illinoisChicago-based Ritz Communications knocked off 11 firms in a competitive pitch to guide PR and marketing for the Illinois Medical District Commission, a political subdivision of the Windy City encompassing $3.3B in healthcare-related economic activity.

The year-long pact is worth $200K. Firms pitching the work included APCO Worldwide, Jasculca Terman & Associates, Falk PR, Resolute Consulting and ASGK Public Strategies, among others.

Ritz, led by MSLGroup, Ketchum and Eli Lilly alum Elisabeth Ritz, previously worked with the IMDC on a revamp of its internal messaging.

The 560-acre medical district includes the Univ. of Illinois' medical school, two hospitals and two major medical centers, among other healthcare institutions.

The commission released an RFP in June to handle PR and marketing following the development of a new strategic plan and brand.