Second annual public caroling event on Thursday, December 15th travels through Chicago Loop to Michigan Avenue’s Pioneer Court to benefit children’s charities

CHICAGO, Illinois (December 6, 2011) –Last year Chicago-based independent advertising agency Schafer|Condon|Carter established a new Holiday tradition. Instead of spending thousands on jackets or fleece sweatshirts for client gifts, they decided to donate not just the money, but their time, energy and singing voices as well–and “Carols for KidsSM” was born. On a cold and windy December day, the agency’s 50 employees took to the streets to carol and cajole passersby, complete with a Santa and Elves to raise money. Their trek on Chicago Trolley buses through the Chicago Loop culminated in front of the WGN Radio Showcase Studio on Michigan Avenue. All in, they raised nearly $10,000 from pedestrians, clients and listeners.

This year, on Thursday, December 15th from 11:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., the agency’s employees, as well as clients and friends will again carol their way through Chicago’s Loop to Michigan Avenue’s Pioneer Court, where they have worked out a partnership for a live event and radio broadcast on WGN Radio to benefit the McCormick Foundation via the WGN Neediest Kids Fund.

The broadcast on WGN will include carols and entertainment from Chicago Blackhawks national anthem singer Jim Cornelison and forward Daniel Carcillo, the Chicago Gay Men’s Chorus, WGN Radio’s Orion Samuelson and more. Donations to the Neediest Kids Fund will be accepted on- site during the event and online at www.SCCCarolsForKids.org.

“We’re excited to take this event to the next level this year and raise a significant amount of money for children’s charities,” said Schafer|Condon|Carter CEO, Tim Condon. “In this time of need for so many families, we believe this is truly in the Holiday spirit. Our entire staff, as well as our clients and partners support us in our efforts, and we hope to have many of them joining us on Michigan Avenue for the event.”

For more information visit sccadv.com
For donations go to scccarolsforkids.org

CHICAGO (September 28, 2011) – The Academy for Urban School Leadership (AUSL), a non-profit organization dedicated to turning around Chicago’s chronically-failing schools, today announced that it has selected SCC|Grossman as its public relations agency of record. AUSL operates a network of “turnaround” schools and teacher training academies within the Chicago Public School (CPS) system and is tasked with significantly improving student achievement. Last year, students at AUSL schools had the highest year-over-year percentage point gains in ISAT scores when compared to students at CPS’s 26 other school areas.

“We are delighted to have SCC|Grossman as a partner to provide communications counsel as we continue our efforts to turn around persistently failing schools,” said Shana Hayes, Managing Director of External Affairs for AUSL. “The agency impressed us with deep media relations experience and an ability to effectively communicate about complex public issues like education reform.”

SCC|Grossman will work with AUSL leadership on a strategic communications plan to better educate policy leaders, community organizations, donors as well as local and national media on the AUSL education reform model.

AUSL’s mission is twofold: to turn around failing schools in ways that elevate student academic performance and to train new teachers to serve students in those schools.To date, AUSL has trained more than 400 teachers. For the 2010-2011 school year, ISAT scores among AUSL schools showed an average increase of nearly 8-percentage points in the number of students meeting or exceeding state standards.

“We’re honored to have been selected to work with AUSL to help them fulfill their mission, expand their reach, and elevate their awareness on a local and national level,” said Mike Grossman, Managing Partner of SCC|Grossman Public Relations.

SCC|Grossman is a wholly owned division of integrated marketing agency Schafer|Condon|Carter. The PR shop continues to expand its client base with recent additions including Allen Edmonds, the Rise Group, and Armour-Eckrich.

About the Academy for Urban School Leadership (AUSL)
The incubator for successful education reform was created within the Chicago Public School system in 2001 by then Chicago Public School CEO Arne Duncan, venture capitalist and founder of the Golden Apple Foundation Martin J. Koldyke and former CPS educator and principal Dr. Donald Feinstein. AUSL has created a unique model
of reform that has been heralded by President Obama and Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel.

Executive shoe maker Allen Edmonds was featured in a two-page cover story in the April 23 “Thursday Style” section of the New York Times (newspaper and online). Times fashion reporter Eric Wilson produced the piece after spending a day in the company’s Port Washington, Wisconsin manufacturing plant interviewing Allen Edmonds’ CEO Paul Grangaard, his design team and several employees hand-crafting shoes on the production line. The story was pitched and managed by the SCC PR group. Watch for more big news about Allen Edmonds in leading fashion media and blogs.

Rotary International’s mission to stamp-out polio is picking up financial and celebrity support around the globe.  A new PSA campaign created by SCC called “This Close” has captured support and participation from Bill and Melinda Gates, Archbishop Desmond Tutu, Jane Goodall, Charlie Chan and a host of cause-driven people.  Now, Rotary members have literally taken to the street as a “flash mob” in an effort to bring the “This Close” message and mission to even more people.  We wanted to share their enthusiasm with you.  Please join us.  We’re “this close” to wiping out polio.  Click on this link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X0a-5XbYNJc&feature=player_embedded

SCC has launched a new brand-focused campaign for the National Pork Board: Pork® Be inspired℠. The integrated launch includes national TV, national print, and online display media. Pork® Be inspired℠  challenges consumers to find new inspiration with pork. In partnership with the National Pork Board, SCC identified a new target for the brand. “We’re now speaking to the creative, flavor-seeking home cook who’s looking for fresh ideas,” said Gail Carter, Director of Client Services. “The work showcases pork’s ability to inspire your next cooking adventure.”

View the Work »

Chicago, IL (January 11, 2011) – Schafer|Condon|Carter (SCC) is pleased to announce its purchase of the C.C.P. Holden building at 1027 W. Madison Street in Chicago’s West Loop neighborhood. The agency plans to move its operations to the 34,500 square-foot building in the fall of 2011 after an extensive renovation.

C.C.P. Holden, a well-known Chicago political figure, railroad magnate and real estate developer was very involved in the massive reconstruction efforts after the Great Chicago Fire in 1871 and built the Italianate limestone, sandstone, terra cotta, brick and timber structure in 1872. It is one of only a handful of such architectural gems in Chicago. SCC will be working with Chicago-based Widler Architecture on the restoration.  When finished it will be a model of conservation and sustainability.

SCC has seen steady growth and expansion since its start in 1989, and has accelerated that growth in recent years through the acquisition of creative boutique Romani Brothers in 2008, the relaunch of their PR unit under the direction of former MS&L Chief Integration Officer Mike Grossman and the addition of Erika Bye formerly of DoubleClick/Performix to head up their digital media group.  In 2009 it named Leo Burnett veteran and former Sears Roebuck and Co., and Potbelly Sandwich Works CMO, David Selby, President.

SCC has successfully grown revenue every year since its start in 1989. The agency’s client roster includes Armour-Eckrich, Beam Global Spirits & Wine, Allen Edmonds, the National Pork Board, Brach’s, the Chicago Fire Major League Soccer Club, ConAgra Foods, optionsXpress, Prince Tennis, Solo Cup Company, New Chapter Organics, General Mills, Land ‘O Lakes, GoodFoods Group, Rotary International, and the Brunswick Corporation. 2010 billings exceeded $100MM

“SCC has built its culture on a uniquely entrepreneurial approach to growing business that blends rigorous strategic discipline with surprising creative deployment,” said Tim Condon, Founding Partner and CEO of SCC. “The acquisition, restoration, and occupation of this building is consistent with that attitude and demonstrates just how bullish we are about our future and the future of Chicago as a place to do business.”

The Advertising Council has named Schafer Condon Carter Agency of Record for its Making Home Affordable public service advertising (PSA) campaign, sponsored by the U.S. Departments of Treasury and HUD. Launched in 2009, Making Home Affordable is an initiative supported by the Federal Government that provides foreclosure alternatives to homeowners struggling to pay their mortgage. It was developed as part of a plan to stabilize the housing market and help struggling homeowners get relief and avoid foreclosure. SCC will be responsible for developing an integrated PSA campaign including strategic planning, TV, radio, out-of-home and digital creative and public relations. SCC’s campaign for the Ad Council is scheduled to debut in the
second half of 2011.