Letters

Chicago's a Market Like Any Other--Tough but Fair Your article "Not Always Their Kind of Town" [Adweek, March 27] intimates some sort of greater market dynamic is at work in the recent shuttering of our crosstown contemporaries. As a veteran of both the merriment and heartache of Chicago account reviews, I can tell you this market's no worse or better than New York, San Francisco, Miami, Portland or Sioux City when it comes to surviving. Cramer-Krasselt was a Milwaukee agency for its first 80 years. It entered Chicago in 1982 through an acquisition of a $5 million creative boutique, which gave the two-office agency combined billings of $30 million. So if New York agencies spent years struggling in this town with just a couple of giant accounts on their roster, then how would a Milwaukee-born agency with then no marquee accounts make it? Actually--fine. Better than fine. In 1987, C-K's business spiked and in a less advantageous economy than we're seeing now. In the mid-1990s, [Adweek] named us Midwest Agency of the Year. By the end of 1999, having successfully expanded into Phoenix and Orlando, we amassed billings of $418 million, with C-K Chicago accounting for nearly half that number. Furthermore, accounts like Hyatt Hotels, Corona Beer, iExplore, LaSalle Banks and Moen Faucets decided to stay in Chicago with us. Sure it takes commitment, perseverance and patience to survive here and, frankly, the first five years were tough. But if Chicago's rich advertising history teaches us anything, there's plenty of room for agencies in this city if they have the creative talent and the will to stay in the game. Peter Krivkovich President, CEO Cramer-Krasselt Chicago For Agencies, a Question Of Diversity at the Office I hear about diversity. I read about it in the news. Networks and creatives strive for it on-air. Sadly, Adweek can't be bothered to even try for some in its own book. I couldn't help but notice that in four pages of snapshots of 70 industry folks [Adweek, March 20], the only person of color is the spouse of one ad exec. Come a long way baby? I think not yet. Jayne Wallace Director, public relations Screen Actors Guild New York Breast Feeding: It's the Most Natural Thing in the World I applaud [Ellie Parpis'] opinion regarding the Medela Mini Electric Breast Pump [Art & Commerce, March 27]. No, I am not one of the rabid mothers who spends her time as a member of the La Leche League. But as a working mother who breast-fed my now 4-year-old and will breast feed my newborn in August, I have a hard time fathoming the response the spot has received. It's a shame we can fall prey to the marketing of breasts to sell beer or food, but when it comes to a child's health, we don't dare. This letter is just a big thank-you from someone who supports your opinion. Marsha Watkins Video marketing secretary Cox Communications, Atlanta As the mother of a 6-month-old baby, I find most people's attitudes toward breast feeding ignorant and prejudiced. I mean, for God's sake, there is nothing sexual about feeding a baby. Nothing. Yet people get squeamish and offended if they are confronted with this activity--even if it's done in the most discreet manner. People don't want to have to respond to questions from their kids as to why this lady in the commercial is doing what she's doing. It is the most natural thing in the world. People would rather their children develop asinine definitions for what breasts are and what they do than tell them the simple truth. It's ridiculous. Amy L. Dunlap Account coordinator Cook Marketing Communications Jacksonville, Fla. For the Record: The media agency for DirecTV was misidentified [Adweek, April 3]. GM Mediaworks, Detroit, retains media buying duties

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