Agency

While consumers have seemed resilient in the face of higher energy costs, a tipping point may soon be in sight. According to the National Retail Federation’s (NRF) 2006 Gas Prices Consumer Intentions and Actions Survey, 76.0 percent of consumers believe fluctuating gas prices have impacted their spending habits, up from 67.2 percent in 2005 and 56.8 percent in 2004.

The Association of National Advertisers (ANA) announced that it will work with its membership to explore opportunities around the development of an Online Media Exchange. The ANA will engage senior marketers in discussing the advantages and viability of implementing an online exchange for the buying and selling of advertising.

Is your agency an apple in a whole bushel?

Public relations and advertising agency branding guru Mark Sneider explains during the Marketing Communications Agency Network (MCAN) Spring Meeting that in order for advertising and public relations agencies to succeed and break through the clutter of “me too” agencies, they must learn how to become an orange.

Chase’s Consumer Bank is launching its first-ever Spanish-language television advertising campaign on Univision and Telemundo networks.

The Association of Hispanic Advertising Agencies (AHAA), recognizing the importance of the immigration issue to the Hispanic community (the population from which we emanate and which we serve), is compelled to take part in the debate. However, rather than engaging in the political or emotional arguments that abound, AHAA is interested in focusing discussions on the economic impact that immigration action, particularly the deportation or criminalization of illegal immigrants, would likely have on the US economy.

Over the last month, Miller brewing company has put its Hispanic account into review. Incumbent New York based The Bravo Group will defend and California based Casanova Pendrill, Miami based CreativeOnDemand and la comunidad are in the final phase of the review for the account.

Manny Gonzalez has been named Managing Director of Hill Holiday’s Hispanic division called abece.

He replaces Jose Lopez Varella.

Every sales organization has at least one. A salesperson who consistently fails to meet his numbers, or goofs off on the ‘Net when he’s supposed to be calling, or makes lots of appointments but can’t seem to close anything. Low performers. If you’re a sales manager, these “weak links” are no doubt making you (and everyone else) miserable. There’s always one who seems to keep you wringing your hands–but for a variety of reasons you keep giving him one more chance.