Waikem Selects Innis Maggiore as New Agency of Record

MASSILLON, Ohio (October 16, 2000) -- Waikem Auto Group, the largest auto dealership group in Stark County, today announced that it has selected a new agency, Innis Maggiore Group, to handle advertising and promotion for its 14 area automotive franchises.

Innis Maggiore, based in Canton, replaces Defalco Automotive, a Florida automotive specialist agency that had been serving Waikem.

Billings for the account are estimated at approximately $1 million annually.

Innis Maggiore was selected after an exhaustive search that included agencies from Canton and out of state.

"We wanted an agency that demonstrated a solid understanding of the local market and brought us a fresh perspective," said Doug Waikem of Waikem Auto Group. "Innis Maggiore was tops in both categories, and can also offer us research, public relations and other capabilities that many other agencies cannot provide."

Waikem Auto Group, established in 1957, is Stark County's largest volume automotive dealer, operating 14 different auto franchises ­ Audi, Buick, Chrysler, Daewoo, Ford, GMC, Honda, Hyundai, Kia, Mitsubishi, Nissan, Plymouth, Subaru, Suzuki. Waikem, a family-owned and operated company, employs about 250 people and had sales last year of more than $125 million. In addition to offering sales and services at its dealerships, all located on Lincoln Way East in Massillon, the company also markets cars and accessories at its website, www.waikem.com.