Hotline

Census Hears Presentations From 3 Agencies NEW YORK-The U.S. Census Bureau last week met with at least three agencies vying to handle advertising for its Census 2000 program. Bates USA, Grey Advertising and Young & Rubicam, all in New York, made presentations, sources said. Some believe the three New York shops are the only finalists. Pending congressional approval, $100 million will be devoted to the effort. Navy Review Attracts Few Interested Parties ATLANTA-The incumbent for the U.S. Navy's $20 million account, BBDO in New York, may face scant competition in the current mandatory review. According to sources, only three agencies attended the pre-bid briefing on Aug. 5: DraftDirect in Chicago and Foote, Cone & Belding and TMP Worldwide, both in New York. All three shops, however, decided not to pursue the business. DraftDirect cited recent new business wins as its reason for dropping out. FCB's lack of category experience influenced its decision, sources said. TMP said, "We're stepping aside." Sources noted it was unlikely the account would leave BBDO. Agencies could still pursue the business without having attended the briefing. A Navy official said, "The procurement process is proceeding forward as planned." CME Snatches Healthcare Account From MVBMS CHICAGO-United Healthcare, Minnetonka, Minn., has moved its $18 million ad account to Campbell Mithun Esty, Minneapolis, from Messner Vetere Berger McNamee Schmetterer/Euro RSCG, New York, without a review. CME confirmed the move; MVBMS could not be reached. TBWA Chiat/Day Sets Relocation Plans LOS ANGELES-Executives at TBWA Chiat/Day last week signed a lease on property in Playa del Rey, Calif., an up-and-coming area that movie studio DreamWorks SKG plans to make its home. Agency executives last year said they would move from the famous Binocular Building in Venice, Calif., designed by Frank Gehry, to larger quarters. The agency plans to relocate in September 1998. Review Roundup Renaissance Hotels and Resorts named McCann-Erickson, New York, its worldwide agency. Billings were not disclosed, but industry estimates put the figure at $15-20 million. Bozell Worldwide previously handled the account. Marriott International, based in Washington, D.C., has agreed in principle to acquire Renaissance by year's end. Marriott has been a McCann-Erickson client since 1995. . .Invesco Funds Group in Denver this week expects to name contenders in the review for its estimated $5-7 million ad account. The mutual funds provider is sifting through 20 requests for proposals. The incumbent is The Boston Group, Boston . . . Merkley Newman Harty, New York, has withdrawn from the review for Thiokol Corp.'s $4 million account, leaving Gotham and Grey Advertising, both in New York, and Keiler & Co. in Farmington, Conn., in the running.

Brand Marketing

Hotline

Adweek Staff

About

Subscriptions

Events

Publications

WORK SMARTER - LEARN, GROW AND BE INSPIRED.

Subscribe today!

Adweek Staff