People of the year for industry cited by forum

February 3, 2009 by Dave Haynes

From a press release:

Digital Signage Forum Announces Digital Signage Woman, Man and Best Newcomer of 2008

Jill Miller, President of The Digital Signage Group, Keith Kelsen, President of MediaTile, and Justin Clupper, Program and Public Relations Manager of Neoti Broadcast Network recognized for industry development contributions.

POULSBO, WA (February 02, 2009) – Digital Signage Forum, the leading interactive forum media source, Digital Signage News, Online Buyer’s Guide and Network Database today announces Jill Miller, President of The Digital Signage Group, the Digital Signage Woman of 2008. Keith Kelsen of Media Tile Man of 2008, and Jason Clupper, Program and Public Relations manager of Neoti Broadcast Network Best Newcomer of 2008.

Each was distinguished for their notable impact on their Digital Signage business or the industry in general, who works directly in the Digital Signage industry as an outstanding employee, manager or business owner that is making a great impact on the digital signage industry.

“We are honored to have this panel of judges and high caliber of nominees and winners. They represent credibility, insight and expertise into digital signage from a variety of job perspectives” said Lisa Jachimowicz, President of the Digital Signage Forum. “This is the third annual Men & Women of Digital Signage award distinction which acknowledges the contributions of individual people to the development of the digital signage industry.”

Jachimowicz also states that “this year we added best newcomer to the award process to recognize up and coming people to watch”.

Jill Miller President of The Digital Group (www.tdsg.net) was named as Digital Signage Woman of the Year for 2008. In nominating Jill Miller, Jay Patel – President of Bluefire Digital – stated, “As executive leader of one of the most creative and friendly US providers, Jill Miller has made major contributions to the growth of digital signage in the Digital Signage aggregation and distribution market.”

The judging panel agreed that, as Woman of Digital Signage 2008, Jill Miller has developed creative supply approaches to technology and services that provide high value, improved product selection and has reduced uncertainty for end users, system integrators and value added resellers.

Keith Kelsen, President of MediaTile, was named Digital Signage Man of the Year for 2008.

In the nomination, Rich Perry of BTV+ (www.btvplus.com) stated “as I look at 2008 accomplishments, I believe Mr. Kelsen has moved the industry forward towards wider acceptance of this medium through the projects he has worked on and the breadth of his industry involvement.” 

Josh Coffman, Partner DNA Network (www.hoteldigitalsignage.com) and Digital Signage Forum moderator/Digital Signage Forum Judge stated “what Keith Kelsen has accomplished on top of running a successful and innovative company is impressive. Not only does he run a Hardware and Software company, but he has shown that he is committed to good CONTENT.”

Brian Rutkowski Partner of GoMotion Digital (www.gomotiondigital.com) and Digital Signage Forum Member states “ Justin Clupper deserves the new comer nomination due to his vision and involvement in the community. His company has a commitment to, donating 1/3 of all advertising space to local community organizations and the National Ad Council, thus showing their commitment to the industry and community. He is also using various industry technologies such as free internet hotspots to enhance the end user experience.”

Justin Clupper, Program and Public relations manager of Neoti Broadcast Network. (www.neoti.com) was named Best Newcomer of the year for 2008. In nominating Justin, Jay Patel – President of Bluefire Digital – stated “As an innovative blogger voice of one of the most creative Digital Signage Networks, Justin Clupper has made major contributions to the growth of digital signage in the Digital Signage network, and Media markets.” Patel states “Justin was primarily chosen for his media musings blog that gives a fresh perspective to the industry in relationship to the networks and people serving them.”

Brandy Siler Senior Sales associate for Blue Pony Digital (www.bluepony.com) stated “Justin Clupper is bringing digital signage to the forefront of retailers, brands and agencies’ minds as a communications tool in retail and out-of-home environments. He is also involved in functions such as The National Ad Council that brings retailers, brands and agencies together with industry media buyers to discuss trends, interests and ideas regarding digital signage. 

The people get their awards – free ad time on the forum and a certificate – at the Digital Signage Show later this year in Lost Wages. This is one of those things that isn’t exactly blotting out the industry’s radar screen (I think the last BLANK of the Year announcement was at a Strategy Institute event in Nov. 2007 in Chicago). But recognition is always nice and the only other awards I see out there are for content work and installs.

I should note my personal brushes with greatness in having had a number of beers with the last (and now deposed) DS Man of the Year, Kris Matheson, and with the new DS Newcomer of the Year Justin Clupper (a client).

Congratulations to those cited. 

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