We Did It! Thank you, America.
WASHINGTON, Sept. 28 /PRNewswire/ -- It took the GEICO Gecko only six
years to make advertising history. The Gecko won the hearts of hundreds of
thousands of online voters and was named one of two Favorite Icons in
advertising for 2005. The announcement was made on Tuesday in New York, where
the 25 nominated icons gathered for a round of special appearances and media
events.
"We are extremely proud of the Gecko receiving this tremendous honor,"
said Pat Dubin, creative director in GEICO's marketing department. "Since the
Gecko became part of GEICO in 1999, we have watched him grow into an
outstanding spokescreature for GEICO. He's dynamic and cheerful, and
everywhere we went in New York, people wanted to meet him, say hi and have
their picture taken with him. He's a sensation."
The Gecko launched his Favorite Icon campaign in August, pledging to take
his campaign to the people, which he did at dozens of GEICO marketing events
around the country. GEICO associates helped in the final campaign push by
referring their family, friends and neighbors to the online voting site, which
may well have made the difference.
The Gecko, always modest, had this to say, "Thank you to everyone who
believed in me and voted for me. I love GEICO and the wonderful career the
company has given me. To my fellow associates, I appreciate your support. We
did it!"
The second Favorite Icon winner announced in New York was Juan Valdez,
representing the National Federation of Coffee Growers of Colombia.
GEICO has worked with The Martin Agency in Richmond, Va. on the
development of the Gecko since 1999 to help brand GEICO.
"The Gecko," said Ted Ward, vice president of GEICO marketing, "is truly
the only 21st century advertising icon to have reached such enormous
popularity with the public so quickly. It's an honor that he was recognized so
early in his career."
"He's cute, he's green, he works hard, he's got a great attitude, and he
could save people a lot of money on their car insurance," said Steve Bassett,
creative director of The Martin Agency. "Of course, they love him."
GEICO (Government Employees Insurance Company) is the fourth largest
private passenger auto insurer in the United States. It provides auto
insurance coverage for more than 6 million policyholders and insures more than
10 million vehicles. GEICO is a member of the Berkshire Hathaway group of
companies. GEICO provides consumers with sales, service and claims
capabilities on its geico.com Web site. Consumers may also contact the
company at its toll free 1-800-841-3000 number. For more information, go to
http://www.geico.com.
SOURCE GEICO
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Related links:
http://www.geico.com
CONTACT:
Christine Tasher of GEICO, +1-301-986-3271,
or ctasher@geico.com
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