• by David Kaplan , September 27, 2004

While the four hurricanes that have hit Florida and much of the Southeast would discourage some from making a move to the Sunshine State, independent shop Horizon Media Friday said it is setting up operations in Orlando.

The new office will be headed up by Lourdes Marquez, Horizon's senior vice president, and director of local broadcast. Marquez has been a with the agency since its inception 15 years ago and a local broadcast veteran for 25 years. She will continue to report to Aaron Cohen, Horizon's executive vice president and director of broadcast.

The Orlando office will be responsible for the buying of local television and cable for the Orlando, Miami and Tampa markets. The remaining Florida markets will still be purchased through the main New York office. Additionally, Ms. Marquez will seek to expand Horizon's contacts in the Hispanic business community.

Horizon Media currently claims billings of more than $1 billion. In addition to its New York City headquarters, the agency maintains full-service bases in Los Angeles, Atlanta and Amsterdam, Netherlands.