Steve Puckett – Legacy
Steve Puckett worked in the field of advertising for 38 years, including efforts at four leading St. Louis agencies: DMB&B, Gardner, Brighton and Vinyard & Lee. He ran his own agency, The Puckett Group, which dominated the St. Louis advertising awards scene during its existence. Steve was known among his peers for his intensity and uncompromising creativity.
Glenn Tintera – 2013
With numerous national awards under his belt, Glenn Tintera rose through the ranks of the local D’Arcy agency, starting as a research analyst in 1966 at age 34, retiring as executive vice president and manager of the St. Louis operation. He was a driving force behind the introduction of client Anheuser-Busch’s products into international markets. Under his watch, the local office developed their “This Bud’s For You” and “Go-Getters Go Ozark” campaigns.
It was the “Belief Dynamics” system of research, which he was instrumental in developing and implementing, that helped give D’Arcy a big edge over its competitors. Glenn Tintera was named Ninth District Advertising Person of the Year in 1991 by the American Advertising Federation. In retirement, he taught advertising at his alma mater, Washington University.
Don Burnes – 2004
Don Burnes spent 25 years as Public Relations Director of the Pulitzer broadcast operations in St. Louis, where he marketed KSD-TV and the “classy” sound of KSD Radio in the ‘60’s.
His image development for the stations was seen throughout the Midwest in advertisements, newspaper articles and brochures that placed heavy emphasis on the station’s personalities.
In its heyday, KSD radio specialized in middle-of-the-road, light classical and big band music, and Burnes’ behind-the-scenes efforts helped propel the station to a solid market position. KSD-TV, the first station in St. Louis, was the market’s powerhouse throughout his PR career there.
In addition to his PR work, Burnes later put his vast musical knowledge to work when he hosted big band and dinner music programs on KCFM, was co-host of the “Muny Preview” show for two years on KMOX, and was heard as the announcer when Jim Bolen re-created the old Glenn Miller broadcasts.
Don Burnes is the first graduate of the St. Louis University communications department to receive the school’s Alumni Merit Award.
Erma Perham Proetz – 2013
Having risen to the position of executive vice president at Gardner Advertising Company in St. Louis, Erma Perham Proetz was known nationally for her contribution to the advertising profession. In recognition of her work, she was the first woman elected to the national Advertising Hall of Fame. Mr. Proetz’ biggest account at Gardner was the Pet Milk Co., for which she developed a network radio show, produced in St. Louis, called the Mary Lee Taylor Program, and it was said that the lead character was, in fact, a portrayal of Ms. Proetz. Sales for the company doubled within four years. She received the Harvard Advertising Award three times, the first person to do so, and in 1935, Fortune magazine named her one of the nation’s top 16 outstanding business women. She was elected president of the Women’s Advertising Club of St. Louis in 1936. After she left the ad business, Ms. Proetz was appointed to the St. Louis City Planning Commission.
Don Corrigan – 2019
Don Corrigan worked simultaneously as a full-time journalism professor at Webster University and editor for weekly papers at Webster-Kirkwood Times, Inc., a situation that gave his students the benefit of learning from a full-time working journalist. He reported from several foreign locations and as an editorial board member for the St. Louis Journalism Review. He was honored with the Gannett Foundation Award for environmental journalism and the College Media Advisers’ Lifetime Distinguished College Newspaper Adviser honor.
Bob Lachky – 2013
Bob Lachky is best known for his long career with Anheuser Busch, Inc. as their EVP, Global Industry Development & Chief Creative Officer. His career there spanned 20 years (1990-2009), where he oversaw the development of some of the marketing world’s most famous advertising campaigns and characters. Lachky’s career coincided with record volume and share growth for AB, helping build the world’s two biggest beer brands..Bud Light and Budweiser..and 50% share of the U.S. beer industry.
His personal recognitions include 1994 Adweek “Top Marketer of the Year,” 2001 Brandweek “Marketer of the Year,” 2009 Advertising Club of New York “Advertising Person of the Year.”
He also helped various not-for-profits with their marketing strategies and communications, including St.Vincent de Paul Society, Beyond Housing, and DEAF, Inc.