Cjrw Celebrates 50 Years In Business

Little Rock-based Cranford Johnson Robinson Woods (CJRW), the advertising, public relations, and communications powerhouse that has been at the top of the state’s agency business for decades, celebrates its 50th anniversary this weekend.

"Fifty years ago, Jim Johnson and I set out to bring the latest and greatest advances in advertising and communications from Madison Avenue to Main Street," said founder Wayne Cranford, who will be inducted in the Arkansas Business Hall of Fame next February. "We’re proud to see the company we started continue with this mission and thrive in an age of constant change."

The agency was established on Oct. 15, 1961 by Cranford and Jim Johnson in Arkansas and quickly became the state’s largest agency.  In 1986, Ron Robinson’s name was added to the door, and in 1990, Cranford Johnson Robinson and Associates merged with The Woods Brothers Agency, the region’s largest tourism and hospitality agency led by Shelby and Wayne Woods. The merger created Cranford Johnson Robinson Woods. 

Today, CJRW employs nearly 100 professionals and represents annual capitalized billings of approximately $80 million.  The agency serves clients from coast-to-coast.

On Friday, Oct. 14, CJRW employees, clients, friends and family will celebrate the agency’s golden anniversary at the Statehouse Convention Center’s Wally Allen Ballroom in Little Rock.  The evening’s program will include a video message from former President Bill Clinton and remarks from Arkansas Gov. Mike Beebe and CJRW chairman and CEO Wayne Woods.

"Our motto has always been ‘relationships backed by performance,’" said President and CEO Wayne Woods. "The long-term clients we have are a testament to the results we deliver. Although we will take a few minutes to celebrate our accomplishments, we really have our sights set on the next 50 years."