AMA Chicago names Palmer Marketing Award winners

The American Marketing Association Chicago (AMA Chicago), the largest professional chapter in the American Marketing Association’s North American network, has announced the winners of the 2025 Palmer Marketing Awards.

These annual awards recognize standout marketing campaigns from across the country that exemplify creativity, effectiveness, and measurable results.

Finalists and honorees gathered for an award ceremony on Thursday, June 12, at Chicago’s famous House of Blues, where winners in eight distinct categories received gold-panel Palmer trophies, and the coveted Grand Champion award went to Choose Chicago.

“With an awards theme of ‘recognizing brilliance and illuminating innovation, this year’s entries set a new bar for excellence,” said Josh Blacksmith, president of AMA Chicago. “From community campaigns to bold B2B strategies, the winning entries came from businesses, nonprofits, and agencies. They exemplify the importance and impact strong marketing campaigns bring to businesses and organizations across the country.”

The American Marketing Association Chicago Palmer Awards are named in honor of James L. Palmer, a professor of marketing at the University of Chicago and the founding president of AMA’s Chicago chapter in 1937.

With a renewed focus on innovation and inclusivity, the awards program continues to spotlight campaigns that resonate, inspire, and drive results.

2025 Palmer Award Category Winners

Not-for-Profit Marketing:

• The 77: A City of Neighborhoods – Choose Chicago

Integrated Marketing:

• The 77: A City of Neighborhoods – Choose Chicago

Momentum:

• Cicada Symphony Orkinstra – DDB Chicago

Influencer Collaboration:

• #OCedarCleanSquad Ambassador Program – 3rd Coast PR

Engagement:

• Cicada Symphony Orkinstra – DDB Chicago

Best Use of Generative AI:

• Spinning Up Some Holiday Cheer – BrandAction Agency

Product or Service Launch:

• Mission94 Firearms Education Center: Launch of a Revolutionary Experience – TAWANI Enterprises, Inc.

B2B:

• Own Your Growth Women’s Leadership Series – Gallagher

The Grand Champion (Black Panel Trophy) representing the best overall campaign across all categories went to Choose Chicago.

To learn more about the Palmer Marketing Awards or to join the American Marketing Association Chicago, visit amachicago.org.