For Immediate Release
Media Inquiries: Audrey Whaley
Director of Public Relations
SMITH
919-876-5143
awhaley@smithadv.com

Charlotte County, Florida Visitor’s Bureau Names SMITH as Agency of Record

PORT CHARLOTTE, Fla. (November 16, 2006)—SMITH, a fully-integrated marketing and advertising company, was named agency of record by the Charlotte County, FL Visitor’s Bureau following an extensive agency review. SMITH will be conducting a comprehensive brand awareness, 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.

SMITH will develop new creative to feature the area’s two strongest tourism assets: a wealth of natural resources and the area’s welcoming hospitality. Messages will be designed to resonate with visitors who come for relaxation and recreation; and will also brand the area as an inviting year-round eco-tourism destination.

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.”

“We are excited to be working with SMITH and look forward to seeing the results and benefits of the partnership,” remarked Becky Bovell, director of the Charlotte County Visitor’s Bureau. “SMITH combines extensive industry experience with clear focus and creative, out-of-the-box thinking. I believe they will be a valuable, proactive strategic partner in sharing and implementing our vision for Charlotte Harbor & the Gulf Islands.”

SMITH president and CEO Gary T. SMITH said, “We are very enthusiastic about this wonderful opportunity to work with the Charlotte County Visitor’s Bureau. The undeveloped nature of this area, so rare for Southwest Florida, is an exciting message to spread.”

In compliance with County purchasing regulations, a request for bid proposals was issued in July. An independent selection committee evaluated proposals from six agencies, resulting in the selection of SMITH.

The area has 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 a fully-integrated marketing and advertising company headquartered in Fayetteville, N.C. with offices in Raleigh, N.C. and Sarasota, Fla. Now 32 years old, the agency brings in more than $25 million in capitalized annual billings.

Agency services include creative design, interactive and traditional media planning, Internet design and marketing, market research, direct mail, public relations and branding. SMITH’s accounts include tourism, real estate, medical, consumer products, financial and business-to-business marketing. For more information on SMITH, call (800) 421-1973 or visit www.smithadv.com.

About Charlotte Harbor & the Gulf Islands
Located halfway between Tampa and Naples on the Southwest Florida Gulf Coast, Charlotte Harbor & the Gulf Islands is Florida’s premier year-round eco-tourism destination. For information about area events, activities and attractions, contact the Charlotte County Visitor’s Bureau, 18501 Murdock Circle, Suite 502, Port Charlotte; (941) 743-1900, or call toll free at 1-800-652-6090 for a free Visitor’s Guide; or visit the Web site at www.CharlotteHarborTravel.com.