LI ad agency's giveback to nonprofits
EGC chief Ernie Canadeo and his staff are offering pro-bono work to nonprofits as part of a one-day national program by ad agencies. (Sept. 15, 2011) Credit: Charles Eckert
A lot of executives would go ballistic if their companies were profitless for as much as 24 hours. But Ernie Canadeo, founder and president of the ad agency EGC Group in Melville, is fine with that. In fact, he arranged it so.
EGC, the Island's largest such agency, is taking part in CreateAthon, a national effort by more than 60 ad firms to perform only pro-bono work for nonprofits from noon Thursday to noon Friday. Canadeo said EGC is the only one in the metro area to take part in the program, which began in 2001 at Riggs Partners in South Carolina. This is the fourth year EGC has participated.
Not only is EGC not making any money, but it is also losing some because its 40 employees are still paid and Canadeo brings in "tons of food" for his staff, some of whom work the 24-hour stretch without a break. "The times are not getting better," Canadeo said. "We do this to give back. It's great to help charities, and it's good for morale."
EGC creative director John Murphy, who joined the firm in June but has 30 years' experience in the ad industry, has worked on lots of pro-bono campaigns. "It's a great feeling," Murphy said. "I can make a difference."
EGC is creating campaigns for The Junior League of Long Island; the Long Island Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender Services Network; The Long Island Volunteer Center; and Strike a Chord for Children.
Sarra Sounds Off, Ep. 25: Wrestling and hockey state championships On the latest episode of "Sarra Sounds Off," Gregg Sarra and Matt Lindsay recap all the state wrestling action from Albany this past weekend, plus Jared Valluzzi has the ice hockey championship results from Binghamton.
