ICA calls for boycott of YMCA agency search
By Adnews Staff
The Toronto-based Institute of Communication Agencies has issued a call for a boycott of a request-for-proposals recently released by YMCA Canada. The association is seeking a creative agency. According to the ICA, the request lacks a clear statement of budget, does not state that speculative work will be returned and does not declare the number of agencies that have been invited to participate. The institute is encouraging agencies to refrain from submitting proposals until these issues have been addressed.
“While we greatly respect the work that the YMCA does in our communities, not-for-profit organizations have to be held to the same RFP standards as private business and brands,” said Scott Knox, president and CEO of the ICA. “Practices like this are a significant drain on Canada’s creative industries. They also prevent small and medium operators being able to afford to bid on new business opportunities.”