On Sunday, February 12, we witnessed a record-setting snowfall of 26.9 inches and five days later, we were asking, “What happened to all of the snow?” As it turned out, it was the “perfect storm.” It occurred on a day when most of us were at home enjoying the luxury of staying in bed a little longer and experiencing some quality time with our families. The following day, the roads were clear and our lives returned to their usual routine. My wish for all of you is that you can enjoy a year that passes as peacefully and uneventfully as the Blizzard of ’06.

Gone but not forgotten
Unfortunately, 2005 ended in sadness for the Ad Club. We lost one of our best friends and valued members, Lewis Kraut. Lew was truly dedicated to the betterment of the club. He was generous both financially and with his time.

Even as his health declined, Lew continued to work with the membership committee and attended every event with a welcoming smile on his face. He will be missed by all, but never forgotten. For those of you who contributed to our fundraising efforts, I’d like to thank you and inform you that Lew will be honored and remembered with a plaque at the St. Barnabas Hospice and Palliative Center.

Three new Hall of Famers
Tonight, we induct three accomplished professionals into the Advertising Hall of Fame of NJ. I’d like to congratulate Elizabeth Christopherson, Karen DeLuca and Robert Ryan, and thank all of those who helped make this a very special night. (See the expanded story on the inductees elsewhere in the issue.)

As May approaches and if all goes as planned, May will be known as “Advertising and Communications Month” in New Jersey. This year, the word communications has been added to the proclamation in recognition of the statewide communications organizations supporting the effort. Let’s hope that our new governor recognizes the value that the advertising industry brings to our state.

Also in May, the Jersey Awards will celebrate the best our industry has to offer. Here’s an opportunity to share the glory, see some old friends and make some new ones. Come and see “the best of the best” at Mayfair Farms on Tuesday, May 23, 2006.

I need to thank BOSS Staffing for renewing their annual sponsorship. We’re proud to have them as our sponsor and excited that they recognize the value of it. Thanks also to the New Jersey Press Association-NJ Newspaper Network and the Harold L. Harrison Educational Fund for continuing support.

Presenting events you asked for
As the season moves forward, the board continues to work hard on your behalf. Over 150 people attended a beautiful holiday party at the Park Avenue Club. The Wake-Up Workshops continue to present speakers who offer great information to make us more productive at our jobs, no matter what the function (kudos to Grace and Sheila). And February’s Smartalk offered a great look into the past and present of filming in New Jersey (thank you, Michael and Barbara). You’ve asked for better programs and I think we’ve followed through. However, most of you didn’t attend these functions and really missed out on some great times. Please support the club and our hard-working committee members and attend the Ad Club’s programs.

I hope as we move into spring, the winter remains mild and the business climate warms up for all. I hope to see you soon.

Gary Denburg

Read AdTalk March 2006