Greater Tallahassee Advertising Federation

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AAF Tallahassee - History

The Beginning

The first meeting of the Tallahassee Advertising Federation was held at the Capital City Country Club in 1969. Members of the business community, media and advertisers were invited to attend the information session. Of the 104 people in attendance, 60-70 joined at the first meeting.

Founding members included Duane Franceschi of Fransceschi Advertising; Charlie Porretto, then manager of WMEN AM radio; Jan Soto, leasing manager for the former Barnett Bank building; Fellis Carnley, sales manager for WCTV. In all, the members represented Tallahassee business sectors in radio, television and advertising and public relations agencies.

The Tallahassee chapter was officially installed in 1969, by then AAF President Howard Bell. A noteworthy beginning - Tallahassee was the first local chapter to be installed by a national President.