Hotline

Florida Power Looks at Media Agencies

ATLANTA—Florida Power & Light Co. is conducting a review for the broadcast media portion of its $6-8 million account. Incumbent Beber Silverstein Group in Miami will defend against six undisclosed contenders. A decision is expected in November. BSG, which has held the account for 12 years, retains print planning and buying. The utility is based in Miami.

Dod/Pritchard Merges With Freebairn

ATLANTA—Dod/Pritchard Communications and Freebairn & Co. have merged. Staffers from D/PC, a business-to-business public relations company in Norcross, Ga., will move to F&C’s Atlanta office in Buckhead. D/PC co-founder Bob Pritchard is stepping down. Clients of the new operation include Georgia Lighting, YKK, Johnson Outdoors and Glen Eden Carpets.

Carrier Heating, Cooling Contacts Shops

CHICAGO—Carrier Corp. has sent out proposal requests to agencies for its $10-15 million advertising account, the company confirmed. The business has been at Euro RSCG Tatham Partners in Chicago since 1996. A representative for Carrier, which is headquartered in Syracuse, N.Y., and has offices in Indianapolis, said Tatham is expected to defend the business.

Drexel Furniture Evaluates 4 Finalists

CHICAGO—Drexel Heritage Furniture is considering four finalists for its $5-10 million advertising account, sources said. The agencies in contention are Euro RSCG Tatham Partners of Chicago, Fallon in Minneapolis, and New York shops Merkley Newman Harty & Partners and Young &Rubicam, which is pitching with BrandBuzz. The High Point, N.C.-based furniture maker’s ad business had been handled internally.

Rawle-Murdy Associates Recruits Johnson

ATLANTA—Christopher B. Johnson has joined Rawle-Murdy Associates in Charleston, S.C., as account director. Johnson most recently was a vice president at BBDO in New York, where he directed the Charles Schwab account. Prior to that, he was senior advertising manager for AT&T Wireless. Johnson was also with Foote, Cone & Belding and D’Arcy Masius Benton & Bowles.

Emergence Purchases Loyalty Rules!

ATLANTA—Emergence has acquired Loyalty Rules!, a consulting firm specializing in customer and brand loyalty programs. The Asheville, N.C., shop will change its name to Emergence Loyalty Rules! Terms of the transaction were not disclosed. Loyalty Rules! was founded by Dennis Duffy, who will manage the North Carolina office. Clients include Domino’s Pizza, RadioShack, Godiva and Lowe’s. Emergence is located in Atlanta.

Push Adds Grendha, Orlando Development

ATLANTA—Push has added Grendha Shoes and the Orlando Downtown Development Board and CommunityRedevelopment Agency to its roster. Combined billings are estimated at under $2 million. The Orlando, Fla., shop’s first assignment involves developing advertising for the Brazilian shoemaker’s 2003 product introductions.