It was a relationship that had existed for 91 years. Through wars, depressions, recessions and booms. The invention of TV, the internet, the interstate highway system, and GPS. And Friday, it came to an unceremonious end.Chevrolet the American icon, fired Campbell-Ewald, the advertising agency that helped create it.
See The USA In Your Chevrolet; Baseball, Hot Dogs, Apple Pie and Chevrolet; The Heartbeat of America; Like a Rock are just four of the memorable campaigns that were a result of a relationship built on trust, respect and security. I was lucky enough to be a participant in that relationship twice. Creating campaigns for Chevrolet cars, motor sports and trucks.
I've recounted the story previously in this blog of why I left Detroit, and frankly the issues that Chevrolet and GM suffered from over the past 30 years had nothing to do with the quality of their advertising.
Campbell-Ewald wasn't always perfect, but they always had the client's best interest at heart. Everybody in that building can hold their head high knowing they did everything possible to raise the perception of the brand and move the sheetmetal.
There are a lot of good people at C-E who've given their professional lives to Chevrolet. They did great work. And now those people will suffer because GM dug itself a hole so deep they have had to resort to moves like this to prove to Wall Street they're actually changing something.
What does this mean? In the grand scheme of things, not much. But it is the end of an era. The last great Agency/Client relationship is now over. And I dare say we won't see another like it. Ever.
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Thanks for writing this thoughtful response to some tough news. It's a refreshing and rather humane perspective.
ReplyDeleteNicely said and done.
ReplyDeleteYou're welcome, Mandy. Too often agencies are treated as though they are buildings without people inside, by clients and the general public. This move has real consequences for a lot of good people. Some of whom I still know pretty well thanks to having spent a few years there.
ReplyDeleteWell written and positive.
ReplyDeleteAmen sister.
ReplyDeleteWell done, mister briggs.
ReplyDeleteThanks Scott. I'm just sorry this post had to be written.
ReplyDeleteWow that is too bad!!! When times get tough it always pays to remember the people who helped get you to where you are going. The people who build us up are are foundation. Campbell-Ewald represents excellence and will continue to excel.
ReplyDeleteSo much for the US Car industry preaching to "buy American" and they turn around and use a foreign Ad Agency!!!!!!!
ReplyDeleteGreat comments. You didn't mention that the work will go to a french agency which is even more offensive. Why should we Americans support GM when they don't support Michigan workers. Real bad timing GM but it is reflection of the company. They are blaming others for their ineptitude.
ReplyDeleteI left out Publicis intentionally as this was intended more as an homage to CE rather than a rant against GM. But I agree, it seems highly hypocritical that the company that is 60% owned by the "We the people" would be sending money and jobs overseas.
ReplyDeleteThank you for such kind words about a place that has become my second home doing what I love most in life.....
ReplyDeleteNice article, Harvey. Very well -written.
ReplyDeleteI understand you didn't mean this to be a rant against GM, but it also needs to be said that the "new" GM president or CEO, is also from Dallas, exactly where a Publicis office is located. One hand washes the other. The heck with loyalty; but they want their customers to be loyal to them! I will NEVER by a GM product. I will be as loyal to them, as they were to us. You reap what you sow.
ReplyDelete@ Anonymous -- as the former owner of 5 new GM products (Chevy Sprint Turbo, Corsica LT, Tahoe, Malibu and GMC Acadia) I'm not sure I will be purchasing another. GM will have to do something to demonstrate their commitment to both Detroit and this country before they earn my consideration.
ReplyDeleteVery well wriiten Harvey. My father, who passed away last year, retired from C-E in the mid-80's. My whole family owes a great deal to the C-E Chevrolet account. I know he'd be saddened..no, sickened by this news.
ReplyDeleteP.S. "GM will have to do something to demonstrate their commitment to both Detroit and this country before they earn my consideration."
This may be the bumper sticker I put on my next new car. Which will NOT be a GM.