Hotline

Focus Lands First Client Since Loss of GTE
DALLAS–The Focus Agency here has landed its first piece of business since losing its sole account from GTE Corp. in February. Brian Hoekelman, manager of marketing communications for Denver-based long-distance provider Qwest Communications, confirmed that Focus has been given marketing assignments related to customer acquisition. Direct marketing will be the thrust of Focus’ work, Hoekelman said. Billings were undisclosed. Peter Kim’s Bright Sun consultancy in New York was hired by Qwest in May and remains brand strategy agency, Hoekelman said. Qwest is building a national fiber optic network slated for completion in 1998 and will sell use of the line to other telecommunication providers. Joseph Nacchio, former president of AT&T’s consumer communications services unit, is Qwest’s chief executive officer. Billings for Bright Sun’s portion were not disclosed at the time of the win, but Kim predicted it would be a “significant eight-figure” ad budget.

DDB Interactive Gets Seagate’s New Media
DALLAS–DDB Interactive here was named agency for Seagate Software’s new media assignments, including online product demonstrations and promotions. DDBI, a subsidiary of DDB Needham Dallas, will also handle media planning and buying and online advertising production to garner traffic for Seagate’s Web site (www.seagatesoftware.com). Billings for the account were undisclosed.

Gallup Tourism Account Travels to Rick Johnson
DALLAS–Albuquerque, N.M., agency Rick Johnson & Co. won the tourism advertising contract for Gallup, N.M. The contract–expected to be a one-year deal with an annual renewable option over the next three years–received unanimous approval from the board of the Gallup Convention & Visitors Bureau. The deal to promote the Northwest New Mexico city is the third public tourism account in the fold of Rick Johnson. The shop also handles the statewide New Mexico Department of Tourism account and Santa Fe County tourism duties.

Temerlin McClain Breaks Nortel Television Spot
DALLAS–Temerlin McClain, Irving, Texas, has launched a new spot in 30- and 60-second versions for Nortel Power Networks. The commercial, titled “Diner,” features two business executives who get unexpected information on multimedia network integration from workers at an eatery. The spot is similar to an execution that broke in May, which was set in a barber shop. The commercial is airing on CNN, CNN Headline News and CNBC.

For the Record
Nora Beverages, a private Canadian company with headquarters in Montreal and Stamford, Conn., is not owned by Coca-Cola Enterprises in Atlanta [Adweek, June 2].