SMW HITCHES A RIDE WITH GO
By Adnews Staff
GO Transit gave its account to SMW Advertising Ltd. of Toronto last week. The deal covers the next two years with an option for a third year. SMW beat out four other shortlisted contenders for the $800,000 business. They were: Gee, Jeffery & Partners Advertising Inc., Padulo Integrated Inc., Montana Steele Advertising Inc. and MacPhee Jesson, all from Toronto. Incumbent firm Harrod & Mirlin of Toronto had to give up the account because it failed to meet the requirement of wholly Canadian ownership required for Ontario government accounts. The agency by True North Communications of Chicago last May. When the competition was announced in the summer, 73 agencies submitted letters of intent. Forty-five followed up with proposals. In a press release, GO said key factors in choosing SMW were the ability to negotiate private-sector marketing partnerships and to co-ordinate promotions with multiple partners.