The U.S. Census Bureau grabbed two David Ogilvy Awards for Excellence in Advertising Research at the prestigious Advertising Research Foundation annual awards.

The extensive 2010 Census communications campaign was recognized as a gold winner as the nation's best multicultural advertising effort in 2010 at the awards ceremony that took place on March 22 in New York City. The campaign also was given special recognition as the nation's best in research achievement.

A multicultural milestone
The 2010 Census communications campaign was one of the most far-reaching marketing and outreach efforts conducted in the country. The principal objective was to motivate every person in the U.S. to participate in the national count. The prime contractor for the 2010 Census communications contract, Draftfcb, developed the paid media plan with partner media agencies to ensure that 2010 Census messages were seen and heard by the public -- especially by populations traditionally harder to count.

By the time the 2010 Census was completed, 74 percent of the nation's households participated by mailing back the questionnaire. Twenty-two states, 1,553 counties, and 278 cities and townships met or exceeded their 2000 Census participation rates. Overall, the 2010 Census was on time and came in $1.9 billion under budget.

“We are honored to be recognized by the ARF and accept these awards on behalf of everyone in America who stood up and was counted in the 2010 Census,” said Tasha Boone, assistant to the associate director for communications. “The extensive research associated with the 2010 Census communications campaign was one of the main reasons why the census outreach effort was a success, and we thank all those involved in this important work.”

Joining Draftfcb of New York in the communications contract were GlobalHue, GlobalHue Latino, D'Exposito & Partners, Allied Media, G+G Advertising, IW Group, Plum Agency, Weber Shandwick, Jack Morton, Scholastic, Initiative and Draftfcb Puerto Rico.

In addition to the Ogilvy awards, the 2010 Census communications campaign has received other recognitions. Last year, Mediaweek, a leading advertising industry trade publication, honored the 2010 Census advertising campaign with the "Best Multicultural Campaign" and "Best Branded Content" awards.

El Clasificado was part of the campaign as one of the media outlets chosen in Southern California.