Runkle Honored As Top Advertising Exec Hana And Associates Captures Best Of Show Award For Bingo Ad

The co-owner and vice president of Spokane’s largest advertising agency was named advertising professional of the year Saturday night.

Bob Runkle, of WhiteRunkle Associates, received his award during the annual Inland Northwest Advertising Awards at the Masonic Temple.

Three judges decided among 515 entries from 68 different companies. The 87 categories included: best newspaper, television, radio, magazine, outdoor and public service announcements.

Runkle began his career in Spokane at American Sign and Indicator as a graphics designer and worked his way up to sales manager. He joined Coons, Shotwell and Associates in 1980 and later Clark White and Associates, which became WhiteRunkle in 1983.

Among the clients at WhiteRunkle are: AT&T Wireless Services, Jacklin Seed, Washington Water Power Co., Medical Service Corp., Rosauer’s Food Stores, Key Tronic, Spokane Transit Authority, Hoopfest and Silverwood Theme Park.

A total of 178 awards were presented Saturday night, including 82 awards to local and regional agencies, broadcast and print media, designers, marketers and non-profit organizations.

Hanna and Associates of Coeur d’Alene received the best of show award for “Bingoooo!”, a television commercial for Coeur d’Alene Tribal Bingo. The creative team included Dwain Smart and Monte Mindt of Hanna and Jim Swoboda and Frank Swoboda of North by Northwest Productions.

Dennis Magner received a judges’ special citation award for his business-to-consumer campaign. Judges called Magner’s entry for Snowjob Plowing - called “Get Plowed,” - the most effective use of copy.

Inland Northwest winners can advance to the regional Northwest Advertising Awards in Seattle in May.

, DataTimes ILLUSTRATION: Photo