Weber Shandwick is poised to receive a $2M extension from Massachusetts’ healthcare reform agency, a lucrative account it originally won in 2007.
The Commonwealth Health Insurance Connector Authority, which supports the state’s groundbreaking universal healthcare plan, puts its strategic communications out for bids in mid-September, receiving proposals from WS and another agency which officials visited on-site before making a decision.
Richard Powers, communications director of the authority, recommended WS get a new, 18-month contract at a Dec. 8 board meeting. The pact is valued at $2M for the first 12 months starting January 1, 2012, with a budget to be determined after that. The contract also carries three year-long options. He noted the firm’s blended rate of $190/hour is the same as its original 2006 pitch and WS does not take media commissions on any ad buys.
WS/Cambridge handles the account.