George H.W. Bush: “Thank you. My heavens, what a welcome. I can see you all--the backs of your heads here. Ooops, I can see you turning…”

“Thank you. My heavens, what a welcome. I can see you all--the backs of your heads here. Ooops, I can see you turning around. [Laughter] Thank you all very much. What a marvelous technology. Howard Bell, ladies and gentlemen, it is a pleasure to join you today on a medium you understand so well and to address this, the 23d annual National Advertising Conference of the Federation--of the American Advertising Federation. Normally in these speeches, you say ``I wish I were with you.'' I will say I wish I were there in Opryland. I'm a country fan, and this week we had Barbara Mandrell up at Camp David. We've had Mo Bandy up there, Jimmy Dean, the Gatlins, Lee Greenwood, and just last week we were privileged to have Alabama singing for our congressional barbecue. So, I'm a fan of country music. And I just wish I were there to not only hear your proceedings, but to catch a little of that act later on. But I was thinking this morning that there's one advantage to addressing an audience from the advertising industry. If my remarks cause a headache or upset stomach, you'll know how to get fast, fast relief--click it. But look, this is reasonably short--reasonably short because in a few minutes I'm going over to Seaford, Delaware, to a GED graduation-- these night school guys, old and young. And it's exciting what's happening in education. But back to the subject at hand. We tend to forget in this age of instant communication that your profession has informed Americans for more than two centuries--two centuries. You probably know that Thomas Jefferson once noted that advertisements contain the only truths to be relied on in a newspaper. You agreed with Thomas, hey? I'm not sure I don't agree with Thomas. As a matter of fact, I think I do. Today, you transport facts and proclamations, pleas and arguments to every corner of America. And the federation's more than 52,000 members-- advertisers, advertising agencies, media companies, advertising professionals, and college students majoring in advertising--you all study and refine the arts of informing and persuading the public. Together you've done more than take aim at the bottom line. You've shown that any definition of a successful life must include serving others. And I believe so very strongly in the historic concept of one American helping another. We call it, as I'm sure you know, a Thousand Points of Light. You have enhanced the Points of Light Foundation, donating millions and millions of dollars a year in multimedia public service announcements. Your chapters and members have served communities nationwide. Atlanta's Advertising Club established a minority relations program. Houston's Advertising Federation reached out to those afflicted by the terrifying disease AIDS. And in Arkansas, advertisers poured their time and talent into a campaign that combats child abuse. And way out in Honolulu, you promoted the lifesaving cause of organ donation. You've taken on projects as vast and various as our great land, helping people in more than 220 communities and 200 college campuses. No one should underestimate the power of your deeds or the importance of your profession. You know, there's an old story of how an ad salesman was trying to convince a store owner to do some advertising. And the owner said, ``Look, I've been in this location for 50 years, and I've never needed to advertise.'' And the salesman said, ``The town church has been in the same location for 100 years, but they still ring their bells.'' Two years ago this month, our administration recognized the AAF with the Private Sector Initiative Commendation. Last year, another Presidential award testified to your belief that, as Emerson said, ``The only gift is a portion of thyself.'' Today, let me close by praising a man who has given much of himself and much to our nation. Howard Bell makes his final appearance as AAF president at this convention. And he has served as an advertising evangelist and trailblazer. And he's built the AAF into the megaphone of the ad industry. Under his leadership, membership tripled, AAF established new means and standards of self-regulation. And perhaps most important of all, the federation under Howard's leadership acted upon the axiom that prosperity without purpose means nothing. And for that, I thank him and commend him. And I thank you. You've made a big difference in this nation's life. But let's go further still. Let's build a better and more focused future for ourselves, our families, our communities, and our great country. And now, Howard, since I've traveled so far to be with you, I'm glad to take a few questions, but that's the end of the formal part--end of the speech. Thank you. Mr. Bell. Thank you. Thank you very much, Mr. President. And we appreciate your willingness to answer a couple of questions. And the first question, sir, is: As you know, the economic downturn has affected all areas of business and particularly the communications and the media industries. Do you see, Mr. President, any positive signs in the economy that signal the beginning of an upturn?”