Inland Empire podcast, The GIA Education Report, was recently announced as the winner of a Best of the West Media Award in the category of Blog/Podcast of the Year. The Best of the West Media Awards honors individuals and companies who exemplify excellence in service to their communities and the media industry.
“The Best of the West Media Awards competition received entries from media markets across 10 western states,” said Paul Klein, Chairman of AAF Western Region in making the announcement. “I would like to congratulate all of the winners for their exemplary work and service to their local communities.”
The GIA Education Report Host: Alyssa Silva.
The Best of the West Media Awards honors individuals and companies demonstrating excellence in service to their communities and quality of media production within the markets they serve. It is an annual competition sponsored by the Western Region of AAF, the advertising industry’s largest trade organization.
“I am truly honored to receive the Best of the West Media Award for the GIA Education Report. This recognition means so much because it highlights the incredible work we’re doing to bring important education news to the forefront. I want to extend my deepest gratitude to my amazing team at Growing Inland Achievement and to all the listeners,” said Alyssa Silva, host of The GIA Education Report. “Thank you for making this possible!”
A complete list of Best of the West Media Award winners is listed below:
| Category | Winner | City/Region | State |
| Agency Professional of the Year | Gabbi Hall, Noble Studios | Reno | NV |
| Media Professional of the Year | Jody Shiroma, PBS Hawaii | Honolulu | HI |
| Young Achiever of the Year | Steve Ergelyi, Noble Studios | Renp | NV |
| Media Talent of the Year | Adam & Jen in the Morning, 94.9 The Wolf | Tri-Cities | WA |
| Media Agency of the Year (under $10 million) | 3fold Communications | Sacramento | CA |
| Advertising Agency of the Year (under $10 million) | Ace Studios | Reno | NV |
| Blog-Podcast of the Year | The GIA Education Report | Redlands | CA |
| Advertising Agency of the Year ($10-$50 million) | Noble Studios | Reno | NV |
| Governmental Media Outlet of the Year | City of Reno | Reno | NV |
| Public Service Campaign-Event of the Year | Pops on The River (Reno Philharmonic) | Reno | NV |
| Governmental Media Outlet of the Year | Nevada Department of Health and Human Services (in partnership with The Center for Application of Substance Abuse Technologies) |
Carson City | NV |
| Website of the Year | Neon Pig Creative & Pikes Peak Outdoor Recreation Alliance | Colorado Springs | CO |
| Television Broadcaster of the Year | Hawaii News Now | Honolulu | HI |
| Radio Broadcaster of the Year | Stephens Media Group, 94.9 The Wolf | Tri-Cities | WA |
About The GIA Education Report
The GIA Education report is a weekly podcast that delivers the latest news and developments in the world of education, with a focus on the Inland Empire. Produced by Growing Inland Achievement, the podcast highlights important stories, initiatives, and innovations that impact students, educators, and communities across the region. Hosted and produced by Multimedia Production Specialist Alyssa Silva, the GIA Education Report provides an accessible and engaging platform for discussing key issues, from legislative updates and grants to student success stories and institutional achievements. Learn more at https://inlandempiregia.org/ed-news/.
About AAF Western Region
The Western Region of the American Advertising Federation (AAF), the nation’s oldest national advertising trade association, acts as the “Unifying Voice for Advertising” within the Western United States. The Western Region comprises of five district operations supporting the states of Arizona, Alaska, California, Colorado, Hawaii, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, Oregon, Utah, Washington and Wyoming. Each district serves a vital role in representing the interests and concerns of local advertising communities to protect and promote the well-being of advertising. The Western Region accomplishes this through a unique, coordinated grassroots network of advertisers, agencies, media companies, local advertising clubs and college chapters. They also set the framework for well-known industry programs like the American Advertising (ADDY®) Awards and the National Student Advertising Competition (NSAC).