Founded in 1905, ICA represents agencies of all sizes from coast-to-coast. ICA's full-time staff, many of whom are former senior agency personnel, provide a full range of services to help make running an agency as hassle-free as possible.

Because this business has a lot of tough questions, ICA responds to you the way your agency responds to its clients. ICA takes your calls, answer your questions and if it can't find the answer, there probably isn't one.

ICA provides so many services and kinds of information that ICA felt it was time to put together the key benefits of membership. If you require any additional information, call 1-800-567-7422, or E-mail by clicking here

General inquiries:ica@ica-ad.com
Education inquiries:mpollock@ica-ad.com

"There's some guy on line with some questions on taxation, some talent concerns and a number of personal problems he'd like some advice on."

1.) ICA helps to keep the industry healthy and vital by taking a leadership role with governments, media and industry stakeholder groups.

• monitor taxation issues
• promote freedom to advertise
• promote industry self regulation (support ASC: $ and time)
• champion the value of advertising
• represent Canadian agency interests
• negotiate with ACTRA, UdA, AFofM, SAG
• formulate policy: ACA, CAB, CNA
• CRTC / competition tribunal
• international developments AAAA's, IPA, IAA
• sector specific, autos, tobacco, toys, kids, spirits, pharmaceuticals
• spec creative
• fair remuneration
• erroneous press reporting
• copyright protection
• the agency search process
• media liability
• accreditation
• agency review process
• E.D.I.

2.) ICA champions the benefits of Canadian agencies creating world-class advertising.

• improve effectiveness: "Advertising Works" books
• CASSIES program
• Export program: Incredible Canadian Agencies

3.) ICA provides professional development to improve skill levels.

• Certified Campaign Planning Program (CCPP)
• Communications and Advertising Accredited Professional (CAAP)
• Introduction to Advertising Course
• Certified Print Production Practitioner (CPPP)
• Broadcast Commercial Production Course (BCPC)
• Certified Advanced Print Production Manager (CAPPM)
• 21 part-time instructors and 300 students per year
• Toronto every year plus rotating cities

4.) ICA provides professional heavyweight counsel from a wide array of specialist consultants.

• Information Services for existing clients and new business prospects (Jo-Ann McQuillan)
• Broadcast Talent Advisor (Winnie Alford)
• Sales Tax & Finance Advisor (Paula Rose)
• Office Real Estate Advisor (Bill McLaughlin)
• Operations, strategy, policy (Rupert Brendon, Jani Yates)
• Media Accreditation
• Legal (Rafe Engle)
• Employment Law Advisor (Mary Beth Currie)

5.) ICA's management surveys and counsel help improve an agency's margin and profitability.

• guidelines for effective advertising / agency remuneration ACA / ICA
• financial benchmarking - Operating Statistics Survey, Salary Survey, Ad Hoc Survey
• individual agency counseling
• frequent technical bulletins

• consultants
• meeting rooms
• seminars
• "The Tax Manual"
• discounts on office supplies, business insurance, long distance rates

7.) ICA helps its member agencies in new business.

• Internet exposure on ICA Web site
• Agency Source - consultation and services serve
• Advocacy on Best Practice

8.) ICA helps its members improve their professional service to their clients.

• Professional development
• Code of Ethics of Professional Conduct

9.) ICA builds relationships with peers, government, advertising media, unions, etc.

• Over 100-plus agency members which account for 90% of business
• Advocacy on many agency/advertiser issues
• Ten operating or 'best practice' committees
• CEO breakfasts
• ICA West, Quebec
• Newsletter, etc.