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Chrysler Semifinalist WithdrawsDETROIT—One of five semifinalists for Chrysler Group's $50 million multicultural account has withdrawn from the review. "We just didn't feel it was in our best interest to go forward," said a representative of A Partnership Inc., New York, an Asian American agency and one of the three shops in the Cooperative alliance. Cooperative also consisted of New York shops LaFinca Creativa, a new Hispanic-specialist subsidiary of Concept Farm, and PFI Marketing, an African American agency. A Chrysler representative said the four remaining agency groups will present credentials this week, after which the client will decide whether to cut to three finalists, as was the original plan. A decision is expected by June. Staples Sets Visits With 9 ShopsBOSTON—Nine semifinalists named last week in the review for the creative portion of Staples' $70 million ad account are preparing for visits from client officials before a cut to three or four finalists is made next month. In the hunt are Carmichael Lynch and Martin/Williams, both in Minneapolis; Hill, Holliday, Connors, Cosmopulos, Boston; The Martin Agency, Richmond, Va.; and New York shops Bartle Bogle Hegarty, Bozell, Fresh Grey, McCann-Erickson and Wieden + Kennedy. Incumbent Cliff Freeman and Partners, New York, declined an invitation to defend the Framingham, Mass.-based business, which it has held for eight years. Ace Hardware Hears Handful of PitchesCHICAGO—Ace Hardware will hear pitches from "three or four" agencies for its $40 million account, a client executive confirmed. Among those pitching are incumbent Campbell Mithun in Chicago, said Jeff Lapides, manager of advertising and promotions for the Oak Brook, Ill.-based hardware chain. Lapides said Ace hasn't decided whether the account will shift or whether the agency evaluation will result in a project. Fallon Debuts Purina One WorkCHICAGO—Fallon broke its first work for Purina One dog food last week. Television spots focus on the importance of maintaining weight for large-breed dogs and include the tag, "One can make a difference." Fallon won the estimated $30 million account last November after a review. Wisconsin Casino Picks Baltimore ShopATLANTA—Chess Communications trumped the Wisconsin competition to register its first new-business win. The Baltimore shop defeated four undisclosed Wisconsin contenders to land Menominee Casino Hotel's $1-2 million account. Chess will develop a TV, radio, print and outdoor campaign for the Keshena, Wis., client, building on the casino's "Where winning comes naturally" brand position. Bachman's Enlists Kruskopf OlsonCHICAGO—Kruskopf Olson was named lead agency for Bachman's, a Twin Cities garden and gift-store chain. The agency landed the account on the basis of print and outdoor work for the company that targeted new gardeners and young couples who had just bought their first homes. Billings were not disclosed, but sources estimated the account is worth $1-2 million.

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