Statement From Bob Johnson On The Passing Of Comer Cottrell, Jr., Founder Of PRO-LINE Corporation

BETHESDA, Md., Oct. 6, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- "The country lost a great and dynamic leader in Comer Cottrell who built the PRO-LINE Hair Care business into one of the top hair care brands for African American men and women.  But to me, the founder of Black Entertainment Television (BET), I lost a great friend, who, as a visionary and innovative marketing executive, became the first hair care owner to make the decision to advertise his hair care products on BET during its infancy. 

"Comer told me, at a time while BET was not as well established as black print or black radio, it deserved his brand's support because he was committed to the belief that black businessmen should be the first to reach out and help emerging black businesses that could expand the market opportunity to reach black consumers. 

"Comer and I became not only business affiliates, but more importantly, we became close friends.  I learned a lot by working with Comer. He was a brilliant businessman, a strong advocate of minority business opportunity, and a committed philanthropist to his local community and to national minority organizations.

"Comer's legacy is well-known to his family and friends and I believe it should be shared with all America."

Robert L. Johnson is founder of Black Entertainment Television (BET) and founder and chairman of The RLJ Companies.

About The RLJ Companies: The RLJ Companies, founded by Robert L. Johnson, is an innovative business network that provides strategic investments in a diverse portfolio of companies. Within The RLJ Companies portfolio, Johnson owns or holds interests in businesses operating in a publicly traded hotel real estate investment trust, private equity, financial services, asset management, automobile dealerships, sports and entertainment, and video lottery terminal (VLT) gaming. The RLJ Companies is headquartered in Bethesda, MD, with affiliate operations in Charlotte, NC; Little Rock, AR; Los Angeles, CA; San Juan, PR; and Monrovia, Liberia. Prior to founding The RLJ Companies, Johnson was founder and chairman of Black Entertainment Television (BET). For more information visit: www.rljcompanies.com.

Media inquiries: Traci Otey Blunt 240.744.7858 or [email protected] 

SOURCE The RLJ Companies

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