[08/29/2008]

Contest Offers $10,000 in Ad Services to Help Grow Small Businesses

FSC Marketing Communications, a full-service marketing communications, advertising and public relations agency based in downtown Pittsburgh, is offering $10,000 worth of agency talent to a deserving small business in need of creative services.

Qualified applicants must be independently owned and operated, have been in business for at least three years, and produced gross income between $500,000 and $1,500,000 during their last fiscal year.

"We really see this as a critical time for Pittsburgh - our region is poised for growth and renewal and we see that the key to a bright future is ensuring that our homegrown talent and businesses stay engaged and excited about being in Pittsburgh," said Ed Flaherty, co-principal of FSC.

Submissions will be judged by a panel of independent marketing professionals. Evaluation criteria will be based on the company's potential for growth, uniqueness of product or service, use of communication technologies to facilitate sales, and rationale for partnering with FSC.

FSC's work is highly visible throughout the Pittsburgh region. FSC has been responsible for the Pittsburgh Downtown Partnership's construction campaign and Downtown Living Exposed campaigns, as well as grand opening events for the Cork Factory in the Strip and an upcoming project with the Oakland Portal, a real estate development venture. In addition, FSC has worked pro bono with the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF) to generate awareness and visibility for increased funding. FSC has been honored with a Telly Award in 2007, two American Graphic Design Awards in 2006, and most recently, the Community Service Award from the western Pennsylvania chapter of the JDRF.