REDMOND, Wash., July 2, 2003 — Microsoft Corp. today announced the selection of two firms, GlobalHue and Lpez Negrete, to handle the creative development of the company’s ethnic advertising campaigns. Under the terms of their agreements, GlobalHue, part of the Interpublic Group of Companies, will be responsible for developing Microsoft’s African American advertising, and Lpez Negrete will create the company’s U.S. Hispanic advertising. Both firms will work alongside McCann-Erickson WorldGroup, the company’s general market agency of record and also part of the Interpublic Group of Companies, to ensure integration of Microsoft’s ethnic and general market advertising campaigns.
Microsoft selected the two new agencies after surveying an initial roster of more than 30 firms and conducting a series of invitation-only agency presentations with the 12 that qualified. The agencies were asked to complete a creative assignment, which was then presented to an evaluation committee in Redmond. GlobalHue and Lpez Negrete were chosen based on their demonstrated understanding of the ethnic audiences they serve and their ability to translate that understanding into strategic, creative advertising.
“Microsoft is committed to developing a strong technology partnership with the African American and the U.S. Hispanic communities,”
said Gayle Cruise, manager of Diversity Marketing and Communications at Microsoft.
“We’re very excited about the opportunity to work with GlobalHue and Lpez Negrete, because both agencies have a strong track record of incorporating strategic insights into an advertising campaign, and we believe that work will help us maintain and extend our relationships with both audiences.”
GlobalHue’s Miami office will be charged with the management of the creative development for Microsoft’s African American campaigns.
“African American small businesses are growing at a rapid rate but face unique challenges. GlobalHue looks forward to our relationship with Microsoft to help knock down barriers and enable these businesses to reach their full potential,”
said Don Coleman, CEO of GlobalHue.
Houston-based Lpez Negrete will lead creative development for the U.S. Hispanic efforts.
“We’re very proud and excited to have been selected by Microsoft for this assignment. Clearly, to have a brand like Microsoft on the roster is tremendous, but also, as an independent, Hispanic-owned agency, it is wonderful to work for a client that is equally committed to serving the community,”
said Alex Lpez, president and CEO of Lpez Negrete.
About GlobalHue
GlobalHue is the largest minority-owned, full-service marketing communications agency dedicated to multicultural consumer audiences. With offices in Detroit, Los Angeles, Miami, New York and San Antonio, GlobalHue provides its clients with African-American, Hispanic, Asian American and urban market expertise. As a full service agency, GlobalHue’s services include research, planning, advertising, events, promotions and Web design. All media planning and buying is handled by wholly owned subsidiary New Perspectives Media.
GlobalHue’s clients include American Airlines, Blue Cross/Blue Shield of Florida, DaimlerChrysler, Internal Revenue Service, Johnson & Johnson, Miller Brewing Company, State Farm, United States Navy and Verizon Wireless.
About Lpez Negrete
Lpez Negrete is an independent, Hispanic owned and operated advertising agency specializing in Hispanic marketing. Since 1985, Lpez Negrete has offered a full range of advertising marketing and public relations services to industry leaders such as Wal-Mart Stores, Tyson Foods, Bank of America, GEICO Direct, Goya Foods, Visa USA and Reliant Energy among others. With billings over $50 million and more than 60 employees, Lpez Negrete is a proven leader in providing fully integrated communications targeting the Hispanic consumer segment, which is now over 35 million strong.
About Microsoft
Founded in 1975, Microsoft (Nasdaq
“MSFT”
) is the worldwide leader in software, services and Internet technologies for personal and business computing. The company offers a wide range of products and services designed to empower people through great software — any time, any place and on any device.
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