ATLANTA Five agencies have advanced in the review for the Tennessee Department of Tourism’s creative account, sources said.
Competing for the business are Tennessee shops Gish, Sherwood & Friends and Bohans, both in Nashville, Chandler-Erlich in Memphis, the Tombras Group in Knoxville and The Johnson Group in Chattanooga.
The Buntin Group in Nashville, Tenn., which won the media portion of the estimated $4 million account late last week, did not advance. Also edged out was longtime incumbent Walker & Co. of Nashville.
Agency presentations begin today, sources said. A decision is expected next week.
The Volunteer State ranks No. 12 in visitors with 38 million per year. California and Florida lead the U.S. with 110 million and 75 million visitors, respectively, according a 2001 report from the Travel Industry Association of America.
Tennessee ranks No. 20 in annual ad spending with $3.9 million, behind Virginia’s $4 million. Florida, with $11 million spent, ranks No. 1.
Tenn. Tourism Names 5 Creative Contenders
