For Immediate Release
Media Inquiries: Sarah Malpeli
SMITH
(941) 315-1226
smalpeli@smithadv.com

SMITH SECURES CHARLOTTE COUNTY FLORIDA VISITOR'S BUREAU CONTRACT

FAYETTEVILLE, N.C. (Nov. 6, 2008)—SMITH, a fully-integrated marketing and advertising company, has received the contract renewal to maintain its position as agency of record by the Charlotte County, Fla. Visitor's Bureau. SMITH will continue advertising and public relations program utilizing a full range of print, broadcast and online media to further enhance Charlotte County's award-winning tourism campaign.

Located on the Southwest Florida Gulf coast halfway between Tampa and Naples, Charlotte Harbor & the Gulf Islands are prized for pristine natural beauty. The area features the state's second largest harbor, a 270-square-mile aquatic preserve teeming with marine life; 28 miles of uncrowded beaches and 200 miles of kayak- and canoe-friendly "Blueway Trails."

The area made a remarkable recovery following hurricane Charley in 2004 with many new developments completed or rapidly progressing. At the same time, Charlotte Harbor & the Gulf Islands has succeeded in maintaining its undisturbed ecosystems, wildlife and marine sanctuaries, and its old-world Florida charm through the development of a sustainable, year-round tourism program.


ABOUT SMITH
SMITH is an advertising and marketing agency driven by discovering what makes people who they are and what motivates their decisions, and then planning strategic communications accordingly. Headquartered in Fayetteville, N.C., the 33-year-old firm has offices in Raleigh, N.C. and Sarasota, Fla., offering fully-integrated services that include brand development, account planning, marketing research, interactive services and public relations. SMITH's clients include regional, national and global companies in travel and tourism, healthcare, consumer products, real estate and financial services. The SMITH team has honed its planning and creative skills on blue-chip and Fortune 500 brands including Hershey, BMW, Coca-Cola, ESPN, WebMD, Bank of America, Deutsche Bank and American Express, as well as leading travel destinations such as Hilton Head Island, Pinehurst, Augusta, Sarasota, and Asheville. SMITH is also a corporate partner and the agency of record for the Southeast Tourism Society. For more information on SMITH, call (800) 421-1973 or visit www.smithadv.com.