The view from outside Ottawa
Delta Media has been a partner in the Worldcom Public Relations Group since 1997. Worldcom Public Relations Group is one of the world's largest and most successful public relations operations with 2,100 employees and combined revenues of more than US $243 million in 2008.
For both some fun and some insight, I asked eight of our U.S. partners a simple question and requested a quick, top-of-mind response:
What comes first to mind when you think about the Government of Canada?
Here is what they had to say…
“The U.S's nearest and best ally.”
Sean Brickell, President, Brickell & Partners, Virginia Beach, Virginia.
“I think of it as very professional, buttoned up and the people who work in Canadian government as competent and apparently proud of their career path.”
Bill Collins, President, Travers Collins, Buffalo, New York.
"Great neighbors to the north."
Kimbra Hennessy, Partner, Bitner Hennessy, Orlando, Florida.
“Frequently changing; progressive; independent.”
Don Solem, President, Solem and Associates,
San Francisco, California.
“Usually collaborative with and friendly to the U.S.”
Hal Dash, Chairman and CEO, Cerrell Associates,
Los Angeles, California.
“Major factor in the Canadian economy.”
John Bliss, Founding Principal, Bliss PR, New York, New York.
“Red Tape”
Michael Greece, Managing Director, Padilla Speers Beardsley, New York, New York.
Well, that was fun. In fact a couple of our partners had a little too much fun with some of their responses. I’ll keep those to myself.
As for insight in their responses, I found it interesting that “frequently changing” and “major factor in the Canadian economy” came to mind. The “frequently changing” comment may have something to do with the number of elections we have had in recent years. And as far as a “major factor in the economy,” what government these days isn’t intervening in the economy?
Finally, for those of us who work with our government colleagues every day, I wasn`t surprised by the thought of “very professional and buttoned up.” I know that is true.
Tim Kane is Chairman and co-founder of Delta Media and a regular commentator in the Canadian media on political advertising, image and public relations.
tim@deltamedia.ca
