Sterrett-Dymond Advertising wins "Best of the Best" in Bank Marketing Association ad competition.

CHARLOTTE, N.C.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Oct. 11, 1996-- Sterrett-Dymond Advertising has won three Certificates of Excellence in the Bank Marketing Association's 1996 Advertising Awards Competition, including the "Best of the Best" award for a multi-media campaign.

The agency, headquartered

Bank of Mecklenburg President John Ketner says the campaign produced tangible results for the bank and its shareholders. Following a 5-4 stock split in May 1995, Bank of Mecklenburg's stock has risen from $9.50 per share in May 1995 to approximately $13 today. The bank, located in Charlotte, had assets of $260 million as of Sept. 30, up 50% from a year ago.

"Many factors have contributed to our bank's outstanding performance, but we're convinced the ad campaign was particularly beneficial. In a memorable way, it communicated what we have to offer," Ketner says. "There's no doubt it helped strengthen our stock."

Contest judges selected 63 Certificate of Excellence winners from approximately 350 entries of advertisements and promotional materials created in 1995. Of the 63, 16 were judged "The Best of the Best" for exceptional creativity. Other agencies winning "Best of the Best" include Ketchum Advertising in San Francisco and Ogilvy & Mather Advertising in Chicago. Sterrett-Dymond's award-winning campaign will be highlighted in the BMA's 1996 Best of Advertising Video and Best of Print Book.

Each entry was categorized by media type and bank asset size. A panel of financial services marketing and advertising professionals judged the entries on the basis of originality of creative concept, execution of production and fulfillment of stated objective.

In its 24th year, the BMA Advertising Awards Competition annually recognizes excellence in financial services advertising and promotion through television, print, radio, direct mail multi-media and on-line campaigns.

CONTACT: Sterrett-Dymond

Russ Dymond, 704/372-2707