by Dan Perkins

"Living legend, that sounds old - but at least I'm living," said Tom Burrell, founder of the legendary Burrell Communications Group, as he stepped to the podium to accept Rainbow/PUSH's Living Legend Award.  The award was given at the Business Luncheon held during the final day of Rainbow/PUSH's 23rd Annual Conference.  The luncheon honored corporations and entrepreneurs that have advanced business diversity in America.  The event, which was held in Chicago on June 25th, was well attended by both majority and minority business leaders, including members of Chicago's corporate elite.

The Living Legend Award was an acknowledgment of Tom Burrell's unique and long contributions in shaping not only how America sees and hears African Americans in commercial spots, but also in  shaping how clients of advertising agencies see and utilize creative talent within the African American community.

Burrell stated that his long relationship with PUSH dates back to when the organization was first formed as Operation Bread Basket.  

"I think 'thank you' is one of the most important phrases in our language," declared Burrell.  "I accept this award with the greatest humility; and as a symbol of that humility, I pass pieces of this award out to all those people who made it possible for me to be here."

If anyone was curious as to how Burrell Communications attained its exalted status within the advertising industry and in Black America, that curiosity was answered when Tom Burrell began talking about his agency's mission statement.  

"I have to tell you that I value very much our mission statement - that is to consistently deliver innovative, creative, market-moving ideas.  But I have additional mission statements," said Burrell.  "We want to continue to be the greatest provider of African American talent in the country - in the advertising agency business. We want to be able to continue to develop people as we have done over the last 32 years - many of whom have gone out to develop their own businesses.  We want to be the chief provider of opportunities for suppliers, as we have done over the last 32 years.  We have been the cause of the creation and development of many African American companies that do business with us.  By growing, we will be able to provide opportunities for others."

Burrell went on to thank several of his clients, including McDonald's, which has utilized Burrell's creative services for 31 of the company's 32 years.  Burrell also thanked one of the agency's more recent clients, Toyota.  "We have had the opportunity to work with (Toyota) for about a year and a half now, and I have to tell you, it's a great working relationship," said Burrell.  

In his closing remarks, Burrell acknowledged the contributions of Reverend Jesse Jackson and the PUSH organization in unlocking the door to business opportunities at some of America's leading corporations.  "All we ask is that you unlock the door," said Burrell as he turned to Jackson; "and we will go through that door, and we will demonstrate the point you are making: that all we need is the opportunity."

The End