Prince Frederick, Md. -- DirectMail.com, a leading provider of integrated direct marketing solutions, announced today its selection by the Direct Marketing Association of Washington (DMAW) as the 2009 Vendor of the Year. The presentation will take place at the annual Best of Direct Gala on December 2nd in Washington, D.C.
 
According to DMAW, the award recognizes vendors who, among other characteristics, promote the use, understanding, teaching and study of direct marketing. Award selection criteria include a demonstrated support of DMAW and its mission as well as dedication to member education. In selecting DirectMail.com, the DMAW recognized the firm's nearly 40-year history within the industry and highlighted the vision and leadership of partners Kirk Swain and Robert Salta in successfully adjusting their business model to meet the challenges of changing times. DMAW also noted DirectMail.com's ongoing contributions to both the association and the industry.
 
Graham Ruffels, DMAW President, comments, "As a business, DirectMail.com embraces the values of maintaining high business standards, building relationships, promoting education and understanding the importance of giving back to the industry. As a longtime supporter of DMAW, we are pleased to be able to present to DirectMail.com this year's Vendor of the Year award."
 
Kirk Swain, Principal, DirectMail.com, says, "We are honored to be DMAW's Vendor of the Year. The DMAW is an invaluable resource, uniting end-users, vendors, suppliers, agencies, freelancers, educators and students in the shared pursuit of excellence in direct marketing. As the second largest regional direct marketing association in the country, DMAW provides a strong collective voice when and where it is needed. Bob Salta and I would like to thank everyone involved in the selection process and assure them we will continue to work hard to justify their decision."
 
The Best of Direct Gala events also will include presentation of the John Swain Memorial Scholarship by the DMAW-Educational Foundation (DMAW-EF). The award, which is named in honor of John Swain, co-founder of DirectMail.com and a longtime DMAW member, is given to an undergraduate in a mid-Atlantic college or university who demonstrates academic excellence and a desire to work in the field of marketing. The 2009 recipient is Megan Miles from Christopher Newport University.
 
"DMAW-EF exists to educate young people about the possibilities of, and potential in, a direct marketing career," says its president Jinny Fleischman. "The Swain Scholarship has long been a part of this effort, enabling us to give a monetary award each year to an outstanding student to further his or her education. It is only through this type of financial support that our industry will continue to maintain a source of fresh, youthful ideas."
 
Kirk Swain, son of John Swain, says, "In establishing this scholarship through DMAW-EF we hope to attract the best and brightest to careers in direct marketing. Under DMAW-EF's able leadership this goal is not only being realized but also surpassed. The number of scholarship applicants grows each year, as does the quality of their qualifications. This year's selectee is no exception. We are thrilled to support DMAW-EF's work and congratulate Megan Miles on her selection."