Connecticut, which brought in a roster of agencies last year to "rebrand" the state's marketing, has kicked off a review of its tourism and economic development efforts, a search that encompasses PR, branding, online marketing and similar tasks.
The Nutmeg State spends $12M annually – after cutting the budget to $1 in 2009 amid budget shortfalls -- to pitch the state for business development and tourism through its Dept. of Economic and Community Development and Office of Tourism.
It uses the tagline "Connecticut. Still revolutionary," developed by incumbent ad shop Chowder Inc. of New York.
FleishmanHillard (NY), The Harrison Group (Waterbury, Conn.) and Media Storm (South Norwalk, Conn.) round out the current roster. Their $22M, two-year contract expires in December.
General Electric, Pratt & Whitney and ESPN are among its key corporate residents.
The state said it will hire multiple firms or a single agency to handle the work. Firms do not have to be based in Connecticut to lead the account.
Proposals are due Sept. 18. View the RFP (link).
The Great Blue Wall Initiative, a global conservation effort aimed at presevering marine ecosystems and promoting sustainable ocean use, wants proposals from marketing and branding firms.
The Florida Department of Transportation wants to hear from firms interested in providing public outreach for its various construction projects.
Redmond, a city of 77K people located less than 20 miles from downtown Seattle, wants a roster of firms to develop crisis communication plans, and be ready to answer the call in the event that an emergency hits.
The Iowa Economic Development Authority is looking for a firm to handle its $5M annual strategic marketing and communications budget.
Colorado is accepting the qualifications of PR firms, ad agencies and marketing services companies that are interested in working for The Centennial State.
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