Blog
07.12
How much press is $223,000 worth to you?
When you see a big number like that for any PR account, you would automatically think of Dell trying to beat Microsoft, In-N-Out launching in a new market or the lunch bill for Casey Anthony's legal team.
Ever heard of Edison State College? Yeah, me neither.
Apparently, its a quad-campused institution in Florida that's been in the news lately for what it considers to be "discretionary funds."
Executives at Edison State College have used college funds to buy balloons, breath mints, donkey pinatas, hand lotion, floral arrangements and an ice sculpture.
They’ve hired DJs, photographers, valets and a party planner who is the president’s sister-in-law. They’ve spent college money to make donations to charities and feed campus.
According to Southwest Florida's News-Press.com, that's not all.
As the 25,000-student public institution wiggles its way through a budget crunch, Edison’s senior leadership has spent $670,298 in discretionary public relations funds during the past three years.
What the what?!
Okay, I have three transparent questions:
1. I would think for a budget as substantial as $223,000 per year, you would get national news out of that? Maybe I need to brush up on my GMA, Today or Early Show viewing, but eh... no big Edison State profiles that I've seen.
2. That said, if you are reading as I opine about fiscal responsibility, and you are in charge for next year's marketing outreach at the annual budget friendly institution, call me? Please? I know a guy. It's not like I'm Thomas Alva Edison, but I can have a lightbulb moment for that kind of coin.
And...
3. The hell? No, not the cash. Donkey pinatas? What, is their mascot the Mighty Burros?
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