When Toronto-headquartered digital marketing platform agency DAC Group opened an office here last month, it was the second Canadian agency this year to set up a branch operation in Chicago.
DAC Group’s office at 444 N. Michigan Ave., with a local staff of five, is the eighth North American market for 42-year old Toronto-headquartered and management-owned company.
“We have a long-term lease and the office is backed by more than 270 employees throughout North America and we plan to recruit more locally later in the quarter,” says Marcel Labbe, DAC Group’s Chicago VP/general manager
Originally from Vancouver, Labbe transferred here from DAC Group’s Cleveland office. The local staff includes account director Trent Arkema and business development directors Jim Crago and Chris McNally.
Two of its Chicago office clients are WOW Business Internet and Data and Tiffin University of Ohio.
“Chicago is a spectacular city,” notes Norm Hagarty, Toronto-based CEO/managing partner of DAC Group. “The city’s promising business benefits, eclectic mix of arts appreciation and its business-driven culture create a balanced ecosystem for DAC’s continued growth and the prosperity of its employees.
“We couldn’t be happier to be joining the loop, delivering our services locally and engaging the city’s high-caliber talent pool.”
DAC Group’s other US offices are in New York, Rochester, Cleveland and Louisville; in Toronto, Montreal and Vancouver, Canada.
Last May, Toronto agency Cossette, put down roots here after winning the McDonald’s Owner/Operators of Chicagoland and Northwest Indiana business.
Located at 30 N. Racine in the West Loop, it opened with a staff of 12, led by executive creative director Chuck Rachford, who moved from DDB after a 14-year stint.
