1972
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On July 1, Dorsch Risdall Advertising opens its doors at 1561 15th Street N.W. in New Brighton, Minnesota, a suburb of St. Paul. The first employee, Judy Becker, is still with the agency as it celebrates 25 years.
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1973
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The agency moves to 1977 West County Road B2 in Roseville, another St. Paul suburb.
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1974
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The agency moves to its own building at 1901 North Lexington Avenue in Roseville.
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1977
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The agency changes its name to John Risdall & Associates and moves back to New Brighton. The address is 1433 Silver Lake Road in New Brighton. In 1997, our old office is an Asian market.
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1982
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Deb Fisher is hired. At any given time, there are three or four people working at the agency. Deb is still with the agency.
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1984
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The agency acquires its first Macintosh. It just sits there.
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1985
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John Risdall & Associates moves around the corner to 2475 15th Street N.W. and changes its name to John Risdall Advertising.
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1987
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JRA has about 10 employees as it celebrates 15 years in business with a party at a bowling alley. Not until 1994 was liquor again served at an agency party. If we told you any more, we'd have to shoot you.
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1988
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For no particular reason, the agency throws a Bad Tie Affair. Despite the horrid haberdashery, the party is a smashing success.
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1990
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Agency copywriters fully commit to writing copy on the Macintosh. (Intuitive, shmuitive.)
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1992
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To celebrate 20 years in business, JRA throws a "Who Shot J.R.?" party, complete with clues and a raincoat-clad detective.
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1992
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Digital print production is fully implemented. In 1997, the occasional keyline shows up for revisions. Luckily, one or two people still know what to do.
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1993
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At the 21-year mark, the agency becomes Risdall Advertising.
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1993
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The agency launches its interactive unit. In 1997, RAA Interactive has created more Web pages than any other agency-affiliated developer in Minnesota.
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1994
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RAA hires its first Creative Director, Kevin O'Callaghan.
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1995
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A physical expansion means that RAA now occupies three separate buildings in the Stony Lake Office Park. In 1997, other tenants continue to eye us nervously.
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1996
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The agency continues to grow, and the critical mass of caffeine fiends with disposable income results in a coffee house opening next door.
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1996
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In May, the Tech Weenie Roast celebrates the agency's interactive success with sausages and accordian music on the sidewalk. No wonder the other tenants eye us nervously.
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1997
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As it celebrates 25 years in business by summoning clients, vendors and friends to Jury Duty, RAA continues to grow and prosper. The concept of bunk desks is still under consideration.
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