It has been a tough few years.  No doubt about it.  Unemployment approaching (or above in some areas) 10%, the banking collapse, the housing collapse, the collapse of the American auto industry, people concerned about the stimulus package, a major division in our government, the health care debate – the list is long and heavy. 

Over this same time period, the ad industry has been crushed as well.  Ad budgets are down, friends and colleagues have been laid off and all the major agencies have hiring & salary freezes to protect their bottom line.  While certain areas of television marketing and most of the digital category has sustained (not grown) ad revenues, magazine, newspaper and radio budgets have been severely reduced.  To that point, so many publications have shut down, streeting their staff Pubs such as Blender, Nickelodeon and Nick Jr Magazine, Southern Accents Magazine, Vibe, and the biggies, Modern Bride and Gourmet (both 50+ years old).

Today, things are looking a bit better with the Dow hitting 10,000  last week, unemployment has slowed and the housing market indicators inching up a bit as well.  The government’s cash for clunckers worked well to stimulate the auto industry,  but I think it helped the Japan economy more than the American auto markets.  There are positive signs.

This morning, I was pleased to read about the success our friends at Meredith are having.  During difficult times, smart companies find a way to evolve and push forward.  Meredith has done just that by focusing hard on their relationship with the consumer.  Making a promise to “her” that they will maintain and commit ”no matter what”.  Meredith launched several new initiatives while simultaneously embracing the digital channel to connect with consumer needs.  They launched Meredith 360 – a full-on integrated marketing unit and realigned the corporate sales group under one mission.  They re-branded the entire company:  Meredith National Media Brands and the moves have paid off with the award of Publishing Company of the Year! 

In tough times, winners find a way to create, invent and excel.  Inspiring news indeed!  Read the full story here:  AdAge:  A List Publishing Company of the Year:  Meredith Corp.