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It seems not a week goes by without the opening of a new business in San Diego. Whether it be restaurants, spas or an innovative lounge concepts, most San Diego industries are pushing the limits and leaving an important impression on our culture.

While we daily enjoy, or at least admire, the great many businesses in San Diego, the behind-the-scene industry affiliates tend to fly under the radar. This May, San Diego puts our city's finest marketers in the spotlight - those savvy suits responsible for connecting residents with businesses, and increasing county-wide growth.

On Thursday, May 22, the San Diego Chapter of the American Marketing Association (SDAMA) celebrates our city's top marketing professionals and students at the 2008 American Marketer of the Year (AMY) Awards from 5:30 to 8:00pm at the San Diego W Hotel.

The AMY Awards recognize excellence in marketing and communications programs produced by San Diego marketers and students. The 2008 AMY Awards will honor the best in Integrated Marketing, Special Event, Green (environment-focused marketing), Cause Marketing, Advertising (Print, Television, Radio and Web), Web Site Design, Electronic Presentations, and Direct Marketing/Direct Mail. There will also be a People's Choice Award, an award for students, and a category for miscellaneous work such as annual reports, newsletters, collateral, and promotional materials.

AMY Award nominations were accepted until May 9, and are evaluated on criteria such as content, style, innovation, overall quality, and effectiveness. The judging panel is made of an independent board of experienced marketing and communications professionals from the South Florida chapter of the AMA. Lee Ann Kim, an anchor at Channel 10 News, will present the awards to the winners in a ceremony on Thursday, May 22 at the W Hotel.

"The AMY Awards showcase and celebrate the hard work of marketing professionals in our community," said Reb Risty, president elect of the AMA San Diego Chapter. "The reception also provides a great opportunity to network and build relationships with fellow colleagues in the marketing industry."

Guests will receive swag gift bags filled what all that we love about San Diego lifestyle upon arrival at the event. Tickets are $45 per person for AMA members and $55 per person for non-members, and include two drink tickets. To purchase tickets and to learn more about SDAMA, email info-sandiego@marketingpower.com, visit www.sdama.org or call 619.402.7825.