American Airlines Names Don Coleman Advertising As Its Agency Of Record For African-American Marketing

Jet, May 1, 2000

Don Coleman Advertising, Inc. (DCA) of Southfield, MI, the second-largest and fastest-growing African-American advertising agency in the United States, has been chosen by American Airlines to help it strengthen and expand its presence in the African-American market.

Selected after an extensive, nationwide agency review, DCA will work with American to develop a comprehensive marketing initiative that will cover everything from advertising and media buying to special promotions and public relations programs. This marks the first time that an airline has established an agency-of-record relationship with an African-American advertising agency.

"Don Coleman and his organization have an impressive record of accomplishment in helping major clients build stronger ties in the important African-American marketplace," said Mike Gunn, American's executive vice president of marketing and planning. "We look forward to working with the creative and energetic DCA team as we build on our own strong foundation and become even more active in the African-American market."

Don Coleman, chief executive officer of Don Coleman Advertising, said, "Our agency is honored to have the opportunity to work in partnership with American Airlines. We will be developing a culturally insightful and relevant marketing communications program that successfully positions American in the African-American community."

Based near Detroit, DCA was founded in 1988 and has more than 112 employees and annual billings exceeding $150 million. Widely recognized for its work specializing in the African-American marketplace, DCA was named by Black Enterprise as its first "Advertising Agency of the Year" in 1998. The agency's other clients include DaimlerChrysler, Kmart Corporation, General Mills, Domino's Pizza and Miller Brewing.

DCA is affiliated with True North Communications (NYSE: TNO), one of the world's top global advertising and communications holding companies, which acquired a minority stake in Coleman last year.

DCA operates as part of True North's New America Strategies Group, a network of multicultural agencies.

Last December, American named Zubi Advertising of Coral Gables, FL, as its agency of record for the Hispanic market.