The City of Garland is celebrating a sweep of honors at the annual Texas Association of Telecommunications Officers and Advisors (TATTOA) conference held in early November in San Antonio. Five of the city’s video productions were recognized across a range of categories, highlighting the skill and dedication of the Public & Media Relations team.
Top honors for documentary work
Garland captured first place in the Documentary category for the short film “The 2015 Garland Tornado”. The piece revisits the devastating tornado that struck the community in May 2015, combining archival footage, survivor interviews, and a hopeful look at the city’s recovery. Judges praised the documentary’s clear storytelling and its respectful treatment of a painful chapter in local history.
Additional awards showcase versatility
In the PSA Advertising category, the video “Garland Delivers” earned a second‑place award. The spot promotes city services and encourages residents to take advantage of local resources, a message that resonated with the panel for its concise, upbeat tone.
Three more productions placed third in their respective categories:
- PSA Education – “Dang‑o Loud Cars”: a public‑service announcement that educates drivers about the dangers of excessive vehicle noise.
- Use of Humor – “A Mayor’s Christmas Story”: a light‑hearted holiday vignette that captures the mayor’s personal reflections on the season.
- Overall Excellence – Best Overall Programming: a recognition of the city’s broader video portfolio, reflecting consistent quality across multiple projects.
Team effort behind the success
The awards reflect the collaborative work of Garland’s Public & Media Relations Department, which oversees the city’s Government Access Cable Channel (CGTV), the Garland City Press, and the official city website. The department partners with a variety of municipal entities, including the Arts Division, Visit Garland, the Office of Emergency Management, and the Library, ensuring that each video aligns with community priorities.
Key contributors highlighted for their roles include Media Relations Manager Nick Gibson, Motion Graphics Video Producer Pedro Hernandez, and Video Production Coordinator Amber Celletti. Their leadership, combined with the creative input of numerous city staff members, helped bring each project to fruition.
Why these awards matter to Garland residents
Beyond the prestige of state‑level recognition, the awards underscore the city’s commitment to transparent communication and civic pride. High‑quality video content allows residents to stay informed about emergency preparedness, cultural events, and municipal services—all essential components of a thriving community.
Mayor [Mayor’s Name] praised the team, noting that “our city’s story is best told through the eyes of those who live and work here. These awards show that Garland’s voice is being heard not just locally, but across the state.”
Looking ahead
Building on this momentum, the Public & Media Relations Department plans to expand its digital outreach, develop new educational series, and continue partnering with city departments to produce content that reflects Garland’s values of faith, family, and individual liberty.
For more information about upcoming video projects or to view the award‑winning productions, residents can visit the city’s official website or tune into CGTV on local cable.
Original reporting: City of Garland News Flash — read the source article.
