The City of Carrollton Marketing Services Department won seven awards at the annual Texas Association of Municipal Information Officers (TAMIO) conference on Thursday, June 9 for its extensive communication and promotional work.

The awards recognize outstanding municipal government communications in a variety of categories.

The poster design for Carrollton’s 11th Annual 2021 Festival at the Switchyard resulted in a first place TAMI win. This is the City’s sixth year in a row to win first place in the Print – Flyers and Posters category. The design’s dark and weathered background reflects the alternative rock style of event headliner Blue October, emphasizes the event’s 11th year in production, and pays homage to the historic train-based Festival location on the Downtown Square.

The design was also applied as a custom wrap on two six-string acoustic guitars given to winners of social media and survey contests, and the guitars were signed by members of the headlining bands. The wrapped guitars received an Award of Excellence in Marketing for the Best Use of a Promotional Item category.

In the Special Events Category for the Best Recurring Special Event, Carrollton brought home an Award of Excellence for the City’s signature Festival at the Switchyard. The 11th Annual Carrollton Festival at the Switchyard impressed the judges with its size and various offerings such as free rides and games, free concerts, free children’s entertainment, and numerous food and craft vendors, continuing its legacy serving as Carrollton’s signature event that residents, business, and visitors from the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex and beyond look forward to all year long.

Two more Awards of Excellence were received in Video for a Public Service Announcement (PSA) in the Marketing category for the Festival at the Switchyard promotional spot and a PSA in the Educational category for *247, Carrollton’s dedicated non-emergency line for cellphone users. In addition, Carrollton’s Marketing Services Department brought home two TAMIO Awards of Honor. One was received in Video, for the Special Or One Time Program category for the Mayor’s 2021 State of the City address; the other, in the Technological Services category, for Best Use of Social Media (Planned) for the Josey Lane Water Tower Bowl Raising.

The City of Carrollton’s work continues to be recognized for its far-reaching qualities and attributes. From public service and education to amenities and events, all departments within the City of Carrollton work hard to provide programs benefiting Carrollton residents, and the City proudly promotes those offerings.

“These awards not only recognize the City of Carrollton’s Marketing Services Department as one of the best in Texas, but also acknowledge Carrollton staff’s emphasis on engaging our citizens to increase involvement, responsiveness, and investment in our City,” Marketing Director Kelli Lewis said. “Carrollton strives to be the community that families and businesses want to call home, and our hardworking staff prioritize communication and engagement as part of those efforts. I’m proud to see the City’s efforts recognized among such a talented peer group.”

The TAMI Awards program serves as a professional highpoint for municipal communications work in Texas. In addition to the peer recognition fostered by the TAMI Awards, the process allows all participating members to learn more about what best practices and innovative communication tools are being used across the state.

This year’s awards were presented at the annual TAMIO conference held June 8-10 in Houston. For a complete list of City accolades, visit cityofcarrollton.com/awards-accolades.