HispanicBusiness

When the USH Idea Awards set out to look for a new standard in creative innovation in the industry, the call was heard from agencies across the U.S. who submitted their best work in all media, from digital to film.

Some 300 entries from more than 30 agencies across the country were submitted for the 2012 USH Idea Awards, according to a news release.

Twenty-two winners were selected, with an additional five entries selected as the best in show in the Top Five Idea awards.

Winners for the top five creative executions of 2012 were "Volvo in Every Car," an ad for Volvo by La Comunidad; "Forgot Your Password?" for the Alzheimer's Association, Grupo Gallegos; "Keep It Legendary," a Heineken ad from The Vidal Partnership; "El Spooky Show," MTV3/Comedy Central, La Comunidad; and "Maricopa," Border Action Network, Bravo Group/Y&R.

The 14 agencies selected as winners for outstanding work included Alma DDB for "Mistakes -- Cat, Dog, Duck" (2 awards), Rosetta Stone; and La Banda Films for "Harlistas," Harley Davidson.

The USH Idea Awards were created to recognize remarkable achievements in creativity by Circulo Creativo in partnership with AHAA.

The top five awards were selected in a closed-door meeting by a team of judges that included Hernan Ponce from Ponce Buenos Aires, Jose Montalvo from Ogilvy Mexico, and Pablo Minces from Santo.

"The fact that our top ideas represent work in the digital and innovation fields speaks to how ready our agencies are for the future challenges of our industry," said Gustavo Lauria, president of Circulo Creativo.

"Only the best of the best ideas won, and to have this level of excellence is a great accomplishment and a great promise for what the future holds," said Ponce.

The USH Idea Awards were presented at a gala marking the end of the AHAA 2012 Annual Conference at the Arsht Center in Miami on May 4.

Circulo Creativo is a nonprofit organization that represents creative directors, producers and ad planners of the Spanish-language advertising industry on a national and international basis. The U.S. chapter was founded in 1999 in Miami.

Headquartered in McLean, Va., AHAA: The Voice of Hispanic Marketing demonstrates the value of targeting Hispanics, showcases the impact of using AHAA member agencies, and provides forums for the discussion and dialogue between brands and industry professionals.

To view the top five ideas, visit www.circulocreativo.org.