Hotline

Michelin Tires to Make Final Cut

NEW YORK—Michelin this week is expected to make a cut to three or four finalists in the review for its $35 million account, sources said. The cut comes after the tire maker met with six contenders during the past few weeks. The shops are: The Martin Agency, Richmond, Va.; Merkley Newman Harty, New York; Campbell-Ewald, Detroit; Carmichael Lynch, Minneapolis; The Richards Group, Dallas; and Leo Burnett, Chicago. The incumbent is DDB in New York.

Mullen/LHC, Thomasville Furniture Split

ATLANTA—Mullen/LHC and Thomasville Furniture have parted company. The Thomasville, N.C., client confirmed that its eight-year relationship with the Winston-Salem, N.C., agency has been terminated. A review is expected. Billings are $8-9 million. This marks the third client loss since Long Haymes Carr merged with Lowe Group sister shop Mullen of Wenham, Mass., in January. Alabama Power switched to Harris Drury Cohen in Fort Lauderdale, Fla., in February. In April, Hanes put its account into review.

Tarheels Stick With Charlotte Incumbent

ATLANTA—The North Carolina Division of Tourism, Film and Sports Development has retained Loeffler Ketchum Mountjoy as its lead agency. The Charlotte, N.C., shop defended the $5 million account against a challenge by Rockett, Burkhead & Winslow of Raleigh, N.C. LKC has held the account since 1991.

Maryland Appoints MGH Advertising

ATLANTA—MGH Advertising has won the $1 million ad account of the Maryland state comptroller’s tax amnesty program. The Owings Mills, Md., shop defeated Gray, Kirk/VanSant, Trahan, Burden & Charles and The Guilford Group, all in Baltimore, and Earle Palmer Brown of Washington, D.C., in a review.

Martin Remakes Public Relations Unit

ATLANTA—The Martin Agency’s Martin PublicRelations unit has been renamed Slay Public Relations. The Richmond, Va., firm, to be headed by president Joe Slay, will be owned by Martin. Slay has offices in Richmond, New York, Los Angeles, Washington, D.C, and Nashville, Tenn.

GKV Adds Unwired Express Assignment

ATLANTA—GKV Communications has been assigned the marketing business of Unwired Express. The Baltimore agency bested several undisclosed shops for the account. Unwired Express in Columbia, Md., serves the wireless market. GVK will be responsible for strategic planning, advertising, media and public relations.

Tatham Changes Name, Gains Air France

CHICAGO—Euro RSCG Worldwide has shifted the $10 million U.S. account of its Air France client to the newly renamed Euro RSCG McConnaughy Tatham from Jordan McGrath Case & Partners. Both shops are units of Euro RSCG parent Havas Advertising, but Jordan was recently placed under Arnold, leading to the agency switch. Chicago-based Tatham will open a New York service office.