09.07 - Focus Multimedia is now Sensis

After nine years of proving conventional wisdom wrong, we officially announce our re-launch as Sensis (Sept. 20, 2007) LOS ANGELES – As the interactive advertising industry continues to grow and transform, so does one of its primary players. Focus Multimedia, a Los Angeles-based interactive advertising agency that specializes in multicultural advertising, announced today that it is changing its name to Sensis. “The new name ‘Sensis’ plays off the homonyms of ‘census’ and ‘senses,’” said Jose Villa, CEO and founder of Sensis. “With the word ‘census,’ we define who we target by acknowledging that minority and diverse segments are quickly becoming a collective majority. The word ‘senses’ suggests how the Internet and interactivity create a sixth sense that provides new stimuli to the entire population. The new brand demonstrates how this agency has grown during the past nine years and where it will take our clients in the future. We believe we can lead a movement of interactive advertising to to tap the maximum economic potential of diverse audiences online.” Founded in 1998, Sensis is a minority-owned and operated interactive advertising agency that is helping its clients capitalize on the more than $2.7 trillion buying power of Hispanics, African Americans, Asian Americans and gays and lesbians. Utilizing digital media platforms, Sensis has become an advertising innovator, benefiting from the untapped market of minority online consumers. The agency has made an impact for many of its powerhouse clients, including the U.S. Army, the California Lottery, United Healthcare, Johnson & Johnson, All Nippon Airways and Southern California Edison. “Companies are using traditional media, if any, to target minority groups. However, collectively, these niche markets’ purchasing decisions play a huge role in the success of every major corporation. You can no longer rely on traditional means to hit these markets. It simply isn’t enough.” Villa said. “With trillions of dollars on the line, companies must find an agency that understands how the cultural and social behaviors of these groups are affected by new media and can successfully engage these underserved markets using new platforms.” As an interactive agency, Sensis provides online media, marketing and Web development services. Its repertoire includes search engine marketing, e-mail marketing, strategy, analytics and emerging media capabilities, such as mobile marketing, RSS, blogs, podcasting and online video. In coordination with its rebranding, Sensis has launched a new interactive Web site (www.SensisAgency.com) as a resource for the multicultural interactive advertising industry. Included on the site is the Sensis Bureau, a question and answer tool that provides unique statistics to visitors and collects useful data for Internet market research. The new site will eventually be personalized, allowing each visitor to have a different experience while browsing the Web site. In addition, the site will provide daily commentary on industry trends, news, and off-beat goings-on at Sensis via employee blogs.