Nov. 2, 2009 (PR Newswire) --

ATLANTA, Nov. 2 /PRNewswire/ -- Grizzard Communications Group, an industry leader in integrated, direct response marketing and fundraising, today announced it has been selected to serve as the agency of record for The ALS (Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis) Association. ALS is often referred to as Lou Gehrig's Disease.

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Grizzard will be leading The ALS Association's effort to create a more relevant message platform that will address a broader audience for support and build stronger engagement with donors. In these efforts, Grizzard will be working to expand research, develop effective messaging, and provide analytics and strategic guidance of direct and digital communication and production management.

"Grizzard brought a very strong strategic growth model for our organization as well as a high level of enthusiasm and passion for the cause," said Jane Gilbert, President and CEO of The ALS Association.

The ALS Association is dedicated to leading the fight to cure and treat Lou Gehrig's Disease through global, cutting-edge research and advocacy, and to empower people with the disease and their families to live fuller lives by providing them with compassionate care and support.

Donor support is a vital component of The ALS Association's communication platform, enabling the organization to broaden the reach of its messaging and engagement needs. Prior to its partnership with Grizzard, the organization conducted a single-track direct mail renewal program that incorporated e-mail solicitations in efforts to increase primary donor engagement. The Grizzard partnership will enable the organization to overcome a high concentration of one-time donors and upgrade donors for major giving.

"We have a great passion for a cure for ALS as it is a heart-wrenching disease that has affected several of our employee's families," said Debbi Barber, President of Grizzard. "The ALS partnership will allow us to utilize our skills in philanthropic branding, message development, integrated multi-channel and expanded digital implementation."

About The ALS Association

Established in 1985, The ALS Association is the only nonprofit organization fighting Lou Gehrig's Disease on every front. By leading the way in global research, providing assistance for people with ALS through a nationwide network of chapters, coordinating multidisciplinary care through certified clinical care centers, and fostering government partnerships, The Association builds hope and enhances quality of life while aggressively searching for new treatments and a cure.