#HMATurns40 Years in Review – The 2000s
This year, HMA Public Relations is celebrating its 40th anniversary. So much has happened in this world since then that we are taking some time each quarter to look back.
For our look back at the 1980s, click here.
For our look back at the 1990s, click here.
This quarter, we are taking a trip down memory lane through the 2000s.
2000: After the Y2K hysteria died down, the Summer Olympics are held in Sydney, with a total of 10,651 athletes from 199 different countries participated in 300 events. Survivor debuts on CBS, followed quickly by Big Brother, truly starting the new era of reality television that continues today. Founder of Microsoft Bill Gates leaves his position as CEO. Republican candidate George W. Bush, the governor of Texas and eldest son of the 41st president, George H. W. Bush, won the U.S. Presidential election. The Arizona Republic gives ASU $1 million to create the Frank Russell Chair in the Business of Journalism in honor of the former chairman of Central Newspapers Inc. HMA became agency of record for Arizona Bridge to Independent Living. Hanson, Moser & Associates, after years of being referred to as HMA, formally changes its name to HMA Public Relations.
2001: The world changed forever on September 11, 2001. The attacks resulted in 2,977 fatalities and more than 25,000 injuries. 9/11 is the single deadliest terrorist attack in human history and the single deadliest incident for firefighters and law enforcement officers in the history of the United States, with 343 and 72 killed, respectively. While it seems odd to type anything else here, 2001 also saw the Arizona Diamondbacks win its first MLB championship; The Leaning Tower of Pisa in Italy re-opened to the public for the first time since 1990; and iTunes and the iPod were released. Scott was profiled by PR Week.
2002: ABC’s The Bachelor debuts. Halle Berry becomes the first black actress to win an Oscar for “Best Actress” for her role in “Monster’s Ball.” The United States’ seventh largest airline, US Airways files for bankruptcy. The Winter Olympics were held in Salt Lake City, where a total of 2,399 athletes from 77 different countries participated in 80 athletic events. The Euro becomes the official currency of 12 of the European Union’s Members. Elizabeth Smart is kidnapped (she would be found alive over a year later). Former United States President Jimmy Carter is awarded the Nobel Peace Prize. Kelly Clarkson wins the first season of American Idol. Scott is awarded the Young Entrepreneur’s Organization Advocate Award. HMA became agency of record for Subway Restaurants of Arizona.
2003: Beyoncé releases Crazy in Love. Arnold Schwarzenegger is elected Governor of California. Lori Piestewa, a member of the Hopi Tribe from Tuba City, is the first Native American woman to be killed in action fighting for the United States as a soldier. The Space Shuttle Columbia disintegrates as it reenters the atmosphere, killing all seven crew members. The Phoenix Network, a consortium of 24 public relations agencies (of which HMA is a founding member), changed its name to the Public Relations Global Network to better reflect its international membership. Abbie is admitted to the PRSA Counselor’s Academy is Scottsdale Leadership Class 17 participant.
2004: ‘The’ Facebook debuts. The Detroit Pistons and Indiana Pacers get into an all-out brawl during a game on live television in a mess later nicknamed Malice in the Palace. The Boston Red Sox win the World Series in baseball for the first time since 1918. Pat Tillman, an ASU and Arizona Cardinals football star, is killed in Afghanistan while on a mission for the Army. The Apprentice with Donald Trump debuts. ASU President Michael Crow announces that the Cronkite School will become an independent school and be an integral part of the newly planned campus in downtown Phoenix. The first same sex marriage performed in Massachusetts. Martha Stewart is convicted of a felony and sentenced to five months in prison. Janet Jackson’s breast is briefly exposed by Justin Timberlake during the Super Bowl halftime show. Ken Jennings wins more than $2.5 million on Jeopardy. Friends ends his iconic television run. Scott named chairman of the NAU School of Communications Advisory Council. Then, during a family vacation to Hawaii, he ends up in the hospital and needs surgery after a bike accident down a mountain! Alison Bailin joins HMA Public Relations, and among her first duties is Pamela Anderson’s book tour leg in Phoenix.
2005: YouTube debuts. Both Grey’s Anatomy and The Office debut. Hurricane Katrina strikes the Louisiana, Mississippi and Alabama coastal areas. The Phoenix Suns’ Steve Nash named NBA MVP. George W. Bush starts his second term as 43rd President of the United States. Alison begins what will become 15 years of service to the National Academy of Television Arts and Science Rocky Mountain Southwest Chapter. HMA helps to launch the first SMACNA Arizona 100-degree contest. Scott awarded the Arizona Association for Economic Development President’s Award.
2006: Twitter debuts. The Phoenix Suns’ Steve Nash named MVP a second consecutive year. Barry Bonds breaks the single season homerun record, but let’s just say there is an asterisk. HMA announced as agency of record for the Circle K Tempe Music Festival, and commemorating the 50th anniversary of the Fender Stratocaster. Saddam Hussein is charged on May 15th and following the trial is found guilty of crimes against humanity and sentenced to death by hanging. Nintendo releases the Wii. Pluto is downgraded from a Planet to a dwarf planet.
2007: Tragically, two helicopters from local television stations KNXV-TV and KTVK-TV collided in mid-air over Phoenix while covering a police pursuit, leaving no survivors. The new Wembley Stadium in England Is completed. Rupert Murdoch acquires Dow Jones & Co., which includes the Wall Street Journal. Mad Men debuts. The Apple Computer Company announces the release of the very first iPhone. The Mitchell Report is published which shows the use of anabolic steroids and human growth hormones is widespread in Major League Baseball (duh). Scott honored by being inducted into the PRSA College of Fellows. Abbie serves as chair of Scottsdale Leadership.
2008: On November 4, 2008, Barack Obama defeated the Republican nominee, Senator John McCain of Arizona, making him the President-elect and the first African American elected President. The Phoenix Light Rail debuts. Writers go on strike against Hollywood for three months. The Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communications moves into a new 223,000-square-foot, state-of-the-art journalism education complex in the heart of downtown Phoenix, the centerpiece of the new ASU campus. Scott is profiled in Entrepreneur Magazine. HMA helps the Town of Queen Creek announce its first-ever fire department and Cachet Homes to host the Valley’s first-ever luxury new home auction. HMA launches its blog, HMATime, becoming the first PR agency in Arizona to do so. Abbie named to the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Scottsdale board of directors.
2009: In partnership with Arizona Bridge to Independent Living, HMA helps to open the Disability Empowerment Center. Captain Chesley B. “Sully” Sullenberger successfully lands US Airways Flight 1549 in the Hudson River, immediately earning the name “Miracle on the Hudson.” HMA’s team serves on the crisis communications team for the airline during this time. Circuit City shutters. Under Kurt Warner, the Arizona Cardinals shock the world by making it to the Super Bowl, but were defeated in the final moments by the Pittsburgh Steelers. Tiger Woods involved in a car accident, ultimately leading to the uncovering of a years-long scandal. Michael Jackson dies under precarious circumstances. ER ends its television run, but Modern Family, Glee and Parks and Recreation debut. HMA celebrates Abbie’s birthday together at Disneyland. HMA assists friend Craig Demarco with the launch of his second restaurant, Postino on Central. Alison is interviewed by USA Today on digital communications. Scott named as the recipient of NAU’s Jeff Ferris Volunteer of the Year Award for his many contributions to the school.
