Charlotte advertising and marketing agency Luquire George Andrews has won the N.C. state tourism account for the next five years, Charlotte Observer staff writer Mark Washburn reports.
During pitch meetings with the state, LGA offered proposals to promote tourism in fresh ways, including social media and other developing technologies, LGA president Peggy Brookhouse said Wednesday.
“Our point was that it’s a strong brand, and we just want to work with the division to enhance it and use technology,” said Brookhouse, who learned Tuesday that LGA had won the high-profile account beginning July 1.
Other major LGA clients include BB&T, Novant Health and Piedmont Natural Gas.
LGA was one of five finalists for the account, worth about $7 million annually, said Margo Metzger, spokeswoman for the N.C. Division of Tourism, Film and Sports Development. Every five years, the account goes up for review.
For the last 20 years, the tourism contract was held by Charlotte agency LKM.
North Carolina’s tourism industry benefits about 40,000 businesses in the state and attracts $17 billion in visitor spending annually, said Lynn Minges, assistant secretary for tourism, marketing and global branding for the N.C. Department of Commerce, in a statement.
LGA will be responsible for developing a marketing program to promote the state as a travel destination and film location and to promote North Carolina wines.
LGA will handle the contract in connection with the New York agency Development Counsellors International, which will oversee public relations.
Assistant Business Editor Alan M. Wolf joined the N&O in 1999 covering the business of health care. He became an editor in 2001, and helps oversee the paper's daily business coverage and Sunday Work&Money section. He lives in Clayton with his wife and two children. Reach him at 919-829-4572 or