GEICO Gecko Named a Favorite Advertising Icon

We Did It! Thank you, America.

WASHINGTON, Sept. 28 -- It took the GEICO Gecko only six years to make advertising history. The Gecko won the hearts of hundreds of thousands of online voters and was named one of two Favorite Icons in advertising for 2005. The announcement was made on Tuesday in New York, where the 25 nominated icons gathered for a round of special appearances and media events.

"We are extremely proud of the Gecko receiving this tremendous honor," said Pat Dubin, creative director in GEICO's marketing department. "Since the Gecko became part of GEICO in 1999, we have watched him grow into an outstanding spokescreature for GEICO. He's dynamic and cheerful, and everywhere we went in New York, people wanted to meet him, say hi and have their picture taken with him. He's a sensation."

The Gecko launched his Favorite Icon campaign in August, pledging to take his campaign to the people, which he did at dozens of GEICO marketing events around the country. GEICO associates helped in the final campaign push by referring their family, friends and neighbors to the online voting site, which may well have made the difference.

The Gecko, always modest, had this to say, "Thank you to everyone who believed in me and voted for me. I love GEICO and the wonderful career the company has given me. To my fellow associates, I appreciate your support. We did it!"

The second Favorite Icon winner announced in New York was Juan Valdez, representing the National Federation of Coffee Growers of Colombia.

GEICO has worked with The Martin Agency in Richmond, Va. on the development of the Gecko since 1999 to help brand GEICO.

"The Gecko," said Ted Ward, vice president of GEICO marketing, "is truly the only 21st century advertising icon to have reached such enormous popularity with the public so quickly. It's an honor that he was recognized so early in his career."

"He's cute, he's green, he works hard, he's got a great attitude, and he could save people a lot of money on their car insurance," said Steve Bassett, creative director of The Martin Agency. "Of course, they love him."

GEICO (Government Employees Insurance Company) is the fourth largest private passenger auto insurer in the United States. It provides auto insurance coverage for more than 6 million policyholders and insures more than 10 million vehicles. GEICO is a member of the Berkshire Hathaway group of companies. GEICO provides consumers with sales, service and claims capabilities on its geico.com Web site. Consumers may also contact the company at its toll free 1-800-841-3000 number. For more information, go to www.geico.com.