The Citizens Clean Elections Commission has completed its procurement process for the production and broadcast of candidate debates in 2024 and announced the selection of Riester in partnership with the Arizona Media Association (AMA) as the successful contractor. The collaborative proposal from Riester and the AMA —engineered to professionally produce debates for the U.S. Senate and Congressional, as well as Corporation Commission races for the 2024 primary and general elections—ensures optimal technologies, processes and productions for media outlets everywhere in Arizona that broadcast debates. The ultimate task for Riester and the AMA is to ensure the debates are available to all voters in every corner of the state. 

“In this new age of misinformation, Riester is highly motivated and honored to work with the Citizens Clean Elections Commission and the AMA’s hundred’s of media members statewide to produce the most professional, technically-sound debates that deliver uncensored and unedited candidate exchanges in English and Spanish to the communities they are competing to serve,” said Riester Founder and CEO, Tim Riester.

For more than two decades, Clean Elections has been the state’s only nonpartisan debate sponsor successfully producing hundreds of local, state, and federal debates. As a recognized voter education leader, Clean Elections is focused year-after-year on improving voter information accessibility and creating tools to support informed participation in elections.

“Many Arizona races are already a national topic, and the expectation is set for debates that provide visibility into the plans and policies of candidates,” said Clean Elections Executive Director Tom Collins. “Voters rely on Clean Elections to provide candidate debates that are nonpartisan, accessible, and fair. Our final decision on a partner for debates was guided by these principles, while keeping in mind a second, equally critical audience: members of the media who are stewards of civic engagement and providers of information to voters.” 

The selection of a debates production and broadcast partner is a key component to debates planning which started months ago and began with the evaluation of Arizona debate processes conducted by the Citizens Clean Elections Candidate Debates Work Group in 2023. The group summarized its findings in anticipation of the 2024 debates and will be referenced as plans are crystalized by Riester and the AMA. 

“When it comes to stimulating conversation among voters, nothing compares to debates which is why we have been working on them since last year,” said Clean Elections Voter Education Director Gina Roberts. “We believe that the combined competencies of Riester and the AMA are solid footing to produce debates that will reach all voters and give all candidates a level playing field to make their case to their constituencies.” 

“We are committed to the most successful debate season possible,” said Arizona Media Association President and CEO Chris Kline. “We have been allies on other important public awareness initiatives with both Clean Elections and Riester, and because of that, this new partnership is incredibly exciting. This relationship will allow us to make every debate available to hundreds of local media brands on radio, TV, in partnership with newspapers and across countless digital platforms with the goal of reaching every voter in our state.”  

About the Arizona Citizens Clean Elections Commission (Clean Elections)

The Citizens Clean Elections Commission was established by Arizona voters to restore citizen participation and confidence in Arizona’s political system, to improve the integrity of State government and to promote freedom of speech under the U.S. and Arizona Constitutions. Visit www.azcleanelections.gov to learn more. 

About the AMA 

The Arizona Media Association is a 501-c(6) non-profit corporation that acts as the official trade association for Arizona’s local radio, TV, print and digital industry. Its mission is to futureproof Arizona local media and protect its critical role in community connection. The Arizona Media Association also underwrites the Arizona Local News Foundation to connect communities with more local news and information. Membership includes more than 350 radio stations, TV stations, newspapers, digital operations and associate groups.  Visit www.azmedia.org for more information.

About Riester

Driven by humanity, the founders of Riester innately care and as a result have created a passionate creative marketing company that understands, appeals and connects to peoples’ emotions to drive change. Composed of culturally diverse, internationally experienced, thought-provoking people, this studious, collaborative, talented and open-minded group is in the constant pursuit of creating more impactful campaigns. This has led to Riester being recognized by AdAge among the 20 Hottest Creative Shops to Watch in America and PRWeek awarding its Campaign of the Year honors to Riester. 

Riester is proud of its reputation as an expert in campaigns that truly connect with people’s emotions and motivate their positive behavior change. Our expertise in healthcare services, public health education and prevention, pharmaceuticals, educational attainment, voter education, consumer packaged goods and destination marketing was on full display at the 2023 ADDY Awards.

Riester won awards for the following clients and campaigns:

2023 Ad Person of the Year – Tom Ortega

The evening was made especially memorable when Riester co-owner and former chief creative officer Tom Ortega was recognized as Advertising Person of the Year, a recognition that reflects his magnificent creative career and extraordinary qualities as a mentor to so many talented creative professionals throughout the community.

Gold

Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System (AHCCCS)

• Gold Addy for Animation, Special Effects & Motion Graphics: Substance Misuse Prevention TV

Silver

HonorHealth

• Silver Addy for Music: Metronome TV Commercial
• Silver Addy for Local Television Campaign: “Neuroscience Institute Campaign”

Talking Stick Resort

• Silver Addy for Installations: “Putt & Spin”

Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System (AHCCCS)

• Silver Addy for Public Service Radio Commercial: “Breathing Exercise”
• Silver Addy for Regional/National Television Commercial: “Smile”

Arizona Department of Health Services

• Silver Addy for Public Service Television Commercial: “What Kind Are You”

Shmush

• Silver Addy for Animation: “Dog Health Biscuits TV”

Elevated Education

• Silver Addy for Animation Special Effects & Motion Graphics: “Brain Doodle”

Idaho Department of Health & Welfare

• Silver Addy for Public Service Campaign: “Idahoans Have a Choice”

Bronze

Talking Stick Resort

• Bronze Addy for Regional/National Television Commercial: “Turn It On – Beat”
• Bronze Addy for Regional/National Television Commercial: “Turn It On – Lights”

City of El Segundo California

• Bronze Addy for Regional/National Integrated Consumer Campaign: “Start Here” 

HonorHealth

• Bronze Addy for Local Television Commercial: “Loom”
• Bronze Addy for Local Television Commercial: “Metronome”

Arizona Department of Health Services

• Bronze Addy for Integrated Public Service Campaign: “What Kind Are You”

Global Blood Therapeutics

• Bronze Addy for Public Service Online Film: “Sickle Cell Speaks – Oxygen”

Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System (AHCCCS)

• Bronze Addy for Regional/National Television Commercial: “Bed”
• Bronze Addy for Regional/National Radio Commercial: “Connecting”

Citizens Clean Elections Commission

• Bronze Addy for Animation, Special Effects, Motion Graphics: “Maze”

Conducted annually by the American Advertising Federation, the ADDYs are the nation’s largest and most representative advertising competition. The annual show attracts hundreds of entries every year.

Since 2015, Riester has been a Google Premier Partner and a member of the Google Analytics Certified partner program (GACP). Riester was also a North American finalist for the 2018 Premier Partner Search Innovation Award. 

Recently, the Google Partners program has undergone significant changes for 2022, including redefining what it means to be a Premier Partner through new, advanced program requirements including rigorous certification testing across a wide range of Google products. Riester is proud to announce that we have been selected once again as a Google Premier Partner for 2022 under this updated and even more competitive program. With this status, we have been designated as being in the top 3% of agencies in North America demonstrating advanced acumen throughout the Google suite from Google Ads to Google Analytics/GA4, Optimize, DV360 and more. 

For clients, this verification is evidence of our long-standing track record of providing high levels of expert digital marketing guidance and service. Furthermore, this partnership enables us to receive more support and value from Google in the form of product betas, industry insights and trend reporting, all of which benefits Riester’s clients. 

“Congratulations to our Premier Partners for being among the top 3% of Google Partners. These companies stand out based on their commitment to developing product expertise, building new client relationships, and helping their current clients grow. We look forward to supporting them as they help their customers succeed online.” – Davang Shah, Senior Director, Google Ads Marketing

RIESTER is a 2022 Premier Partner. RIESTER is among one of the top companies within its country and has met all of the Partner requirements.

Riester’s ‘My Time’ commercial for Global Blood Therapeutics’ (GBT) Oxbryta is the first-ever branded television commercial created specifically to highlight a new sickle cell disease therapy. Sickle cell is a condition that disproportionately impacts the Black community in the U.S. and around the world. It is a complex, debilitating disease and people who live with this condition often must also overcome the stigma associated with it. GBT’s new therapy, Oxbryta, is the first and only treatment option available for sickle cell patients that treats the disease at the source and works to prevent the sickling process.

Production of the ‘My Time’ commercial was entirely guided by the real experiences of sickle cell patients who have seen positive results from taking Oxbryta. Experiences that Riester’s research team heard first-hand from patients, some of whom were cast for this commercial. The 60-second commercial aims to encourage all sickle cell patients to imagine the possibilities that come with the use of the oral therapy Oxbryta, summarized in a simple phrase: “It’s your time to experience less sickling.”

On May 1, 2021, Riester purchased Moses Inc., an integrated marketing firm with a three-and-a-half-decade reputation for exceptional creative work locally and nationally. The move provides additional resources for Moses’ current clients and brings Riester added depth and experience in tourism, gaming, hospitality, healthcare, transportation and fashion industry products.

“We successfully helped our clients grow to the point of needing more resources than Moses could provide on its own,” said Moses’ founder and newly appointed Riester Senior Creative Partner, Louie Moses.

“After years of guiding clients to make unique and original creative decisions, it was time to make a bold business decision of my own, one that I know will position our clients stronger immediately and beyond.”

Louie Moses will play a proactive role in smoothly transitioning Moses’ existing clients to Riester, using his experience to advance Riester’s clients and mentor staff members.

“Our acquisition of Moses speaks volumes about our positive outlook on the future,” said Riester Founder and CEO, Tim Riester.

“We have been admiring Louie’s brilliant work for decades and believe advertising companies focused on strategic and creative communications will be positioned best for success after this unprecedented time in our industry’s history.”

Combining the two firms is a testament to the longtime respect between Riester and Moses, two of the most competitive, creative shops in the southwest.

We are grateful for our amazing clients, as well as our dedicated production partners, who all share in Riester’s 2021 American Advertising Federation Awards. This year’s winning lineup includes six Gold, two Silver and four Bronze Addys. They are each extra special given the whirlwind of a year which pushed us to reimagine how we work, but never compromised the quality of what we sought to create.

Once again Riester proved its abilities across multiple industries from public health communications and tourism marketing to consumer services and more. It’s a privilege to present this year’s award-winning work below.

Aunt Rita’s Foundation

HIV Testing Brochure – Bronze

Talking Stick Resort

Play in Style – Integrated – Gold

Elements of Advertising, Photography – Gold

Truly Nolen

“No Escape” Integrated Campaign – Gold

“No Escape” Campaign, Elements of Advertising, Music – Gold

“No Escape” TV Commercial – Gold

Carlisle Companies

ESG Website – Bronze

Arizona Together

“Tougher Than Covid” Integrated Campaign – Silver

Park City Chamber of Commerce/Convention & Visitors Bureau

“Dig Deep” Print – Bronze

“Winter’s Favorite Town” Print Campaign – Silver

A

Association of State and Territorial Health Officials

“Personalities” TV – Gold

Riester

Holiday Party Poster – Bronze

Riester is proud to announce that our client, the Arizona Lottery, has been awarded a prestigious honor from the National Association of State and Provincial Lotteries (NASPL). In September, NASPL, which serves as the guiding organization for the nation’s lottery programs, presented its “Best Website Award” for 2019 to the Arizona Lottery. Riester recently completed a redesign of the Arizona Lottery website creating a compelling user experience relevant to existing Lottery players by combining the power of real-time data, mobile behavior and consumer-focused website design. The award recognizes excellence in offering players valuable Internet information for improved player behavior, enhancing the Lottery’s image and player loyalty.

Riester’s vibrant and simple design was built upon the Umbraco content management system enabling content to be added ad hoc in a modular format without limiting the Arizona Lottery team to a specific design template. In order to educate Arizona residents, greater emphasis was placed on storytelling as a way of conveying how Arizona Lottery revenues positively impact the state’s population.

Riester’s website redesign for the Arizona Lottery contained more than 55 games and video promotions as well as content structured to teach new game players how to play and also give experienced game players immediate access to critical information like winning numbers. To drive gameplay revenue, cross-promotions were strategically designed to entice all visitors to explore new games and game types directly from critical information pages.

Needless to say, our Arizona Lottery client was beyond pleased with the honor. “The entire Riester team has excelled in strategizing and developing a website that is intentional, user-friendly and visually pleasing,” said Arizona Lottery Marketing Manager Shelby Alessi. “We are so proud of the work we’ve been able to accomplish with Riester as our partner. While this award only recognizes the site from a player perspective, Riester also deserves recognition for providing a CMS solution that has made our day-to-day management of the website so much better.”

Built as a responsive website design, the new layout and navigation structure were coded by Riester to adjust automatically and appear in the most visually appealing and functionally relevant format tailored for the device on which the website is displayed. Mobile navigation was optimized for small mobile device screens, easily getting players to the information they seek with a simple slide of a finger.

Using custom-built document types for games that tied directly into the Arizona Lottery API, the website always displays real-time game data. Using the Arizona Lottery API data, the website displays a “Jackpot Alert” promotion on the website homepage whenever a game reaches a pre-determined jackpot driving visitors to participate.

We consider this a win-win for the Arizona Lottery and Riester!

Category innovator expands Riester’s in-house expertise

Growth by acquisition has been a core Riester strategy since it was founded. This month marks the firm’s 30th year in business, making the acquisition of Santy–a regional, full-service advertising and public relations agency–especially timely. Over the years, Riester and Santy have been friendly competitors with a shared commitment to stellar work and best-in-class client service.

Today, Riester gains all of Santy’s full-time employees, including experts in strategic planning, digital, creative and public relations. The firm is also delighted to welcome Santy’s top-notch clients in the categories of consumer-packaged goods, construction, communications, commercial and residential heating and cooling, dining and entertainment, social issue and healthcare marketing.

“We have always had tremendous respect for Dan and admired the advertising and public relations work his team created at Santy,” said Riester Founder and CEO Tim Riester. “Since early in 2019, Riester has been fortunate to earn a significant number of new clients, and adding Santy’s talented staff will help support that growth. Riester also has a deep expertise in the Santy client industries, making this move an immediate value for everyone.”

Founder of Santy and newly appointed Riester senior partner, Dan Santy, said, “There is no better group suited for the future of our current employees and for the continued success of our clients. Work will continue uninterrupted, and starting April 1, our clients will have instantaneous access to expanded services and resources from Riester. This includes additional executive-level perspective on their business with Riester’s experienced and established partners.”

Beginning April 1, 2019, Santy’s Scottsdale, Arizona – based staff will integrate into Riester’s Phoenix office, and Santy’s Brea, California – based staff will maintain that office and work in support of Riester’s Los Angeles office.

Youth voter education campaign wins ‘Best in Public Sector’ campaign

Riester and client the Citizens Clean Elections Commission were triumphant at the annual PRWeek Awards which celebrates the best of the best corporate, agency, nonprofit, and government PR teams and the work they produced during the entry period. The team won the top PRWeek Award in the nation for the ‘18 in 2018’ youth voter education campaign in the category of ‘Best in Public Sector’ campaigns. Only 45 trophies are awarded each year across all categories of competition, so each one is truly special.

Riester and Citizens Clean Elections Commission competed against the best of the best national brands and agencies, including Procter & Gamble’s “Always” feminine products “Period Poverty Campaign” which received runner-up honors and “HPV Vaccination is Cancer Prevention” by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases and “Covered In Art” by Covered California Fifth Open Enrollment.

Following the award presentation, the Citizens Clean Elections Commission, Voter Education Director Gina Robers said, “We are ecstatic to bring the PRWeek Award for ‘Best in Public Sector Campaigns’ for ’18 in 2018’ home to Arizona. Shining light on the importance of civic involvement before a national audience of industry leaders was gratifying. We will continue to challenge ourselves to best meet the needs of voters and are already collaborating with Riester on the next big idea to increase voter participation in our state.”

The origins of the ‘18 in 2018’ campaign came from Riester’s idea to capitalize on the last two digits of the year ‘18’ as a way of emphasizing that the legal voting age is 18. It quickly evolved into a multifaceted campaign that combined art and technology. Specifically, knowing that street art and social media were definite subcultures for this age group and a way to engage this audience, Riester designed the campaign centerpiece—an art installation of 10’ x 10’ multi-colored wings combined with an augmented reality (AR) mobile experience that led people to the Citizens Clean Elections Commission website to register to vote. With a few clicks on an app and a unique QR code, the wings begin to move and the person appears to be on the verge of taking flight; and why the mural is called Take Flight, with an implied: with your vote. The mural continues to be hugely popular and will continue to animate with AR through 2019. There have been thousands of pictures and videos taken at Take Flight installed in the Phoenix arts district as well as a popular concert venue in Tucson, Arizona. This win is especially meaningful to Riester, as the company marks its 30th year in business.

2019 Graphis International Advertising Annual awards excellence in design and imagery

When the 2019 Graphis Advertising Annual is published, Riester will have two campaigns featured. The Text 2 Quit Poster Series for Arizona Department of Health Services won Gold. And the EōS Fitness Brand Poster Series won Silver.

Known as an international bastion of excellence in design and visual imagery, Graphis reviewed entries from Europe, Africa, Asia, South America, and North America. The Riester entries, which also won Addys from the American Advertising Federation, will be featured among some of the most well-known brands in the world.

“Both of these campaigns are based on strong ideas that are expressed through bold, clean design,” said Tom Ortega, Riester’s Chief Creative Officer. “We are grateful that these great clients gave us the opportunity to do this level of work.”

The Text 2 Quit Poster Series was part of a groundbreaking outreach program to initiate tobacco cessation through texting between tobacco users and quit coaches. The EōS Fitness Poster Series helped launch an all-new brand for the growing gym franchise. It also featured the photography of Blair Bunting and photo retouching of Randy Geske.

Along with advertising, Graphis judges and produces annuals for many other categories, including design, logos, photography, typeface design and branding. The online list of winners can be seen here.