Press Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
MEDIA CONTACT:
Jemia Kinsey
(404) 433-9614
jemia@blhconsulting.net

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BLH Consulting, Inc. Adds Hispanic Marketing Specialist to Talent Roster
Ketchum’s Alejandra Cádiz-Gómez joins BLH’s team of multicultural marketing experts

ATLANTA, GA (Jan. 20, 2004) – BLH Consulting, Inc. (www.blhconsulting.net), the Atlanta-based, independent public relations firm founded nearly two years ago by Betsy L. Helgager, former VP/Group Manager of Ketchum’s African American Markets Group, announced today it is officially adding a Hispanic specialty to its African-American and general market capabilities with the addition of Alejandra Cádiz-Gómez, also formerly of Ketchum.

With more than eight years of experience with U.S. Hispanic and Latin American markets, Chilean-born Cádiz-Gómez joins the agency to lead the Hispanic marketing arm. She will spearhead all efforts dedicated to creating meaningful communications programs toward U.S. Hispanic and Latin American consumers. In addition to implementing media relations and holistic communications strategies, she will also provide translation services for websites, brochures, advertising and other marketing materials.

“Since its inception, BLH has consulted mainly on African-American and some general market communications-related programs and projects,” said Betsy Helgager, president and CEO, BLH Consulting, Inc. “Having seen how closely the African-American and Hispanic marketing arms and communications teams are aligned within companies, it only made sense for us to add Hispanic and Latin American capabilities. With the additional expertise of Alejandra, we’ll be able to offer new and existing clients a comprehensive package of cultural marketing solutions. We’re very excited about having her on board.”

Combined, African-Americans and Hispanics make up 78 million of the total U.S. population (292 million) and have a combined buying power of $1.14 trillion.

“Based on statistics put out by the U.S. Census Bureau, most brand marketers and senior executives know the importance of targeting Hispanic consumers within the U.S. but they do not always know how to do it in a relevant way,” said Cádiz-Gómez. “It’s more than simply translating English programs to Spanish. It’s about connecting with consumers and communities that have not traditionally been marketed to in order to gain trust and brand loyalty. We have the insight that can help build bridges between brands and communities.”

Alejandra joins a team of other talented marketing communications professionals at BLH, including Jemia P. Kinsey, Nathaniel B. Dyer, Nosizwe Chimurenga and Karen R. Grant.

About Alejandra Cádiz-Gómez

Alejandra Cádiz-Gómez has served as a public relations consultant to major clients within the U.S. Hispanic and Latin American markets. Most recently, she has worked on both the development and implementation of consumer brand marketing strategies for such clients as the Panamanian Tourism Board, Nokia and BellSouth. Cádiz-Gómez has played a major role as an English-Spanish translator for accounts including The Home Depot, Procter & Gamble, Bridgestone, The Panamanian Tourism Bureau and Nokia. She has also used her vast experience and deep knowledge of both the U.S. Hispanic and Latin American cultures to build relationships with key media in these markets. Lately, she has been leading the media relations’ efforts for Hemisphere, the non-profit organization that is promoting Atlanta as site for the FTAA (Free Trade Area of Americas) and the Hispanic media relations efforts for The Home Depot. Cádiz-Gómez is an alumna of the National Institute of Professional Education in Santiago, Chile, where she graduated with a Bachelor of Communications and Public Relations degree.

About BLH Consulting, Inc.

BLH Consulting, Inc., a full-service public relations firm, specializes in developing and implementing consumer brand and business-to-business marketing communications programs that are culturally sensitive and relevant in targeting African-American and Hispanic consumers. Select clients that have benefited from the expertise of BLH include: Concessions International LLC, ING Financial Services, National Court Appointed Special Advocate Association, and the MultiCultural Foodservice & Hospitality Alliance. For more information about BLH Consulting, Inc., visit www.blhconsulting.net.

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Biographies
Betsy L. Helgager l Alejandra Cádiz-Gómez l Nosizwe Chimurenga l Jemia P. Kinsey l Karen R. Grant