http://www.commercialappeal.com/news/2010/jan/29/well-done/

After excelling in every volunteer leadership role in the local chapter of the American Advertising Federation, Rikki Boyce probably should not have been surprised to be honored as this year's AAF Silver Medal winner.

But the Memphis marketing guru, described as "legendary" by family, friends and colleagues at Thursday's award ceremony, found herself momentarily stunned upon hearing the news.

That didn't last long.

Calling on her powers of communication, Boyce flipped the recognition around, praising members of the local advertising community for supporting her efforts during the last three decades.

"I have the best job in the world. Advertising is never boring. It's always exciting, and there's something new every day," Boyce said at the luncheon ceremony at the Holiday Inn at the University of Memphis. "I've had a lot of help along the way, and I owe thanks to everyone who contributed to my career."

Boyce has been a fixture on the local advertising scene for more than 30 years, having joined the federation in 1978.

She has held numerous offices in the organization, and in 2001 was honored as President of the Year in District 7. Under her leadership, the Memphis chapter was named Club of the Year.

An avid volunteer, Boyce has been involved with the Dixon Gallery and Gardens, Memphis Rotary, Memphis Symphony Orchestra, Metropolitan Inter-Faith Association, United Way and Youth Villages.

"She's extremely worthy of the honor and has given back so much to our community," said Dan Conaway, a past recipient and member of the awards committee. "The decision was unanimous, and Rikki was it."

Added committee member Trena Packer Street: "This is a major achievement for Rikki and well earned. It's not an award that can be sought or campaigned for, but one that members give to the most worthy individual each year."

Awarded annually since 1960, the AAF Silver Medal is the organization's highest honor. It is presented each year to an individual who has made significant contributions to the advertising industry and to the community.

In addition to Thursday's award presentation, the event was notable for an appearance by national American Advertising Federation president James Edmund Datri, who presided over the meeting. Organizers said it marked the first time that an AAF national president participated in a local gathering.

Encouraging club members to stay the course and embrace change, Datri predicted a promising future for advertising executives. In direct opposition to sources mourning the state of the industry, Datri offered some good news about advertising campaigns for various media outlets.

"This is a time of transition, but there is an amazing future for newspapers and magazines because they offer so much great content that's unavailable elsewhere," Datri said. "I'm optimistic about their survival, in whatever form, because that's the heart of journalism, the bedrock of democracy in our country."

The AAF counts more than 40,000 advertising professionals in some 200 clubs across the country. There are also 225 college chapters and 100 corporate members.

For more information about the local organization, call 748-8889.

-- James Dowd: 529-2737

http://www.commercialappeal.com/news/2010/jan/29/well-done/