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Health & Disability Advocates Awards Wirestone Agency of Record

Chicago-based Health & Disability Advocates (HDA) has named independent Wirestone LLC its first advertising agency of record, following a review. HDA, a national nonprofit organization, is coordinating a group of state health and human service agencies to develop a unified campaign about the benefits of hiring people with disabilities.

Billings for Health & Disability Advocates is expected to be approximately $4 million in 2009.

Wirestone bested seven other agencies in a pitch for the business, which includes branding the new national initiative, as well as developing and executing its entire integrated marketing strategy that is expected to include print and broadcast advertising. Blending the creation of a digital hub with a series of high impact traffic drivers, the campaign will target employers of varying size. The Wirestone assignment includes responsibilities spanning media planning, buying, and primary research.

"We couldn't be more excited to partner with Wirestone for this critical initiative," said Barbara Otto, Executive Director of HDA. "The creativity of their thinking on how we can achieve a needed sea change in the perception and hiring of workers with disabilities was truly a breath of fresh air."

"Winning the HDA business provides a dual benefit to Wirestone," said Brian Addison, Director of Brand Strategy. "First, solving their business challenge will truly enable us to showcase our expertise in blending strategy, creative and technology to drive measurable results. Additionally, we're honored to play a role in the social good of this landmark initiative."

About Wirestone

Wirestone, LLC is an independent marketing solutions company that helps global brands deliver superior targeted customer experiences through an integrated mix of results-based marketing strategies. Launched in 2000, the firm operates seven regional offices with 185-people throughout the U.S., and counts HP, Microsoft, Intel, Oakley, Motorola, Nike and other market-leading brands among its client base. (www.wirestone.com)

About Health & Disability Advocates

Health & Disability Advocates is a national organization, based in Chicago, Illinois, that uses multiple strategies to promote income security and improve healthcare access and services for children, people with disabilities and low-income, older adults. HDA's team of legal and policy experts provides a range of services including individual client services and legal representation, and customized trainings and technical assistance for a range of audiences, including consumers, service providers and state agencies. We also develop innovative projects and policies to protect and strengthen federal and state safety-net programs including Supplemental Security Income (SSI), Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), Medicare and Medicaid. For information on current projects underway at HDA visit www.hdadvocates.org and www.nchsd.org.