Chandler Chicco Agency
In
a category whose shortlist was dominated by specialist firms, Chandler
Chicco Agency, led by Gianfranco Chicco and Bob Chandler, checked all
the boxes that the demanding judges needed: Impressive, steady growth
over several years; leadership in its category (a highly competitive
one); and a profound understanding of top-level service to clients and
staff alike. While the firm has won for its performance in 2006, it is
clear that CCA is not enjoying its first such year, but that it is
seeing a continuation of its success over the past decade.
CCA boasts an impressive financial record, illustrated by its 10
consecutive years of double-digit growth. This timeframe includes the
marketing recession of the late '90s-early '00s, and while its growth
is testament in part to the relative robustness of the healthcare
sector while others were struggling, it is also testament to an agency
that clearly motivates its staff to do their best by its clients.
Revenues for 2005 were approximately $39 million, and the agency is
predicting yet another double-digit increase. This comes in part from a
stellar new-business record; CCA tells of its "nearly 100% new-business
win rate," with new clients on board including Allergan Lap-Band,
J&J/McNeil Tylenol, and GSK Biologicals - the latter being a global
assignment.
However, the year-on-year revenue boost also comes from organic
growth. On average, says CCA, it has increased business with all its
long-term clients 525% over the past three years. As one judge
attested, "Increased growth from existing clients is always a good
sign."
Launching as a New York-based firm in 1995, CCA now has a wider
footprint, expanding its office spaces in Washington, DC, and London
this past year. Strategic alliances with networks including Mmd and
Eastwei have gained CCA considerable inroads into Eastern and Central
Europe, and Asia, respectively.
From its healthcare base, CCA has this past year branched out into
wider areas. Partnering with Mehlman Vogel Castagnetti, CCA launched
Health360Strategies, which takes a full-circle view of the healthcare
business and media and public-policy climates to develop public affairs
and PR programs. It also launched Brandtectonics, a branding division.
What particularly impressed judges, however, was the value CCA
places on its staff. Development ranges from the fun - parties,
lunches, personal trainers, massages and yoga, and activities for
employees' kids - to the educational, including its Phase IV
professional development program offering multiple courses throughout
the year, a quality-control, best-practices program called "A Moment
Matters," and its C3 Central online hub, which includes weekly
e-newsletters.
As one judge put it, "New business, new staff, new offices... Chandler Chicco has had a great year!"
Finalists
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Bite Communications
-
Chandler Chicco Agency
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French/West/Vaughan
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Qorvis Communications
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Text 100 Public Relations
Honourable Mention
Text 100 Public Relations
With
a high staff-retention rate and a commitment to developing its
employees through training and promotions, Text was praised for its
internal values. New business came from marquee names, including eBay,
Philips Semiconductors, and Sprint Nextel. What particularly impressed
judges, though, were its strides in bringing its clients to fluency in
the digital world. Its entry into Second Life wasn't without
controversy, but it was a bold move befitting an agency that promises
leadership in digital integration to its clients. Xerox, in particular,
saw great results.
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