Over the past year, there has been a 50% downturn in the number of agency searches conducted by ICA, now averaging about one per month, which is in line with the downturn in new business and the economy. However, as the economic tide turns upward, the expectation is more advertisers will conduct more agency searches and will continue to consult with ICA on best practices for agency searches. Since 1999:

* 53 searches have been conducted by ICA with a resultant 43 different agencies emerging as winners.

* Several dozen more advertisers have also consulted with ICA on best practices.

* The value of this business to date is over $185 million.

* Agency searches have been conducted by ICA for advertisers such as Fidelity Investments, the Ontario Toyota Dealers’ Association, The Ontario Wine Council, Elliott and Page and Direct Energy.

ICA’s agency search service (www.agencysearch.ca) is a ‘best practice’ process offered freely to advertisers and includes three options ranging from providing information and consultation to conducting an agency search on an advertiser’s behalf. However, and importantly, the ICA does not influence, recommend or select the candidates in agency searches. The selection is made entirely, wholly and completely by the client on the basis of the agency submissions that can include non-ICA member agencies, at the advertiser’s request.