Burrell Communications/Chicago is forming a new agency subsidiary called Threshold Nation, which will focus on multi-ethnic urban male consumers age 18 to 34. Per Burrell, there are approximately 35.5 million males in the agency's target demo, and they have a combined buying power totaling close to $31.5 billion. The agency will seek clients in the apparel, electronics, spirits and grooming categories. "The launch of Threshold Nation is groundbreaking because this is the first agency ever that focuses specifically on this elusive segment who are today's influencers," said McGhee Williams Osse, Burrell's co-CEO.

Julian Jones will head up the creative department for Threshold Nation. Craig E. Stroud II and Asha Dickens will lead account management, and Emanuel Basnight and Myia Driscoll will be in charge of account planning. "More than just marketers, this dynamic team lives the Threshold Nation lifestyle and understands the importance of approaching the target ina way that is not only authentic but also attractive for brands to support," said Fay Ferguson, Burrell's co-CEO.

The Illinois Lottery has awarded Burrell Communications/Chicago a $6.4 million contract to provide public relations and advertising aimed at the African-American community.

Burrell won the business in a review that included three other agencies, including Flowers Communications Group, E. Morris Communications and Carol H. Williams Advertising. According to Sarah Cummins, marketing director for the Illinois Lottery, Burrell Communications stood out in the review. "They (Burrell) have a long and distinguished record of results and have worked with a host of top-named companies," said Cummins. The lottery contract was awarded to Burrell for an initial term of two years, with two one-year renewals possible.

Energy BBDO/Chicago is the general market agency of record for the Illinois Lottery, a state agency with annual sales of over $2 billion. Since its inception, the Lottery has contributed more than $14 billion to the Common School Fund to assist the state's public schools.