Berea Rotarian honored for 50 years in broadcast industry
 
Bob Hammer, treasurer of the Rotary Club of Berea, was inducted into the National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences Central Great Lakes Chapter’s Gold Circle.
The Gold Circle recognizes those who have served the broadcast industry for 50 years.
 
Inducted along with Bob were Leon Bibb of Channel 3 News, Harry Boomer of Channel 19 and Carl Monday of Channel 8.
 
Bob began his TV career in 1966 as studio lighting director, stage manager and cameraman at KAKE-TV in Wichita, Kansas. He was 19 years old. A year later, he was promoted to producer/director of the 6 and 10 p.m. newscasts.
 
Over the years, he worked at stations in Toledo, where he first teamed up with Leon Bibb;. Fort Myers, Fla.; and Cleveland. He founded Hammer Production Co. in 1993, producing award-winning commercials.
 
“How important it is to make a difference,” Bob said in his acceptance remarks. “Make that significant contribution.”
 
Over the past 56 years, Bob directed 25,000-30,000 TV commercials, specials and events.  You may remember some of these tag lines: “Ed Mullinax is a friend of mine.” OR “My dad wants to sell you a car now.” OR “You get a square deal with every square yard.”
 
He is executive director of the Central Great Lakes Chapter and is responsible for producing the regional Emmy Awards programs. He also is a national trustee of NATAS.
 
Bob joined Rotary in 2000. He is a Paul Harris Fellow.