Newly Merged Utility Chooses McClain Finlon

Xcel Energy, the company that will result from the pending merger of Denver-based New Century Energies and Minneapolis-based Northern States Power Co., is consolidating its ad account at McClain Finlon Advertising. Billings are approximately $10 million, according to industry estimates.
McClain Finlon, an 80-person shop based in Denver, was the incumbent on the New Century Energies business. It picked up agency of record duties on that account in 1998. The other incumbent, Martin/Williams Advertising in Minneapolis, which has worked with Northern States Power since 1991, was also considered for the combined account.