Creatively speaking, what does 2010 hold for the advertising industry? Will business ever return to pre-recession levels and if so, when?

For the answers -- or at least some pretty well informed opinions -- to those and other queries, local advertising professionals need look no further than their own collective backyard.

For on Thursday, the local chapter of the American Advertising Federation will host a luncheon presenting a veritable state of the advertising union address. And to deliver it, organizers are bringing in the industry's top gun.

The event will feature keynote speaker James Edmund Datri, national president and CEO of the American Advertising Federation. Area officers say this will be the first time that the group's national leader has visited the Memphis chapter.

"He's reaching out to local markets and then bringing our initiatives back to Washington," said Dan Barron of Entercom Radio and a vice president of the local AAF. "His appearance here is great for our chapter, which historically has a reputation as one of the strongest clubs in the nation."

That's a significant description and one Datri seconds. During a recent phone interview from his office in Washington, the attorney-turned-AAF spokesman praised the Memphis chapter for developing a robust membership. He also predicted an upswing in local and national markets in the coming year.

"There are remarkable challenges ahead, but we are the engine of this economy as we promote the sale of services and products that everyone uses," Datri said. "Now, with all the new technology available there are enormous opportunities for success. I see our industry as leading the way in the continuing economic upturn."

In addition to Datri's address, during Thursday's program the recipient of this year's Silver Award will be announced. The honor will be presented to a member who has been active in furthering the industry's standards, creative excellence and responsibility in areas of social concern.

Local chapter president Susan Ewing said the one-two punch of Datri's visit and the Silver Award should make for a memorable meeting.

"Not only will we be hearing about the issues affecting us in Washington, but we'll be honoring one of our own who's really making a difference in this community," said Ewing, of inferno. "It's perfect timing and we expect this to elevate our presence among industry leaders."

The AAF counts more than 40,000 advertising professionals in some 200 clubs across the country. There are also 225 college chapters and 100 corporate members. For more information on the local organization, call 748-8889.

-- James Dowd: 529-2737

http://www.commercialappeal.com/news/2010/jan/26/state-of-the-advertising-union-address/