Oliver Clarke (centre), chairman and managing director of the Gleaner Company Limited, presents the newspaper's 2006 Top Billing Award for the highest volume of advertisements to a beaming Adrian Robinson and Eileen Henry-Lewis of the Marketing Counselors Limited. The award was presented at a gala luncheon yesterday at the Jamaica Pegasus hotel, New Kingston. - Rudolph Brown/Chief Photographer

All major organisations in the advertising business were represented, but it was Marketing Counselors Limited which yesterday grabbed The Gleaner's 2006 Top Billing Award for the highest volume of advertisements placed in the company's various publications.

The award was presented at The Gleaner's Annual Advertisers' Appreciation and Agency Awards Luncheon held at the Pegasus hotel in New Kingston.

This is the third consecutive year that Marketing Counselors has walked away with the top award.

Committed to excellence

Adrian Robinson and Eileen Henry-Lewis accepted the award on behalf of the company. Mr. Robinson, managing director of the agency, said that his company was committed to excellence in media and finding a company that continues to provide fair value for money was among their priorities.

"It is always a pleasure to be recognised in one's professional field," said Mr. Robinson.

The second-highest billing award winner was WaterWorks Limited. Third place went to MacMillan Advertising Limited, which also received the most improved award.

Oliver Clarke, chairman and managing director of the Gleaner Company, said it was a pleasure to host the advertisers and reminded them that the company's circulation is ahead of its competitors.

"The Weekend Star circulation is more than twice what the other paper has," said Mr. Clarke. "In fact, The Sunday Gleaner circulation is more than three times the other paper."

Entertainment, prizes

One Third and Nakeisha Barnes, Digicel Rising Stars 2006 winners and runner-up respectively, performed at the event.

Guests were also treated to spot prizes, such as clock radios and portable digital video disc players courtesy of Courts and Singer, for answering a cricket pop quiz correctly. Supreme Ventures Scratch and Win cards were also issued.

Master of ceremonies for the function were Advertising Manager Yvonne Senior and her deputy, Nordia Craig.