Ad Age has developed this program to recognize small, independent agencies around the country that are creating innovative and effective work for their clients. The agencies honored to receive this award have demonstrated their ability to execute groundbreaking work that competes directly with some of advertising’s biggest, and most highly regarded, agencies working today. The honor is considered the top achievement possible for small, independent firms.

“This is an amazing recognition,” says agency co-founder and Vice-President of Media, Teresa Treadway. “The credit goes to clients who believe in our process for building cult brands and in our talented employees who believe in what we are doing here.”

The firm’s 40 employees include brand and marketing strategists, creative, digital, video production and social media experts delivering integrated campaigns. The agency’s insights into important vertical segments, such as food, travel and tourism, outdoor retail, financial, and manufacturing has given them a reputation for results-based advertising and marketing programs. Food clients involved in consumer package goods, foodservice and food retailers, include: Coca-Cola, Texas Pete®, Red Gold®, Litehouse®, J&J Snack Foods, Green Mountain Gringo® and Pal’s Sudden Service—a leading regional burger chain. Other clients include General Shale® and Mullican Flooring® within manufacturing; Bank of Tennessee and telecommunications investment group, Point Broadband, in the financial segment; and tourism cooperatives serving the Appalachian region and the Johnson City Convention and Visitors Bureau.

Creative Energy’s leadership team includes: Will Griffith, Executive Creative Director; Greg Nobles, Creative Director; Nate Hook, Digital Director; and David Brashears, New Business Development and Public Relations Director.

The agency has recently invested in several initiatives to support their growth and capabilities portfolio for clients. This has included an acquisition of a digital specialist firm to expand our capabilities into new digital trends and new client acquisitions—which include international brands from Europe, Asia, and Australia.

“It’s exciting to create a culture that encourages the best work,” says Will Griffith. “Clients are looking for agencies who can solve their challenges, and less interested in a big city address.” Teresa Treadway noted, “Talented professionals in larger cities are looking for a different lifestyle and the ideal work/life balance. Creative Energy can offer both. The Creative Energy team not only enjoy working together, but also sharing other adventures outside of work like biking on Wednesdays, weekly yoga, or grabbing a pint or two at one of the many local craft breweries.”

Johnson City, Tenn., with a population of 70,000, frequently raises the question of “why”, for a vibrant full-service agency. In fact, Johnson City is one of the smallest hometowns of any Ad Age Small Agency Of The Year winner. “It’s a frequent question,” admits Tony Treadway. “My answer is always the same; come here and see why. Creativity comes easy in a city best known for embracing the adventure and beauty of the outdoors.”

Key agency leaders were on hand in New Orleans Wednesday night for the announcement by Ad Age of its 2019 Small Agency Of The Year winners during the publication’s Small Agency Conference. To view the Ad Age announcement on Creative Energy’s achievement, go to https://bit.ly/2MEgfmx.

For more information, visit the new Creative Energy website, www.creativeenergy.agency.