A BellSouth Bows Corporate Image Campaign
NEW YORK--BellSouth this week launches a corporate image campaign that repositions the Atlanta company as a progressive

A BellSouth Bows Corporate Image Campaign
NEW YORK–BellSouth this week launches a corporate image campaign that repositions the Atlanta company as a progressive, technologically savvy provider of communication services, sources said. Six TV spots from Merkley Newman Harty here have been produced initially. A tagline was not available, but sources said the tone and style of the work was a departure from the previous “Chatsford” campaign. The ads were shot in Los Angeles with a budget that will substantially top last year’s $21 million, according to sources. MNH and the client declined comment.
A McKinney Wins Ad Work for Merged Parent
ATLANTA–Recently merged Whittman-Hart & USWeb/CKS, a global Internet service, has chosen McKinney & Silver and VSA Partners to handle advertising and branding, respectively. McKinney, the Raleigh, N.C., ad arm of the client, is charged with developing a global program to foster an understanding of the new organization’s brand. Chicago’s VSA is privately held. Sources said billings for the combined account would approach $50-60 million. The merged Chicago-based company will announce its new name March 23.
A ‘Truth’ Puts Dent in Florida Teen Smoking
ATLANTA–Teen smoking continues to decline in Florida, according to a survey of 20,000 students conducted by the state’s Department of Health. For middle school students, cigarette use has dropped from 15 percent in 1999 to 8.6 percent in 2000, a 43 percent reduction. For the same period, high school figures fell from 25.2 percent to 20.9 percent, a 17 percent reduction. Since Miami’s Crispin Porter & Bogusky began its “Truth” advertising campaign in 1998, cigarette use has declined 54 percent among middle schoolers and 24 percent among high schoolers.
A SMC Opens Division in Northern Virginia
ATLANTA–Siddall, Matus & Coughter has opened a new office in Northern Virginia to provide e-commerce consulting services. Patricia Woolsey, formerly chairman of the Fairfax County (Va.) Economic Development Authority, will lead the Tysons Corner division of the Richmond, Va.-based SM&C.
A Turner Fernandez Plans San Francisco Office
ATLANTA–Turner Fernandez Turner here will open a San Francisco office, primarily to service its new client, Simpata, in nearby Alameda, Calif. The operation will be headed by Elisabeth Mowris, previously an account executive at Folio Z in Atlanta.
A Luckie Is Alabama Silver Medal Recipient
ATLANTA–Robert E. Luckie III received the Silver Medal, honoring lifetime achievement, from the Birmingham, Ala., affiliate of the American Advertising Federation. He is president of Birmingham’s Luckie & Co.
A Brighthouse Confirms Buyback From Omnicom
ATLANTA–“Ideation Corporation” Brighthouse here confirmed the completion of its buyback from parent Omnicom [Adweek, Feb. 7]. Terms were not disclosed.