Advertising for Good
Hey folks,
When I started Madison+Main in 2005, I knew that I wanted to help small and midsize businesses. That was the original idea — Bring Madison Avenue Ideas to Main Street companies. I was also interested in “using our powers for good,” so to speak. The Ad Council tackled some really great public service projects over the years, and it inspired me, even as a kid. You know the Ad Council, don’t you? They helped us buy War Bonds in WWII, prevent forest fires with Smokey the Bear, and fight crime with McGruff. So, we started working with non-profit organizations too, offering pro bono services and discounted rates to a wide variety of organizations, such as Comfort Zone Camp, Positive Vibe Café, RAMPS, Stop Child Abuse Now, The MS Society, and many, many more. In recent years, we broadened our focus to help government clients; from helping the Virginia Department of Health reduce the spread of dangerous diseases to helping Virginians save energy (Value Your Power) and combatting human trafficking for Virginia’s Office of the Attorney General. Coming off the heels of recent successes we had for the Anti-Human Trafficking campaign, we have just started working on a campaign for Project Safe Neighborhoods.
Not saying all this to brag, but to make a point: the next time you say “Gosh, I hate ads,” think about how our industry gives back in a big way, and that advertising can actually do good.
Monday, January 9 – Snowmageddon II
Not everyone has a “big azz Jeep,” so we called a snow day on Monday for everyone. Despite nine inches of snow, I still made it to work on time.

Tuesday, January 10 – Keeping the Lights On
On Tuesday, VP of Brand Strategy Kara Forbis had a great kickoff call with our new client, the Virginia, Maryland & Delaware Association of Electric Cooperatives. The VMDAEC provides training, advocacy, and communications support to the folks who keep the lights on — your electric cooperatives. We are very excited about working with their leadership and communications teams — CEO Richard Johnstone, Cooperative Living Magazine Editor Bill Sherrod, Field Editor Laura Emery, and Amanda Cunningham, who handles Account Services and Graphic Design. Be sure to check out the February edition of Cooperative Living — now reaching more than 514,000 homes — in a mailbox near you January 30.
Our good friend J.J. White, Owner of Dale Carnegie Training, and his colleague Lauren Lawson, dropped by Madison+Main worldwide headquarters on Tuesday. You guys already know I’m a big fan of Dale Carnegie Training, and I am proud to announce that three members of our team, Marketing & Partnerships Coordinator Sophie Fisher, Client Services Coordinator Matt Ong, and Account Executive Meredith Mason, have enrolled in the Dale Carnegie course, starting January 25.
Wednesday, January 11 – A Montage of Meetings
Meredith and Communications Manager Kent Brockwell attended Marketplace Events‘ vendor training workshop at Richmond Raceway Complex, and Art and I were onsite at the same time talking to our clients at RIR. Great meetings for both teams!
Wednesday night, Art and I watched my beloved VCU Rams crush the George Washington Colonials, 85-55. #GoRams Tonight, Jack’s team — the Manchester High School JV Lancers — will take on L.C. Bird High School Skyhawks. #GoLancers

Thursday, January 12 – Let’s Go VCU!
Sophie and I popped by the Sheraton Southpark hotel, and enjoyed a delicious lunch in a jam-packed ballroom where we heard VCU Athletic Director Ed McGlaughlin give an update on the Rams Athletic Program. I asked a question, but I also thanked him for not raising my season ticket prices too much. #GoRams
Friday, January 13 – Georgia on our Minds
It’s a busy day, but I would be remiss if I did not say thank you to Georgia Adams, a senior, er…fourth-year student at the University of Virginia, who interned with us over winter break. #Wahoowa
“Madison Avenue tells you that if you use Ultra Brite toothpaste you’ll be sexy. If we can use advertising to sell toothpaste, why not use it to solve the problems that plague our society?”
– Russ Reid
SAVE THE DATES:CowanGates Blood DriveOur clients at CowanGates will hold another blood drive with Virginia Blood Services at their Midlothian offices on Friday, January 20 from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. Sign up now, because the early spots are already taken. I’m going, and I hope you’ll join me to “do some good.” Sign up today.The Virginia Home ShowThe Virginia Home Show is coming up January 28-29 at Meadow Event Park. Tickets are only $5 bucks, and you can save $1 when you purchase online . More than 150 vendors will be there for all of your home repair and renovation projects.