Textured Coatings of America names Creative Connectionas agency.

LOS ANGELES--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Jan. 21, 1997--Textured Coatings of America has named Creative Connection of Pompano Beach, Fla., as its advertising and marketing agency.

Creative Connection will handle the development, production and placement of advertising and marketing support materials

TCA is the world's largest manufacturer of textured coating products for use in commercial and residential construction, home improvement, and transportation projects. The appointment of Creative Connection as agency of record is the latest in a series of ambitious marketing initiatives launched by Jay A. Haines, who was named president and chief executive officer of TCA earlier this year. "We are pleased to involve Creative Connection as an ongoing member of our marketing team," said Haines. "They have been a valued contributor in a number of recent projects, and have proven their ability to play an integral role in conceiving and carrying out innovative new marketing approaches."

Among the new marketing efforts undertaken by TCA in recent months are the use of interactive media, as well as innovative dealer programs and the introduction of new technology to reach both the residential and commercial markets.

Founded in 1961, Textured Coatings of America is the largest textured coating manufacturer in the world. Its proven interior and exterior coatings are fast becoming the preferred alternatives to traditional siding and ordinary paint. The firm's products include textured coatings, elastometric coatings, penetrating sealants and stains, non-skid deck coatings, anti-graffiti coating systems, and multi-texture/color wall coatings.

TCA operates four major divisions. The Home Improvement Division sells products to more than 300 independent specialist home improvement dealers, often working in connection with large retail home improvement chains. The Transportation Division serves specialist waterproofing and painting subcontractors to bridge builders, including work with governmental agencies which build or maintain highway overpasses and bridges, airports, ports, and other structures.

The Commercial Products Division sells to a nationwide network of commercial painting and waterproofing contractors, often working directly with architects and engineers to meet specifications for individual buildings. The Interior Products Division is composed of two groups, offering specialty coating systems and wallcoverings.

The company also operates an International Division with licensees throughout the world, including its most recent covering the continent of Australia. It currently markets its products in 22 different countries.

"By creating and supporting market-specific promotional, advertising and distribution methods, we have been able to maximize sales and minimize cyclical risk," Haines explained. "The marketing and advertising professionals at Creative Connection have demonstrated a unique understanding of our highly specialized industry, and have been instrumental in helping us develop innovative and creative approaches to our needs."

Creative Connection is a 10-year old marketing, advertising, public relations and design firm, offering comprehensive marketing and communications services. Its clients have included a number of large, international organizations such as Alcoa Building Products, Consolidated Cigar, Motorola, Pepsi International and Piper Aircraft Corp. In addition to full-service graphic design and advertising programs, Creative Connection produces extensive catalog, point of sale and direct mail projects, along with complete public relations programs and in-depth marketing research.

For information on Textured Coatings of America, contact Jay A. Haines, president and CEO, 1947 Camino Vida Roble, Suite 106, Carlsbad, CA 92009; telephone 613/431-8222. For information about Creative Connection, contact Terri Gottlieb, Media Coordinator, 2001 W. Sample Road, Suite 412, Pompano Beach, FL, 33064; telephone 954/968-0115.

CONTACT: Creative Connection

Terri Gottlieb, 954/968-0115