Winner
Dig Communications

An agency that was founded in 2004 with one client and $850,000 in revenue, Dig Communications has grown into a $6.2 million firm with high-profile clients such as MillerCoors, The Wm. Wrigley Jr. Company, and Solo. Dig's “strong financials” were part of what impressed the judges and earned it this honor.
 
The 37-person firm, headquartered in Chicago, with additional offices in San Francisco and New York, increased revenue by 23% in the past year, surpassing its goal of 20%, something it attributes to strong organic growth with core clients. The agency also added 15 new clients over the past year, including Bally Total Fitness, Elations, Peroni, Dress Barn, and Verve Wireless.
 
Dig's main philosophy is to put its clients first. This is certainly not a unique sentiment, but it is something made quite apparent by the involvement of Dig's employees in the organizations that matter most to its clients. For example, Dig employees are involved in the Beer Institute and National Beer Wholesalers Association, the National Confectioners Association, and the Renewable Fuels Association.
 
That synergy with client goals also extends to charitable efforts. The agency contributes most of its time and resources to its clients' charities, including Prevent Child Abuse America for Wrigley; Susan G. Komen's Race for the Cure with CouponCabin; and multiple charitable initiatives with MillerCoors. Dig also provides pro bono services to nonprofits such as the Chicago Children's Museum, Girls on the Run, Chicago Professionals for Youth, Common Threads, and the Make-a-Wish Foundation.
 
Some of the main goals for Dig have been to diversify its business beyond the original core of consumer marketing and also expand its reach across the US. Both of those objectives were met in 2008, as evidenced by various events. Dig established a New York office. It launched an Hispanic practice to help clients reach this influential market. The firm expanded its corporate capability by adding former Weber Shandwick EVP Bryan Specht to its senior leadership team. Dig grew its San Francisco office revenues by 9%. The agency expanded its social media capability through staff training and executing programs such as “Elf Yourself” for OfficeMax.

As one judge remarked, “Dig has demonstrated some remarkable work with a
true understanding of the social media environment in a way that sets them apart.”

Honorable Mention
Singer Associates



Although small, Singer boasts impressive results. For the entry period, the agency's revenues were nearly $6 million, a 30% jump from the prior year, with profitability at 20%. Founded in San Francisco in 2000 with a staff of four, the firm has solidified its reputation as a leader in crisis communications, reputation and issue management, public affairs, litigation support, community affairs, and political campaigns. It has a number of long-term clients, including Chevron, Olympic Club, and Norcal Waste Systems. In an industry of constant change, Singer has had the forethought to develop partnerships with advertising creative directors to aid clients on ad/marketing campaigns. The value Singer places on its employees is commendable – picking up 100% of healthcare costs, providing mobile phones for all employees, and encouraging and paying for professional development. The firm also encourages employees to join its pro bono community efforts, as it's donated time and money worth nearly $425,000 to various charities and community programs.

Finalists

• Airfoil Public Relations
• Dig Communications
• Merritt Group
• Singer Associates
• The Jeffrey Group

Sponsor: Fleishman-Hillard started in a tiny office upstairs from a dime store. We know firsthand the challenges of successfully operating a small agency. No matter how large we've grown, we're still committed to the principles that sustained us in the beginning. Respect the individual. Passion for client service. Uncompromising standards of integrity and quality. Thoughtful, creative work that makes a real difference. Congratulations to the Small Agency of the Year finalists.