Portland's marketing future is bright

Several of us at YRG had the good fortune of visiting Portland State University last week, where a team of highly talented students presented their entry to the National Student Advertising Competition. After winning the District 11 competition this year with their campaign for Coca-Cola, PSU will head to the national competition this June. You make us proud, PSU!

Those of us who attended from YRG were incredibly impressed by the professionalism and creativity displayed by the students. We especially loved that they focused on providing a business solution to the client, rather than developing creative simply for creative's sake.

Now, don't get us wrong -- their creative recommendations were outstanding. Absolutely innovative and top-shelf. (One of our own creatives said afterward, "I wish I would of thought of that.") Their program embraced all aspects of the marketing mix, while using new and non-traditional media in a way that was both smart and fresh.

But, seeing these students' approach is testament that our next generation of talent are being trained to think strategically, creatively and solve clients' business problems. Hey, that sounds familiar...

(PS: If you want to support PSU's trip to nationals, visit the Cheerful Tortoise on June 4, 1939 SW 6th Ave., for their fundraiser.)

05.22.07 // 10:12am