Join a panel discussion about the world of social media—Where do advertising, design and marketing fit? Do they fit at all? What are the consequences and potential of engaging in social media? How can you manage a brand in an online environment? And… why is my mom commenting on my Facebook status?

52 and Souk partnered to help launch RYZwear. RYZwear is a community based footwear company that uses the designs of the people on their shoes. Over 200 people attended the inaugural design competition and voted on the 5 final designs with the winner going to Caveman for his shoe design, The Creep.  The shoe can now be purchased on the RYZwear site, www.ryzwear.com. 

Hands On Greater Portland, a non-profit organization that connects volunteers to appropriate causes, is seeking creative professionals at a brainstorming session May 7th.Participate in an initial brainstorming session to help Hands On Greater Portland better communicate their story and make their website more engaging. They are looking for copywriters, brand gurus, designers, photographers and video editors to volunteer some time to improve handsonportland.org. Pizza and beer provided.More information about signing up can be found by emailing Becky at becky@handsonportland.org or by going to http://tinyurl.com/67m8gl  

Giving back, and being a good steward in the community, has always been a part of 52 values. As our business has grown, our ability to give to the community has grown as well.

The following organizations were recipients of contributions by 52 in 2007.

Project Pooch - Project Pooch pairs youths incarcerated at the MacLaren Youth Correctional Facility with homeless shelter dogs for over a decade. With guidance youths learn to train the dogs, groom them, and find them homes. The dogs leave the program ready to be great pets, while their trainers re-enter the community with new job and personal skills and an increased compassion and respect for all life. 

Mercy Corps - Mercy Corps exists to alleviate suffering, poverty and oppression by helping people build secure, productive and just communities. In the last 29 years Mercy Corps has provided $1.3 billion to help people in over 100 nations. 

Audubon Society of Portland - The Audubon Society promotes the understanding, enjoyment, and protection of native birds, other wildlife, and their habitat with a focus on the Pacific Northwest. 

American Cancer Society - Cancer has touched too many families, including 52’s.  Begun in 1946, the ACS has been instrumental in the fight by funding research, education, patient services, and advocacy.

52 is committed to these causes and committed to supporting our community.  

52 is committed to helping people develop in their careers. We recently spoke to a graduating class at the Art Institute to help prepare students for life after graduation. Everything from portfolio best practices, resume tips, interviewing, networking, etc. was covered. It’s our hope that students continue to call on us for assistance and guidance as they grow in their careers.52’s managing partners also recently met with members of Ad2. Ad2 is an association for advertising professionals under the age of 30. 52 conducted individual mock interviews and provided career counseling in a one-to-one setting.

52 has participated in the last two sessions of How to Build a Killer Portfolio at OFFICE. Joining panelists from Nike, Ziba Design, and HUB, 52 presented to hundreds of the Portland creative scene offering advice and tips to make a better presentation of work when looking for employment.Key tips include:Make the portfolio part of a comprehensive presentation. Include 12-15 pieces of your best work, or work that tells a compelling story or overcame a challenge. Organize work by quality of the pieces best comes first and last. Don’t make the portfolio about the case or box or whatever it comes in make it about the work. Otherwise the case will be the thing that is remembered. Drive the presentation, don’t hand it over to the reviewer unless you have to. Don’t have too many loose pieces. Don’t show work you don’t like if you don’t like it why are you showing it?