US Commerce Award

I just received an email offer that is difficult to refuse…

Take the publicity you’ve just received Photo District News Magazine (PDN). This moment will pass…Hi, I’m Bob Roscoe, founder of “That’s Great News!”  We’re the company that turns your momentary publicity into a beautiful, eye-catching mahogany, oak or shiny black celebration of your success that lasts for years to come – enhancing your prestige and impressing your clients, friends, and associates like nothing else!

This reminds me of when, in late 2009 I was the winner of the “2009 U.S. COMMERCE AWARD for New York, in the area of Commercial Photography.”

According to its website “the USCA the ‘Best of Local Business’ Award Program recognizes outstanding local businesses throughout the country.”

What’s being said about the U.S. Commerce Award:

Don’t be fooled. The US Commerce Association is just a deceptive purveyor of high-priced award plaques. Essentially, it’s like a phantom company issuing mock awards, paid for by the targeted recipient.

“From everything we can find, this is just one more ploy to profit off the universal desire for recognition and approval,” Michelle Corey, president and chief executive of the St. Louis BBB, said in a prepared statement. “We are advising people to steer clear, unless they want to pay $180 for what looks to be a meaningless office decoration.”     

- Matthew Hathaway, St. Louis Post-Dispatch, July 1st, 2009

Amazingly, I won in 2010 too!

based on an email newsletter, sent October 2009

Image: I am proud to be receiving this award despite the warnings of the Better Business Bureau, negative press reports, and the comments from other potential recipients.