Harrisberger Creative Receives 2010 “Advertising Consultant” Best Of Virginia Beach
I confess. I had totally different intentions with this post… I was going into my in box to look for a note my Dad sent me the other day because it touched me so much, I wanted to share it with you – and in my in box I get an email saying that I’ve just received this award, and I just had to write about it. (I’ll get to the other thought at a later date) Yes, I should be doing the “happy dance” right now, but how meaningful is this award – Really?
2010 Marks My 25th Year As An Official Business.
By official, I mean in the eyes of the State Incorporation Commission. (Actually, it’s 29 years total ) And, I can’t tell you how many of these “award” notices I receive every year from different companies. If I had “bought” all of the awards they’ve “given” me – I’d have no more room on my shelves or space on my wall.
Please Note: This beautiful “hand-polished” optical crystal award with faceted bevel edges, an attratctive Crystal Base, and presentation box is only $179.00. But the best value is the Award Plaque PLUS Crystal Award for only $199.00 (Hmmm what should I do?) 
If I had “purchased” awards from just this one company over the past 29 years – that is, if they’ve been in business that long – I would have spent $5,771
Since “The USCA hereby grants Harrisberger Creative Limited a non-exclusive, royalty-free license to use, reproduce, distribute, and display this press release in any media formats and through any media channels.” I thought I’d go ahead and do just that so I can bring something very important to your attention…
There’s no telling how many other “Advertising Consultants” In Virginia Beach got this award, too. Chances are…it wasn’t just me.
Bottom Line: To me, this is just another marketing gimmick. I confess, I fell for something similar to this in my early days of business, but I wised up really quickly. These marketing gimmicks come in lots of different forms like “Who’s Who” publications and awards, just to name a few.
By the way, thanks for the award USCA! It looks great on the blog, but that’s about as far as it’s going to go. I think I’ll save myself that $199, and pat myself on the back for all the other awards I’ve “earned” in my career that are far more meaningful than “paid” prestige!
If you’ve received “awards” like this is the past, I’d love to hear your thoughts on this matter! Scroll all the way past the press release below, and leave your comments!
Here’s the Press Release For Harrisberger Creative:
Press Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Harrisberger Creative Limited Receives 2010 Best of Virginia Beach Award
U.S. Commerce Association’s Award Plaque Honors the Achievement
NEW YORK, NY, May 19, 2010 — Harrisberger Creative Limited has been selected for the 2010 Best of Virginia Beach Award in the Advertising Consultant category by the U.S. Commerce Association (USCA).
The USCA “Best of Local Business” Award Program recognizes outstanding local businesses throughout the country. Each year, the USCA identifies companies that they believe have achieved exceptional marketing success in their local community and business category. These are local companies that enhance the positive image of small business through service to their customers and community.
Various sources of information were gathered and analyzed to choose the winners in each category. The 2010 USCA Award Program focuses on quality, not quantity. Winners are determined based on the information gathered both internally by the USCA and data provided by third parties.
About U.S. Commerce Association (USCA)
U.S. Commerce Association (USCA) is a New York City based organization funded by local businesses operating in towns, large and small, across America. The purpose of USCA is to promote local business through public relations, marketing and advertising.
The USCA was established to recognize the best of local businesses in their community. Our organization works exclusively with local business owners, trade groups, professional associations, chambers of commerce and other business advertising and marketing groups. Our mission is to be an advocate for small and medium size businesses and business entrepreneurs across America.
SOURCE: U.S. Commerce Association
CONTACT:
U.S. Commerce Association
Email: PublicRelations@us-ca.org
URL: http://www.us-ca.org
2 Responses to “Harrisberger Creative Receives 2010 “Advertising Consultant” Best Of Virginia Beach”
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Well congratulations Lyn for your amazing achievement! Well, at least that’s what I was thinking when I saw the announcement and then I read all about it here on your blog.
In the UK we’d call that a complete load of b______ks. (for definition send me a DM – lol.)
It seems your “award” is no more status lifting than becoming a “exclusive member” of some national association of _______ (whatever) for the annual fee of $____, or as “genuine” as being the 34 millionth (one and only) Google reseller – approved of course – look, we even nicked a Google badge to ‘prove’ it.
The things people do to earn a crust! How many people “won” the award and proudly dusted off a space on their mantle for the “beautiful hand-polished optical crystal award with faceted bevel edges”?
How embarrassing it would be if someone enters their office one day and announces – “oh, I got one of those – was yours $199 too”.
Great post Lynn – thanks for the reminder that if it seems too good to be true, it probably is (although, if I was you, I’d have believed it because you ARE the best in VA Beach!)