Mahoning County Public Health wanted to develop a PSA campaign promoting healthy lifestyles and COVID-19 safety during the holiday season. This initiative began with a :30 spot featuring award-winning actor and Youngstown native, Ed O’Neill, but the second part of the campaign brought nine local youngsters to the 898 Marketing office for a Q & A session on COVID safety. The kids, ranging in age from four to ten, were asked questions about washing their hands, wearing a mask, being six feet apart, and how they’re being safe during the pandemic.

Their honesty made for an amazing campaign which ran on local TV stations, social media and YouTube pre-roll. The TV media partners matched the paid schedules with PSA schedules to give additional airtime for these important messages. One all-encompassing spot ran on local TV stations with three additional spots, promoting social distancing, hand washing, and mask wearing, were all run on social and YouTube. 

On Friday, February 19, 898 Marketing was recognized with a Gold Award for the “Kids Say the Smartest Things” campaign during the 2021 Akron-Canton American Advertising (ADDY) Awards. Due to the ongoing pandemic, the awards were held virtually, and 898 Marketing was the only Youngstown-based company to be recognized. Over 210 professional entries were submitted for consideration for this event, and only 24 gold and 42 silver ADDYs were awarded. Entries came from agencies, corporations, organizations, and individuals. Student entries and awards were also recognized.