Nov-3-2008

In recognition of his pioneering work in multicultural and LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender) marketing, the Manhattan Chamber of Commerce presented Prime Access Founder and CEO Howard Buford with the "Breaking Business Barriers of the Year" Award at its annual awards ceremony on Tuesday, October 28th.

The Manhattan Chamber of Commerce Awards celebrate business leaders in New York City who have built outstanding businesses that also contribute to the economy and community. The Breaking Business Barriers of the Year Award recognizes a minority, woman or LGBT owned business that has successfully "made it" by breaking through the barriers that often face such ownership.

"Howard's outstanding work in the African-American, Hispanic, and LGBT communities exemplifies what the Breaking Business Barriers Awards is all about," said Brooke Reynolds, Executive Director, Manhattan Chamber of Commerce. "We are proud to salute a leader who has done so much in both the advertising world and in our community to advance equality and break down barriers."

Buford founded Prime Access in 1990 with the goal of creating a full-service agency specializing in URBAN MAJORITY advertising services, creating marketing communications that inspire African-American, Hispanic, and LGBT consumers.

Under Buford's leadership, Prime Access has become the nation's leading agency specializing in multicultural and LGBT marketing. Serving more Fortune 500 companies in the gay market than any other agency, Prime Access is responsible for some of the most influential LGBT campaigns of the past 15 years. Buford has twice been named to OUT magazine's list of the 100 most influential LGBT Americans.

Prior to founding Prime Access, Buford held high-level positions in leading advertising companies, including Young & Rubicam and Procter & Gamble. He is an alumnus of Harvard College and Harvard Business School. For his accomplishments and contributions to the advertising industry, Buford will also be receiving an Innovator Award from the ADCOLOR Industry Coalition at their award ceremony on November 16th in Boca Raton, Florida.

About Prime Access, Inc:

Prime Access Inc. is a multicultural advertising agency that offers a unique URBAN MAJORITYTM approach to advertising, marketing and media services. Prime Access links its clients' brands to the values of African American, Hispanic, gay, and urban youth consumers through a sophisticated mix of touch point management, including targeted advertising, direct marketing, media planning and community outreach. Its clients include some of America's best known Fortune 500 companies and brands.