Behind the Brand: The Story of #NewCrew. Crew SC also earned President's Club distinction for its number of group tickets sold in 2014, a mark matched by only four other MLS clubs.
Individually, several Crew SC front office members received recognition for individual ticket sales efforts throughout the 2014 season. Nick White reached the Gold threshold for group ticket sales, while Avin Assomull reached the Bronze threshold. Additionally, Anthony Gady was given All-Rookie distinction for season ticket sales.
Furthermore, Ben Jackson earned the prestigious certification of Certified Sports Field Manager from the Sports Turf Managers Association and Billy Thompson earned his U.S. Soccer Youth Technical Director License as well as his Elite Formation Coaches License, presented by the French Football Federation and Major League Soccer.
Crew SC is currently in preseason in advance of the 2015 Major League Soccer campaign, highlighted by two stays in Florida and an Austin, Texas trip. Over the course of the preseason, the club will also participate in a pair of inaugural tournaments. Full information is available at ColumbusCrewSC.com.
The Black & Gold begin their 20th season on March 7 at Houston and return home for the Opening Match at Crew Stadium on Saturday, March 14 against Toronto FC. In celebration of the 20th campaign, the club is offering free customization to any fan that pre-orders his or her 2015 jersey. Once the jerseys have been revealed to the public, fans can select either the primary or secondary jersey along with any name and number they wish to add at no additional charge. This offer will be available at the Crew SC Shop at Crew Stadium or CrewSCShop.com. The pre-sale opportunity ends February 28.
