Blog
08.30
VMS RIP
Our apologies for the delay from our latest contemplation, but you know, Hurricane Irene... and this whole Rick Perry thing... oh, and the economy... and yeah, Dancing with the Stars reeling in Nancy Grace and Chaz Bono?! Seriously?
Oh please. We've been in the weeds. There, we said it.
Anywho, now that we are back, we must address some somber and personal news. By way of the Bulldog Report, flacks nationwide have heard that Video Monitoring Service (VMS) has declared bankruptcy.
The company made the following statement with the quickness:
On Friday, August 26, VMS filed into Chapter 7 liquidation with the United States bankruptcy court for the southern district of New York. Unfortunately, all VMS staff have been terminated. The court will appoint a trustee to manage VMS affairs. We anticipate the trustee will make future communications with customers.
VMS wants to thank its loyal customers, suppliers and staff for their loyal support. Thank you.
When that bomb was dropped, most of us in our office were thinking two things:
- Where are we going to get our clients broadcast clips?
- What in the (bleep) happened with our friends at VMS?
There have been a few people we have worked with in the past at VMS, but two were close to this agency - and this blogger.
Chuck Harden served our clients almost as faithfully as we do. Everytime we needed a clip, there was Chuck. Regardless the client or the person calling him, he helped out whenever he could. Personally, I have worked with Chuck in a former life and carried that relationship with me to HCK2.
Speaking of carrying a relationship, Joan Kilanowski was the local general manager. My foray into this wonderful world of PR began for me in the mainstream world at Burson-Marsteller. One of the first vendor meetings I ever had was with Joan more than (cough) years ago. Her personal nature and passion to serve was something most people don't find in a vendor relationship unless they owe them money. For that, I was always grateful.
As sudden as we heard the news, I'm certain the news was even more unceremonious at VMS central - kinda like what is left of their website. (And for your reading pleasure, check the comment in the Bulldog story. Ouch!) Chuck and Joan, wherever you land and whatever you are doing, be sure to call your buddies at HCK2. You'll be missed.
And MEMO to anyone checking them on LinkedIn, please consider this a collective referral.
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