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Published: April 15 2015

FORT LAUDERDALE, FL -- Jordan Zimmerman, founder and chairman of Zimmerman Advertising, received the prestigious Horatio Alger Award this past weekend during the 68th Annual Horatio Alger Awards in Washington, D.C.

Jordan Zimmerman, founder and chairman of Zimmerman Advertising, delivers a moving speech after receiving the prestigious Horatio Alger Award on April 10 in Washington, D.C.The annual Award is bestowed upon accomplished leaders who have succeeded despite adversity, and who are committed to the belief in America's free-enterprise system. The honorees are also committed to philanthropy and higher education. For more information about Horatio Alger Association and a full list of its Class of 2015, please visit www.horatioalger.org.

Induction Ceremonies
Zimmerman and the Member Class of 2015 were officially welcomed into the organization during the 68th Annual Horatio Alger Award Induction Ceremonies in Washington, D.C. April 9-11, 2015. Associate Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas led the inaugural ceremony for the 12 Horatio Alger Award winners at the U.S. Supreme Court. This is the only day during any year that the Supreme Court is open for any activity other than deliberation.

"Words can't even describe how honored I am to receive this prestigious Award, become a lifetime Member of Horatio Alger Association and join other accomplished business and civic leaders in receiving this recognition," said Zimmerman. "To be recognized by Horatio Alger Association, such a renowned organization, for my perseverance, my work ethic, my professional success and my philanthropy is not only gratifying – it is immensely humbling. I look forward to supporting the Association's ongoing efforts to instill these important values in future generations."

The Horatio Alger Association of Distinguished Americans is a nonprofit educational organization honoring the achievements of outstanding individuals and encouraging youth to pursue their dreams through higher education. In conjunction with recognizing the Horatio Alger award winners, the Association honored its 2015 National Scholarship recipients, affording both groups the opportunity to meet and learn from one another.

Jordan's Story 
The grandson of Russian immigrants, Mr. Zimmerman was born in Newark, N.J. of hard work at a young age, he had his first job by age 8 when he sold greeting cards. As he grew older, he began Learning the value delivering newspapers, starting with 62 homes. A true entrepreneur, he grew his customer base to more than 450 homes, which required him to begin his route at 2:30 a.m. to complete all deliveries before school. Mr. Zimmerman attended the University of South Florida, where he majored in business and quickly developed a passion for advertising.

Following his graduation, Zimmerman applied to ten New York advertising agencies, but despite his love for the industry every firm rejected him. Mr. Zimmerman's entrepreneurial spirit drove his next move. With $10,000, he rented an office in a Fort Lauderdalestrip mall and opened the Zimmerman Agency. Under his leadership, perseverance and creativity, Zimmerman is now the 14th largest agency in the world with billings in excess of $3 billion annually. It also boasts many high-profile global clients including AutoNation, Dunkin Donuts, Party City, Michael's and Nissan.

"The determination that Jordan Zimmerman has displayed throughout his life is reminiscent of Horatio Alger's tales of overcoming adversity through unwavering perseverance," said Tony Novelly, president and CEO, Horatio Alger Association and 2000 Horatio Alger Award recipient. "We look forward to formally inducting Mr. Zimmerman into the Association this weekend, and my fellow Members and I look forward to working collaboratively with him to ensure the American Dream for generations to come."

Supporting Education
Deeply committed to giving back and paying the way forward, Zimmerman is particularly focused on supporting education. Through the Jordan Zimmerman Family Foundation, he generously supports his alma mater, the University of South Florida, where he recently contributed $10 million to name The Zimmerman School of Advertising & Mass Communications. Zimmerman is affiliated with the Make-a-Wish Foundation, Boys and Girls Club of Broward County, and dozens of other non-profit organizations.

Zimmerman's Awards & Honors
Zimmerman received Ernst & Young's 2012 Entrepreneur of the Year Award for its Corporate Innovator Category, the 2008 Entrepreneur Hall of Fame Award from the H. Wayne Huizenga School of Business and Entrepreneurship.  In 2014, Mr. Zimmerman wrote a book titled "Leading Fearlessly," which discusses his philosophy on how to achieve success.

Horatio Alger Association Scholarship Program
In concert with presenting its annual Awards, Horatio Alger Association administers one of the largest, privately funded scholarship programs for students in the U.S. and Canada. These students, like the Members, have faced significant adversities, but have persevered and are determined to overcome life's challenges. Scholarships are wholly funded through private donations from Members, Life Partners and friends. Since 1984, the Association has provided more than $110 million to promising students in need.

About Zimmerman Advertising
Zimmerman Advertising, an Omnicom Group company, is the leading integrated, retail agency in the country. Zimmerman's clients represent some of the most prominent retail brands in the country, including hhgregg, Nissan, Party City, Dunkin' Donuts, Tire Kingdom, AutoNation, Firehouse Subs, Boston Market, Extended Stay America and Michaels. Headquartered in South Florida, the agency has retail service offices throughout the country, including New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, Dallas and Nashville. For information on the agency, visit http://www.zadv.com.

About Omnicom Group
Omnicom Group (NYSE:  OMC) is a leading global marketing and corporate communications company. Omnicom's branded networks and numerous specialty firms provide advertising, strategic media planning and buying, direct and promotional marketing, public relations and other specialty communications services to over 5,000 clients in more than 100 countries. 

About Horatio Alger Association of Distinguished Americans:
Founded in 1947, the Horatio Alger Association of Distinguished Americans, Inc. fulfills its mission of honoring the achievements of outstanding individuals who have succeeded in spite of adversity and of encouraging young people to pursue their dreams through higher education. Horatio Alger Association supports students through annual undergraduate and graduate need-based scholarships and mentoring programs across the United States and Canada. Since 1984, the Association has awarded more than $100 million in college scholarships to deserving young people. For more information, please visit www.horatioalger.org.