Exclamations

Shout Out! With Delilah

2013-03-27T09:20:00.000-07:00

Shout Out!

We wanted to give a shout out to some of our favorite people. So, in each issue of the newsletter, we'll be sharing the conversations we had together.

Delilah

Delilah is an author and the host of The Delilah Show radio program, which currently airs on more than 200 radio stations around the country.

1. Who inspired your work ethic?

Good question, and I'm not sure exactly, but I was raised by hard working people who were raised by hard working people. I fear I have dropped the ball in that I have not been successful in instilling the same character trait in some of my children.

2. When you were little, what did you want to be when you grew up?

I wanted to be a mom. From the time I was about three or four I wanted to be a mom. I had a little sister and I wanted her to be my daughter, not my sister! Weird, huh? I also wanted to be a teacher, a trapeze artist with the traveling circus, and a doctor.

3. What’s your favorite charity, and why?

Point Hope of course! I know how hard we work, and how much amazing good work we do to save lives and bless folks who otherwise would be dead or very miserable! I am on my way back to Africa for my 21st time next month, and no matter how much time I spend there or how many projects I start and fund, there is always so, so, so much more work to be done to save kids lives!

4. What do you love about your brand?

I'm the "brand," and I love the life that God has given to me! I stinkin' love, love, love what God is doing in me and around me...pretty stinkin' awesome...

5. What television commercial jingle can you sing word-for-word?

Two all beef patties, special sauce, lettuce, cheese, pickles, onions, on a sesame seed bun...have it your way, have it your way... the best part of waking up, is Folgers in your cup...hold the pickles, hold the lettuce, special orders don't upset us, all we ask is that you let us serve it your way...have it your way at Burger King!

I could do this all day! I LOVE jingles from the 70's and 80's!

It’s a tall tall world out there.

2013-02-27T09:21:00.000-08:00

I recently attended Seattle Business Magazine’s event recognizing Washington state’s top business leaders. It was an inspiring night filled with great speeches and laughter.

I arrived relatively early to the event and was in the lobby area as people streamed in, dressed in suits and long gowns. The dress code was cocktail attire, which GQ magazine defines for men as … rather than a suit it implies a blazer and trousers. The shirt can be worn without a tie and you can be a bit more adventurous with things like pocket squares - or even socks if you are so inclined.

So, there I was in my blazer and slacks without a tie. I didn’t have a pocket square and I wasn’t adventurous with my socks either. I felt comfortable walking into the room knowing that I had done my research on what to wear.

The room quickly filled with people for the event. Tall people. Tall men. Tall women. It seemed that everywhere I looked, there were tall people. For the record, I am 5’10”. Perfectly average, yet there weren’t a lot of other perfectly average people in this group of business leaders. In fact when I tried to make my way through the crowd to locate our host, I felt like a mouse moving through a maze looking for cheese.

It caused me to wonder, so I did some looking around. The Guardian says voters view tall people as better suited for leadership. CNN Money says that taller people make an average of $789 per inch, per year, more. Slate magazine says about $1000 per inch more. Time magazine printed an article that suggested people who are taller than 5’10” are happier than those who are shorter. And my favorite, many sperm banks require donors to be over 5’9”!

Although I have no plans on donating sperm, that last fact did make me feel slightly better. And the other thing that I hold onto, in my average little world down here, is that the group of very tall people that were standing around me that night were dressed in suits and ties. The men in the group obviously hadn’t done their research on cocktail attire.

When I finally found our host, it turned out he hadn’t done his research either.

Still, I suppose I will pack a tie from now on, just in case.

Dog is my inspiration

2013-01-30T10:45:00.002-08:00

I’m getting older. Just turned 50 in fact. Now I keep telling people that fifty today isn’t like fifty when I was thirty. How could it be? I mean, I’m not as old as those people were. Right? And besides, those people are 70 now. It’s the benefit of good, clean living, as my friend says every time I hit a lucky golf shot.

I like to think it’s true. My sister suggested that my date of birth means I have a good chance to live another 50 years. I needn’t tell you this, but she is very wise, that one. I have spent over half my life working in this industry in various positions for various companies. Through it all, I have learned ways to be inspired creatively and to avoid stress. Two necessities for survival.

The status quo does not bode well for a creative spirit. This I know. Change inspires change. At least in my world. I love to have four or five ways to come to work, for example. When I get tired of my four or five ways, I move. No, really. I move a lot. Now I don’t think it’s just to spark creativity, but on some level I wonder if it is.

And I have found that keeping the people around me happy, laughing and engaged is a surefire way to avoid stress. Or at least it mitigates it in most cases. I believe the key to keeping your team happy is something called listening. “To hear something with thoughtful attention,” is how Merriam-Webster defines it. Try it!

We allowed dogs into our office to see how that would affect the stress levels. Simple rules: No smell, no sound. Of course these rules can’t always be enforced, but it gives us a baseline to work from. The difference is amazing. People love dogs. Not just the people who work here, but the people who visit us as well.

What I’ve found most amazing is not that dogs are really good at relaxing, but that they are really good at helping others to relax. Have a bad day? Pet the dog. Need a break? Go for a walk. Need someone to talk to? Dog. They listen without interruption, they know when you are having an off day and they are pretty much always happy to see you. They are like the perfect work companion.

So, this year and perhaps for the next 25, I vow to be more like a dog for my team. To listen with wonderment and focus to try to understand what they are really saying. To be present for them when they are having a bad day. Or to force a break on them when a walk to the coffee shop, or bar, might be just what the dog ordered. Mostly, I’ll be consistently happy to see them, which will require no change at all.

Walter the Corgi hangs with John at home and the office, he enjoys wine tasting and short hikes.

Steel has made himself at home under Mai Li's desk, where he spends time deconstructing his toys.

Aggie, situated in Leslie's office, is a great sport about everything and always wants to play with other four legged friends.

Being the Best

2013-01-16T10:53:00.000-08:00

Many people strive to be the best at their work. But what if it’s the things away from work that prevent them from succeeding in their jobs? I had a professional coach once tell me that how you are in one part of your life is how you are in all parts of your life.

I smiled and wrote it down. Later, I started thinking more about it. I realized that my art studio at home was a little disorganized. And my garage. Same thing was true in my office. I resolved to be more organized and stayed with it. It made a difference at home, but more importantly, it made a positive impact on my work. Maybe there was something to this.

I have come across other examples in my own life, but shortly after I started recognizing the connection, I began looking around me through this new lens I’d been given. I found people who were shy at work, shy at home. Messy at work, messy at home. Scattered in their schedule, scattered with their families. Forgetful, forgetful. The list went on and on.

It got me to thinking about some of the qualities that make a person someone you would want to work with. Honesty, compassion, humor, kindness. I think most of us enjoy working with people like that, don’t we?

I often walk around Greenlake and find myself adjusting my stride to avoid oncoming traffic. And yes, true to form, I do the same thing on city streets. But I find when I stop doing it, I encounter a flurry of people who resist doing it for me, opting instead to walk into me, or brush against me. Groups of four across that refuse to condense as they walk down the sidewalk on an apparent mission to DESTROY EVERYTHING IN THEIR PATH. I wonder how these people are to work with. Are they the same at work?

What if you can become the best at work by becoming the best in other areas of your life — or in all areas of your life. The best husband or boyfriend. The best Father. The best neighbor. The best driver in traffic, the best customer in a restaurant.

What if we all tried? What if we kept our parking strip clean, spent more time with our children, listened more carefully to our spouses and let that annoying person in traffic off without honking at them? What if you were nice to the waitperson who didn’t refill your water quickly. What if people enjoyed being around us more?

I am pretty sure it would put us all on the right track to being the best whatever-you-want-to-be in the world. So get to it, it’s time to enjoy your success!

Reflecting on Our First Fifteen Years

2012-12-05T12:41:00.001-08:00

Fifteen years in business. I guess I never really imagined it going any other way. The dot bomb economy was a tough one to weather, though. Seemed like just when things were starting to roll, many of our important clients got snatched up by companies outside the area. But we managed. Then 9/11 came and everyone stopped. Everything stopped, for what felt like an eternity. Still, we prevailed. Since then, aside from the hiccup in the Market some four years ago, things have been steadily improving.

We have created a rewarding culture at EXCLAIM. One that empowers our employees through the simple gift of freedom. Freedom to express, create, succeed and certainly to poke fun at each other. The freedom, for them, to be who they are. It is so much fun to watch the team come together to strategize and implement on behalf of our clients. It’s always about doing the right thing, whether it’s a direct mail piece for UW Medicine, a cross-promotion for Argosy Cruises, or an annual report for ArtsFund, the team comes together. There is support, respect and a common drive for success.

I like to think that our customer’s feel it too. We see marketing as a category that thrives when a bit of fun is mixed in. It creates a freshness and openness that can lead to new ideas and extraordinary solutions. We try to make the customer’s life easier by expertly managing their projects and providing solutions that exceed their expectations. Or, at the very least, meet them. This gives our customers the opportunity to interact with us on a level we feel is unique in the agency world.

This way of being has led us to more than twenty awards for creativity and design. But perhaps our biggest accomplishment came this year when we were recognized as Washington’s best small business to work for, by Seattle Business magazine. Our success has also given us the freedom to donate our services to organizations who cannot afford them. Like Gilda’s Club Seattle, ArtsFund and Year Up.

So, what’s next? The landscape in our industry is always changing and that keeps things interesting. Add to that the changes to our physical environment; we will have a front-row seat to the demolition of the viaduct and reconstruction of Seattle’s waterfront, and our future gets more exciting.

We invite you to join us as we move into the future. We believe EXCLAIM is not just a good company to work for, but a good company to work with.

Share your stories about business in Seattle over the last fifteen years.

Happy Easter

2012-03-23T09:20:00.000-07:00

Color me Easter

It’s that time of year again. The time of year that I give in to the wishes of my staff and open my head to their creative desires. Last year, my head was littered with Peeps. This year, they wanted to bring in a stylist, Akemi Hart (makeupbyakemi@earthlink.net), and turn my head into an easter egg.

It seems to have come out pretty well! All of us here at EXCLAIM wish you a happy Spring season.

Maintaining clients through clearly written contracts

2011-11-15T16:16:00.000-08:00

The importance of contracts in small business cannot be overstated. As a small business owner it is easy to look past this simple fact. In fact, you’re probably questioning whether or not you should even spend time reading this.

First, drafting a contract takes time — time that could be spent doing other “more important” things, like business development or actually producing what you have previously sold, or your laundry.

Secondly, it can seem to undermine the mutual trust you have built. Early on in a business relationship, you have likely gone through a series of steps to win the trust of your potential client. These might include lunches, social events and in-depth conversations. All of these tactics help create a sense of camaraderie and trust. You may even find that you and your new prospect could potentially be good friends. If you have a co-dependent personality, you might even be thinking BEST friends! The excitement around this new relationship makes it is easy to overlook minor details when assembling your contract. Specifying things like hours, dollars and timelines can seem to counter this friendship you are nurturing.

In fact, a well-written contract is key to keeping your relationship on track. By spelling out in detail the services you will perform or product you will deliver, you set expectations for your relationship. You know exactly what it is you have promised and the client knows exactly what and when they are required to pay for it.

Deliver exactly as the contract reads and your relationship strengthens. Simple! The best part is that if you decide to go above and beyond the contract, it is apparent to everyone involved that you have done just that. Your goodwill will be recognized, further strengthening your relationship. You may even come across as a God to them. Not a serious one — more of a metaphorical one.

A contract creates a common vision for you and your client. Without a contract, no matter how you describe the work, the client will almost always have a different idea of what it is you will deliver.

A good contract should accurately describe the project at hand and the deliverables. It should outline the fee structure and schedule for payment. It should also outline what happens if the project is cancelled mid-stream.

Trust me, a solid contract is the first step toward a lasting client relationship.

EXCLAIM voted one of Washinton's top companies to work for

2011-08-18T10:17:00.000-07:00

We're so proud to have been voted #4 in Seattle Business Magazine's, Washington's Top 100 Companies to Work For.

Seattle Business Magazine's 100 Best Companies to Work For
SHEILA BACON CAIN AND NICK HORTON | JULY 2011 | FROM THE PRINT EDITION

Credit: Hayley Young
CEO Rick Cooper, foreground, with colleagues at The Everett Clinic.
It’s been a rough year, the kind of year that makes CEOs wonder about their career choices and causes human resources executives to pray for miracles. But, even in the tough times, some companies never seem to miss a beat. It’s as if they thrive under adverse conditions, as if maybe they know the economy isn’t always going to be going gangbusters and that it would be prudent to have a contingency plan. As a result, management is prepared, employees are engaged. From small to large and east to west, these are the Best Companies to Work For. Companies like last year’s Hall of Fame inductee, MoneyTree Inc., which continues to top our survey among midsize companies. And The Everett Clinic, which approaches the art of communication with clinical precision. These companies and the 98 others on our list take pride in investing and reinvesting in human capital, knowing that satisfied employees are motivated employees.

Top 100 Companies List (pdf download)

Large Company Winners

Midsize Company Winners

Small Company Winners

Nonprofit Company Winners

Large Company Headquartered Outside Washington Winner

TOP 100 WINNERS (ranking by category)

Nonprofit Companies:

Valley Medical Center
Career Path Services
Pacific Medical Centers
Washington Technology Industry Association
Housing Resources Group
United Way of King County

Small Companies:

The CashLINQ Group
Buckland & Taylor Ltd.
Brightlight Consulting
Exclaim
Modern Dental Laboratory USA
Cook Security Group
Resultrix
GreenRubino
Übermind
Arryve
206 Inc.
Adams & Associates/ADD Staffing
CFO Selections
Artitudes Design
Stratos Product Development
FSX Inc.
Coldstream
Conenza
HPG (parent of Health Advocacy Strategies)
Ogden Murphy Wallace
Optify
Pentad Solutions
Schuchart/Dow
Noetix Corporation
Piraeus Data
Berntson Porter & Company
Bergstrom Aircraft
Wexley School for Girls
Image Source
MCM, A Meisenbach Company
Transportation Solutions
Conifer Specialties
TTF Aerospace
WhitePages
Pacific Continental Bank
Puget Sound Health Partners
IMCO General Construction
Idea Entity Corporation
Playhouse Design Group
BuzzBee Company
RealCom Associates
ATREG
Hubspan
Cozi
Brighton Jones
Chermak Construction
Chef'n Corporation
McKinley Irvin
Vista Engineering Technologies
Columbia River Carbonates
Soundair Aviation Services
Meier Architecture • Engineering
Molly Moon’s Homemade Ice Cream
Cornerstone Advisors
AdReady
Paladino and Company
Fierce
Pro CNC
Red Arrow Logistics

Midsize Companies:

MoneyTree
Baker Boyer National Bank
The Legacy Group
Apptio
Sprague Pest Solutions
Allyis
Concur Technologies
Slalom Consulting
ING Direct
Family Home Care & Hospice
Columbia Hospitality
Avanade
Edifecs
Riverview Community Bank
Greenpoint Technologies
Evergreen Home Loans
Seed IP Law Group
Dade Moeller
InfoSpace
Rhapsody International
Astronics AES
Super Supplements
BDA
Sleep Country U.S.A.
Rebound Orthopedics & Neurosurgery
InCyte Pathology
CellNetix Pathology & Labs

Large Companies:

The Everett Clinic
F5 Networks
McKinstry
Columbia Bank
PAML
Proliance Surgeons

Large Companies Headquartered Outside Washington:

West Monroe Partners
Weber Shandwick
Grant Thornton

Side Car Interview

2011-07-19T10:54:00.000-07:00

Track and follow our Side Car series devoted to Seattle's biggest influencers as they answer questions related to brands, campaigns and themselves. To learn more about these amazing thought leaders, we invite you to check back every Thursday.

Janis Avery – CEO, Treehouse

What do you love about your company's/organization's brand?

The Treehouse brand speaks quality and compassion for the most vulnerable children in our community, and collaboration among donors, agencies and caregivers to meet foster children’s needs. At Treehouse, we never give up on our kids. This commitment is a foundational component of our identity, and I am proud to see it consistently reflected in our brand image.

What aspirations do you have for the future of your brand?

Treehouse has recently committed to a big five year goal – that foster youth will graduate high school at the same rate as their peers by 2016. In light of this goal, I expect Treehouse to establish a reputation as a provider of solutions for both child welfare and public school systems-so that every foster youth experiences educational success. I believe that the strength of our brand will be an incredible asset as we formally announce our goal, and implement our strategic action plan over the next five years. Throughout this process, it is my aspiration that we will continue to increase and deepen brand awareness and loyalty among our many wonderful Treehouse donors, volunteers, vendors, and clients.

Do you see campaigns that inspire or disappoint you?

I love to see thoughtful planning, consistency, and creativity in non-profit marketing campaigns. I often observe non-profit marketing campaigns change images and messages with great frequency, failing to be as patient as needed. Whether for-profit or non-profit, I believe that the branding and positioning of a product or service must originate organically from within. In other words, an organization needs to develop their messaging by first communicating why they do what they do, not just what and how they do it.

If you weren't doing what you do now for a living, what is it you would like to be doing?

Hard, hard question because I love what I do and have a job that is a perfect match for my passions. As I consider a retirement lifestyle, I hope to have the physical stamina to engage in tangible service to people in need.

Where is your favorite local spot to take out-of-town guests?

Anthony’s deck on Shilshole – basking in late afternoon sun, watching the canal traffic, and eating fresh fish makes for a perfect Seattle day and snapshot Northwest experience!

If you were to write a book, what would it be about?

I would like to write about hope and possibility--to help others see the silver lining in their lives, their communities, and the world.

Thank you for taking the time to read our interview with Janis Avery – Treehouse

Leave a comment at the bottom, and we'll make sure your thoughts are heard! =)

Interview with Jill Mogen ~ Executive Director, Crosscut

Interview with Linda Gainer ~ VP External Affairs & Communications, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center.

Interview with Nicole Vogel – President & Publisher, Seattle Metropolitan Magazine

Interview with Kate Joncas - President, Downtown Seattle Association

Interview with Andy Dale – Managing Partner, Montlake Capital

Interview with John Howie – Owner/Chef, John Howie Restaurant Group

Interview with Katherine Kertzman – Program Director, Seattle Southside

Interview with Kevin Clark – CEO/President, Argosy Cruises

Interview with Chris Rivera – President, Washington Biotechnology & Biomedical Assoc.

Interview with Tammy Blount – President & CEO, Tacoma Regional Convention & Visitor Bureau.

Interview with Ray Heacox ~ President and GM, Belo Seattle

Interview with Jim Tune ~ President & CEO, ArtsFund.

Interview with Barry McConnel ~ CEO, Make-A-Wish Foundation.

Interview with Emory Thomas ~ Publisher, Puget Sound Business Journal.

Why We Support ArtsFund

2011-04-26T13:54:00.000-07:00

Each day we work with the team at ArtsFund, our decision to support them is reaffirmed. ArtsFund is not just an organization devoted to the arts in our community. They are an organization devoted to making the arts better. Their modest offices hide a very well-managed machine that not only allocates funds to over 60 of the area's most influential arts groups, but manages the allocations in a way that creates a stronger, more sustainable arts community for us all.

The arts touch us in ways that are sometimes difficult to see. The mentoring of a child who would otherwise grow up without direction. The inspiration that brings an audience of 3,000 together in a moment of communal celebration. The softening of the lines that separate people of various races or socioeconomic groups. It truly unites all of us in a celebration of the creativity and expression of the human spirit like nothing else can.

This is why at EXCLAIM, we work hard for ArtsFund. In helping them further the cause of their amazing organization, we are, in effect, able to strengthen the community in which we all live and work. When we give to the arts, the arts give back.

SCRIBBLE CONTEST, WEEK 2

2011-04-11T14:45:00.000-07:00

It's time for more scribble fun, and a chance to win a $100 Amazon gift card. Didn't see the first post and don't know what's going on? Here's a link to the instructions for our game (which will be updated for clarity as the game continues): Scribble week 1

Scribble Contest Round 2, Scribble 1:

2011-03-21T14:31:00.000-07:00

Welcome Back Scribblers,

It’s time for Scribble Contest Round 2! Every two weeks we will post a new Scribble. To enter the contest, use the Scribble as the starting point for a drawing, the submit it to EXCLAIM (see drawing rules below). The best scribble from each week will be tossed into a hat for a chance to win a $100 gift card to Amazon.com at the end of May.

Improve your chances by submitting more than one scribble. Tell your friends. Here is this week’s scribble:

Rules: Draw a picture that includes the scribble. No skewing or cropping of the scribble. The scribble may be rotated or flipped, but not skewed. The entire scribble must be visible in the image. You are ranked higher the more important the scribble is in making the image work. In other words, if the scribble becomes shoelaces... that isn’t as good as the scribble becoming a horses muzzle or a car or a boat.

Destination Washington.

2011-03-16T15:16:00.000-07:00

As we get ready to come out of winter hibernation in the Northwest, many of us are already thinking about the summer months. Soon, we’ll begin planning our warm weather adventures with friends and family. Two of Washington State’s most iconic and loved destinations are thinking about summer too. Crystal Mountain Resort (Crystal) and Argosy Cruises (Tillicum Village). Both recently hired EXCLAIM.

This past January, Crystal Mountain Resort launched its new Mt. Rainier Gondola. The only gondola located at a Washington State mountain resort allows visitors year-round access to the summit. We developed new strategy, and created a comprehensive advertising campaign that centers around the gondola and summer activities at the mountain. Work includes a full compliment of advertising, social media and public relations activities. The new campaign will debut in April.

This month, Tillicum Village will launch an entirely new show and experience at Blake Island. We developed new strategy, which included a comprehensive strategic plan and new creative. All of this has allowed us to create an entirely new experience at Tillicum Village, including a brand new show that replaces the 19-year-old program. The authenticity of the storytelling and regalia has been the number one priority, so we worked directly with tribal members from early on in the planning process. The new show purposely utilizes technology and historical live dance to project the native culture as one that has thrived and will continue to thrive in the Northwest. This combination is the most unique and compelling native cultural experience in the United States.

Side Car Interview

2011-01-06T08:09:00.001-08:00

Ken Kirkpatrick- ~ President, U.S. Bank

What do you love about your company's/organization's brand?

Cleary defines who we are and our values: strength, quality and leadership. The brand line “All of US Serving You” promotes all of the employees in our company working together to deliver stronger, deeper , customer relationships with best-in-class service and experience.

What aspirations do you have for the future of your brand?

Continued growth and demonstration of our strength and stability, promoting our people, products, and services as the clear choice for businesses, communities, and families.

Do you see campaigns that inspire or disappoint you?

I’m inspired by campaigns that promote positive change, e.g. Nissan Leaf polar bear ad campaign. I am disappointed by those who are trying to be something they are not.

If you weren't doing what you do now for a living, what is it you would like to be doing?

I’d be a radio disc jockey. That is what I always wanted to do, but it works out quite well because I get the opportunity to do radio spots for the bank... but I get paid like a bank president instead of a disc jockey.

Where is your favorite local spot to take out-of-town guests?

My home, to eat my wife SaSa’s best-in-the-world cooking!

If you were to write a book, what would it be about?

That’s an easy question… “The Women in My Life Have Taught Me Well.”

Thank you for taking the time to read our interview with Ken Kirkpatrick – President, U.S. Bank

Leave a comment at the bottom, and we'll make sure your thoughts are heard! =)

Interview with Jill Mogen ~ Executive Director, Crosscut

Interview with Linda Gainer ~ VP External Affairs & Communications, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center.

Interview with Nicole Vogel – President & Publisher, Seattle Metropolitan Magazine

Interview with Kate Joncas - President, Downtown Seattle Association

Interview with Andy Dale – Managing Partner, Montlake Capital

Interview with John Howie – Owner/Chef, John Howie Restaurant Group

Interview with Katherine Kertzman – Program Director, Seattle Southside

Interview with Kevin Clark – CEO/President, Argosy Cruises

Interview with Chris Rivera – President, Washington Biotechnology & Biomedical Assoc.

Interview with Tammy Blount – President & CEO, Tacoma Regional Convention & Visitor Bureau.

Interview with Ray Heacox ~ President and GM, Belo Seattle

Interview with Jim Tune ~ President & CEO, ArtsFund.

Interview with Barry McConnel ~ CEO, Make-A-Wish Foundation.

Interview with Emory Thomas ~ Publisher, Puget Sound Business Journal.

Happy Birthday Metronatural

2010-10-20T12:09:00.000-07:00

A campaign that stands the test of time… metronatural.

It’s exciting to think that four years ago today, we launched the metronatural campaign on behalf of our client, Seattle’s Convention and Visitors Bureau.

Although the local press corps showed a lack of love for our concept, we’re not the least bit surprised the campaign has stood the test of time. Fortunately, the SCVB recognized the potential metronatural had with its target audience and knew the importance of staying the course and building on this image of Seattle as a marriage of two worlds.

From an agency standpoint, we could not be more proud. First and foremost, because metronatural has been used so prevalently for the past four years. Directed at meeting planners outside the area, the campaign lives on in advertising and promotions that target that audience. Furthermore, we have heard stories of metronatural seeping into the vernacular of such institutions as Nordstrom and Coca Cola as a term for fusing metropolitan with nature. We also still take pride in the original release of the metronatural campaign. When we were asked to deliver a ‘splash’ we did just that, and then some. Our efforts earned us, what the SCVB calculated, over $15M in free marketing impressions within the first week. Metronatural won front page news in virtually every large news organization in the world – including Paris, London, Tokyo and as far away as Perth, Australia. Additionally, we were able to wrap a Kenmore seaplane, paint the Space Needle rooftop and garner airtime on Grey’s Anatomy and Saturday Night Live. And finally, the fact that it has continued to both increase sales for the SCVB and powerfully help promote our city as a worthy destination for meeting planners around the U.S. and beyond is a real testament to our creative. When we developed the metronatural campaign, we did so in part because meeting planners around the country never comprehended Seattle as a viable or authentic city – but instead a rural community that lacked infrastructure and had only natural wonders to offer.

Ultimately though, we have yet to see a truer word to sum up our amazing city, and breathtaking region. Everywhere you look, at every turn there are experiences that reinforce the goal of this campaign. From the salt water to our grand architecture, from the mountain ranges to our opera and ballet, from tree-filled parks to our bustling restaurant scene, one is perpetually reminded as to the dynamic juxtaposition of metro and natural.

Sometimes our industry can be rough and unsettling yet other times it can be the most rewarding business when a plan comes together. So from all of us at EXCLAIM, Happy Birthday metronatural. We look forward to seeing what you have in store for us in the coming years.

Side Car Interview

2010-10-07T10:32:00.000-07:00

Jill Mogen, Executive Director,
Crosscut

What do you love about your company's/organization's brand?
It’s smart. It’s reflective. It’s incisive. Crosscut finds and shares relevant news beyond the headlines. It’s local news and commentary that brings good writing into people’s lives, enabling our readers to learn more about many things.
What aspirations do you have for the future of your brand?
We are much too much a secret, with basic viral marketing so my aspirations lie in reaching those educated and civic- minded Seattleites and Eastsiders who all have a stake in keeping good journalism in the public interest alive and thriving. We need membership growth and sponsors to support this effort. Web journalism is the future so we need many more evangelists in the marketplace. Hard to do without significant investment.
Do you see campaigns that inspire or disappoint you?
My current favorite is Swedish Hospital- all of the ads are targeted and inviting.
If you weren't doing what you do now for a living, what is it you would like to be doing?
Instead of always seeking funding, I would rather be on the “donating to worthy enterprises” side for a time. So, perhaps foundation work to GIVE rather than to Ask all the time. Whatever it is, it involves a lot of teamwork and interpersonal interaction as that’s the best part.
Where is your favorite local spot to take out-of-town guests?
Shout out to Ballard- so many great spots in my neighborhood like the Locks. Ballard basically rocks! And, of course, gotta see the world from the observation deck of the Space Needle.
If you were to write a book, what would it be about?
Lighten up! How to deal with high stress work and parenthood with a sense of humor! First, I need to get published in the “shouts and murmurs” section of the New Yorker.

Thank you for taking the time to read our interview with Jill Mogen, Executive Director, Crosscut

Leave a comment at the bottom, and we'll make sure your thoughts are heard! =)

Interview with Linda Gainer ~ VP External Affairs & Communications, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center.

Interview with Nicole Vogel – President & Publisher, Seattle Metropolitan Magazine

Interview with Kate Joncas - President, Downtown Seattle Association

Interview with Andy Dale – Managing Partner, Montlake Capital

Interview with John Howie – Owner/Chef, John Howie Restaurant Group

Interview with Katherine Kertzman – Program Director, Seattle Southside

Interview with Kevin Clark – CEO/President, Argosy Cruises

Interview with Chris Rivera – President, Washington Biotechnology & Biomedical Assoc.

Interview with Tammy Blount – President & CEO, Tacoma Regional Convention & Visitor Bureau.

Interview with Ray Heacox ~ President and GM, Belo Seattle

Interview with Jim Tune ~ President & CEO, ArtsFund.

Interview with Barry McConnel ~ CEO, Make-A-Wish Foundation.

Interview with Emory Thomas ~ Publisher, Puget Sound Business Journal.

Spec Work

2010-07-22T10:18:00.000-07:00

Our company was recently asked to do spec creative for a chance to win a very exciting client. Our company policy is not to participate in competitions for business like this. Additionally, most, if not all of the associations related to our industry frown on it. I called the client and was pleased to hear that my competitors had also voiced concerns. Long story short, the prospect has reevaluated their process.

But why does it matter, and what is spec?

Quite simply, spec work is work that you submit to a prospect for the chance at winning their business. At first glance, it might not seem like such a bad idea, but if you look deeper it becomes clear why this request is bad for all concerned.

Just like any other person in a professional capacity, creative people are paid for their time, so asking them to spend time on your project without paying them is akin to asking landscapers to redo your yard and then picking from your favorite work. Sounds fun, I know. But in the end, your landscaper may not be willing to break his or her back without knowing their effort will be rewarded. It’s hard to be inspired creatively in this type of environment.

So asking someone to work for free is the part that is not a win for the creative team. But why isn’t it a win for the customer?

Your creative team brings vast knowledge to a unique problem; how to connect you with your customer in the best, most cost-effective manner. But it’s never just about coming up with a big idea for an advertisement or promotion. To do that means leaving out a very important process that can have long-term benefits and lead to cost savings.

The process involves digging into your business. Understanding your audience and their perceptions of you, your competition and how you compare, and many other variables. It helps alleviate any preconceived notions you or your creative team may have about your brand. By building this base of knowledge, you gain a clear picture of the challenge at hand. This gives your creative team valuable tools to build a long-term strategy for success and a foundation for all their creative services.

Then, during the creative development phase, all creative can be rationalized against this strategy, creating a clear connection between the creative, the intended results and how that figures into your long-term goals.

Excluding this process is why spec work is not good for the customer.

When I grow up, I want to work for REI

2010-05-27T08:52:00.001-07:00

Ever wonder who are the true leaders in customer service and why they are the best? I do.

Our firm was recently invited to enjoy a TED speech by Simon Sinek all about the ‘WHY’ someone connects with a brand vs. the ‘WHAT’ they connect with. Brilliant stuff, particularly if you want to be a true leader in your arena.

The proof of this concept always rings true with me when I visit the local REI store. Now, if you live anywhere near Seattle, you’ll appreciate how fortunate we are to have their flagship store right downtown, however, this story applies to all of their stores.

Each time I step foot in an REI store, I am overwhelmed by the WHY they connect with me (and visa versa) and it has nothing to do with money – it often doesn’t, as much as we tell ourselves it does. REI is the epitome of the perfect brand and the classic example of “people buy WHY you do it, not WHAT you do”. Example: I am never met with a commission-based sales person who is looking for the sale, but instead, a down to earth, enjoyer-of-their-stuff, borderline adventure geek. In other words, someone just like me. Their unwavering commitment to the customer, or in this case, the member, is second to none and is consistent day in and day out. I would suggest that the big-box, out of control, leave the customer ‘til the last minute, more interested in the streets’ impression than the consumer’s impression, should take a close look at how REI honestly lives its brand.

From CEO, Sally Jewell down, everyone at REI seems to connect with that brand, its offering, its suppliers, its lifestyle, passion and me. Their ability to share knowledge, their attitude toward life or willingness to help if something is “not quite right” is something that one doesn’t often see when shopping at institutions as large as REI. They don’t push what they sell, they live it.

I am convinced REI and other customer-centric companies, like Nordstrom, have taken a page out of Jack Zduriencik’s playbook – he is the GM of the Seattle Mariners, speaking recently at a Seattle Rotary luncheon, “People won’t listen to you if they don’t think you care – care for them, and they’ll listen to every word.”

Here’s to caring for what you stand for and for whom you do it.

To see Simon Sinek’s speech, follow this link: http://bit.ly /9UNSA2

Side Car Interview

2010-05-19T07:41:00.001-07:00

James Hendricks, Ph.D. ~ President,
Seattle Children's Research Institute

What do you love about your company's/organization's brand?
I love the fact that Seattle Children’s can be defined by three simple words – hope, care and cure. For more than 100 years, Seattle Children’s Hospital has been dedicated to providing top quality care to every child in our region, regardless of the family’s ability to pay. At the forefront of pediatric medical research, Seattle Children’s Research Institute works to bring cures from the bench to the bedside. Seattle Children’s Hospital Foundation works with our generous community to bring hope to the patients and families we serve.
What aspirations do you have for the future of your brand?
We are working hard to bring international awareness to our brand. In particular, the work of our Research Institute and our Global Alliance for the Prevention of Prematurity and Stillbirth is focused on global health.
Do you see campaigns that inspire or disappoint you?
I have described some campaigns as cute, clever or memorable, but I can’t remember thinking a campaign was inspirational. My favorite campaign was Wendy’s “where’s the beef”. This is a great example of an underdog using advertising as a powerful lever with the consumer. I quickly forget bad or disappointing campaigns.
If you weren't doing what you do now for a living, what is it you would like to be doing?
I would be building fine furniture in my own shop.
Where is your favorite local spot to take out-of-town guests?
Anywhere in downtown Seattle. Our downtown has so many great places to eat and chat.
If you were to write a book, what would it be about?
I am fascinated by the stories behind the greatest discoveries in medicine; in particular, the role of serendipity. It would be fun to research and write about this.

Thank you for taking the time to read our interview with James Hendricks, Ph.D., President, Seattle Children's Research Institute

Leave a comment at the bottom, and we'll make sure your thoughts are heard! =)

Interview with Linda Gainer ~ VP External Affairs & Communications, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center.

Interview with Nicole Vogel – President & Publisher, Seattle Metropolitan Magazine

Interview with Kate Joncas - President, Downtown Seattle Association

Interview with Andy Dale – Managing Partner, Montlake Capital

Interview with John Howie – Owner/Chef, John Howie Restaurant Group

Interview with Katherine Kertzman – Program Director, Seattle Southside

Interview with Kevin Clark – CEO/President, Argosy Cruises

Interview with Chris Rivera – President, Washington Biotechnology & Biomedical Assoc.

Interview with Tammy Blount – President & CEO, Tacoma Regional Convention & Visitor Bureau.

Interview with Ray Heacox ~ President and GM, Belo Seattle

Interview with Jim Tune ~ President & CEO, ArtsFund.

Interview with Barry McConnel ~ CEO, Make-A-Wish Foundation.

Interview with Emory Thomas ~ Publisher, Puget Sound Business Journal.

Double Lung

2010-05-13T10:51:00.001-07:00

A friend of a friend had a double lung transplant last week at UW Medical Center. To think this technology never existed before a short time ago. A week later and he is recovering happily in the comfort of his own home.

Great work, Dr. Mulligan. This one is in your honor.

Side Car Interviews

2010-04-29T09:53:00.000-07:00

Nicole Vogel ~ President and Publisher,
Seattle Metropolitan Magazine

What do you love about your company's/organization's brand?
Now that we have embraced our nickname, Seattle Met, I really love the added benefit of an association, as in, “Have We Met?” The magazine is constantly introducing people, places and events to our community of readers. I like the friendliness of that association of continual exciting introductions to all the wonderful things taking place in our city and surrounding communities.
What aspirations do you have for the future of your brand?
We simply want to continue to innovate and grow and become an even more reliable source of information about all things Seattle. As with seattlemet.com, we have completely embraced digital media. We want to always be the most reliable and valuable local content and we’re happy to deliver it to whatever medium you would like, phone, computer, magazine, ipad.
Do you see campaigns that inspire or disappoint you?
Certainly. This is all really personal to us. We're passionate about this industry, good and bad.
If you weren't doing what you do now for a living, what is it you would like to be doing?
Any of a million things, I’m kind of a chameleon. I absolutely love to bake and would love to think that I would be happy with a pastry shop. Of course my close friends say that it would be franchised in a few months time but a girl can dream! I’m also really inspired by the international aid organizations that exist in our community, PATH, the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, Doctors without Borders, Mercy Corps. I could see working with that type of organization.
Where is your favorite local spot to take out-of-town guests?
I can’t help myself, I love the market, especially this time of year when the tulips are in bloom; it’s breathtaking. A stroll through the chaos then have oysters and champagne at Café Campagne. My nieces and nephews I take to the Aquarium, then walk to a Summertime Mariners game, up in the cheap seats where the sun shines on you more!
If you were to write a book, what would it be about?
I’ve told my friends that while I know no one wants my autobiography I’ve actually figured out a title. It hit me one morning and I’m not proud of it but it certainly says a lot about me. Here goes: “Why Do I Compete at Yoga?” Either that or a “fiction” account of some of my more hilarious adventures as a single girl. That could certainly fill a book!

Thank you for taking the time to read our interview with Nicole Vogel – President and Publisher, Seattle Metropolitan Magazine

Leave a comment at the bottom, and we'll make sure your thoughts are heard! =)

Interview with Nicole Brodeur ~ Metro Columnist, Seattle Times

Interview with Linda Gainer ~ VP External Affairs & Communications, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center.

Interview with Kate Joncas - President, Downtown Seattle Association

Interview with Andy Dale – Managing Partner, Montlake Capital

Interview with John Howie – Owner/Chef, John Howie Restaurant Group

Interview with Katherine Kertzman – Program Director, Seattle Southside

Interview with Kevin Clark – CEO/President, Argosy Cruises

Interview with Chris Rivera – President, Washington Biotechnology & Biomedical Assoc.

Interview with Tammy Blount – President & CEO, Tacoma Regional Convention & Visitor Bureau.

Interview with Ray Heacox ~ President and GM, Belo Seattle

Interview with Jim Tune ~ President & CEO, ArtsFund.

Interview with Barry McConnel ~ CEO, Make-A-Wish Foundation.

Interview with Emory Thomas ~ Publisher, Puget Sound Business Journal.

A good day to make a profit

2010-04-21T13:08:00.000-07:00

In these times I am baffled by people and companies that, on the one hand complain about not making enough money, while on the other hand, seem not to be hungry enough to do anything about it. You've seen this for sure and I hope, for your sake, you are not one of these people. What people? People, and honestly the philosophy and culture of many companies, that won't go the extra mile to make a sale.

For instance, I walked into a crowded ice cream shop on Capitol Hill at 11:10pm to be greeted with the comment, "I'm sorry, we closed at 11!" ARE YOU KIDDING ME!!! I had cash in my pocket, cash that wanted to be freed of its shackles, if only to be spent on a tasty ice cream. Then there’s the employee that sees you standing outside the window right before open hours, and not simply window shopping, but with that all too-common look of, "I have cash in my hand and only need two quick things," yet won't come to the door. Sure, rules are rules, but…

Well, this morning, my frustrations took a much needed break. Across from our office sits a landmark in this area, a Cost Plus World Market - I know you've seen it if you've ever visited the EXCLAIM offices or the Pike Place Market. Anyway, we're off to celebrate with a client and some of their recent success and wanted to pick up a bottle of Champagne to drop off as a token of our enthusiasm. I had not thought ahead – but needed to find a bottle of bubbly at 9:20 in the morning. Where to go? World Market. What time do they open? Not sure. I found the number, called the store and it was answered by a real person. The person explained that they did not open 'til 10am. I explained my error in procrastination, what I needed and where I was located (across the street). To my pleasant surprise, she said, and I quote, "why don't you come over right now. I'll open up and you can get what you need!" WOW. Dear Deborah, you are not only a rare breed, but get the meaning of “doing business.” I will not only remember this, but am obviously compelled to share this occasion with the world right here and now. Not only am I elated that we got the gift we needed to help celebrate, but I got to experience amazing customer service that one person offered. This in turn made my day, the day of our client and the day of the World Market headquarters – after all, they made one extra sale.

Sometimes today you need to make a sale one customer at a time. Thus every person is of the utmost importance toward your bottom line. Therefore, it stands to reason that if you have the chance to make a sale, while at the same time offering memorable customer service, DO IT, and do it with a smile - Thank you Deborah at Cost Plus World Market, this country needs more of you and more people that are willing to go that one extra step.

Side Car Interviews

2010-03-26T14:26:00.000-07:00

Nicole Brodeur ~ Metro Columnist,
The Seattle Times

What do you love about your company's/organization's brand?
What appeals to me, right off the bat, is that fact that The Seattle Times has been a part of the city and the region for over 100 years, and that it has been primarily family owned during that time. It knows the community because it is a part of the community, and there is a sense that we are all in this together, through good and bad. I like that I work for a person, a family, and not a faceless institution.
What aspirations do you have for the future of your brand?
Well, I think the future is already here. We have an extremely strong online presence, with over three million unique visitors to www.seattletimes.com every month. And our audience continued to grow with the increased use of video, slideshows, Twitter, mobile applications. We’re growing new audiences all the time, and we’re poised to use whatever comes down the pike.
Do you see campaigns that inspire or disappoint you?
I always liked the Washington lottery commercials, where the men were taking flightless birds into the air ... that I loved. I am also a big fan of campaigns that include the faces of people who work somewhere. The UW, the Pike Place Market ... I want to see people representing their place of work, or where they live. It helps pull us all together, and makes us wonder: Do we feel the same way about where we work, where we live?
If you weren't doing what you do now for a living, what is it you would like to be doing?
I’d like to be writing the copy for the gorgeous, glossy catalogues handed out to bidders at the auctions of European classic cars. I would love to research the cars entered -- their provenance, their owners, their restorations, all of it -- and then write dreamy, yet educational essays about them. I would like to be the MFK Fisher of the molded-metal set.
Where is your favorite local spot to take out-of-town guests?
The Pike Place Market is always wonderful, what with the food, the people, the water just over your shoulder the whole time – and the quick access to incredible food and wine. No one can wrinkle their nose and say they can’t find anything they like there. I’m also a big fan of the Elliott Bay Book Company; the creaky floors, the smell … all of it intensified by the fact that it is not long for that space. (Which is criminal, by the way.)
If you were to write a book, what would it be about?
My mother. The time she lived in, and the time she deserved to be in. I always thought she was born too soon. She did all that was expected of her: worked, went to college, taught school, married, had children and a home. She even played bridge. But part of me thinks that had she been born 10 years later, she could have been Madeleine Albright. Thirty years later, and she could have been one of my best friends. Which she was, after all …

Thank you for taking the time to read our interview with Nicole Brodeur – Metro Columnist, The Seattle Times.

Leave a comment at the bottom, and we'll make sure your thoughts are heard! =)

Interview with Linda Gainer ~ VP External Affairs & Communications, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center.

Interview with Kate Joncas - President, Downtown Seattle Association

Interview with Andy Dale – Managing Partner, Montlake Capital

Interview with John Howie – Owner/Chef, John Howie Restaurant Group

Interview with Katherine Kertzman – Program Director, Seattle Southside

Interview with Kevin Clark – CEO/President, Argosy Cruises

Interview with Chris Rivera – President, Washington Biotechnology & Biomedical Assoc.

Interview with Tammy Blount – President & CEO, Tacoma Regional Convention & Visitor Bureau.

Interview with Ray Heacox ~ President and GM, Belo Seattle

Interview with Jim Tune ~ President & CEO, ArtsFund.

Interview with Barry McConnel ~ CEO, Make-A-Wish Foundation.

Interview with Emory Thomas ~ Publisher, Puget Sound Business Journal.

Side Car Interviews

2010-03-15T09:25:00.001-07:00

Linda Gainer ~ VP External Affairs & Communications,
Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center

What do you love about your company's/organization's brand?

There are two things I particularly admire about Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center's brand and positioning: the excellence for which the Center is world renowned and the incredible commitment of our faculty and staff to the Center’s mission to eliminate cancer and related diseases as a cause of human suffering and death. The Hutchinson Center is recognized as a world leader in research to advance the prevention, detection and treatment of cancer. The scientific expertise and dedication that earned us this reputation is now increasingly being called upon to help conquer HIV/AIDS and other diseases. The brand, and certainly our tag line, “A Life of Science,” stand for excellence and dedication to biomedical research.

Everyone at the Hutchinson Center is incredibly committed to the mission of the organization. While our researchers lead interesting and rich lives outside of their labs and offices, they have, in a real sense, dedicated their lives to their scientific pursuits. The Center is very fortunate in that this drive and passion are very much a part of our culture and brand and inspire all of us to do the best job possible every day. This, of course, brings us right back to excellence. The Hutchinson Center is an exciting, challenging and rewarding place to work and our brand reflects that.

What aspirations do you have for the future of your brand?

My ultimate aspiration for the Hutchinson Center and our brand is to achieve strong national recognition and awareness. While national media regularly covers the Center's discoveries and advances, as a fairly young organization with a very limited advertising budget, the Center is still developing its name recognition and brand awareness among the general public at a national level. I dream of the day when a person from the East Coast sitting next to me on a plane says, "Oh! I know about Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center. What an incredible cancer center. You’re known for pioneering bone marrow transplantation – and now your researchers are finding ways to trick the immune system to fight cancer! Immunotherapy. Amazing stuff!"

Do you see campaigns that inspire or disappoint you?

I see campaigns that both inspire me and disappoint me -- and some that just make me laugh. I thought that the recent Ivar's campaign with the "discovery" of old underwater billboards was fun, amusing and clever. It underscored the lighthearted, slightly offbeat character of the brand.

If you weren't doing what you do now for a living, what is it you would like to be doing?

Running a non-profit organization selling jewelry made by the fabulously artistic women that I’ve met in my some of my travels – to help them expand their businesses and support their families/communities.

Where is your favorite local spot to take out-of-town guests?

A place with a water view and good seafood usually Anthony’s or Cutters. Chandler’s if they come to meet down at South Lake Union

If you were to write a book, what would it be about?

The true life fascinating and surprising stories of the people that one meets and talks with every day.

Thank you for taking the time to read our interview with Linda Gainer – VP External Affairs & Communications, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center

Leave a comment at the bottom, and we'll make sure your thoughts are heard!

For other interviews, follow the links below:

Interview with Kate Joncas - President, Downtown Seattle Association

Interview with Andy Dale – Managing Partner, Montlake Capital

Interview with John Howie – Owner/Chef, John Howie Restaurant Group

Interview with Katherine Kertzman – Program Director, Seattle Southside

Interview with Kevin Clark – CEO/President, Argosy Cruises

Interview with Chris Rivera – President, Washington Biotechnology & Biomedical Assoc.

Interview with Tammy Blount – President & CEO, Tacoma Regional Convention & Visitor Bureau.

Interview with Ray Heacox ~ President and GM, Belo Seattle

Interview with Jim Tune ~ President & CEO, ArtsFund.

Interview with Barry McConnel ~ CEO, Make-A-Wish Foundation.

Interview with Emory Thomas ~ Publisher, Puget Sound Business Journal.

Why Tourism Matters

2010-02-08T15:03:00.000-08:00

In the early part of 2008, we at EXCLAIM were offered an exciting marketing challenge by the Seattle CVB. It involved shifting the focus of tourism away from the tourists and focusing efforts on the State Legislature to recognize tourism for what it is – the fourth leading economic driver in the state.

We created the term, “Tourism Matters,” and set about building a campaign that has since blossomed into a statewide movement. On Tuesday the 9th, members of tourism councils, departments and tourism organizations from all over the state will converge on Olympia to remind our elected officials of the great opportunities the tourist trade brings to our region. And we helped make that unity possible.

No single industry effects so many people from so many diverse callings as tourism. From small Mom and Pop shops (which make up the majority of our state’s businesses) to Museums, Sporting events, Native cultural events, attractions, retail and the arts, tourism is a great contributor. In 2008, Tourism brought nearly $5 billion to our state and generated tax revenue of $425 million.

As the State looks at budget shortfalls for the coming year, they need to remember that tourism is an investment that generates large sums of money in tax revenue. It’s an investment. Money locals don’t have to pay that goes to fund bridges, schools and human services.

Washington State lingers somewhere near the bottom of the list (#41) when it comes to dollars spent on promoting tourism. Let’s reinvest in our tourism industry. It won’t benefit one special interest group, but instead a variety of people so diverse that it is hard to imagine them in one category. By investing in our future, we provide long-term sustainability in our region for generations to come.

EXCLAIM created a Tourism Matters bug and a series of 8 advertisements featuring individuals directly affected by tourism dollars. This established a look and feel to the campaign and an identity to rally around.

HERE are some important Washington State Tourism Facts
• Total direct travel spending in Washington State is estimated to be $15.7 billion in 2008. This represents an 6.8 percent increase over the preceding year.
• Local and state tax revenues directly generated by travel spending were $1 billion for 2008, a 3.3% increase over 2007.
• Visitors who stay overnight in commercial lodging (hotels, motels, resorts, bed & breakfasts) will spend $6.8 billion in 2008.
• The total employment directly generated by travel spending was 149,900 in 2008. This represents approximately 3.8 percent of all jobs in Washington.
• Travel spending directly generated $4.3 billion in earnings, representing 2.1 percent of all earnings in the state.
• Travel spending accounted for over $1 billion in local and state tax revenue in 2008. This represents roughly five percent of local and state tax collections, not including property tax collections.
• Visitors from outside of Washington (residents of other states or countries) generated $250 of tax revenue for each Washington household. Resident travel within the state generated an additional $150 of tax revenue per household.I'll also see if David will forward us a copy of his photo with the sign.

Current site/good info:
http://www.whytourismmatters.com/