Missouri Marketing Resource Blog

As the calendar pages of 2024 turn to their final days, we're taking a moment to hit pause on our busy lives and celebrate the extraordinary journey we've shared at Zimmer Communications. What a year it's been—brimming with breakthrough achievements, well-deserved recognition, community impact, and yes, plenty of moments that had us laughing until our sides hurt!

Behind the microphones, cameras, and printed pages of our 13 radio stations, a magazine, and a full slate of in-house digital marketing options lies the beating heart of Zimmer: a family of passionate creators, innovators, and community champions. While we've been busy amplifying voices and telling stories across our platforms, we've also been weaving our own remarkable narrative—one of growth, resilience, and genuine connection.

Our mission extends far beyond broadcasting and publishing. At Zimmer Communications, we've cultivated an environment where creativity flourishes and talent soars. Every day, we put our expertise to work with one clear purpose in mind: "We're in business to help your business grow." This philosophy isn't just a slogan—it's the foundation of every project we undertake, every partnership we build, and every community initiative we support.

As you scroll through our year in review, you'll discover the colorful tapestry of achievements that defined our 2024. You'll meet the unsung heroes working tirelessly behind the scenes, celebrate alongside our award-winning on-air personalities, and witness the digital magic created by our creative teams. From national industry accolades to heartwarming local impact, these stories represent the very best of what happens when passionate people unite around a shared vision.

Country Station of the Year:

• 94.3 KAT Country
• Clear 99

Zimmer's Director of Creative Services, Josh Ryan, as well as local voice and creative talent/radio personality Joe Lose were again recognized for having some of the best commercials in the country during the 2024 Radio Mercury Awards. 

Their outstanding achievements and tireless effort was recognized in the award categories of Broadcast Radio Single Spot for Steve's Pest Control and Local Market Broadcast Radio Single Spot for Kretch's Custom Exteriors.

Here are two winning radio ads now counted among the best ads in the country:

Steves Pest Control - "Epic Bug Battle Rap: Ticks vs Spiders" - Broadcast Radio Single Spot winner:

Kretch’s Custom Exteriors - "Decks Are Made for Peeing" – Local Market Broadcast Radio Single Spot winner:

2024 National Association of Broadcasters Awards

• KCLR was a finalist for the Service to America Award for the Honor Flight Radiothon
• KTXY was recognized as a nominee for the Service to America Award for the CMN Radiothon
• KCLR was recognized as a finalist for the 2024 NAB Crystal Award. This award recognizes NAB member stations that demonstrate exceptional year-round commitment to community service

2024 Country Music Association

Each autumn, the heart of Music City transforms into the epicenter of country music excellence as Nashville hosts the legendary Country Music Association (CMA) Awards. Known as "Country Music's Biggest Night," this prestigious ceremony represents the pinnacle of recognition in the industry—a gold standard that artists and broadcasters alike aspire to throughout their careers. Unlike many awards determined solely by commercial success or popularity, CMA nominations undergo a rigorous selection process by industry professionals who evaluate artistic merit, impact, and innovation.

Being named a finalist is itself a remarkable achievement that places individuals and stations among an elite few chosen from thousands across the nation. For broadcasters especially, a CMA nomination signals exceptional connection with audiences, unwavering dedication to the genre, and a transformative influence that extends far beyond the airwaves. It's not merely an accolade—it's a testament to creating work that resonates deeply within the country music community and helps shape the very future of the art form.

• KAT Country's Hilley & Hart were finalists for the CMA Small Market Broadcast Personality of the Year. 
  
  

2024 Missouri Broadcaster's Association Awards

The results are in, and Zimmer Communications has once again proven why we're a powerhouse in Missouri broadcasting! We're bursting with pride to announce an incredible showing at this year's Missouri Broadcasters Awards, with our talented team members bringing home an impressive collection of wins and finalist recognitions across our family of stations. These honors reflect not just individual talent, but our collective passion for serving our listeners and communities with extraordinary broadcasting every single day. Join us in celebrating these achievements that showcase the very best of what we do!

Zimmer's 2024 MBA Award Finalists and Winners

Clear-99

• 2024 - Best Air Talent Morning Drive - Clear 99's Liz & Scotty
• 2024 - MBA Station Sponsored Community Event - Honor Flight Radiothon

Y107

• 2024 MBA Finalist - Best Air Talent Morning Drive – Cosmo & Kat Show 
• 2024 MBA Finalist - Corporate Award for Community for Service – CMN Radiothon

KCMQ

• 2024 MBA Best Commercial Single for Steve’s Pest Control with "Buzz Connection" by Josh Ryan:
  
  
  
  
  
• 2024 MBA Best Video Content for Radio for Graff's Reloading Supercenter with “What Happens When You Shoot It” by Trevor Morgan:

Eagle 93.9FM

• 2024 MBA Best Breaking Weather – January Ice Storm – Brian Hauswirth
• 2024 MBA Finalist - Best Complete Newscast – Brian Hauswirth

KTGR

• 2024 MBA Best Play by Play- KTGR – Andy Humphrey
• 2024 MBA Best Commercial Campaign for Medley Equipment Share with Joe Lose:
  

Ad #1: Technician Benefits - Medley Equipment Share

Ad #2: Medley Keeps You Moving- Medley Equipment Share

KWTO

• 2024 MBA Best News Anchor is Don Louzader
• 2024 MBA Best Complete Newscast on February 8 by Don Louzader
• 2024 MBA Best Opinion/Commentary with Elijah Haar Show
• 2024 MBA Finalist - Breaking Weather Coverage Event in January 2024 by Don Louzader 
• 2024 MBA Finalist - Documentary/ Public Affairs for KWTO Town Hall on "Homelessness" by Don Louzader

96.9FM The Jock 

• 2024 MBA Best Opinion/Commentary on Taylor Swift & The Kansas City Chiefs by Logan Weber & Tom Ladd
  

2024 Best of Columbia 

The votes are in, and Columbia has spoken louder than ever before! We're thrilled to announce the results of our 18th annual Best of Columbia competition—a beloved tradition that showcases the businesses, individuals, and organizations that make our community truly exceptional.

This year shattered all previous records with an astounding 237,000+ votes cast across more than 70 categories! From mouthwatering local eateries to trusted healthcare providers, skilled professionals to essential services, you enthusiastically championed your favorites in five key areas: Food & Drink, Local Favorites, People, Services, and Wellness.

What makes these awards particularly meaningful is that they're entirely driven by you—our community. No editorial decisions or sponsor influence here—just pure, genuine appreciation from the people who experience these businesses firsthand. Each Gold, Silver, and Bronze winner earned their place through your nominations and votes, making this the most authentic celebration of Columbia's finest.

The complete list of 2024 winners is now available in our special July/August issue of Inside Columbia Magazine. Grab your copy at any local Break Time location or Barnes & Noble to discover which community favorites earned top honors this year. You might find your longtime favorites confirmed or discover exciting new places to explore!

As we celebrate this milestone 18th year of Best of Columbia, we extend our heartfelt gratitude to everyone who participated. Your passionate involvement continues to strengthen our community by recognizing excellence and encouraging the outstanding service, quality, and dedication that make Columbia an amazing place to live.

Congratulations to all our 2024 winners—your community has spoken, and they absolutely love what you do!

2024 Local Community Support and Charitable Campaigns

At Zimmer Communications, community isn't just a place on a map—it's the lifeblood of everything we do. We believe deeply in the power of connection and the responsibility that comes with being a trusted voice in the places we call home. Our commitment to community service isn't limited to occasional gestures; it's woven into the very fabric of our organization's culture and values.

Throughout 2024, our team members rolled up their sleeves and opened their hearts to make a tangible difference across Mid-Missouri. From company-wide initiatives that mobilized our entire Zimmer family to station-specific campaigns tailored to the unique audiences we serve, our dedication to community betterment took countless forms. Whether it was Clear 99's Honor Flight Radiothon supporting our veterans, Y107's passionate advocacy for Children's Miracle Network, or the numerous food drives, fundraisers, and awareness campaigns championed by our on-air personalities, we've leveraged our platforms to amplify the causes that matter most.

• Children's Miracle Network had successful campaigns in both the mid-Missouri market and the Springfield market. These events together raised nearly $317,000! 

• Zimmer Springfield radio stations raised over $25,000 for Honor Flight of the Ozarks!  

• 98.7FM The Dove raised $7,000 for the Breast Cancer Foundation of the Ozarks with this year's Boobapalooza in Springfield! 

• The 2024 CoMo Man Show was another highly successful event. Mid-Missourians look forward to the event every year with well over 1500 people in attendance - another record-setting event for the year!

  
  
  
• KCMQ's 3rd annual True North Radiothon raised $37,158 to help victims of domestic violence in mid-Missouri. 

• Zimmer stations in both mid-Missouri and Springfield hosted the One-for-One Food Drive this year. Together, we were able to raise AN INCREDIBLE $101,342 that will be used to provide meals to Missourians in need. 

Beyond broadcasts and events, we believe in the power of showing up. Our team members serve on nonprofit boards, volunteer at local schools, coach youth sports teams, and participate in community clean-ups. The microphone eventually goes silent, but the actions of our people continue to resonate throughout the neighborhoods, schools, and organizations that make our community special.

As we look ahead, our commitment only deepens. The challenges our communities face continue to evolve, and so will our approaches to addressing them. What remains constant is our fundamental belief that when our community thrives, we all thrive—and that's a broadcast worth making every single day.