SS Digital Media, a full-service digital marketing and advertising agency, recently was awarded the Renaissance Award by the Detroit Chapter of the International Association of Business Communicators (IABC).

SS Digital Media’s campaign to restore the reputation of the Humane Society of Macomb won a Gold Quill award in the Community Relations category of the Communication Management division. 

Adhering to global IABC standards, the award is bestowed for excellence in strategic communication recognizing smart thinking, flawless execution and results. Each entry consists of two components: the work plan and the work sample. 

SS Digital Media worked with the Humane Society of Macomb when the shelter was being assaulted by protesters, both online and physically on the sidewalk outside its front door. Local TV news stations featured the story often as the accusations involved treatment of animals, a tender subject for most. 

The agency delved into the issues behind the accusations and helped the shelter remedy situations that led to misrepresentation in the media and online. A strategic plan, including operational changes, a new website and social media initiatives were implemented and within a relatively short time period, positive public sentiment was restored. 

“As gratifying as it is to win this award from IABC, the real ‘win’ was the turnaround in public opinion about the Humane Society of Macomb,” says Amanda Farley, accounts director and partner at SS Digital Media. “Swift communications action in a crisis situation is critical and we were delighted at the outcome. HSM has since been recognized as a model shelter and we continue to work with them to spread the word about their caring, compassionate care.” 

The IABC awards ceremony will be held on Wednesday, October 4, from Noon to 2:00 at the Henry in Dearborn. 

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SS Digital Media is a full-service digital marketing and advertising agency in Troy, Michigan. Services include e-commerce strategies and development, search and social marketing, brand design and implementation, website design and optimization, video production, measurement and reporting. For more information, please visit www.ssdigitalmedia.com.