The 2010 “I Choose” is a print ad campaign, based on testimonials from community leaders, patients and physicians who endorse Fannin Regional Hospital from a personal or family experience. The 2010 “I Choose” contributors were David Ralston, Georgia Speaker of the House; Crystal Comeau, M.D., Family Practice; Sandra Mercier, Retired Educator and Business Owner; Robert “Hoot” Skelton, Retired Pharmacist; The Ronnie Hold Family, Dentist; Raymond Tidman, M.D., Family Practice; Paula Boyle, M.D., Family Practice; and Kenny Atkins, M.D. Family Practice.

The 2010 “I Choose” campaign was recognized nationally in the 2011 Aster Awards Program for excellence in medical marketing in the Total Advertising Campaigns Category. “I Choose” received the Gold Award (1st Place) in this year’s competition placing the campaign in the top 5% in the nation.

The Aster Awards Program is an elite competition recognizing the nation’s most talented healthcare marketing professionals for outstanding excellence in advertising. The 2011 Aster Awards received approximately 3,000 entries from across the United States as well as Canada and South America.

Entries must score at least in the top 16% to receive an award. Judging criteria includes creativity, layout and design, functionality, message effectiveness, production quality and overall appeal.

“It was an honor to have the number of Healthcare organizations and agencies that participated in the 2011 Aster Awards Competition. The quality of this year’s entries went well beyond the judges’ expectations,” said Melinda R. Lucas, Aster Awards Program Coordinator.

All winners are posted on the Aster Awards website (www.AsterAwards.com), as well as published in Marketing Healthcare Today, a national healthcare marketing magazine

Fannin Regional Hospital CEO, David S. Sanders said, “The Marketing Team did an outstanding job on the “I Choose” campaign and this honor is a testament to that. Being recognized nationally by your peers is an achievement of a lifetime. Congratulations on a job well done!”

Fannin Regional Hospital is a general acute care facility with 24 hour emergency room that has served the Tri-State area since 1977. Fannin Regional Hospital is located on highway 5 between Blue Ridge and McCaysville.