Milwaukee-based Hoffman York has won tourism marketing duties for Montana, following a review that consolidated its roster of firms.
The $7M-a-year account attracted 11 bidders and was last reviewed in 2013. Bozeman-based MercuryCSC was the 10-year incumbent agency of record but did not pitch.
The Montana Office of Tourism released an RFP in April for the work, covering advertising, PR, digital and social media.
Meg O'Leary, director of the state's Dept. of Commerce, noted out-of-state visitors contributed $3.7B to Montana's economy in 2015. She said the state hopes to take advantage of the "efficiencies" of a consolidated, integrated contract, in addition to relying on "in-state and competitive market expertise."
Hoffman York is partnering with Shortgrass Web Development of Great Falls as its local presence. The one-year contract carries six option years.
Troy Peterson, CEO of Hoffman York, said "We are confident that our seamless integrated services offering and approach can deliver the vision established by Montana Tourism."
The Great Falls Tribune covered consternation among the state's agencies and some tourism officials that an out-of-state firm won the pitch.
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