Ballard Bratsberg Merges With Portland Ad Agency

QUEEN ANNE

A pair of advertising agencies have merged in an effort to expand their services and carry a larger presence in the Seattle and Portland markets.

Turtledove Clemens Inc. of Portland has bought a majority interest in Ballard Bratsberg of Seattle, and both agencies will retain their own names. Combined billings for the two agencies was nearly $14 million in 1991.

Jay Clemens, president of Turtledove, will be chief executive officer of the combined group. Barbara Bratsberg who handles daily management of Ballard will become the executive vice president, and Ron Ballard will stay on as president of the Seattle agency.

"We've been looking for an existing agency in the Seattle market for two years, and this has turned out to be a perfect fit," Clemens said. "Our agencies have worked together for 20 years. It just made sense to combine forces."

Together, the two agencies employ 30 people, and none will be laid off. In fact, several new people will be hired to handle the expanded base of business.

Ballard's major clients include Anthony's Restaurants, Bellingham National Bank, University Book Store, Seattle Home Show and ERA Real Estate-Puget Sound. Turtledove's major accounts include Wendy's International Northwest, Design Linens, Pope & Talbot Inc.