    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: George H. W. Bush (1991, Book I)]
    [June 11, 1991]
    [Pages 630-633]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Remarks in a Teleconference With the National Advertising Conference of
    the American Advertising Federation in Nashville, Tennessee
    June 11, 1991

        The President. Thank you. My heavens, what a welcome. I can see you
    all--the backs of your heads here. Ooops, I can see you turning around.
    [Laughter]
        Thank you all very much. What a marvelous technology. Howard Bell,
    ladies and gentlemen, it is a pleasure to join you today on a
    medium you understand so well and to

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    address this, the 23d annual National Advertising Conference of the
    Federation--of the American Advertising Federation.
        Normally in these speeches, you say ``I wish I were with you.'' I
    will say I wish I were there in Opryland. I'm a country fan, and this
    week we had Barbara Mandrell up at Camp David. We've had Mo Bandy up
    there, Jimmy Dean, the Gatlins, Lee Greenwood, and just last week we
    were privileged to have Alabama singing for our congressional barbecue.
    So, I'm a fan of country music. And I just wish I were there to not only
    hear your proceedings, but to catch a little of that act later on.
        But I was thinking this morning that there's one advantage to
    addressing an audience from the advertising industry. If my remarks
    cause a headache or upset stomach, you'll know how to get fast, fast
    relief--click it.
        But look, this is reasonably short--reasonably short because in a
    few minutes I'm going over to Seaford, Delaware, to a GED graduation--
    these night school guys, old and young. And it's exciting what's
    happening in education.
        But back to the subject at hand. We tend to forget in this age of
    instant communication that your profession has informed Americans for
    more than two centuries--two centuries. You probably know that Thomas
    Jefferson once noted that advertisements contain the only truths to be
    relied on in a newspaper. You agreed with Thomas, hey? I'm not sure I
    don't agree with Thomas. As a matter of fact, I think I do.
        Today, you transport facts and proclamations, pleas and arguments to
    every corner of America. And the federation's more than 52,000 members--
    advertisers, advertising agencies, media companies, advertising
    professionals, and college students majoring in advertising--you all
    study and refine the arts of informing and persuading the public.
    Together you've done more than take aim at the bottom line. You've shown
    that any definition of a successful life must include serving others.
        And I believe so very strongly in the historic concept of one
    American helping another. We call it, as I'm sure you know, a Thousand
    Points of Light. You have enhanced the Points of Light Foundation,
    donating millions and millions of dollars a year in multimedia public
    service announcements. Your chapters and members have served communities
    nationwide.
        Atlanta's Advertising Club established a minority relations program.
    Houston's Advertising Federation reached out to those afflicted by the
    terrifying disease AIDS. And in Arkansas, advertisers poured their time
    and talent into a campaign that combats child abuse. And way out in
    Honolulu, you promoted the lifesaving cause of organ donation. You've
    taken on projects as vast and various as our great land, helping people
    in more than 220 communities and 200 college campuses. No one should
    underestimate the power of your deeds or the importance of your
    profession.
        You know, there's an old story of how an ad salesman was trying to
    convince a store owner to do some advertising. And the owner said,
    ``Look, I've been in this location for 50 years, and I've never needed
    to advertise.'' And the salesman said, ``The town church has been in the
    same location for 100 years, but they still ring their bells.''
        Two years ago this month, our administration recognized the AAF with
    the Private Sector Initiative Commendation. Last year, another
    Presidential award testified to your belief that, as Emerson said, ``The
    only gift is a portion of thyself.''
        Today, let me close by praising a man who has given much of himself
    and much to our nation. Howard Bell makes his final appearance as AAF
    president at this convention. And he has served as an advertising
    evangelist and trailblazer. And he's built the AAF into the megaphone of
    the ad industry. Under his leadership, membership tripled, AAF
    established new means and standards of self-regulation. And perhaps most
    important of all, the federation under Howard's leadership acted upon
    the axiom that prosperity without purpose means nothing.
        And for that, I thank him and commend him. And I thank you. You've
    made a big difference in this nation's life. But let's go further still.
    Let's build a better and more focused future for ourselves, our
    families, our communities, and our great country.

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        And now, Howard, since I've traveled so far to be with you, I'm glad
    to take a few questions, but that's the end of the formal part--end of
    the speech.
        Thank you.
        Mr. Bell. Thank you. Thank you very much, Mr. President. And we
    appreciate your willingness to answer a couple of questions. And the
    first question, sir, is: As you know, the economic downturn has affected
    all areas of business and particularly the communications and the media
    industries. Do you see, Mr. President, any positive signs in the economy
    that signal the beginning of an upturn?
        The President. Well, Howard, if I can borrow a term from Wall
    Street, I am bullish on the economy. Not overly optimistic, not
    Pollyannic about it. But while some sectors are still sluggish, on the
    whole a turn- around in the economy appears to be in the making. I don't
    want to be in the prediction business. What a President says on this can
    adversely affect markets and all of that. But according to the just-
    released May unemployment report, over half of all industries added to
    their payrolls. Industrial production has also been rising. And such
    upward trends will continue, according to the Index of Leading
    Indicators.
        The index has risen for 3 consecutive months, a strong signal that
    the economic future looks bright. Now, I don't want to sound, as I say,
    euphoric because, frankly, some people are still hurting in this country
    and they're hurting badly. And this worries me; this concerns me. But
    things are beginning to move forward. And as far as your industry is
    concerned, I'm optimistic that it, too, will pick up as the rest of the
    economy gathers steam. Increased factory orders will have an impact on
    the advertising industry as businesses begin to move their products.
        So, I think there's reason to be optimistic. This recession has
    lasted perhaps longer than we would have thought. It hasn't been as deep
    as many have predicted. Let's see where we go. I think things are
    looking much more promising as I speak to you here.
        Q. Well, thank you. Mr. President, I'd like now to introduce David
    Bell, the president of Bozell and AAF's national chairman, who will ask
    the next question.
        Q. Mr. President, the American Advertising Federation is currently
    working with the private sector division of the United States
    Information Agency to develop advertising and marketing data with
    respect to the free market economic system that will be made available
    to embassies around the world. Now, these data and expertise will
    provide access to proven methodologies to the Eastern European
    countries, among others, as they move toward a market economy. Do you
    see additional ways that the advertising industry can help foster these
    important developments in such countries?
        The President. Well, what is it about the Bell name that is just
    dominating that convention? But anyway, I know no nepotism is involved--
    I've been told that. Look, it's a good question. Let me say that I was
    just over at USIA last week at the swearing-in of Henry Catto, our new
    Director, former Ambassador. I know that Henry is very excited about
    AAF's volunteer work with the Private Sector Market Resource Committee.
        The important skills that our Eastern European friends acquire
    through your generosity will help provide the building blocks to
    establish a productive economy. David, I think the advertising community
    can show these nations how to transform--transmit, I should say,
    information swiftly and creatively. With the many public service
    announcements your industry produces, you help teach people about these
    important issues. In fact, as I recall, you helped create and produce
    the production of the Department of Energy's ``Do Your Part, Drive
    Smart'' energy efficiency campaign. Now, that campaign showed us all how
    a few simple steps would help us become more energy efficient.
        And also, let me speak about a personal friend here. Look at the
    wondrous success of Jim Burke and the Partnership for a Drug-Free
    America. What a fantastic job Jim and the others--many of them with you
    today there--are doing. The advertising they've produced has helped stem
    the tide of illegal use of drugs by powerfully illustrating the often-
    fatal consequences of drug use. The ads are superb.
        And every country has problems that can be addressed with effective
    public affairs

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    advertising. And as countries begin to realize that they need help to
    communicate information, they'll do it with advertising.
        So, a good question and a good way to end this teleconference. Thank
    you. Thank you all for what you're doing. Thank you for having me in
    Nashville, and God bless you all. Thank you so much.

                        Note: The President spoke at 10:05 a.m. in Room 459
                            of the Old Executive Office Building via a two-
                            way video and audio hookup with the meeting in
                            Nashville. In his remarks, he referred to Howard
                            H. Bell and David A. Bell, president and
                            chairman of the federation; Henry Catto,
                            Director of the U.S. Information Agency and
                            former U.S. Ambassador to the United Kingdom;
                            and James E. Burke, chairman of the Partnership
                            for a Drug-Free America.