Senator Victor Crist Honored with Prestigious Silver Medal Award
Tampa Bay Advertising Federation recognizes Senator for his long history of service to the community, to the advertising profession, and to the people of Florida
Tampa, FL – State Senator Victor D. Crist (R-Tampa) has been recognized by the Tampa Bay Advertising Federation as its 2009 “Silver Medal” award winner for his outstanding service to the Tampa Bay area advertising community, for his commitment to neighborhoods, and his nearly two decades of public service in the Florida Legislature.
“Whether it be protecting first amendment rights, warding off attack dogs, or just simply dealing with regulatory issues, Senator Crist has always been there for the TBAF,” said Sarah Jeffcoat, Executive Director of the Tampa Bay Advertising Federation.
In addition to being the only advertising agency professional to serve in the state legislature for the last 16 years, Senator Crist has also been an equally high-profile advocate for the industry through his active involvement in AAF for over 25 years. He served as AD2 Tampa Bay president and in a variety of other leadership positions during his 10 years of active membership. Following that, he chaired three Fourth District committees, a variety of national AAF posts, including AD2 secretary and treasurer, and was a member of the national AAF Legislative Advisory Committee. He was instrumental in starting the Fourth District’s political action committee, Florida AD PAC, and also in serving on the statewide steering committee, which helped in ultimately repealing the 1987 advertising services tax.
His professional service has been recognized and honored over the years. Senator Crist is a 1993 recipient of the Fourth District’s John Cummins Legislative Award. Prior to that, he was named Ad2 Advertising Professional of the Year in 1991. He graduated from the University of South Florida in 1983 as an outstanding graduate with honors for academics and leadership and received a degree in Communication and Business with a minor in political science. His additional graduate studies were in Communication.
Senator Crist started Metro-Comm Publishing in 1982, where he published a renters information and lifestyles magazine, known as the Off-Campus Housing Guide and The Apartment Source. In 1983, he started Metropolitan Communications, a full-service advertising agency, and has consistently worked in the advertising and PR industry for the last 26 years.
“I am honored to receive the Silver Medal from the Tampa Bay Advertising Federation. When you’re recognized by your peers, it always means so much more,” said Senator Crist.
Senator Crist represents parts of Hillsborough and Pasco Counties in the Florida Legislature. He was elected to the Florida Senate, District 12, in 2000, and re-elected subsequently. He served in the Florida House from 1992-2000.