Info

Publishers Clearing House was founded in 1953 by Harold and LuEsther Mertz and their daughter, Joyce Mertz-Gilmore. With mailings offering consumers an unprecedented array of discounted magazine subscription offers, the company soon became the largest magazine circulation agency in the industry, earning it a respected leadership position in the direct marketing field. From the start, Publishers Clearing House mailings generated mail response standards which even the most creative and sophisticated tests had a difficult time beating. Meanwhile, the company pioneered in mailing production and operational areas, establishing models for a growing industry. Not surprisingly many direct marketing industry leaders learned their craft within the walls of the company known as PCH. The name ,Publishers Clearing House, is almost synonymous with the sweepstakes launched in 1967 to draw attention to the magazine deals in company mailings. Since 1974, consumer response has been bolstered by TV campaigns -- now featuring the Prize Patrol, a team of PCH employees that travels to locations near and far surprising prizewinners of thousands and millions of dollars. Starting in 1985, the company,s product offering was broadened to include a wide range of merchandise including household and personal items, home entertainment, collectibles and more. Customer response has been so favorable that merchandise now accounts for the majority of Publishers Clearing House sales. The company launched its website, pch.com, in 1999, providing online means to enter the Publishers Clearing House Sweepstakes, additional prize winning opportunities and product offerings. Publishers Clearing House, a limited liability company staffed by 400 employees, is headquartered in Port Washington, Long Island, NY near the home where the founders (now deceased) started it all -- in their garage! The Mertzes' philanthropic spirit lives on with nearly half of the company's profits going to benefit charitable causes ranging from the arts to social services to the environment. The New York Botanical Garden, Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts, the National Audubon Society and the Alzheimer's Disease and Related Disorders Association are just a few of the major beneficiaries of PCH's more than 50 years of success.