Charles Ryan and Associates founder honored

Aug. 22--When Charlie Ryan left his job as a television news director in 1974 to start his own advertising firm, all he had was a typewriter, a phone and an idea.

The retired Charles Ryan and Associates founder remembers his first day when he walked into his office and realized he had to get to work if he wanted to make a name for himself.

On the eve of his company's 40th anniversary, Ryan was honored for his excellence in the field of communications with an award that carries his namesake.

Within 10 years of starting Charles Ryan and Associates, Ryan grew his company's brand until it became the largest advertising and public relations firm in West Virginia, an honor the agency still boasts today.

During his successful career, Ryan opened offices in Richmond, Va., and Washington, D.C. He later sold his branch in the nation's capital, but the company hasn't lost a step.

"We've always had fantastic people and a fantastic product," Ryan said. "I'm very proud the agency continues today under great, dynamic leadership and continues to produce stunning work."

Ryan, with his sights set on retirement, sold the company in 2007 to a local investment group led by Henry Harmon, the president and chief executive officer of Charleston-based Triana Energy. Three years later, Susan Lavenski and Caryn Foster Durham, longtime employees of Ryan's, took over day-to-day operations with the help of Dustin Lanning, CRA's chief financial officer.

With the change in leadership came a change in location as well. Once headquartered at BB&T Square in Charleston, CRA was relocated to luxurious office space at Appalachian Power Park.

Lavenski runs the firm's Charleston location and Foster Durham works from Richmond, and while the two offices are separated by more than 300 miles, they form one cohesive 27-person team.

The company has an equal number of clients in West Virginia and Virginia, Lanning said, but employees are assigned to accounts based more on how they meet the client's need rather than proximity.

With past and former clients like the state Division of Tourism, the West Virginia Lottery and BrickStreet Insurance, CRA has counseled local and national organizations, Foster Durham said. It also donates services to a charity or cause each year.

When asked what he was most proud of after 40 years, Ryan said it was the company's "staying power."

"We're still here after all these years when many others don't last," he said.

Ryan hopes to see the brand survive for a 50th and 75th anniversary.

In celebration of its 40th year in business, employees awarded Ryan the company's first "Charlie" award for his work in the field of communications.

The award, a microphone carved out of wood, was presented Thursday at a special ceremony with clients and business friends.

Lavenski and Foster Durham, who have worked at CRA 16 and 19 years respectively, said Ryan has been a mentor to them.

The two have followed in his footsteps and carry on some of the traditions Ryan started when he ran the company, like fostering a work environment that attracts and keeps quality talent.

"You have to attract the best and brightest to produce the best and brightest," Ryan said.

The company hopes to start an annual tradition by giving the award to a professional who demonstrates excellence in communications throughout their career.

Contact writer Samuel Speciale at [email protected] or 304-348-4886. Follow him at www.twitter.com/wvschools.

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