Hotline

McCann Unseats GSD&M on Texas Tourism
DALLAS–McCann-Erickson Southwest, Houston, upset 10-year incumbent GSD&M, Austin, Texas, to win the $12 million Texas tourism advertising account, under the aegis of the Texas Department of Economic Development. The review was narrowed last month to three finalists: GSD&M, McCann and The Richards Group of Dallas. Richards withdrew before final presentations. The contract runs for two years with three one-year renewal options. McCann officials could not be reached for comment at press time.

Midori Liqueur’s Creative Account in Play
DALLAS–Five shops are being considered for the $3 million creative and promotional account of Allied Domecq’s Midori melon liqueur, according to the Southfield, Mich., client. Contending are: Square One, Dallas; Lois/EJL, partnering with Vertical Marketing Network, both Chicago; Flair Communications, Chicago; Steam Advertising and Design, Ann Arbor, Mich.; and Lois/EJL, New York (competing separately from its sister office in Chicago). There was no incumbent and no 1997 spending for Midori, per Competitive Media Reporting. Square One last week was eliminated from contention in a review for another Allied Domecq brand, Kahlœa. Still being considered for Kahlœa are Chicago shops Lois/EJL and BBDO.

Richards Withdraws From Trex Contest
DALLAS–Citing increased activity from current clients, The Richards Group, Dallas, withdrew from contention last week for the $3-5 million account of Trex Co. in Winchester, Va. Still in contention for the account are Campbell-Ewald Advertising, Warren, Mich., and Carmichael Lynch, Minneapolis. A decision is expected this week, according to Pile and Co., the Boston consultancy conducting the review.

Bromley, Aguilar Breaks Levi’s Ads
DALLAS–Bromley, Aguilar & Associates, San Antonio, last week broke three 30-second Spanish-language television commercials and six outdoor boards in Houston and Los Angeles for Levi Strauss & Co.’s Hard Jeans. One TV spot shows a pair of Levi’s being “ironed” with a hammer. Bromley, Aguilar won Levi’s estimated $5 million Hispanic advertising account in late 1996. The commercials will run through year-end on Univision and Telemundo.

Publicis Ends Ties With Computer City
DALLAS–As expected, Publicis’ work for former Tandy subsidiary Computer City officially ended last week when Dallas-based retailer CompUSA completed its $211 million purchase of the struggling 96-store chain. Publicis co-chairman Steve Price said the Dallas agency had all but ceased work when the sale was first announced in June. CompUSA plans to close or convert all of Computer City’s domestic units. CompUSA employs Italia Advertising, Chicago and Dallas, for broadcast creative and media duties.