ACB Mourns the Passing of Warren Grieb

Dec, 2009 - We are deeply saddened by the passing of Warren Grieb, ACB’s former President, Chairman and CEO. Warren’s career at ACB expanded for a period of 23 years. During that time his outgoing personality, salesmanship and strong leadership contributed to ACB’s success. Warren was known for his visionary spirit and willingness to impart his extensive knowledge of the advertising and newspaper industries with those around him. We extend our sincerest condolences to Warren’s family. He will be missed by his friends at ACB.

Congratulations to Jack Benrubi for his recent contribution to Perspectives On Increasing Sales

May, 2009 - Congratulations to Jack Benrubi for his recent contribution to Perspectives On Increasing Sales, a reference book published to address methods for improving sales and building client relationships. Jack addresses the growth of Consumer Rebate and Instant Rebate Programs and their success in increasing revenue in this difficult and challenging economy. ACB's experience in the Rebate arena, as stated by Jack, proves that rebates encourage consumer spending and are effective in reducing inventory. In fact, Consumer Rebate programs are increasing at a faster pace now than in any other period of time. Companies offering effective rebates are successfully maintaining the sales levels that they would see in 'normal' economic cycles, even though sales across most industries have significantly declined.

For additional information about ACB's Consumer and Instant Rebate Services, please contact us at 1-800-ACB-COOP.

The Advertising Checking Bureau Receives Toyota’s Outstanding Business Partner Award
August 2007

ACB has been successfully serving the Advertising and Marketing community since 1917.

NEW YORK, NY - August 15, 2007 - The Advertising Checking Bureau, a leading Marketing Services provider to the Advertising and Marketing community, was awarded the Outstanding Business Partner Award by Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc. This award recognizes ACB for the exceptional service that they provide to Toyota in ensuring dealer compliance with the Toyota Dealer Advertising Covenant Program (TDAC) and the success of the Parts and Service Co-op Advertising Program.

These advertising incentive programs are designed to ensure that dealers uphold an advertising standard that continually promotes and enhances the image of the Toyota brand.

“One of ACB’s strengths as a business partner is their commitment to customer service, as is evidenced through their dedication to training, support and program administration. ACB has an extensive background in Compliance Program administration in many major industries, including the Automotive Industry and has been a valuable business partner of Toyota’s since 1982,” reported Ted Lee, Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc. – National Sales Strategy Manager.

ACB’s partnership with Toyota, in the management and administration of the TDAC program, assists dealers by providing an efficient and simplified method for ensuring high quality advertising. ACB’s expertise in monitoring print, broadcast and web based advertising supports both dealers and manufacturers through the provision of a post audit to ensure continued compliance.

“We are proud to receive this recognition from Toyota and confident that the TDAC and the Parts and Service Co-op Programs will continue to be successful. ACB provides a strong foundation based on good communication, training and education of both the dealers and field sales personnel, ensuring effective advertising in support of the Toyota corporate brand,” commented Brian McShane, ACB - President.

ACB remains uniquely qualified to address the Co-op, Trade Promotion, Ad Tracking and Marketing Services needs of manufacturers. ACB services include but are not limited to; Advertising Compliance Program Administration, Co-op Program Administration, Competitive Ad Tracking and Rebate Payment services, serving to benefit both retailers/dealers and manufacturers. Program management within these core services are handled by talented in-house full time employees who possess the skills to provide both excellent customer service and quality IT support.

Advertising Checking Bureau Celebrates It's 90th Anniversary
March 2007

ACB has been successfully serving the Advertising and Marketing community since 1917.

NEW YORK, NY, March 15, 2007 - Advertising Checking Bureau, a leading Marketing Services provider to the Advertising and Marketing community celebrates it's 90th Anniversary. Since its inception in 1917, ACB has developed and maintained unique services and systems that effectively support the Trade Promotion and Newspaper industries.

"We are proud of our long standing heritage and the accomplishments of the company over the past 90 years, especially in an industry where consolidations are prevalent and corporate resilience remains unique. The cornerstone of our success rests on the provision of excellent customer service in challenging and highly competitive business community," said Brian McShane, President, Advertising Checking Bureau.

ACB remains uniquely qualified to address the Co-op. Trade Promotion, Ad Tracking and Marketing Services needs of manufacturers. ACB services are inclusive of: Advertising Compliance Program Administration, Co-op Program Administration, Competitive Ad Tracking and Rebate Payment services, serving to benefit both retailers and manufacturers. Program management within the core services are handled by talented in house full time employees who possess the skills to provide both excellent customer service and quality IT support.

ACB is headquartered in New York City with production offices in both Memphis, TN and Tempe, AZ.

ACB Realized Continued Success in Rebate/Promotional Payment Arena.
June 2006

NEW YORK, NY - June 15, 2006 - Advertising Checking Bureau reports that 2005 brought 20% increase in the volume of consumer rebates, store gift cards, company branded debit cards and spiff payments processed. Manufacturers availing themselves of these payment services report accurate reimbursement, superior customer service and web based systems providing access to flexible reporting modules.

"We see our Rebate/Spiff Division as a natural extension of our Co-op Service portfolio." said Brian McShane, President of Advertising Checking Bureau. "ACB prides itself in the quality of customer service and the expeditious payment processing that allows our customers to implement successful Trade Promotion Programs."

ACB manages a variety of Rebate, Fulfillment, and Spiff programs for manufacturers who offer supplemental promotional funding to their trade partners. Many of ACB's consumer rebate and salesperson spiff programs consist of the issuance of checks, store specific gift cards and company branded debit cards from Amex, Visa and Mastercard. A projected 25% increase in 2006 of the number of manufacturers availing themselves of ACB's Rebate services is a testament to the quality of customer service, fast payment and success of their web based query tools.

"The single most important factor in the outstanding growth of our programs can be attributed to ACB's ability to manage high volume, confidential information. ACB's willingness to modify existing systems and design new data management methodologies has resulted in a successful experience with our distribution channel." Mike Simpson, YORK UPG - Manager, Distributor Development.

ACB provides manufacturers across many industries a wide range of services inclusive of; Co-op Program Administration, Competitive Ad Tracking, Rebate Payment services and Advertising Compliance Program Administration serving to benefit both retailers and manufacturers.

FASB & The Sarbanes-Oxley Act - What this means to you
July 2004

ACB's Trade Promotion Management Services are helping our clients to remain in compliance with today's FASB and the Sarbanes-Oxley Act obligations. Creating greater awareness of FASB and the Sarbanes-Oxley Act obligations within an organization allows our clients to both bring their programs into compliance and enables them to fine tune their trade programs, while at the same time, encourages more dynamically based retail advertising.
For additional information or assistance, contact your ACB Account Manager.

 DID YOU KNOW?

1. FASB Ruling EITF 01-9 directly affects the top-line revenue reported by redefining what may be taken as a marketing expense. Proper accounting for compliance of retailer performance ensures accurate reporting of trade programs as marketing expenses vs. sales expense (revenue reduction).
   
   
2. Sarbanes-Oxley Act requires that each CEO & CFO approve financial statements, and has significant criminal penalties associated that are not limited to top management. Sarbanes-Oxley Act will help ensure that common practices like channel-stuffing and invoice-loading are a thing of the past.
   
   
3. The responsibilities of Section 404 within Sarbanes-Oxley Act maintains that management is required to file an internal control report , with their annual report, stating which internal controls and procedures for financial reporting have been established and maintained, and how effective these controls proved at year end. Companies are now being asked to both detail and document their accounting practices, which includes those expenses associated with Coop, MDF and other trade promotion expenses.
   
   
4. A lack of formal procedures for managing and reporting on Trade Allowance programs and substantial aged deductions are just two examples of issues symptomatic of weak internal control policies.
   
   

1. Review your Co-op/MDF programs to determine whether activities should be categorized as marketing expenses or sales expenses (revenue reductions).
   
   
2. Be certain that your financial control procedures are clearly documented.
   
   
3. Be aware of the need for documentation to substantiate claim activities. Advise sales people and retailers/resellers of this requirement.
   
   
4. Develop a concise and efficient methodology for measuring Return on Investment (ROI), as it will become even more essential for justifying Co-op/MDF expenditures.
   
   
5. Create and maintain a current and formal document-retention policy that is strictly adhered to. Be certain to address not only paper retention, but computer files, server files, phone records, etc.
   
   
6. Enlist your CFO to help enforce compliance and show that Co-op/MDF is an effective and measurable marketing tool.
   
   
7. Recognize that Co-op/MDF are programs designed to increase revenue, support National Advertising and build brand awareness. Reinforce the original purpose of Co-op/MDF programs.
   
   

1. Review your Co-op/MDF programs to assist you in determining the requirements for adherence and reporting accountability.
   
   
2. Ensure your financial control and compliance procedures are based on sound and effective auditing practices.
   
   
3. Assist in establishing procedures and acquiring documentation to substantiate claim activities.
   
   
4. Provide a web based communications tool to advise your sales people and retailers/resellers of these new business requirements.
   
   
5. Provide back-end expenditure accounting, reporting and analysis to allow you to maximize the effectiveness of MDF programs and other trade marketing expenditures.
   
   
6. Keep you informed of any modifications made to the Sarbanes-Oxley Act and FASB regulations so that you continue to remain in compliance.
   
   

ERIC OLSON IS AWARDED THE NAPAA CO-OP HALL OF FAME AWARD
Scottsdale, AZ. - May 2004

At the 2004 Annual conference held in Scottsdale, Arizona, the National Association for Promotional and Advertising Allowances (NAPAA), presented Eric Olson, ACB Western Region Sales Director, with their “Co-op Hall of Fame” award. This award, originally created in 1986, is presented annually to an individual who must meet the following criteria:

1. Be a representative of a company that provides, supports, or uses co-op advertising or promotional allowances
2. Have been in the co-op advertising or promotional allowance industry a minimum of five (5) years
3. Have national recognition as a leader who has made significant contributions to the industry
4. Have written to or spoken before an audience of industry professionals outside his or her own company

Eric was recognized for his efforts in bringing in new technology solutions to the co-op industry as well as for his work as lead instructor for many NAPAA classes and sessions. Eric began working for ACB in 1993 and is based in the Tempe, AZ. office. He joins a list of ACB employees who have been given this award, most recently Meredith Simpson at the 2000 conference. Please join us in congratulating Eric on this industry achievement!

Click here to view the 2004 plaque awarded to Eric Olson.

EXCELLENCE IN QUALITY AWARD
November 2003

For the second consecutive year, ACB was recognized by Microsoft Business Solutions during the Microsoft Vendor Reception and was awarded the "Excellence in Quality Award." ACB developed the Training Registration System and monitors all aspects of the Microsoft Business Solutions training program including registration for eCourses and classroom offerings, partner and customer phone calls, and questions regarding training and materials.

As quoted from the Microsoft Business Solutions Vendor Awards ceremony:
"Their dedication to quality, customer service and professionalism is a true testament to the work ethic of their entire organization. ACB delivers what they promise on-time and never sacrifices quality when delivering on the MBS Training Registration System. They work longer hours to ensure commitments are met and ensure customer satisfaction continues at high level. They are a first class company with excellent work ethics and quality staff. They are a pleasure to work with. This vendor's development team has been an integral part of the Training Team's success through their willingness to help our training system conquer the many hurdles faced with our changing organization.

They (ACB) have met the many deadlines with excellent, fool proof or "bug" free work.

The customer service this vendor provided for our team is second to none. With this vendor selection, we've not only made a smart choice but we've also made a great group of friends to work with. Over the past year we have increased the reliance we have on the Advertising Checking Bureau from providing some training registration support to us to being our full level front-line customer service provider for all training and certification related tasks."

Click here to view the 2003 plaque awarded to ACB.