The American Association of Advertising Agencies, Inc. (AAAA) is a group of 600 major agencies (out of 13,000 total) who employ almost half of all ad agency employees. These 600 agencies create and place more than 75% of all national advertising seen in this country and a large portion of the regional and local work as well. We're proud to be part of this vital organization. Here's why.

AAAA advertising agencies are*:

1. Financially sound. Prospective members must submit satisfactory operating statements with their membership applications.

2. Established in business. All members have been in business for at least two years; most have been in business well over 20 years. LS&A has been in business since 1983.

3. Respected and elected by their peers. Election to membership includes evaluation of the prospective member's reputation by all member agencies in the applicant's state and neighboring states.

4. Ethical. All members subscribe and must adhere to the AAAA Standards of Practice.

5. Knowledgeable. Member agencies are permitted to use the resources of the AAAA Member Information Service. If the information is out there, MIS can get it. And members can put it to work for their clients.

6. Able to do business internationally. The AAAA International Services Division can provide all the information agencies need to plan and place international media buys.

7. Professionally trained. AAAA's Professional Development Division provides extensive training programs for members.

8. Media-wise. Member agencies keep abreast of the changing media landscape through AAAA's media guides, conferences and seminars.

9. Production-wise. AAAA's Production Services group has answers to any television, radio, print or interactive production issue.

10. Committed to diversity. AAAA member agencies are committed to increasing diversity by recruiting people who understand the needs of a diverse America and who can create advertising to meet those needs.

11. Making the case for the value of advertising. AAAA member agencies promote the valuable role advertising plays in creating brand loyalty, reducing consumer churn and improving the advertisers' return on investment.

12. Fighting government attempts to ban, tax and over-regulate advertising. AAAA's Washington Office works to educate legislators and regulators on advertising's role in the economy.

13. Everywhere and in every size. All the giant multinational agencies are AAAA members. But more than 60% of member agencies bill less than $10 million.

14. Working in every form of marketing communications. Member agencies can provide advertising, sales promotion, direct marketing and public relations services for clients in any field.

15. Producing the advertising that America knows and responds to. Anytime you watch television or read a magazine or newspaper or spend time on the internet, you are responding to the work of member agencies.

16. Moving goods and services for advertisers large and small, in every conceivable product category. Advertisers come to AAAA agencies for the best service, the best strategic thinking, the best advertising for their brands.

*Adapted from the AAAA's brochure, "16 Reasons for Choosing an AAAA Advertising Agency". For more information about the AAAA, visit the AAAA web site: http://www.aaaa.org