SYRACUSE, N.Y., Jan. 17, 2012 /PRNewswire/ — In a move that expands the reach of one of the nation’s largest independent marketing agencies into the Midwest, Eric Mower + Associates and Strata-G Communications, one of the top full-service, integrated agencies in Cincinnati, Ohio, are joining forces.

By expanding into the Cincinnati metro area, EMA will be adding the number-27 metropolitan area to its roster of offices. EMA’s largest metro is Atlanta, ranked at number nine. The agency’s other metros include: Charlotte, N.C., at number 33; Buffalo, N.Y., at number 47; Rochester, N.Y., at number 51; Albany, N.Y., at number 58; and Syracuse, N.Y., at number 80.

Separately, EMA has 215 professionals and estimated 2011 capitalized billings of $210 million, and Strata-G has more than 35 professionals and $35 million in capitalized billings. Together, they create an integrated marketing firm with estimated 2012 capitalized billings approaching $250 million and more than 250 full-time employees in seven offices in Buffalo, Rochester, Syracuse, and Albany, N.Y; Charlotte, N.C.; Atlanta, Ga.; and Cincinnati, Ohio. Strata-G will continue local operations as Strata-G/Eric Mower + Associates.

“The combination of EMA and Strata-G makes good business sense in many ways and brings two excellent agencies together. Combining our full-service capabilities, including strong digital and public relations expertise, and enlarging the footprint our organization makes, means more and better resources to clients, greater opportunities for employees, and a bigger profile to attract new and larger clients, regionally and nationally,” said Eric Mower, chairman and CEO of EMA. “By expanding into Cincinnati, EMA continues its plan for smart and timely geographic expansion in an orderly manner.”

Strata-G founders and principals Jeff Eberlein and Tony Magliano will continue to lead the Cincinnati office, and will join EMA as senior partners and board members. Strata-G’s key management team will continue to lead their client teams and all staff members will be retained as part of Strata-G/Eric Mower + Associates.

“Both firms have well-recognized specialty practices in the building and construction industry and financial services marketing, and are also both highly regarded for their expertise in brand promotion and retail merchandising,” said Eberlein. “By aligning our core specialty services and talents, as well as our b-to-b and consumer mix of clients and experience, we will have greater tools and resources to offer our clients.”

Eberlein began his career in radio and broadcast production before moving into the agency industry, helping to shape and grow one of Cincinnati‘s most successful integrated marketing firms. Magliano began his agency career as the lead designer at Hsiung & Associates before going to Martiny & Company, where he met Eberlein. Together, they acquired the six-person graphic design shop Hsiung and Associates and transformed it into Strata-G Communications in 1994—growing it into one of Cincinnati‘s most successful integrated marketing agencies. Today, the firm has more than 35 employees.

Strata-G has a reputation of creative, public relations and digital excellence; outstanding client service; and industry leadership. Synthesis360 is the firm’s trademarked process to engage, inform and persuade audiences via an integrated mix of advertising, interactive, social media, PR, direct and multimedia channels. Strata-G’s roster of clients includes TimberTech, Husqvarna, Bosch/Skil, xpedx, White Castle, CVG, Delta Faucet Company, EyeMed, Vantiv, Prasco, Convergys, and the Northern Kentucky Convention and Visitors Bureau.

“Considering how rapidly the industry is changing, we see this as a great way to stay ahead of the curve,” added Magliano. “We look forward to continuing our growth in this market and beyond.”

Strata-G has been an active participant in the local advertising community and the community at large. Members of professional organizations such as AdClub Cincinnati, the Public Relations Society of America and the Second Wind Network, Strata-G is chairing the 2012 AdClub Addy Awards, was the Platinum sponsor for the 2011 Blacksmith Awards and was recognized by the Cincinnati PRSA as mid-sized PR Agency of the Year in 2010. Strata-G has also been very involved in the Cincinnati community, providing volunteer hours and pro-bono services to service organizations such as The Requiem Project (Emery Theatre), Madcap Puppet Theatre, Cincy-Cinco Fiesta, Clifton Cultural Arts Center, The Drop Inn Center, the Salvation Army and Crossroad Health Center. Strata-G was a 2010 winner of the prestigious Best Companies Supporting the Arts in America BCA 10 Award for its involvement with the arts that enrich the workplace, education, and the community.

“This is a wonderful opportunity for our employees and our clients,” said Eberlein. “As part of EMA, a much larger organization with a more significant footprint, we are positioned for greater growth, enhanced services, and the ability to provide more career opportunities for our staff.”

“There is no such thing as big enough in our industry, not if you want to compete for the next tier of prospective clients,” said Mower.

Mower is active in advertising industry affairs, and serves in a number of professional, public and community service organizations. He has been involved with the American Association of Advertising Agencies (4A’s) for nearly 30 years, serving as director-at-large; national secretary/treasurer; chair of the Eastern Region Board of Governors; and chair of the New York State Council. He is the 14-year chair of the 4A’s Government Relations Committee, helping to guide state and federal legislation and regulation across the country. For nearly 10 years, Mower has served on the board of the National Advertising Review Council (NARC), the advertising industry’s self-regulatory body, which he has chaired since 2008.

EMA is an integrated marketing communications agency with specialized expertise in business-to-business marketing, public relations and public affairs, consumer advertising, brand promotion and digital/direct/relationship marketing. With offices in Buffalo, Rochester, Syracuse, and Albany, N.Y.; Charlotte, N.C.; and Atlanta, Ga., EMA serves clients throughout the United States. EMA also serves many of its clients through thenetworkone, the world’s largest independent network of advertising, creative, digital, media and marketing agencies covering 65 countries. EMA belongs to the American Association of Advertising Agencies and IPREX, a worldwide partnership of independent public relations firms.

For more information, please visit www.mower.com.

SOURCE Eric Mower + Associates