This blog is not being authored by Al this week, but by an employee of his; someone who would like to take a minute to congratulate him on behalf of the entire office. Al has been a member of the advertising world here in New Hampshire for more years than he cares to admit. (In some case, more years than some of our employees have existed on the planet!) And if you ask us, there are many things Al has to be proud of. He’s a hell of a father, a devoted husband, a reliable friend and an exceptional boss. I think I speak for the office as a whole when I say that Al is more than a boss, he’s a mentor.

Just last night Al received an Excellence in Business Award from the New Hampshire Business Review. A well-deserved honor, the award signified his dedication and verve for life in our business. The emcee noted his commitment to the industry, his staff, the employee-centered events and rewards, his often-understated support within the community and his overall passion for what he does—and has done for over 30 years. Whether its running a successful advertising agency, golfing, pouring his heart out on the stage, or just plain “being,” Al has taught many of us what it means to love what you do. He’s not one to sugarcoat things and he’s not one to give in easily. But let’s be frank, it’s made him and bGG Advertising what they are today.

I have had the fortunate opportunity to work for Al for 10 years and there are a handful of others here in the office that have similar or longer tenures. Many of the agency’s clients boast the same longevity. It goes to show that if you stick it out long enough, you just can’t leave!

For those of you who missed last night’s event, Al was unable to attend to accept the award. However, you can rest assured that his phone will ring off the hook today, and his Blackberry will vibrate all day long. This award is well deserved and many will be eager to offer their congratulations. I urge you to do the same via this blog. If Al has made an impact on you, today’s a good day to let him know. (And no, he is not paying me to tell you this.)

Congratulations, Al.
Jennifer Ramsell

You may be surprised at my delayed comment on the recent Wall Street activity; but you must have known it would come eventually. In all fairness, I’m not sure what I should say. I could very well sit here pointing fingers—but really, aside from placing blame on the ignorant consumer or chastising the federal government for letting it all happen, there isn’t much more to say that hasn’t already been said.

The reality is, we brought it on ourselves. Some will suffer more than others, and many will go about their merry way just not getting it. Out of sight, out of mind. 401-what? Social security-who? Bankruptcy and buy-outs—sure, why not?
Lets tell it like it is. It is a bipartisan issue. It is an economic problem. It is how President Bush will leave office; it is how Senator Obama or Senator McCain will begin his presidency. It is what it is.

How do we “fix it?” I’m no economist, but I do know this. I’d like to see more high schools doing their part to educate students about the basics of spending and saving. I’d be willing to bet that a large percentage of today’s youth doesn’t understand where money comes from, what its based on and why we can’t just “make more.” Have we failed to teach that money has value? And that budgeting has purpose?