Cultural Access is an outsourced marketing service company that provides clients with business development programs to reach high-potential "Culture Markets" (domestically and internationally) that have unique needs and expectations. The "Culture Markets" that the company reaches are ethnic markets, generational markets and healthcare markets. CulturalAccess plans and executes integrated and cost-effective marketing, sales and customer service programs that utilize their capabilities in market research, database analysis, strategic planning, telesales/services, direct mail, sales force support systems, sales territory management, product sampling and fulfillment. The company works with clients to identify business-building opportunities that have resulted due to changing marketplace forces such as the cultural segmentation of the "mass" market, and growing size and importance of the healthcare market. Industry expertise includes the pharmaceutical, telecommunications and financial services industries. Call Beth Broderson, Senior VP, Strategic Planning, 800-437-5200.

AHAA, The Association of Hispanic Advertising Agencies, presents their Fourth Semi-Annual Conference to be held in Miami Beach, Feb 5-7. Called "A Bridge To The Future With AHAA," the conference will enable professionals to explore the synergy and profit opportunities between the U.S. and Latin American Hispanic markets. Sessions led by some of America's most successful specialists will explore: Pan-Regional Advertising In Latin America - Reaching Those With Buying Power, with a panel of representatives from Turner Networks, Discovery Channel, ESPN, MTV Latino and TeleNoticias CBS; Television Commercial Production In Latin America - view a compilation of great commercials from Puerto Rico, Mexico, Central and South America; Usando El Internet - targeting Spanish speaking Internet users. Also, Direct Response Advertising; Understanding the Magazine and Radio Industries; Agency Affiliation - Pro and Con; and Sports Marketing - with ample opportunity for networking. For a registration brochure, call Claudia Perez, AHAA Administrator, 703-610-9014. Email: cperez@ahaa.org.

The African American Cultural Expo (AACE™), the nation's premier touring exhibition of African American history, arts, and commerce, will be held in Philadelphia on June 20-21; Washington, D.C. on August 8-9; and Charlotte, NC on October 10-11. The AACE™, whose mission is to promote cultural pride and unity, features exhibits that represent important eras and achievements in African American history, as well as appearances and autographs from "living legends." The AACE(tm) includes enrichment seminars, motivational speakers such as Dick Gregory, and readings/signings by best-selling authors. The AACE™ also showcases unique afrocentric fine arts and collectibles, clothing, jewelry, and performing arts. The AACE™ provides an opportunity for major corporations to reach thousands of African American consumers. In 1997, Chrysler, Western Union, American Express, Coca-Cola, and Bell Atlantic all utilized AACE(tm) as part of their marketing and community outreach. Contact Everett Staten, CEO, at 215-549-1600.

A recent study by Hispanic & Asian Marketing Communication Research, Inc. revealed valuable data about immigrant Asian families living in the U.S. Although many believe Asian immigrants become more acculturated the longer they live in the U.S., the study of Chinese and Vietnamese immigrant families in the San Francisco Bay Area found a vast majority of both groups speak their native language at home, regularly use in-language media, and frequently shop at Asian stores. Contact with their home country is extremely high, with monthly long distance phone bills averaging $100. Dr. Sandra Wong, Director of H&AMCR's Asian Division said, "As an ethnic market, Asians offer an appealing profile to a manufacturer, advertiser, or retailer. However, Asians differ in their preferences and habits, not only from the general market but from one Asian group to another. It is imperative to identify and acknowledge these differences when targeting this ethnic market." Contact Nancy K. Shimamoto, Marketing Dept., H&AMCR, 650-595-5028. Email: smjwong@hamcr.com.

For over eight years the TV program "Making It! Minority Success Stories" has related to African Americans, Hispanics, Asians, and others on one common ground _ business. "Making It!" is broadcast on Los Angeles "superstation" KTLA as well as San Diego, San Francisco, and Sacramento to the most ethnically diverse population in the U.S. This weekly, Emmy award-winning, small business show features fascinating stories of minority entrepreneurs that viewers can identify with, and provides special value added links for sponsors to reach consumers. Advertisers' messages reach a multicultural audience surrounded by a positive, influential program. Sponsorship or spots are available in the second and third quarters of the year; newcomers will join current "Making It! " sponsors ARCO, Bank of America, The Walt Disney Company, Pacific Bell, The Gas Co., Edison and GTE. A weekly one-hour call-in radio show is planned. Contact Nelson Davis, President, Nelson Davis Television Productions at 213-460-5253. Email: nelsonda@aol.com.

What direct marketing strategies work best to target America's Hispanic, Asian and African-American consumers? Find out when you attend the "Direct Marketing to Multicultural Markets" conference sponsored by the Institute for International Research. A distinguished roster of speakers will be available to answer your questions about varied techniques, including direct mail, telemarketing, direct response, online marketing and much more. Panelists include representatives from: American Airlines, AP Products, Black Enterprise Magazine, Mundo Deportivo Magazine, NetNoir Online, Pacific Bell, Filipinas Magazine, and Southwestern Bell to name a few. The Conference will be moderated by Multicultural Marketing Resources, Inc. All attendees receive a free six-month subscription to this newsletter. Conference fee, $1395. Call IIR, 888-670-8200.

Advertising Age, partnered with the American Advertising Federation and its Foundation, will examine the progress of ethnic advancement in the business world, in its second annual Diversity In Our Industry Special Report to be published on February 16. With particular emphasis on advertising, marketing, and media, the report will include discussions with industry CEOs, human resource managers and others about the problems and solutions involved in making the workplace culturally diverse. This special issue will also feature the college finalists of the AAF's Most Promising Minority Students competition, designed to promote national industry awareness of the talented minority undergrads soon available in the market. A special awards luncheon to honor these college students will be held on February 24, 1998 in NYC, where this special issue will be distributed. Don't miss this opportunity to reach the 344,000 advertising decision-makers who receive Advertising Age, and to make a strong statement about Diversity in Our Industry. Advertising deadline January 26. Readers of Multicultural Marketing News receive an advertising discount. Contact Lisa Skriloff, MMR, 212-242-3351. Email Infobrokr1@aol.com.

"Diverse-Media," a free Internet mailing list, is a joint effort of Multicultural Marketing Resources, Inc. and Cybergrrl, Inc. to showcase news and issues about women and minorities as well as corporate multicultural marketing activities. Subscribers receive weekly PR briefs specifically focused on women and minority issues, news and information including profiles from Multicultural Marketing News. Cybergrrl, Inc. specializes in information about women and technology/Internet. MMR specializes in publicizing multicultural news. Two steps to subscribe: First, send email to diverse-media-request@lists.cgim.com. Put SUBSCRIBE in the subject of the email and leave the message blank. Then, send a second email to Infobrokr1@aol.com. Put subscribe in the subject and, in the message, put your name, title, company, address, phone and fax. For more info call Lisa Skriloff, President, Multicultural Marketing Resources, Inc., 212-242-3351.

What do direct marketers worldwide need to know in order to successfully market to the emerging communities both in the U.S. and around the map? Find out this February by joining more than 400 marketers from around the world at The Direct Marketing Association's first annual DMA Emerging Markets Week Conference, to be held in NYC, and develop strategies to excel in these growing markets in the U.S. and in Latin America. Day One sessions, on Feb. 24, will focus on the major international emerging markets in Latin America. On Feb. 25, Directo Day, the focus will be on direct marketing to the Hispanic communities in the U.S. On Feb. 26, Multicultural Marketing Day, sessions will focus on direct marketing techniques to reach African-American and Asian-American communities in the U.S. Contact: Jessica Summerville, 212-790-1517. Email: jsummerville@the-dma.org .

May we brag? Multicultural Marketing Resources, Inc. was selected as a finalist in the Inc. Marketing Masters Awards which celebrates excellence in marketing innovation. MMR's newsletter, Multicultural Marketing News, was one of the top 30 contenders in a pool of over 380. Our previous 1997 awards: a Big Apple Award for the year's "Best Newsletter" from the Public Relations Society of America/NY and an Award of Communication Excellence (ACE) from the International Association of Business Communicators. To find out more about us, call Lisa Skriloff, President, Multicultural Marketing Resources, Inc., 212-242-3351. Email: Infobrokr1@aol.com.

The Chisholm-Mingo Group, following extensive work with major corporations to help them better understand their posture among African American consumers, now offers a "Crisis Management Evaluation Assessment," a rating tool available free to interested corporations. Thisevaluation measures a number of variables important to African American consumers. A company's rating is based on their commitment to the African American market, community involvement, product quality perception, employment record plus other important measures. Founded in 1977, The Chisholm-Mingo Group, Inc. is one of the pioneers in the area of marketing communications to minority markets. The "Corporate Value Ratings" is one of several unique processes that the agency has developed to help clients better understand and reach these markets. With billings in excess of $55 million, Chisholm-Mingo is a 100% minority-owned, full-service marketing communications and advertising agency helping clients such as Denny's Restaurants, General Motors Corp, Seagram Americas, The U.S. Army, Nationwide Insurance, plus others. Contact Samuel J. Chisholm, Chairman & CEO, 212-697-4515. Email: Schisholm@Chisholm-Mingo.com .

Strategy Research Corporation announces its fourth annual Latin American Market Planning Seminar to be held March 26 in Miami. During this full day event, updated figures from the Latin American Market Report will be released. The registration price of $495 includes a copy of the Report. With the many changes in such countries as Brazil and Mexico and the serious fluctuations in the global financial markets, planners, now more than ever, need incisive information to intelligently promote products and services throughout the hemisphere. Last year's program, a sell-out, attracted over 300 participants who listened to more than 15 speakers and panelists cover topics ranging from The Status of Television Transmission to Delivering a Global Message in a Regional Market. Early sponsors include: The Miami Herald International Edition, Miami International Airport, Lucent Technologies, BBD&O, Latin Trade Magazine, Newsweek en Espaņol, Genesis Press and United Airlines. Contact Marina Freedman, Director of Marketing, 305-649-5400.

With a ratio of seven men for every woman online, the Internet is fast replacing bars, bookstores and malls as the venue of choice for meeting men. Now, "Men Are From Cyberspace: The Single Woman's Guide to Flirting, Dating and Finding Love Online," a hip, new guide for female cyberdaters, provides insightful, funny, woman-tested advice for those who want to go from E-mail to real male. Authors Lisa Skriloff (MMR editor) and Jodie Gould offer reviews of the hottest romance Websites, the best chat rooms and newsgroups for meeting men, a glossary of cyberterms and emoticons, tips for safe cyberdating and practical advice for writing and answering online personals that will attract hundreds of eligible men. Visit their website. Call Chris Ahearn, Publicist, St. Martin's Press, 212-674-5151 ext 506. Email: MenAreFrom@aol.com.