YNOT – Adult industry trade association Free Speech Coalition has named the winners of the 2012 FSC Awards. The awards are presented annually to recognize companies and individuals who have made extraordinary contributions to creating a positive image of and atmosphere for the adult entertainment industry.

“This year’s FSC Awards recipients are a fine example of the industry’s best and brightest,” FSC Chief Executive Officer Diane Duke said. “We are honored to recognize their important contributions and to celebrate the recipients among their colleagues and peers. Congratulations!”

This year’s awards and those selected to receive them are:

Legacy Award: Susan Colvin, California Exotic Novelties

The Legacy Award recognizes an individual who, though innovative ideas and successful business practices, has built a solid presence in the adult entertainment industry. Furthermore, the individual has risen above and beyond the call of duty not only to protect the rights and freedoms of individuals and businesses within the industry, but also to improve the stature of the industry as a whole.

The award is called the Legacy Award rather than a lifetime achievement award because, while the individual has done much to build an outstanding legacy, FSC feels the individual’s contributions are far from over.

Positive Image Awards: performers Steven St. Croix and Jessica Drake

These awards go to industry performers who have gone out of their way to dispel the myths and misconceptions about the adult entertainment industry through advocacy and public awareness programs, and community service.

Man of the Year: Tim Valenti, NakedSword
Woman of the Year: Theresa Flynt, Hustler Hollywood

The Man of the Year and Woman of the Year awards go to individuals who have displayed exceptional leadership qualities both within their own business and throughout the industry. While the recipients of the awards are successful business professionals, individuals who receive FSC’s Man of the Year or Woman of the Year designation have made significant, positive contributions to the overall welfare of the adult entertainment industry.

Novelty Company of the Year: Sportsheets

This award goes to the novelty company that has demonstrated constant and unwavering innovation and excellence. The company’s success not only benefits its own business, but also the industry as a whole. In addition to innovation, the company conducts business with high ethical standards and integrity.

Production Company of the Year: Vivid Entertainment

The Production Company of the Year award goes to the content producer that has demonstrated constant and unwavering innovation and excellence. The company’s success not only benefits its own business, but also the industry as a whole. In addition to innovation, the company conducts business with high ethical standards and integrity.

Internet Company of the Year: Gamma Entertainment

This award goes to the web-based company that has demonstrated constant and unwavering innovation and excellence. The company’s success not only benefits its own business, but also the industry as a whole. In addition to innovation, the company conducts business with high ethical standards and integrity.

Benefactor of the Year: Manwin

Benefactor of the Year goes to the company that has demonstrated a consistent commitment to philanthropy and advocacy within the adult industry and throughout mainstream society. The award recognizes a company’s financial assistance to the industry, not only in dispelling myths and misinformation about the adult industry, but also in protecting the industry from legislative threats, industry-wide exploitation, business risks and critics.

The FSC Awards will be presented during a special reception immediately following the FSC Summit. The one-day event will take place Nov. 8 at the Sofitel Hotel in West Hollywood, Calif.