Innis Maggiore Group, Monter Creative Design Announce Merger

CANTON, Ohio (October 27, 1998) - Dick Maggiore, president of Innis Maggiore Group, and Jeff Monter, president of Monter Creative Design, today announced a definitive agreement to merge the two companies to form a larger, stronger regional advertising and public relations agency.

As part of the merger, Jeff Monter will become creative director of the combined agency, which will retain the Innis Maggiore Group name. Monter Creative's four other employees will join Innis Maggiore as well, giving the company 24 employees.

This is a big win for the clients and employees of both companies," Maggiore said. "We have for many years viewed Jeff Monter as the top creative professional in the Canton-Akron area, and we're excited about having him on board. Jeff and his staff will enhance our creative capabilities dramatically."

Added Monter, "This merger immediately brings a broader set of services to our clients. Along with the design capability that has been Monter Creative's strength, we can now provide the advertising and public relations strategies that drive design. This is an excellent fit."

Maggiore and Monter expect the merger to be completed in early November. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

Both companies have been growing rapidly. Monter Creative, established by Monter as a one-person shop in 1995, now employs five staff professionals and serves more than 30 clients at its offices in North Canton. The agency won the prestigious "Best of Show" award in the 1998 Canton ADDY Awards, a showcase of the region's best advertising.

Innis Maggiore, with offices in Canton, reported 1997 billings of nearly $7 million, up 47 percent from 1996 billings. Through September 1998, billings are up more than 50 percent from the comparable 1997 period. The agency employs 19 people, compared to 14 at the start of 1998. Innis Maggiore's major clients include Republic Engineered Steels, Aultman Health Foundation, Smithers Oasis U.S.A., Camelot Music, Preferred Rubber Compounding, the Canton Cultural Center and Square Two Golf.

"Although both agencies have been growing rapidly, we've had some needs, and this merger meets them," Maggiore said. "By combining top-level strategy with top-level creative, we've created a much more powerful resource for helping our clients succeed."

As Innis Maggiore's creative director, Monter will fill a position that has been open for more than two years. He will be responsible for all art, copywriting and print and broadcast production activities and will be among the agency's principal executives.

Monter received his art training at the Columbus College of Art and Design and began his career at Wern Rausch Locke Advertising Inc. in North Canton in 1981. He served as art director there from 1983 to 1993. In 1993, he joined Communication Resources, a Canton-based publishing company, as its art director. He established Monter Creative Design in 1995, and has been its president and owner since then.

Monter lives in North Canton with his wife, Lori, and four children.