Software Review Makes Progress
BOSTON--Progress Software, Bedford, Mass., has selected six semifinalists in a review to consolidate most of its advertising chores. Pursuing the $3-5 million account are: Mullen, Wenham, Mass.; Harpell/Martins & Co., Maynard, Mass.; Anderson & Lembke and Bates USA, both New York; Bozell Worldwide, Mountain View, Calif.; and Euro RSCG DSW Partners, Salt Lake City, according to Judy Neer, an official with Pile and Co., the Boston consulting firm overseeing the search. Cohn Godley Norwood, Boston, which handles the Aptivity brand, is among several shops working for the client. Agency president Ben Godley said his shop's portion of the business is not in play, a contention one client source affirmed last week. Dennis Moore, vice president of marketing for Aptivity, declined comment. Mike Mitssek, vice president of corporate marketing for Progress, did not return calls.
Fried Leaves McKay Fold
BOSTON--Chief creative officer Marvin Fried has split with McKay Fried Communications here. He joined the 35-person agency shortly after its founding three years ago. Agency president John McKay attributed the split to "philosophical differences" but declined to elaborate. McKay has bought out Fried's minority ownership in the shop. Fried did not return calls. Rob Murray has been promoted to creative director and will oversee the agency's six-person creative staff.
Mullen to Unveil Nextel Spots
BOSTON--Mullen, Wenham, Mass., this week will break TV ads for Nextel Communications, McLean, Va. Part of a $15 million national effort, the ads introduce the theme: "Makes ordinary cell phones seem ordinary." Three 30-second spots are running on ESPN, CNN, the Weather Channel and CNBC. Radio, newspaper and outdoor executions support the TV ads.
Acquisition and Expansion
BOSTON--Heagney & Ryan in Farmington, Conn., has acquired Windsor, Conn.-based Olivieri Communications. Patrick Ryan, formerly chief executive officer of Heagney & Ryan, will become chief executive of the combined organization . . . Grob Health & Science in Cambridge, Mass., has agreed to be acquired by Lowe Healthcare in New York . . . Irma S. Mann, Strategic Marketing in Boston has appointed Kimberly Fitzgerald director of the company's new office in Southfield, Mich. Fitzgerald previously served as vice president of marketing with the Metropolitan Detroit Convention & Visitors Bureau, an agency client.
Herald Pulls Ads
BOSTON--The Boston Herald last week yanked advertising from Boston radio station WBCN-FM after a disc jockey interviewed publisher Pat Purcell in a manner that Herald spokesman George Regan deemed "unprofessional" and "lacking in fairness and decency." Nik Carter questioned Purcell about the tabloid's coverage of race and homosexuality.