AJC Inaugurates Civic Leadership Award; Doug Dowie, Fleishman-Hillard Are First Honorees.

Calendar Editors/City Desks/Assignment Desks

LOS ANGELES--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Oct. 31, 2003

The American Jewish Committee has selected public relations firm Fleishman-Hillard, and its Los Angeles General Manager Doug Dowie, to receive the first-ever Civic Leadership Award, in recognition of the many contributions the global communications agency has made under Dowie's leadership to education, inter-group cooperation and civic dialogue in Los Angeles.

"Doug Dowie and Fleishman-Hillard are to be commended," noted Peter M. Weil, AJC Los Angeles President. "Doug is a wonderful example of a dedicated business and community leader who has successfully promoted understanding and cooperation among diverse racial, ethnic and religious groups. The AJC is delighted to be able to salute his efforts."

In addition to providing strategic communications services to its clients, Dowie and members of Fleishman-Hillard staff are involved in myriad civic and charitable organizations in Los Angeles, including L.A.'s BEST, Los Angeles Chamber of Commerce, Library Foundation of Los Angeles, Leadership LA, Coro Southern California, Los Angeles Business Council, Los Angeles Center for Law and Justice, LA Works, Hispanas Organized for Political Equity, National Latina Alliance, LA County Young Democrats and Stewart Ketchum YMCA.

A 25-year veteran of news and public affairs, Dowie served as California State editor and Los Angeles bureau manager of United Press International, managing editor of the Los Angeles Daily News and was chief of staff to California State Assemblyman Richard Katz before joining Fleishman-Hillard in 1991. Dowie started the Los Angeles Public Affairs practice, building it into the largest in the city, while consistently lending his communications expertise on a pro bono basis to numerous civic and educational goals. He became general manager in Los Angeles in 1999.

The American Jewish Committee works to protect the rights and freedoms of all Americans; promotes tolerance, understanding and cooperation; advances the principles of human rights and advocates positions rooted in democratic values. Founded in 1906, the American Jewish Committee is this country's premier human relations organization.

Formal presentation of the award will take place at a dinner on February 3, 2004. Former U.S. Trade Representative and Secretary of Commerce Mickey Kantor will deliver the keynote address. The Hon. Leon Panetta, White House Chief of Staff under President Clinton, and a former U.S. Representative, will present the award.

Mayor Jim Hahn, City Attorney Rocky Delgadillo, City Controller Laura Chick and the entire city council are serving on the honorary committee, along with LADWP Commission President Dominick Rubalcava, LA World Airports Commission President Ted Stein, and LA Harbor Commission President Nick Tonsich. Serving as Dinner Chairs are many of LA's prominent business and civic leaders including Rick Caruso, Bob Graziano, Hon. Robert Hertzberg, Hon. Richard Katz, Dave Nichols, William Wardlaw and David Wiggs, and Fleishman-Hillard Chairman and Chief Executive Officer John Graham.

For information or to reserve a seat at the AJC dinner, please contact Susan Gotlib or Kathy Cucher at the American Jewish Committee, 310-282-8080 Ext. 307 or 320.