Latest news with #BusinessoftheYearAwards
Associated Press
24-04-2025
- Business
- Associated Press
Avenue Z Wins Business of the Year H. Wayne Huizenga Startup Award
MIAMI, FL - April 23, 2025 ( NEWMEDIAWIRE ) - Avenue Z, the fast-scaling marketing and communications agency redefining how brands earn influence, has been named the recipient of the 2025 H. Wayne Huizenga Startup of the Year Award at the South Florida Business Journal's Business of the Year Awards. The recognition honors Avenue Z's rapid national growth, industry innovation, and cultural impact in its first two years. Founded by digital marketing veteran Jeffrey Herzog, Avenue Z brings strategic communications, digital marketing, and performance media together under one roof - helping brands and businesses grow faster and stand out in a world increasingly shaped by AI. 'We're not just building a company, we're building a movement,' said Herzog, Founder, Chairman & CEO of Avenue Z, during his acceptance remarks. 'This award means a lot because Wayne Huizenga's story reflects our own core values: passion, integrity, and impact.' The H. Wayne Huizenga Startup Award honors early-stage companies that exhibit strong financial performance, bold vision, and a commitment to lasting impact. The award is named for Wayne Huizenga - the legendary South Florida entrepreneur who built three Fortune 500 companies from scratch, including Waste Management, AutoNation, and owned/co-owned the Miami Dolphins, Florida Panthers, and other teams. 'Wayne didn't just build companies - he built movements,' Herzog said. 'He drove trucks himself. He worked 80-hour weeks. He earned every win and gave back without needing the spotlight. That legacy of relentless execution is one we aspire to every day at Avenue Z.' Founded in 2023, Avenue Z has already expanded into multiple U.S. markets, scaled its team to 100+ full-time employees, launched a creators studio, and expanded its Miami presence fivefold. Earlier this year, the company launched a first-to-market AI Optimization Solution designed to help brands navigate and lead in the new era of AI-powered search and discovery. 'We've been here before,' said Herzog, referencing his early days launching iCrossing in 1998, one of the first search marketing firms. 'I see that same opportunity again - only now, it's AI, strategic communications, and cultural influence that are reshaping the game.' The 2025 Business of the Year Awards were held April 17, 2025, at Gulfstream Park's Sport of Kings Theater in Hallandale Beach. Avenue Z was honored alongside top-performing companies and leaders across South Florida, including Benjamin Leon, Jr. (Lifetime Achievement), Ortega Construction, H&CO, and The Education Fund. 'To Miami and South Florida - you are our launchpad,' Herzog concluded. 'Your energy is unmatched, and your belief in bold ideas makes this moment possible. We're honored. We're grateful. And we're just getting started.' For more information, visit or About Avenue Z Avenue Z is the leading marketing and communications agency pioneering AI optimization, driving influence across all channels - from ChatGPT to The Wall Street Journal to TikTok. With 30 years of leadership in search and digital marketing, we apply strategic communications, high-impact PR, performance media, and AI optimization to help companies build reputation and grow revenue through our proprietary, technology-driven approach. We are the agency for influence. Visit or Social Links X | Instagram | YouTube | LinkedIn Media Contact Full Name: Rachael Zahn Title: SVP, Strategic Marketing Company Name: Avenue Z Email: [email protected] Website: View the original release on
Yahoo
24-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Avenue Z Wins Business of the Year H. Wayne Huizenga Startup Award
MIAMI, FL - April 23, 2025 (NEWMEDIAWIRE) - Avenue Z, the fast-scaling marketing and communications agency redefining how brands earn influence, has been named the recipient of the 2025 H. Wayne Huizenga Startup of the Year Award at the South Florida Business Journal's Business of the Year Awards. The recognition honors Avenue Z's rapid national growth, industry innovation, and cultural impact in its first two years. Founded by digital marketing veteran Jeffrey Herzog, Avenue Z brings strategic communications, digital marketing, and performance media together under one roof - helping brands and businesses grow faster and stand out in a world increasingly shaped by AI. "We're not just building a company, we're building a movement," said Herzog, Founder, Chairman & CEO of Avenue Z, during his acceptance remarks. "This award means a lot because Wayne Huizenga's story reflects our own core values: passion, integrity, and impact." The H. Wayne Huizenga Startup Award honors early-stage companies that exhibit strong financial performance, bold vision, and a commitment to lasting impact. The award is named for Wayne Huizenga - the legendary South Florida entrepreneur who built three Fortune 500 companies from scratch, including Waste Management, AutoNation, and owned/co-owned the Miami Dolphins, Florida Panthers, and other teams. "Wayne didn't just build companies - he built movements," Herzog said. "He drove trucks himself. He worked 80-hour weeks. He earned every win and gave back without needing the spotlight. That legacy of relentless execution is one we aspire to every day at Avenue Z." Founded in 2023, Avenue Z has already expanded into multiple U.S. markets, scaled its team to 100+ full-time employees, launched a creators studio, and expanded its Miami presence fivefold. Earlier this year, the company launched a first-to-market AI Optimization Solution designed to help brands navigate and lead in the new era of AI-powered search and discovery. "We've been here before," said Herzog, referencing his early days launching iCrossing in 1998, one of the first search marketing firms. "I see that same opportunity again - only now, it's AI, strategic communications, and cultural influence that are reshaping the game." The 2025 Business of the Year Awards were held April 17, 2025, at Gulfstream Park's Sport of Kings Theater in Hallandale Beach. Avenue Z was honored alongside top-performing companies and leaders across South Florida, including Benjamin Leon, Jr. (Lifetime Achievement), Ortega Construction, H&CO, and The Education Fund. "To Miami and South Florida - you are our launchpad," Herzog concluded. "Your energy is unmatched, and your belief in bold ideas makes this moment possible. We're honored. We're grateful. And we're just getting started." For more information, visit or About Avenue Z Avenue Z is the leading marketing and communications agency pioneering AI optimization, driving influence across all channels - from ChatGPT to The Wall Street Journal to TikTok. With 30 years of leadership in search and digital marketing, we apply strategic communications, high-impact PR, performance media, and AI optimization to help companies build reputation and grow revenue through our proprietary, technology-driven approach. We are the agency for influence. Visit or Social LinksX | Instagram | YouTube | LinkedIn Media Contact Full Name: Rachael ZahnTitle: SVP, Strategic MarketingCompany Name: Avenue ZEmail: press@ View the original release on Sign in to access your portfolio
Yahoo
11-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Joplin Area Chamber of Commerce celebrates 108th annual banquet
JOPLIN, Mo. — Around 500 people are 'stayin' alive' at the Joplin Area Chamber of Commerce's annual banquet. Thursday night (4/10) was the 108th edition. It took place inside the Leggett and Platt Athletic Center at Missouri Southern. The theme this year: Disco! Each year, it's the largest gathering of community and business leaders in the Joplin area. Awards were given to chamber members, and covered a number of different categories. This event celebrates not only its members, but their achievements over the past year. 'It's an opportunity for us to recognize those businesses that are going above and beyond and giving back to the community, adding character and quality of place to this community. We just want to recognize and celebrate that,' said Joplin Area Chamber of Commerce President and CEO, Travis Stephens. The Business of the Year Awards program recognizes the importance of small businesses and nonprofit organizations and the impact they have on our local economy, job growth, and the creation of new products and services. One – 50 Employee(s) CategoryBinky Guy Textiles 51+ Employees CategoryAmerican Ramp Company Non-Profit CategoryBoys & Girls Club of Southwest Missouri Each year, one outstanding citizen is selected based on their commitment to the community. Curt Carr, Joplin Greenhouse & The Coffee Shop The Young Professional of the Year Award recognizes a Joplin Chamber member under 40 who displays a commitment to the Chamber's YPN Program and who is a leader in their organization and the community. Danae Taylor, Freeman Health System The Rising Star Award is awarded to a young and growing small business that is less than three years old and is introducing a new product, service, or model of doing business to the marketplace and is well on their way to achieving success in their industry. Josh Howard, Happy Trees Table Co. New this year, the Ambassador of the Year Award recognizes a member of the Chamber's Ambassador program who has gone above and beyond the call of duty. Richard Huskey, Southwest Missouri Bank The Spirit Award recognizes a Chamber member who exemplifies selfless dedication and enduring support to the mission of the Chamber. Recipients of this award go out of their way to encourage and inspire their peers to follow their example and demonstrate a personal commitment to the success of Chamber programming. Travis Keller, Lamar Outdoor Advertising KOAM-TV — 50 Years of Membership The Leads Group program acts as an entire sales team for member businesses. The groups track their shared and closed business. Awards are given to the top performers of each group as well as the overall, top-performing Leads Group. Leads Group One Top Performer: Gina Langston, Joplin SchoolsLeads Group Two Top Performer: Austin Rose, Bedrock Bookkeeping, Group Three Top Performer: Lisa Crouch, State Farm Insurance – Grant Deardorff AgencyLeads Group Four Top Performer: Theresa Burwick, Behavioral Health GroupTop Performing Leads Group: Leads Group One, Chaired by Shawn Patterson of Bug Zero Pest Services and co-chaired by Phillip Leesman of Farmers Insurance – Leesman Agency Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
