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Progress Energy Initiates ReviewATLANTA—Progress Energy has called a review for its $8-12 million account. Atlanta incumbent BBDO, which won the business in 1999, will not defend. BBDO chief marketing officer Cathy Cohan said the parting was mutual. The Bedford Group here will conduct the review. About a dozen requests for proposals have been issued to shops of various sizes within a day trip of Raleigh, N.C., the client said. A decision is expected in May. The holding company is the result of Carolina Power & Light's acquisition of Florida Progress in St. Petersburg, Fla. EarthLink Considers 7 ContendersLOS ANGELES—Seven shops will see EarthLink officials this week in Atlanta to pitch the firm's $40-50 million account, sources said. Leo Burnett in Chicago will lead off on Tuesday morning, followed by McKinney & Silver of Raleigh, N.C., and Wieden + Kennedy in Portland, Ore., sources said. Crispin Porter + Bogusky of Miami is expected to present on Wednesday, with incumbent TBWA\Chiat\Day in Playa del Rey, Calif., set to go last. It could not be determined when Berlin Cameron/Red Cell or D'Arcy Masius Benton & Bowles, both New York, will pitch. Each shop is expected to have two hours to present at least two creative ideas. A decision is expected by March 1. Client of Fletcher Martin Ewing Wins AwardATLANTA—The 10th annual MAX Award for marketing excellence went to Precept for its promotion of the MC Lady golf ball. Fletcher Martin Ewing here helped relaunch the product for men with the tag, "Are you man enough [to play with the MC Lady]?" The winner was chosen from a group of finalists selected last month by Georgia State University's Marketing RoundTable. Intermark Picks Up Taco Bell BusinessATLANTA—Taco Bell Owners Advertising Associations in Birmingham, Ala., Chattanooga and Knoxville, Tenn., and Columbus, Albany and Macon, Ga., have chosen the Intermark Group to handle media planning and buying. Total billings top $2 million. The Birmingham shop won the business in a review against undisclosed agencies. Huey/Paprocki Grabs Apparel AssignmentATLANTA—Huey/Paprocki has been hired to advertise the sports apparel of Discus Athletic, a division of the Russell Corp. here. The Atlanta shop's print ads herald the market return of Discus following a hiatus. The media budget is undisclosed. SeaWorld Seeks Creative ConceptsCHICAGO—Busch Entertainment is talking to agencies about creative that positions SeaWorld as a place where people can connect with nature, a company executive confirmed. The theme park division of Anheuser-Busch in St. Louis is considering ideas from both A-B roster shops and outside agencies, said Michael LaBroad, BE's vice president of corporate branding. He said about six shops are involved, including incumbent GSD&M in Austin, Texas. LaBroad declined to identify other shops, but said they were of various sizes and offered a wide range of creative. Busch spends $10-15 million on SeaWorld advertising annually, per CMR.

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