Gov. Charles W. Turnbull announced Wednesday night that the international firm of Ogilvy & Mather will be the new advertising agency for the Virgin Islands.
On Oct. 10 the St. Thomas Source reported that O & M, the world's seventh largest ad firm, had been chosen to represent the V.I. but the official announcement was never made.
When acting Tourism Commissioner Michael Bornn was fired a short time later, Gov. Charles W. Turnbull reportedly withdrew the firm's appointment to allow time to review it.
In announcing the selection, Turnbull said he was immediately releasing $500,000 to the Tourism Department to begin a print and media campaign to counteract the bad press surrounding Hurricane Lenny's visit to the territory.
Billings for fiscal year 2000 are expected to be $6 million, far less than the $20 million Bornn was seeking to advertise and promote the territory.
Along with a broader print and media advertising campaign, Ogilvy will develop a USVI tourism website, according to a release from Government House.
Ogilvy & Mather has more than 377 offices in 97 countries.
The agency recently won five awards at the prestigious Communications Arts magazine's 40th annual competition –– arguably the advertising awards most highly regarded by the industry.
The work that will be included in CA's 40th advertising annual are Mattel's Scrabble campaign, Junior Scrabble campaign and three Junior Scrabble singles.
Other Ogilvy clients include Air France, Kodak, American Express and Jaguar.
Though Ogilvy will handle the territory's advertising, Martin Public Relations in Richmond, Va., remains on the job providing public relations services for the Virgin Islands.
For more information on Ogilvy & Mather, click here.
