ICOM, the network of independent advertising agencies formerly known as the International Communications Agency Network Inc., admitted two minority-focused agencies to its ranks.
E. Morris Communications is a full-service agency in Chicago specializing in the African-American market for the past 16 years. Clients include Wal-Mart Stores Inc., American Family Insurance, Illinois Bureau of Tourism, Hefty and Abbott Laboratories.
Toto Group, as old as E. Morris, focuses on Asian-American marketing communications. Its roster includes United Parcel Service, Prudential, Nissan, Greyhound, AXA, Sprint Corp. and Sandoz.
Both agencies, whose entry swells ICOM's membership to 74, hope to benefit from the affiliation. ICOM members typically share best practices, talent and information. Affiliation also helps these independent shops compete better for accounts across markets.
E. Morris and Toto also strengthen ICOM's ethnic marketing credentials. The Viva Partnership in Miami and al Punto Advertising, Tustin, CA, account for ICOM's Hispanic-focused capabilities.
With headquarters in Rollinsville, CO, ICOM's constituents report collective billings of $2.1 billion. It is positioned as an alternative to the behemoth agency conglomerates that dominate global advertising.
