Friday, April 15, 2005

Dallas Advertising League Establishes New Memorial Award

DALLAS, TX. – April 14, 2005 – The Dallas Advertising League (DAL) announced today that its board of directors has established the Mark Johnson Member of the Year Award as a memorial to a former president who died in late 2004. It will be awarded every year to the Dallas advertising professional and DAL member that exhibits the greatest commitment to the industry and the association through committee involvement, time and resources invested, and demonstrated ability to make a positive impact on the organization.

In recognition of Mr. Johnson’s commitment to scouting, the DAL will make a contribution to the Boy Scouts of America. For more information on this award, please visit the Dallas Ad League website, http://www.dallasadleague.org .

A past president and long-time officer and director of the Dallas Advertising League, Mr. Johnson, 58, passed away at home. on Friday, August 6, 2004. He had retired as the Southwest Region Advertising Manager of the Wall Street Journal.

Well known for his persuasive style, Mr. Johnson’s leadership, perseverance and good humor helped save the Dallas Advertising League at one of its lowest points. Having volunteered to assume the first vice president’s job and then the presidency, Johnson was instrumental during his presidential term from 1997-1998 for revitalizing Ad League programs and events, and bringing the League back to financial solvency.

“It is altogether fitting and proper that the member of the year be named for Mark Johnson,” said Steve Wellman, current DAL president, “since every year that he served he fulfilled that role.”

Under his guidance and care the DAL became, once again, a vital force for advertising in Dallas, the AAF Tenth District and AAF nationally. He maintained a tight hold on the financial reins by staying on the board as treasurer following his presidential term, and continued to serve the League in a number of capacities. All during that time he fostered the idea of participation in other marketing communications clubs in the area, an idea many feel was key to the League’s recovery.

Johnson loved the outdoors, enjoying camping, cycling and scuba diving. Always the leader, he was an intrepid Boy Scout leader, serving on the district council, and proud to see both of his sons join him in the rank of Eagle Scout.

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