[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.