Essay Thirty-Seven

RJ Dale Advertising in Chicago thought it hit the jackpot upon winning the $38 million Illinois State Lottery account, beating out numerous general market agencies. But the African American-owned shop has faced a lot of suspicious scrutiny from Governor Rod Blagojevich, the media and more (MultiCultClassics reported the issues through a forwarded email in Essay Nineteen). The troubles inspired RJ Dale to present the press release below.

Readers are encouraged to review Essay Nineteen and take appropriate action. Plus pray RJ Dale’s Lotto numbers come through.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Deana Balfour-Williamson
(312) 644-2316
dbwilliamson@rjdale.com

Accusations of Mismanagement of Lottery Advertising Unfounded
RJ Dale Speaks Out on Recent Allegations

CHICAGO — (May 11, 2005) — RJ Dale is setting the record straight about the recent reports by certain media regarding RJ Dale’s lottery payments with the “controversial multi-million dollar” lottery advertising contract.

According to Robert Dale, president, “The media refers to the lottery contract as controversial, because we are the first African American ad agency to receive a multi-million dollar, general market ad contract with the state.” Dale continued, “We have completely cooperated with the state and with their auditors on each occasion that we’ve been audited. As requested, we have handed over more than 2300 documents to support work delivered.”

We have executed quality advertising and have only billed the state for work that has been executed. If there is a problem, it’s not a mismanagement of funds.”

For 26 years RJ Dale Advertising & PR has operated with integrity, priding itself on being honest and open with its clients. RJ Dale has never misrepresented billings or work executed.

Within the past year four audits have been conducted by the state, with some of them overlapping, causing some of RJ Dale’s original records to be in disarray and/or in the possession of previous auditors. With every audit launched, improprieties have never been disclosed. However, one audit after another was implemented against this African American ad agency.

Since winning the lottery general market ad contract 11 months ago, RJ Dale has delivered award winning ad campaigns that [have] helped boost lottery sales a record 8% in less than a year.

Recognizing the Governor’s concern to protect taxpayers’ dollars, RJ Dale is certain that submitted documents will verify and prove that the agency never mishandled the lottery account.

RJ Dale is a 26-year-old full service integrated marketing communications agency, owned by Robert J. Dale, President & CEO.

Since 1979 RJ Dale has been a family of marketing communications professionals dedicated to providing clients with the very best in strategic thinking, compelling creative, targeted media and superior client service. RJ Dale speaks the language of their customers.