The Design Group expands its reach into the hispanic market

LITTLE ROCK­— The 2010 U.S. Census revealed a paradigm shift in the demographics of the ethnic minority population, and one marketing agency, The Design Group of Little Rock, is poised to assist government agencies and private businesses effectively reach the emerging Hispanic market in Arkansas.Manny Sepulveda, a 15-year veteran of Hispanic grassroots outreach and a recent graduate of the University of Central Arkansas, has been appointed Director of Hispanic Markets at The Design Group, a multicultural marketing agency. One of the pioneering Hispanic marketing efforts accredited to Sepulveda is the creation of the Amigo Cup, the state’s first-ever soccer championship tournament comprised of all the Hispanic soccer leagues statewide.“We all know soccer is a national pastime for Latinos,” said Sepulveda, “but few marketers in Arkansas are able to creatively tap into this passion for soccer. We were able to bring Latinos to the University of Central Arkansas where they could see and touch a university actively seeking to increase its Hispanic enrollment; a branding technique that few promotional events can accomplish.Another milestone achievement for Sepulveda was the formation of the Arkansas Hispanic Contractors Association. According to Sepulveda “There are certain construction trades in Arkansas that are predominately driven by Hispanic labor. However, there was no mechanism to align this vital labor force with the necessary safety and legal requirements imposed on the industry. The association was created to fulfill that need, in language Hispanics understand, and in a manner conducive to their voluntary participation.”“Manny brings to our firm an impressive background and a unique insight to the science of market research. He has an exceptional wealth of knowledge into the various Hispanic communities throughout state of Arkansas,” said Myron Jackson, CEO of the Design Group. “He will be invaluable as we engage this rapidly growing population segment.”Hispanics represent the fastest growing market segment in Arkansas as well as the nation. “If you want to grow your brand then you should look into the Hispanic market, which as of now is an untapped consumer segment,” said Sepulveda.The Design Group is a full service multicultural marketing firm that offers expertise to organizations that wish to reach Latino, African American, Urban, and Youth consumer audiences. The Design Group is a leader in developing communication initiatives that bridge the gap between brands and today’s diverse rich marketplace. For more information about this topic or to schedule an interview with one of our marketing experts, contact Heather Broner at 501-492-4900, or by e-mail at: heather@designgroupmarketing.com.