Diana LaRue Honored at OBJ’s Women Who Mean Business Awards

ADVERTISING EXPERT RECOGNIZED FOR CONTINUED ACHIEVEMENTS IN THE CENTRAL FLORIDA BUSINESS COMMUNITY

Appleton Creative’s President and Creative Director, Diana LaRue, recognized as a Women Business Owner of the Year honoree at the Orlando Business Journal’s 2013 Women Who Mean Business Awards

ORLANDO, FL – It takes a lot of blood, sweat and tears to run a successful business in today’s economy. Diana LaRue started her advertising business 25 years ago, and has molded it into the successful, creative agency it is today. On Thursday, April 25, 2013, LaRue was recognized as Business Owner of the Year honoree at the Orlando Business Journal’s 2013 Women Who Mean Business awards. In its 15^th year, the prestigious event rewards women business professionals for their business successes, service to the community and personal accomplishments.

Appleton Creative, is known for its highly creative designs, strong client relationships and consistent commitment to industry growth. In 25 years, Appleton Creative has served many top brands including AAA, CNL, Hilton Grand Vacations, Orlando International Airport, The Golf Channel, Florida Hospital, Orlando Health and Tavistock Group. Industry accomplishments include over 200 local, national, and international awards and accolades.

Appleton Creative’s culture was built around the spirit of giving back to the community. In 2010, the advertising agency moved into a beautiful historic house on Lake Lucerne. Within this new space, LaRue designed the Appleton Awareness Art Gallery in an effort to bring attention to local causes through art, and to increase awareness for the community’s charitable needs. Past shows include JDRF of Central Florida, Pasadena Villa, The Foundation for Foster Children, and Beacon College. The gallery also features a Giving Circle ™ piece of art created for each show.

LaRue’s community ties are strong. She serves on such notable organizations’ boards of directors for University of Central Florida Town & Gown, ATHENAPowerLink Orlando affiliated with the Center for Advanced Entrepreneurship at Rollins College, and Zebra Foundation for Youth. In addition, LaRue is a continued supporter of children at the Great Oaks Village foster care facility.

The Orlando Business Journal’s 15th annual Women Who Mean Business awards celebration honoring Central Florida’s 2013 Women of Distinction took place on the evening of Thursday, April 25, 2013 at Rosen Shingle Creek. For more information, please visit http://www.bizjournals.com/orlando/event/80261#eventDetails.

About Appleton Creative

Appleton Creative is an award-winning, full-service advertising agency located in Orlando, Florida. Appleton works with local, national and international clients to provide marketing strategies through print, web, social media and video production – all in house. At Appleton, we want to learn about your business, empower your marketing team and be your creative resource. For more information, visit www.appletoncreative.com.

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