Multicultural Agencies Quietly Weather the Storm

At a time when most West Coast shops are tightening their belts, a number of agencies that target ethnic groups are quietly picking up steam.

Fueled by bil lings from clients eager to market to African Americans, Hispanics and Asian Americans, these small shops have largely been immune to layoffs. And many say they have seen steady growth.

Crossover Creative Group in Richmond, Calif., for example, has kept the staff level at 10 and seen billings grow from $6 million in 2000 to $15 million this year, executives there said.