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<\/p>\nA Winnipeg-based creative agency has merged with an Edmonton peer, growing its presence in Western Canada.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt became a pretty easy next step to say, \u2018Hey, if this is better for everyone, maybe there\u2019s a path forward for this \u2014 being one collective team,\u2019\u201d said Derek Elliott, co-founder of Brandish Agency.<\/p>\n
His staff of 20 melded with Red the Agency, an Edmonton firm, last week. Brandish has helmed advertising campaigns for local organizations like Sport Manitoba; Red has worked with the Edmonton Oilers, government agencies and private brands during its 23-year history.<\/p>\n
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Derek Elliott, a co-founder of Brandish Agency.<\/p>\n
Brandish launched in 2016. Recent years \u2014 including during the pandemic \u2014 have seen an emphasis on social media-based advertisements and online campaigns.<\/p>\n
The merger comes as Elliott believes there will be \u201chuge resurgence\u201d in other forms of advertising.<\/p>\n
Advertising on social media platforms like Facebook has become harder because of technology companies\u2019 stances on privacy, he said.<\/p>\n
Company sponsorships, advertisements via different mediums and purposeful community investments are among the messaging Brandish is leaning into.<\/p>\n
\u201cPeople are changing really fast\u2026 and we need to keep up with them,\u201d Elliott said. \u201cWe need to understand what\u2019s relevant to them and we need to help brands connect with them in really authentic ways.\u201d<\/p>\n
He met leads at Red the Agency in 2019. In 2022, the two companies started conversations about merging.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt was kind of a more is more situation,\u201d Elliott stated. \u201cWe take similar approaches to the work, but I think\u2026 our collective perspective just has a bit of a refresh.\u201d<\/p>\n
There haven\u2019t been any layoffs, he continued. Collectively, Brandish and Red have 25 staff. They\u2019ll keep their own names in their respective provinces.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt gives us the opportunity to have a foundation out east,\u201d said Lori Billey, Red the Agency\u2019s managing partner. \u201cThat\u2019s important for our clients based here.\u201d<\/p>\n
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Lori Billey is Red the Agency\u2019s managing partner.<\/p>\n
The new company is determining how it\u2019ll split clients\u2019 projects; most customers reside in Manitoba, Alberta and Ontario.<\/p>\n
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Brandish \/ Red is competing against worldwide agencies. The merger brings its customers more options, Billey noted.<\/p>\n
Brandish implemented a four-day work week in September of 2021.<\/p>\n
\u201c(We\u2019re) not just trying to win as a company,\u201d Elliott stated. \u201cWe\u2019re trying to demonstrate that we can still produce\u2026 while doing these things.\u201d<\/p>\n
The four-day work week hasn\u2019t negatively impacted the company, he added.<\/p>\n
gabrielle.piche@winnipegfreepress.com<\/p>\n
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Gabrielle Pich\u00e9<\/strong> Gabby is a big fan of people, writing and learning. She graduated from Red River College\u2019s Creative Communications program in the spring of 2020.<\/p>\n \u00a0\u00a0 Read full biography\n\t\t\t<\/p>\n
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