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John Florian (center) received the VOICE 2010 Community Award from VOICE 2010 co-producers James Alburger and Penny Abshire at the event's June 5 Celebrity Banquet.

VoiceOverXtra's John Florian Receives

VOICE 2010 Community Service Award

June 7, 2010

See All VOICE 2010 News

By John Florian

VoiceOverXtra

This is awkward - writing, for a change, about me. So I'll start with the news ...

June 5, 2010, Los Angeles - Gasping for air and steadying himself by gripping the backs of chairs as he made his way to the stage, John Florian, founder and webmaster of VoiceOverXtra, received the prestigious VOICE 2010 Community Award tonight at the VOICE 2010 Celebrity Banquet, the final event of a jam-packed three-day international conference for voice actors.

The award is given in recognition of outstanding service to the voice-over community.

Voice Over Universe's Zurek, recipient of the award in 2008, welcomed Florian onto the stage, where the presentation was made by VOICE 2010 co-producers James Alburger and Penny Abshire.

Florian mustered a few dozen "Thank you's" and said that serving the voice-over community was his "passion," but he was generally speechless following the announcement of the honor, and attempted to walk off the stage with a wireless microphone (which was retrieved by Ms. Abshire).

After the ceremony, Florian said he thought of what he should have told the appreciative audience ...

All true.

If my wits had accompanied me to the stage Saturday night, I would have used that microphone to elaborate on how dear this industry is to me, and how much I treasure meeting and counting as a friend each individual in it.

It is indeed my passion to deliver news and how-to information to you, through VoiceOverXtra's many resources, and also personally by whatever means.

I know you can relate to this passion in the way you feel about your own voice-over career ... at times overwhelming ... but moreover it's what excites you to start each new day and often, what entices you to keep the computer and mic on way past the hour it should.

IT'S THANKS TO YOU ...

But as they say, none of this would be possible without the tremendous help of others.

First, my enormous, outsized thanks and deep appreciation goes to Jim and Penny, who at VOICE 2007 in Las Vegas encouraged me to follow through with plans to start VoiceOverXtra (in July 2007), and who have vigorously supported me every day since. They have exemplified selfless help to others in the voice-over world - and frankly, would be the most deserving recipients of this award.

Of course, my arms are also stretched as wide as can be in thanks to my gorgeous wife, Nancy, for her understanding (or at least, acceptance) of my drive - and for the tireless help that she and our son Christopher give me at the VOICE conferences. (Yes, that's us at our conference exhibit booth.)

And my gosh, where would VoiceOverXtra be without all the voices behind the bylines!

The industry's top professionals - coaches, voice talents, consultants - have let me pick their brains, publish their written wisdom and link to their words, and through this, have enlightened voice talents at all levels on what it means to be a voice actor and how to succeed in this competitive business.

Now I see some motion to my left ... it's Penny waving her microphone at me to "hurry up."

So I conclude with a thank-you that extends worldwide to all VoiceOverXtra readers and their tremendous support and encouragement. Your treasured feedback makes my day, every day.

PS: Join me now backstage (below) for an uncaptioned peek at what I found on my camera at the close of the banquet festivities ...

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Comments (28)

Tom Wahl

6/13/2010 at 7:22 AM

John,

A BIG congratulations on your being honored with the VOICE 2010 Community Service Award. Thank you so much for all you do for all of us who love voiceover with all our heart and soul. I wish I could have been there for the honors and to meet all those who I admire. I am praying that I will be there for VOICE 2011. VO is my passion.

Tom

Rick Lance

6/12/2010 at 7:22 PM

Yes, John it's been a great pleasure reading your VoiceOverXtra news and info, as well as meeting you and watching you smile from ear to ear at Voice 2010. You look like the happiest guy in the world in your pics! Thank you for your true passion asd service to this industry!

Sharon Young

6/12/2010 at 5:14 PM

Congratulations, John! It was a pleasure meeting you at Voice 2010 and enjoying the Improv class together. As a "newbie" to the industry, you still extended to me all the gracious courtesies. Thank you and CONGRATULATIONS!

Paul Pape

6/12/2010 at 5:48 AM

John ... congratulations on your recognition. All the best, Paul Pape

Luis Garcia

6/10/2010 at 8:03 PM

Congratulations John! Well deserved and thank for serving the VO community.

JAY LLOYD

6/10/2010 at 5:54 PM

CONGRATULATIONS JOHN! You certainly deserve it. Your website is an absolute necessity for anyone in...or aspiring to be in...the VO biz. As for speeches...as they say, "The best ones are always made in the car on the way home!" I appreciate your tireless efforts! Jay.

Karen Saltus

6/10/2010 at 12:38 PM

Congratulations John!

Stefania Lintonbon

6/9/2010 at 9:52 AM

This is just Brilliant! Your tireless efforts are so appreciated. Many congratulations! x

Joe Cipriano

6/8/2010 at 5:13 PM

Congrats John. It couldn't happen to a nicer guy! Your logo always reminds me of tennis ... I wear your hat whenever I'm on the court :-) Wishing you all the best.

Jim Conlan

6/8/2010 at 3:17 PM

John, I can't imagine a better recipient for this award. As a matter of fact, I don't know how anyone can top the service you are providing to people in the voice-over industry. I continue to tell all my clients to visit VoiceOverXtra as often as they can. They will stay on top of a rapidly evolving industry. Congratulations!

Steve Stansell

6/8/2010 at 11:00 AM

Dude, How will we ever get that smile off your face? Ok, Ok ... you deserve it, no doubt! What you've given our community is of value to us, and done with integrity, passion, and a kind heart. Well done John! We thank you from the bottoms of our seats ... uh ... I mean HEARTS!

Bobbin Beam

6/8/2010 at 10:41 AM

Congratulations, my friend! I know how hard you've worked on all those things you do for our voiceover family. We appreciate you!

Robert Sciglimpaglia

6/8/2010 at 10:27 AM

John! CONGRATULATIONS! No one knows better than me how much work and effort you put into voiceoverxtra, and you absolutely deserve this award! You have supported us all, so it is nice to be able to return the favor and show you our support and gratitude!
Rob Sciglimpaglia

Linda Herrmann

6/8/2010 at 10:22 AM

You are a role model Yanni.....tenacity and the belief in what you are doing and your capability to deliver. If I learn nothing else from you it is that success is what you make of it. Thank you for being my friend. Linda

Marcus Weems

6/8/2010 at 10:17 AM

Congratulations! And, just in case you haven't heard it enough lately, thanks for the million things that you do for us in the industry to make life easier, more informed, and down right more entertaining.
MarcusWeemsVoiceOvers.com

Lisa Rice

6/8/2010 at 8:26 AM

Congratulations, John! Your passion for all things voiceover and incredible networking and people skills have encouraged, enlightened and educated so many. Thank you for what you do!

Paul J. Warwick

6/8/2010 at 7:37 AM

John,
A well deserved acknowledgement! Now take a well deserved half day off!
Paul J. Warwick

Paul Strikwerda

6/8/2010 at 7:09 AM

No one deserves this award more than you, John. I can't think of any better resource in our field than VoiceOverXtra. I can't think of any better editor than you. Thank you so much for consistently coming up with quality articles and voiceover news!

Lynn Hiatt

6/8/2010 at 2:22 AM

John, John, how wonderful!! Congratulations on receiving the award. You work so hard, every day, an award well deserved.

Vanessa Hart

6/8/2010 at 1:49 AM

Ah, John - it could not have happened to a more deserving person. Many congratulations. I am so thrilled for you. And, really, you were charming in your acceptance but I love this post. I thank you for all you do.

Charlie Glaize

6/8/2010 at 1:30 AM

Awesome, John - and heartfelt congrats!
It was such a pleasure meeting you in person at VOICE.
All the very best to you, my friend - and continued success.

Charlie Glaize - The Voice to Reach Baby Boomers
Office/Studio/ Cell: 757-323-3069
Home and Mobile Studio
www.charlieglaize.com

Heather Anne Henderson

6/8/2010 at 1:11 AM

Congratulations, John! You have been one busy guy this month. I'm glad you were recognized for what you bring to the voice community. I am an avid reader of VoiceOverXtra.

Linda Ristig

6/8/2010 at 1:09 AM

I'm so tickled you included the picture I took of Nancy, Christopher and you with outstretched arms at your exhibit booth. You'll find another cute pic of just Nancy and you on my Facebook page! Without the love and support of those closest to us, our accomplishments could never be as sweet. Thanks for your true and heartfelt acceptance speech that you shared through this article after the award ceremony, John. You truly deserve the honor bestowed on you for your selfless help in the many and varied VoiceOverXtra articles you've shared with the VO world. Congratulations to you and your family!

Doug de Nance

6/8/2010 at 1:03 AM

John is the ultimate example of nice guys finish FIRST!!! Congratulations - you so very much deserve this award.
dD

Karen Gerstman

6/8/2010 at 12:45 AM

Congrats on this well-deserved award, John!!

Bettye Zoller

6/8/2010 at 12:37 AM

You are a fine journalist, news maker, statesman, arbitrator, peacemaker, judge, copywriter, editor, publisher, webmaster, thinker, voice talent, artist, businessman, marketer, publicist, webinar broadcast manager, innovator, industry leading edge revolutionary, and so much more. Words escape me. You wear so many hats, all of them well, juggle so many balls, all without dropping any, please so many people, how I do not know, and are my dear sweet friend. Thank you John. No one deserved this community award more than you my sweet. But I gave you MY award long ago as my best friend.
Cyberhugs and more hugs.
Bettye Zoller
Voicesvoices.com

Pamela Tansey

6/8/2010 at 12:30 AM

CONGRATULATIONS! I am not surprised, as you were already tops in my book! Well deserved and chosen!!!!!!!! (~; And yes, gorgeous wife indeed!

Jack Hamlett

6/8/2010 at 12:30 AM

Yes, great job and you deserve it. You have done so much for the industry. Congrats to you and all who put on a great event. Thanks to James and Penny, as well - they are really good.
Jack

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