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 (www.digitalsignageforum.com), 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.” Justin’s Blog is located at http://justinclupper.blogspot.com

The judging panel agreed that, as Man and Woman and Best Newcomer of Digital Signage 2008, Keith Kelsen, Jill Miller and Justin Clupper are the leading force at a time when one of the most important ingredients in moving the industry forward is that of quality, dynamic content, efficient product aggregation and compelling media perspectives.

The official awards will be given at The Digital Signage Show because it has been the primary source of education on Digital Signage through its tradeshow and informative tech talks. Jachimowicz states “For the first time in history the venue of choice will be the Digital Signage tradeshow. The official award to the Man ,Woman and Best Newcomer of Digital Signage contest will be presented in person at the “Tech Talks” floor at 11am on May 7^th at the   “Using Social Networking and other tools to Build, Maintain and Market Your Digital Signage Business” in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Each Winner receives one month/banner of free advertising on the live forum (where people chat) Digital Signage Forum (www.digitalsignageforum.com) a banner for their website and and a certificate award of accomplishment as Man and Women and Best Newcomer of Digital Signage 2008 from the Digital Signage Forum.

About the Judges:

Rich Perry has been involved in the Digital Signage arena and in developing technology solutions to meet corporate communication needs for many years. He has directed digital signage network development, deployment and content creation within a variety of verticals including, currently, consumer product Out-Of-Home marketing networks on the east coast.  His articles published in Digital Signage Quarterly and a variety of other print and online publications promote digital signage as the next natural and evolutionary step for broadcasters and advertisers narrowcasting in a very competitive market.  For many years after his graduation from Michigan State University (B.A. Telecommunications/Political Science, 86), Mr. Perry was a television producer, director and editor in the Detroit television market along with national cable networks resulting in several industry awards and an Emmy nomination.  Mr. Perry, a proud member of the Digital Signage Forum since 2005, is the US and Mexico Sales Director for BTV+.

Brian Rutkowski , Partner GoMotion Digital (www.gomotiondigital.com) and Digital Signage Forum Member. GoMotion is a Pennsylvania Based Business Network integrator & software provider, specializing in web based template driven content creation software for the DS industry. He is also a provider of both networked & sneakernet software solutions.

Josh Coffman Mr. Coffman is a digital signage expert in the hospitality industry, currently serving as partner in DNA Networks and HotelAdNetwork.com. He is an active participant in numerous digital signage events such as the DSE, numerous Strategy Institute conferences, and is a moderator for the Digital Signage Forum.
 

H. Jay Patel is co-founder and President of BlueFire Digital, a mobile interactive technology firm, providing Bluetooth and SMS mobile interactive application for out of home digital networks. Prior to founding BlueFire Digital, he held position of President for IAM, a community based digital network. Prior to IAM he held several technology related position with various firms in Silicon Valley. Mr. Patel earned his undergraduate and master degrees from University California, San Diego.

Brandy Siler is a Sales Representative for Blue Pony Digital, a digital content creation company.  Brandy has worked at Blue Pony for three years, educating and building relationships within the digital signage industry. Brandy was honored as the Digital Signage Woman of the Year 2007.  She is delighted to be part of the panel of judges for the 2008 winners.

About The Digital Signage Forum

The Digital Signage Forum (www.digitalsignageforum.com) is an equal global opportunity buyers guide and forum that offers opportunities to learn, contribute expertise and be a part of a community that is recognized in all nations. It is the leading news, information and interactive source of the Digital Signage industry today.