News

Students from Portland State University’s National Advertising Class have been chosen by the Moroccan American Trade & Investment Council (MATIC) to help with the next step in a comprehensive campaign to brand the country of Morocco.

Part of the “Brand Morocco” program was a competition held among universities in the U.S. and Morocco, during fall 2006. Students studied the country and then created advertising campaigns designed to increase awareness of Morocco as a good place for manufacturing, distribution and information technology investments. The next step of the project is to educate Moroccan government officials and its business community about integrated marketing communications.

“That’s where PSU comes in,” said Jean AbiNader, MATIC executive director in Washington, D.C. “We need a very creative presentation of advertising ideas plus someone to show our people how valuable a well integrated advertising and promotions campaign can be to Morocco’s economic future. PSU distinguished itself in the student competition and the Advertising Management program at PSU is highly respected.”

The PSU class, under the guidance of Don Dickinson, director of Advertising Management, will produce two pieces for a major economic forum to be held in Morocco in late May. Dickinson will travel to Morocco to present the student work and to conduct multiple workshops on country branding and marketing.

Jean AbiNader will visit the Portland State class to brief the class on the assignments April 4, 2007, at 6 p.m. the Urban and Public Affairs building, room 302 (506 SW Mill St.). Media interested in attending the visit should contact Don Dickinson at 503-725-8533.

Recent PSU student advertising accomplishments include:
National Cadillac Advertising Competition winner 2004 and 2006
National Student Advertising Competition, Top 10 Finisher 2004 and 2005

Moroccan American Trade & Investment Council
The Moroccan American Trade and Investment Council (MATIC) is an American based non-profit trade association that assists the country of Morocco in its quest to promote economic growth and stability through the promotion of its private sector. MATIC membership is comprised of leading Moroccan and American firms who share the common vision of Morocco as the focal point for expanding international trade and investment opportunities for both countries. Drawing on this commonality of interests, MATIC has identified several strategies for firms electing to take advantage of the unique location that Morocco provides as a platform from which new business initiatives can be launched. For more information visit www.moroccanamericantrade.com/.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE (#07-043)

Source: Don Dickinson (503-725-8533)
Director of Advertising Management