A Much Bigger Chill Warms Up Regional Interest

Chicago—Sub-Zero Refrigerator Co. is contacting agencies about what it claims is a greatly increased $8-10 million advertising account, sources said.

The Madison, Wis.-based company has contacted agencies in the Midwest and Southwest about its account, sources said.

There is no consultant involved in the review. Paul Leuthe, the company’s corporate marketing manager believed to be conducting the process, did not return phone calls last week.

Incumbent shop Kerker Marketing Communications in Minneapolis will defend the business, agency officials said.

Executives at Kerker, which has held the account since 1996, were not surprised by the review, noting it has been the company’s habit to evaluate its ad relationship every three years or so.

Kerker broke a campaign earlier this year that depicted off-beat characters customizing the contents of the high-end refrigerators to their lifestyles.

One execution shows a woman in a yoga position with cucumber slices on her eyes.