It was the best of times; it was the worst of times. People are being laid off, 4000 at Verizon alone. People are finding new jobs. Adtalk receives reams of new hire announcements for Adfolk. Branding is the in thing these days, with many artistic folks sending e-zines on the topic on the Internet.

As it rumbles on, the digital revolution is giving photographers near cardiac arrest because they see the end of the photographic industry as they know it.

Public relations is expanding; clients realize the value of third-party credibility, not to mention the importance of saved dollars. At Career Day, for example, the PR meeting room was packed for all three breakout sessions.

Sometimes the worst of times becomes the best of times when a bad attitude is assuaged by an unexpected call or mail — like finally getting that check that was “cut and in the mail” for weeks or even months.

But the best news is that your AdClub is experiencing something we might call the best of times. Our meetings are well attended; we are not only paying our way but hopefully will be able to add to the scholarship fund.

Career Day was a whopping success, with over 300 students from 15 colleges and universities attending. The Internet program drew a record crowd, while the November Smartalk on branding, held in conjunction with the Art Directors Club, was not just educational but enlightening. James Wright of Lippincott and Margulies knew his material, mesmerizing everyone including the wait staff.

On February 12th, Abraham Lincoln’s actual birthday, we will be treated to a panel on the media with marketing whizzes from Wachovia Bank in North Carolina, a media buying guru from JL Media in Union and another media expert formerly with SG&W, the ad agency, and now with AT&T in Morristown.

And for the 35th time, the Jersey Awards Call For Entries will be mailed in January.

Membership is increasing by leaps and bounds as well. The survey on the value of the New Jersey Advertising Club, prepared and executed by students at Montclair State University, will be completed early next year, with results reported in the spring. So despite the dragging and dreary economic outlook, your organization is doing what it set
out to do a year ago — becoming indeed one of the state’s most prestigious communications and marketing associations.
Suzanne Poor
--Suzanne Poor