Texas Rates Anti-Tobacco Forces

The Texas Department of Health is evaluating six in-state agencies for a $4-5 million anti-smoking campaign.
Competing for the business are Tuerff-Davis EnviroMedia, Sherry Matthews Advertising and r.j. kolar, all in Austin, Inventiva of San Antonio, AB Graphics in Athens and Artworks Advertising of Killeen.
All of the participating agencies qualify as small, minority- or women-owned businesses, although the contract is not restricted to such. According to the request for proposal, however, 33 percent of the campaign’s funds will be used to target minority groups.
The funds for the campaign derive from the state’s $17 billion settlement against major tobacco companies.
The government contract is for a one-year period, with an optional year extension to August 2002.