McDonald's USA CMO Bill Lamar Receives Chicago Advertising Federation Silver Medal Award

The Chicago Advertising Federation (CAF) announced today that William Lamar, Jr., Senior Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer, McDonald's USA, will be awarded the 2007 American Advertising Federation (AAF) Silver Medal Lifetime Achievement Award. Established in 1959, the AAF Silver Medal Award recognizes individuals who have made outstanding contributions to advertising.

Lamar's leadership skills have been recognized as instrumental in the development and ongoing execution of the McDonald's "i'm lovin' it" campaign, which has been credited and celebrated for helping turn around McDonald's business. Lamar is known as a professional who continually strives for excellence for one of the most recognizable brands in the world. His success, personal values and commitment to the community continue to inspire those who know and work with him.

"This honor is quite humbling, but I know it's also recognition for all the people who've made McDonald's marketing so great over the years. I'm fortunate to be surrounded by talented risk takers -- from my own staff to our owner/operators and agency partners -- you never accomplish something like this by yourself," said Lamar.

Local advertising professionals bestow this distinguished award on those in their communities who strive to further the industry's standards while promoting creative excellence and social responsibility. Lamar will receive the award among his friends, colleagues and family at a special event to be hosted by the CAF, one of the nation's leading advertising organizations. The event will be at the Four Seasons Hotel June 28.

"The award not only honors extraordinary individuals in the advertising industry, like Bill, but also exemplifies contributions by individuals in the Chicagoland community," said Kay Granath, executive director for CAF.

Spearheading McDonald's marketing, business research and new product strategy for the world's most recognized brand, Lamar's unrivaled combination of vision, creativity, inspiration and continuous passion to push the limits of conventional advertising is credited with helping propel McDonald's U.S. business into ever-increasing market-share. Under Lamar's leadership, the company was honored in 2004 as the "Marketer of the Year" by Advertising Age magazine. Lamar was also named one of the most powerful African Americans in corporate America by Black Enterprise magazine. He is a sought-after speaker and industry panelist.

Lamar carries his leadership into his community involvement with his formation of the vibenetwork, which enables marketing and communications professionals from McDonald's and its agency partners to network and share best practices. He also proudly serves on the Board of Directors for Children's Memorial Medical Center in Chicago, the National Caucus and Center on Black Aged, Inc. in Washington, D.C., the Ad Council and the University of Illinois Chicago Development Committee. He is also a member of 100 Hundred Black Men of Atlanta and Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc.

About the CAF:

The Chicago Advertising Federation, now celebrating 100 years of serving the Chicago Advertising Community, is one of the country's largest advertising organizations. CAF is dedicated to the growth of the advertising industry in the Chicagoland area. Representing over 100 companies, the CAF works to increase diversity within the industry and to educate members and the community on advances in the profession. The CAF is affiliated with the AAF, which advocates for the nation's advertising industry.

About McDonald's:

McDonald's USA, LLC, is the leading foodservice provider in the United States serving a variety of wholesome foods made from quality ingredients to millions of customers every day. More than 80 percent of McDonald's 13,700 U.S. restaurants are independently owned and operated by local franchisees. For more information about McDonald's visit http://www.mcdonalds.com/.

First Call Analyst:
FCMN Contact: katie.hayes@us.mcd.com

Photo: Newscom: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/19990916/MCDLOGO
AP Archive: http://photoarchive.ap.org/
PRN Photo Desk, photodesk@prnewswire.com

SOURCE: McDonald's USA, LLC

CONTACT: Heather Deja of Chicago Advertising Federation,
+1-847-375-3676, or Julie Pottebaum of McDonald's USA, +1-630-623-7625

Web site: http://www.mcdonalds.com/