The latter stages of 2011 were a big—and busy—time for Seattle’s first advertising  agency.

Founded here in 1931 by Arlyn Cole, George Weber and Mac Wilkins, the agency’s  aim was to bring Madison Avenue to the West Coast. On Oct. 28, it “celebrated creativity” and its 80th anniversary with a star-studded day-long event.

Then, in late November, the agency now known as Cole & Weber United launched the 2012 Summer Olympic Global Youth marketing campaign, targeting the next generation of Olympic fans ages 13 to 19.

Of the anniversary event, current CEO Mike Doherty said, “We’re proud and excited to celebrate our founders, our heritage and the clients who made it all possible on this momentous occasion…”

One exceptional panel featured creative directors who built their careers at Cole & Weber. The participants are shown in the photo above. The agency wrapped up the day with a get-together reminiscent of the “Brew ha ha’s” of years past at Elysian Fields in Pioneer Square.

The Olympics “Show Your Best” campaign integrates TV, digital and mobile platforms. The spot, which will air between now and the 2012 London Games, encourages youth to record their “best’ and submit it online to https://showyourbest.olympic.org. Users also can create a digital “mash up video”  that will see their videos mixed with historic Olympic moments.

Winners will be selected by a panel that includes Olympic athletes. Two winners will receive a trip to the Games.