County communications team earns top honors at regional advertising awards

"San Bernardino County Update", yellow arrowhead and "SBCounty.gov

San Bernardino County proved that government communications can be as creative and compelling as the big brands in the private sector.

At the 2026 American Advertising Awards Inland Empire (the ADDYs), County Administrative Office Communications earned 12 awards: three gold and nine silver. The March 26 ceremony, held at the historic Terminal 1 at Ontario International Airport, recognizes the best in strategy, execution and storytelling in the local advertising industry.

“This recognition reflects the incredible talent of our team and partners in reimagining how we serve the public,” said Chief Communications Officer Martha Guzman-Hurtado. “We believe that clear communication is a core service. By making county information easy to understand and engaging, we are ensuring our residents stay informed, safe and connected to their community.”

County Communications earned three gold ADDYs for both life‑saving public safety messaging and strong community‑pride storytelling.

The “Flood Preparedness” comic book received two gold ADDY awards in:

Illustration Series
Public Service Out-of-Home

Developed in collaboration with the San Bernardino County Office of Emergency Services, the public safety initiative earned two gold ADDY awards for its bold, comic‑book‑inspired approach.

Shifting away from traditional, text-heavy materials, the project embraces a fast-paced visual narrative that turns complex safety information into compelling, easy-to-follow content. Beyond its creative approach, the effort is rooted in a clear public safety mission: ensuring residents across the county have the actionable guidance they need to protect their families and homes and move to safety when severe weather strikes.

“So Much to Love” hits a high note

In addition, the “So Much to Love” campaign earned a gold ADDY for:

Music With Lyrics (So Much to Love – song)

The campaign, which highlights the vibrancy of life in San Bernardino County, also netted four silver awards for:

Whether at the airport or on a billboard, the campaign does more than promote the region – it fosters a shared sense of pride in what makes San Bernardino County a great place to call home.

The three gold ADDY award entries will advance to the district competition—the tier preceding the national level—where they will compete against winning entries from other local chapters.

A diverse portfolio of excellence

County Communications’ silver ADDY awards represented a range of projects, including:

These projects highlight the County Communications team’s ability to translate programs and services across multiple departments into engaging and accessible content.

A new standard in public service

In total, the county’s 12-ADDY sweep marks a significant milestone in public service communication.

Whether it is a campaign or a community celebration, these awards prove that San Bernardino County goes beyond informing the public—it is building a safer, more engaged and more connected community for all residents.

Additional County Update News – April 9, 2026