DMA NAMES DUNHAM NEW HOST OF ECHO AWARDS PRESENTATION

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

NEW YORK, August 5, 2003 – The Direct Marketing Association (The DMA) today announced that award-winning comedian/ventriloquist Jeff Dunham, along with his puppet sidekicks, will serve as host of the 74th Annual International ECHO Awards brunch. Dunham replaces Larry Miller who withdrew due to a scheduling conflict with his new television show. The awards ceremony will take place on Sunday, October 12 during The DMA 86^th Annual Conference & Exhibition at the Orange County Convention Center – South Theatre in Orlando, FL.

Dunham has been twice named "Ventriloquist of the Year," twice nominated for "Comedian of the Year" by TNN Music City News Country Awards, was voted one of the "Top 10 Showroom Entertainers" in Las Vegas, and was voted "Comedian of the Year" by Las Vegas Review. His television credits include "Hot Country Nights," numerous stand-up comedy series, and regular appearances on "The Tonight Show." Dunham has also toured with the Broadway musical "Sugar Babies" and served as an opening act for major stars, including Gloria Estafan, Julio Iglesias, Reba McEntire, Glen Campbell, Tanya Tucker, the Oakridge Boys, and the late Bob Hope.

In other ECHO-related news, round-three judging has been completed, and winners will be notified by mail within the next few weeks that they have won an award. However, Gold, Silver, Bronze, and special award status will not be revealed until the official ceremony on October 12.

Gold, Silver and Bronze ECHO Awards represent the top three levels of recognition in all business categories that will be awarded this year. Five further special awards will be presented as well: The DMA Diamond ECHO – representing the most outstanding "Best of Show," campaign; the USPS Gold Mailbox Award (sponsored by United States Postal Service) – presented for the most innovative use of direct mail; the Henry Hoke Award (sponsored by Hoke Communications) – honoring the campaign with the most courageous solution to a difficult sales problem; and to address the growing importance of marketing on the Web, the ECHO Digital Award – which honors the campaign that best applies new technology to execute proven direct marketing principles.

Adweek and Brandweek magazines will serve as media sponsors of this year’s Awards.

Additional information on The DMA ECHO Awards and presentation can be obtained online at http://www.dma-echo.org/home2.htm or by contacting Terri Edwards, ECHO manager at Tedwards@the-dma.org or 212 768-7277, ext. 1350.

The DMA is the leading trade association for businesses interested in interactive and database marketing, with nearly 4,700 member companies from the United States and 53 other nations. Founded in 1917, its members include direct marketers from every business segment as well as the nonprofit and electronic marketing sectors. Included are catalogers, Internet retailers and service providers, financial services providers, book and magazine publishers, book and music clubs, retail stores, industrial manufacturers and a host of other vertical segments, including the service industries that support them. According to a DMA-commissioned study, direct and interactive marketing sales in the United States are projected to have surpassed $2 trillion in 2002, including $126 billion in catalog sales and $34 billion in sales generated by the Internet. The DMA's Web site is www.the-dma.org, and its consumer Web site is www.shopthenet.org.

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[EDITOR'S NOTE: An embargoed list of 2003 ECHO winners will be available to the media beginning Sept. 1, 2003. All information is to be held confidential and not for publication until October 12, 2003. Members of the press may request advanced information by contacting Christina Duffney at cduffney@the-dma.org.]

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