25 MAY 2009 - Two months ago DraftFCB announced that it would be offering 1000 free hours of free advertising expertise in a bid to help maintain and create jobs. The agency is now pleased to reveal that the company that will be receiving those 1000 hours is Bartercard.

Bartercard was selected from strong competition due to its potential to impact positively upon many businesses.

Bartercard helps Small to Medium Sized Enterprises (SMEs) by facilitating a trade exchange network that offers effective ways of conducting business.

By combining modern technology, a community of businesses, and indirect and direct marketing channels Bartercard provides a service to companies that has the ability to help them survive during the recession and hence save jobs.

Over 6,500 businesses have become part of the Bartercard network since it launched in New Zealand in 1992.

DraftFCB CEO, Bryan Crawford says "We felt that Bartercard's unique proposition would provide a strong opportunity to help the country's SMEs, many of whom may be struggling during the financial downturn we are experiencing. It was Bartercard's commitment to help support SMEs and save jobs across New Zealand that appealed to us and we feel the company is the right fit for the objectives of the DraftFCB 1000 Hours project".

Mr. Crawford adds "We are looking forward to starting our partnership with Bartercard and hope that together we can help save some Kiwi jobs, as these are tough times that businesses and the country are facing".

DraftFCB received over 100 expressions of interest about the 1000 Hours project from a wide range of different businesses and over 30 companies took the time to apply for the fund. The agency was also approached by several media, marketing and business coaching companies who have offered their own pro-bono contributions to the winner of the fund.

Paul Bolte, Bartercard CEO comments "I am very excited about the opportunities the 1000 Hours project will bring and hope to provide tangible results to the job market in New Zealand".