Pittsburgh Ad Fed Announces RFPittsburgh’s StarKist Challenge Winner
Second Annual Creative Competition Showcases Pittsburgh Talent
Pittsburgh, PA, January 15, 2012 — Pittsburgh’s advertising talent wowed the judges again during Pittsburgh Advertising Federation’s second annual RFPittsburgh — a level-playing field creative competition open to all Pittsburgh Ad Fed members to win the eye of a single national marketer. This year, StarKist Co. issued the challenge to create a full-page print ad that drives awareness and trial of the StarKist® pouch line.
RFPittsburgh is an initiative open to Pittsburgh Ad Fed members, which provides the opportunity for any professional, from a student to a CEO, to get their work in front of our nation’s largest and most reputable companies. In 2009, the Pittsburgh Ad Fed launched its debut RFPittsburgh contest through partnership with Pepsi Co. and Pepsi Co.’s Chief Marketing Officer Frank Cooper III.
This year, 33 members submitted entries. After careful consideration by StarKist’s marketing team, the winners have been announced:
Winning Entry |
1st Runner Up |
2nd Runner Up |
 |
 |
 |
| Michael Wertz Apple Box Studios |
Scott Merriman Marketspace Communications |
Jude Michaels Flying Cork Media |
Michael Wertz’s ad will run in a national publication determined by StarKist. In addition, Wertz, along with Scott Merriman and Jude Michaels, will have the opportunity to submit a credentials package to StarKist.
The assignment was to develop a full page print advertisement that drives awareness and trial of StarKist® pouch line by communicating the benefits of tuna — a great tasting, valuable source of protein that is low in calories. The goal of the ad is to target fitness enthusiasts defined as young professionals who spend 4-6 days at the gym focusing on their physical health and nutrition. Wertz’s ad plays on a popular catchphrase, featuring the headline Gym. Tuna. Laundry. A pouch of tuna peeks out of an extremely fit young woman’s gym bag.
“We are ecstatic about the outcome, especially given the competition we faced, and the chance to work on behalf of a national brand such as StarKist. For a growing boutique like Apple Box, this recognition truly gives us confidence and courage to stand behind our work and conquer greater obstacles,” says winner Michael Wertz, Apple Box Studios.
“Once again, the Ad Fed’s RFPittsburgh initiative put Pittsburgh on the map as a city of creative richness for another national brand,” says Meade Johnson, Principal, Limited Chaos.
“In 2009, Pittsburgh impressed Pepsi. This year, we became stars in the eyes of StarKist. Each year, we are building momentum within the organization and externally, as other reputable brands learn about the initiative,” says Pittsburgh Ad Fed President John Gatesman. “And for the winner, it’s a real testament of their talent and consumer-centric approach.”
For more information on RFPittsburgh’s StarKist Challenge, please contact Nancy Richert at or 412-213-3067.
About StarKist
StarKist Co. is a leading producer, distributor and marketer of shelf-stable seafood products in the United States. A category leader in innovation, StarKist was the first brand to introduce the StarKist Flavor Fresh Pouch®; StarKist Tuna Creations®, a line of lightly marinated tuna; and, a dolphin-safe policy. As America’s favorite tuna, StarKist represents a 65-year tradition of quality, innovation and consumer trust and is well known for its charismatic brand icon, Charlie® the Tuna, who swam into the hearts of tuna fans in 1961 and is still a fan favorite today. StarKist Co. is a subsidiary of the Dongwon Group.
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