Conn. Preps Assault on Tobacco

Master Settlement Cash Spurs Activity in Constitution State
By David Gianatasio and Judy Warner
BOSTON–Officials with the Connecticut Office of Policy and Management this week begin mulling about 15 proposals submitted by firms hoping to work on the state’s first anti-tobacco media and education campaign.
Funded through the master settlement agreement between major tobacco firms and attorneys general in several states, Connecticut will receive $4 million for one year.
The program emphasizes, but is not limited to, paid media efforts designed to reduce smoking among children and adults, according to the grant award application.
Among the proposals received by the submission deadline earlier this month were pitches from about seven advertising and marketing companies, mostly pitching in tandem with other firms, said Maraide Sullivan, an OPM representative.
Mintz & Hoke, Avon, Conn.,