Bill Burdon Memorial Resource Library
The Bill Burdon Memorial Resource Library was established by PRA in 1993. Housed in the Peoria Public Library downtown branch, it makes available to PRA members, students and the general public, public relations-oriented books, videotapes, CD ROMs, software and other materials.William F. “Bill” Burdon was not only a charter member of PRA of Central Illinois, but was also a “pioneer” in the development of effective public relations and advertising programs in Central Illinois. After short stints as a radio and ad agency copywriter, Bill founded his own full-service advertising agency, Burdon Advertising Co., which he owned and operated until 1988. In addition to his agency clients, Bill generously provided his public relations expertise to a vast number of agencies and organizations including the Heart of Illinois United Way, YWCA, Children’s Home, Child and Family Service of Peoria, Youth Farm, Inc., and many more.
His professional associations included past president of the Peoria Advertising and Selling Club, past chairman of the Gridiron Board of Governors, American Film Institute, founder and past president of The Agency Group, past chairman of the Advertising Executives Club, and past board member of the Better Business Bureau.
Bill was an excellent writer whose sharp wit and dry sense of humor never failed him. He served as teacher, mentor and friend to his employees, his peers, and students at local schools and universities. He was never too busy to listen, to work patiently with a novice copywriter struggling with phrasing, or to provide well-thought-out advice on a career path.
It is for these qualities, in addition to the vast contributions Bill made to our community; the resource library was established as a way of preserving his memory.
We ask that our PRA members give suggestions as to titles they would like to see available in the Bill Burdon Library collection. If you have suggestions, please feel free to contact a PRA Board Member.