by Max Marbut
Staff Writer
If the first three months of the year are any indication, 2008 will turn out to be a most exciting year, according to Dalton Agency President Jim Dalton.
The advertising and public relations firm has landed several new accounts since moving to its headquarters Downtown on West Monroe Street. According to figures provided by the agency, $11.5 million in annual billing has been added in the first quarter of 2008.
Joining Dalton’s client list are EverBank, Tallahassee-based Credit Union 24 and the McDonald’s cooperatives in Orlando and Savannah. Ten people have joined Dalton’s staff recently and the agency is opening an office in Orlando to service the McDonald’s account as well as create an environment for future account growth in central Florida.
“It’s been an exciting and rewarding past few months,” said Dalton. “Adding the new accounts as we continued our award-winning work servicing our present clients while relocating our offices was a tremendous accomplishment and a great way to start what will be a banner year for us.”
Last month, Dalton became the agency-of-record for Jacksonville-based EverBank and will develop interactive on-line strategies and advertising campaigns aimed at increasing the bank’s account base.
The agency is working with Credit Union 24 in the areas of marketing, advertising, public relations and media buying. Dalton also provides online and interactive components for Credit Union 24’s Web site, www.cu24.com.
The agency has worked with the Jacksonville McDonald’s cooperative for more than 10 years. The addition of the two new markets means Dalton will work with McDonald’s owners and operators from Melbourne, Fla. to Beaufort, S.C.
“You’ll see different campaigns in different areas, but we will also be able to coordinate the campaigns,” said Dalton Executive Vice President Michael Munz.
Dalton will open a five-person office in Orlando to serve the cooperative while also working to generate new business. The agency also has offices in Tampa and Savannah.
“McDonald’s is our main focus, but the long-range plan is to build the Dalton Agency in the Orlando area. By the end of the year, we will be proactively seeking opportunities,” said Munz.