The City of Southfield’s entry was one of more than 870 submitted in this year’s competition from municipalities and counties from across the country. The exact award designations, offered in the categories of ‘Publications: Style and Branding Guide’ and ‘Most Creative Activity with Least Dollars Spent’ for Photo Prize in the population group 50,000-140,000, were announced on September 7 at the 3CMA Annual Conference in Orlando, FL.

The City of Southfield’s Branding & Graphic Design Standards outline the process involved in creating the City’s distinctive brand image with a consistent theme and coordinated elements such as; the logo, brand colors, fonts, words, images and above all messages. The detailed guidelines present and maintain a unified and unique identity for the municipal government with consistent messaging and graphic standards. More importantly, effective branding incorporates and integrates all of these elements and communications across platforms in one clear and consistent voice as the public’s first impression of the City and its image. Southfield’s Branding & Graphic Design Standards help to ensure a cohesive brand identity and image that is consistent across all city departments, platforms and audiences. The City’s Branding & Graphic Design Standards were produced entirely in-house by the Community Relations Department."

The Southfield 6th Annual Photo Prize and Art Competition was developed to showcase the natural and architectural beauty of the city while also creating an exciting outdoor public art exhibition. The competition received over 250 submissions which were originally reviewed by the Total Living Commission, which selected the top 25 entries to be displayed and eligible for public voting. Finalist's entries were then enlarged and displayed outside of City Hall and the Parks & Recreation building for public viewing and voting. The community was encouraged to visit all of the entries and to vote online for their favorite at www.cityofsouthfield.com. 

The Savvy Awards are held annually in cooperation with the National League of Cities to recognize outstanding local government achievements in communications, public sector marketing, and citizen-government relationships. Each year the number of entries in 3CMA's Savvy Awards competition continues to increase in quantity, quality, and scope of programs submitted.  The program reflects the growing skills of communications professionals, as more local governments and agencies embrace and employ the concepts of enhanced marketing and communication with citizens. The Savvies salute effective city/county/agency government programs that exhibit creativity and innovation.

For more information, contact the City of Southfield Community Relations Department at (248) 796-5130 or email communityrelations@cityofsouthfield.com.

• Read the Judge's Remarks about the City’s award-winning Photo Prize Competition
• Read the Judge's Remarks about the City’s award-winning Branding & Graphic Design Standards