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I believe this ad is aimed at the purchasing public whose collective
confidence in, and regard for corporations, especially in areas impacted 
by numerous and onerous lay-offs, surely is at an all time low.  They
are playing the percentages and the psychology of the disgruntled,
demoralized worker/consumer who might direct his purchasing choices
toward companies that at least show the appearance of concern and respect 
for their employees.
It is equally a rather expensive classified help wanted ad.  Consider
the thought that it might bring in plenty of resumes.  By cutting out the
middle-man (head-hunter), they could recoup some of the cost of the ads.
On the other hand, this kind of patronizing of one's employees by major
companies is a frequently used marketing ploy in advertising.
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|  |     Actually, the ads are part of a national campaign prior to NAFTA 
    approval.  It's more a High-Tech Council thing than anything else.
    
    We are of course a-political enough to sit on the NAFTA fence and not
    stoop to image advertisements -- especially since we are already a
    global corporation.  Then again, we might be considered marketing
    naive enough to not think of pro-NAFTA image advertisements.
    
    Advertisements sponsored by HP are also running in the California,
    Washington, Texas, Ohio, Michigan, and Maryland markets.  New Hampshire
    was selected for its right-wing leaning and political clout - rather
    than for its potential market of new-hires.  Strictly speaking HP is
    thinking  tactically of layoffs --> while attempting to brain-drain
    other companies like every other high-tech company in the valley.
    
    Consider all of HP closings in the Chelmsford area.
    
    Cabletron appears to be strictly local NH -- and strictly political.
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