PR Newswire | Aug 30, 2021 04:24PM EDT

#CIROCStands Campaign, Amplifying Stories of Black-Owned Businesses and Their Founders

08/30 15:23 CDT

Together with Sean Diddy Combs, CIROC Ultra-Premium Vodka Launches Newest #CIROCStands Campaign, Amplifying Stories of Black-Owned Businesses and Their FoundersCommunity-Centered Platform Celebrates Black Businesses During Black Business Month and Year-Round NEW YORK, Aug. 30, 2021

NEW YORK, Aug. 30, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- CIROC and Sean Diddy Combs continue their culture-shifting #CIROCStands initiative in support of Black excellence and achievement with their newest campaign, #CIROCStands for Black Businesses. Starting in New York City, CIROC will amplify the stories and successes of three local businesses and their owners, providing them with national exposure the CIROC brand brings and mentorship from renowned CIROC Black Executive partners. Black Business Month ends on August 31st, but CIROC wants to make sure that recognition of Black entrepreneurship is celebrated and promoted all year long. That's why CIROC's new campaign will consistently amplify Black-owned businesses through digital content on its brand platforms, as well as PR outreach and digital out-of-home advertising in different cities throughout the year, highlighting stories of achievement and success.

Experience the interactive Multichannel News Release here: https://www.multivu.com/players/English/8942551-ciroc-vodka-celebrates-black-businesses-cirocstands/

"We are thrilled to expand our #CIROCStands campaign to highlight the stories of three incredible Black female entrepreneurs who are not only successful but making an impact in their communities that will inspire future generations," says Ingrid Best, Executive Vice President, Global Head of Marketing, Combs Spirits. "These women personify Black excellence and achievement."

Kicking off the series in New York City is media personality and entrepreneur Angela Yee, who will host and visit three woman-owned businesses in Harlem and Brooklyn. Joined by Emmy-nominated photographer/videographer Steven John Irby, aka @stevesweatpants, Angela will interview the business owners to explore their stories and spirit of entrepreneurship and celebrate their dedication and hustle. To further support these businesses, CIROC will be redirecting their advertising dollars to feature these businesses together with the CIROC brand on billboards in Times Square and each ground-breaking female founder will be paired with one of CIROC's Black Executive partners, who will provide mentorship.

"As a brand, we are committed to amplifying and celebrating Black voices across the country and giving a platform to Black changemakers and their ongoing work," says Adrienne Cuschieri, Brand Director of CIROC. "Through #CIROCStands, we are proud to partner with leaders in their communities to share positive and powerful messages that spread joy and celebrate those defining culture and shaping the future."

The New York City profiles include:

* The Bark Shoppe, Harlem's first and only 24-hour dog care facility. Founder Melissa Mitchner hopes to be "a brand that old Harlem can identify with, and new Harlem can appreciate." She will be mentored by Senior Vice President, Urban Promotions & Artist Relations at Def Jam Records Natina Nimene, who is committed to using her voice and resources for change. * The Bakery on Bergen, a small Black/Asian woman-owned business located in the heart of Prospect Heights. Community-focused owner Akim Vann will be paired with Executive Vice President of Programming at iHeart Media Thea Mitchem, the conglomerate's highest-ranking woman of color. * Ursula Stephen The Salon, a boutique salon that has been described as "Urban Posh," the perfect mixture between city chic and the flavor of Brooklyn. Founder and celebrity stylist Ursula Stephen will be paired with Brandice Daniel, Founder and CEO of Harlem's Fashion Row (HFR), the most prestigious platform for multicultural fashion designers.

To learn more about the #CIROCStands platform, the featured businesses and business owners in this campaign and the next cities and Black businesses to be amplified with the CIROC brand, visit @CIROC on Instagram.

About CIROC Ultra-Premium VodkaCIROC Ultra-Premium Vodka is gluten-free and distilled from fine French grapes; a process inspired by over a century of wine-making expertise and craftsmanship, providing a crisp, clean taste and citrus nose. Launched nationwide in January 2003, DIAGEO - the world's largest spirits and beer company - made spirits history in October 2007 by entering into a strategic alliance with entertainment entrepreneur Sean Diddy Combs, in which Mr. Combs and Combs Enterprises assumed the lead on all brand management activities for CIROC. The flavor portfolio includes CIROC RED BERRY, CIROC COCONUT, CIROC PEACH, CIROC PINEAPPLE, CIROC APPLE, CIROC MANGO and CIROC SUMMER WATERMELON. In June 2018, Sean Diddy Combs and Makers of CIROC entered the brown spirits category with the introduction of CIROC VS, Fine French Brandy. Please drink responsibly. Must be 21+ to enjoy.

About DIAGEO North AmericaDIAGEO is a global leader in beverage alcohol with an outstanding collection of brands including Johnnie Walker, Crown Royal, Bulleit and Buchanan's whiskies, Smirnoff, Croc and Ketel One vodkas, Casamigos, DeLeon and Don Julio tequilas, Captain Morgan, Baileys, Tanqueray and Guinness.

DIAGEO is listed on both the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE: DEO) and the London Stock Exchange (LSE: DGE) and their products are sold in more than 180 countries around the world.

For more information about DIAGEO, their people, brands, and performance, visit www.diageo.com. Visit DIAGEO'S global responsible drinking resource, www.DRINKiQ.com, for information, initiatives, and ways to share best practice. Follow at Twitter and Instagram for news and information about DIAGEO North America: @Diageo_NA.

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SOURCE Diageo