Does Creative Matter? Absolutely.

Everyone and their dog has an opinion on what constitutes good creative.  Is it good if its memorable? Is it good if it tells a story? Is it good if its effective?

Sometimes, the answers come not from the industry, the peers and others inside the fishbowl, but from the clients and the results themselves.

Case in point: Last fall we featured work that was being done for the United Way of the Treasure Valley by a group of creatives in the Valley.  Last month, the United Way announced that their community campaign had generated $5.9 million in donations from individuals and corporations.  Today, the United Way announced 31 grant recipients of the funds.

Included in the article from the Idaho Statesman was a quote from Tod McKay, Vice President of Communications for United Way of Treasure Valley, recognizing the effort that went into the creative for the campaign:

The local United Way’s community campaign was hugely successful this year, despite hard economic times. The organization raised $5.9 million, a 9 percent increase over last year’s campaign and the most in the group’s 81-year history.

McKay said part of this year’s success can be attributed to a creative advertising campaign put together by some of the region’s lead advertising agencies free-of-charge.

“They helped us tell our story better than we’ve ever done before,” McKay said.

That’s when you know you’ve done a good job.

Congratulations, and well done, to everyone involved.

Coffee Morning

It’s about time to do it again.

The next Coffee Morning is scheduled for Friday, April 17th.

And, since it’s been a while since we last did this, here’s a quick reminder of what Coffee Morning is all about:

What is a Coffee Morning, you ask? Well, in a nutshell, it’s a loosely organized gathering, where people come together for coffee and conversation. There’s no agendas, no presentations – just an opportunity for people to chat, share ideas, and learn from one another.

All the details you’ve come to expect:

Date:  Friday, April 17th
Time:  7:30 am – 9:00 am (roughly – you’re welcome to show up anytime in between)
LocationJava Downtown, 6th & Idaho, Boise

Any questions in the mean time? Feel free to leave a comment here.

Upcoming PRSA Event: PR/Communications Experience and Education

The PRSA Idaho Chapter has an event coming up on Wednesday, April 22ndPR/Communications Experience and Education — How to Lead in a PR, PIO or Communications Role Without Them.  From the PRSA Idaho website:

Several PR practitioners, communicators and PIOs have landed in their jobs without previous public relations experience or formal training. If you are one of them and would like to get tips on how to become more confident and effective as a PR practitioner or PIO, this will prove to be a valuable meeting for you. During this session, we will hear from a number of communications professionals who can address this topic. Then, we’ll open it up for discussion.

Speakers include:

  • Beth Toal, Public Relations Manager, St. Luke’s Health Care Syste
  • John Foster, Senior Advisor and Director of Communicationsfor Congressman Walt Minnick
  • Chris Smith, Internal Communications and Corporate Affairs, Micron
  • Mary Frances Casper, Professor of Public Relations, BSU

Details about the event are as follows:

Date:  Wednesday, April 22nd
Time:  11:45 am – 1:00 pm
LocationRegence BlueShield of Idaho, Conference Room A (2nd Floor). 1211 W. Myrtle St, Boise ID
Cost (includes lunch):
 – Members: $8
 – Non-Members $10

RSVPs should be sent via email to Robbie Johnson, or by telephone to 208-387-6228.  RSVP deadline is Wednesday, April 15th.

Internship Opportunity

Seen recently on the Boise Craigslist:

Advertising agency seeks intern to support account team. Qualifications should include: Microsoft Office proficiency, highly motivated, self-starter, detail-oriented, organized, collaborative, and positive attitude.

Applicant should have, or be pursing, a degree in marketing, advertising, or a related field.

Please reply via email with resume and availability.

While the agency is not named, you can contact them via email through the original listing.

Headline Roundup for April 9th

‘Pitchmen’ celebrates advertising as entertainment – via Los Angeles Times

Bar Codes In Newspaper Ads Link To Web Content Via Mobile App – via MediaPost

Rethinking the Way We Buy and Sell Display Ads – via Ad Age

Coupon Use Hits Early 1990s Levels – via MarketingVOX