Georgia Department of Economic Development Awards Advertising Contract to Engauge

ATLANTA, January 20, 2011 – The Georgia Department of Economic Development (GDEcD) announced today that Engauge, one of the nation's largest independent agencies, will be its marketing and advertising agency of record. Engauge will help the department grow Georgia's economy by bringing jobs and attracting business, tourism and entertainment investment to the state. 'We are glad to have Engauge on board to extend our reach to partners and prospects around the world,' said Greg Torre, marketing and communications director for GDEcD. 'We look forward to drawing on the deep experience and resources they bring to the table as we build out the Georgia brand in the global marketplace.' Engauge won the five-year contract through a state-mandated competitive bidding process, and will assist GDEcD in developing advertising plans, campaigns, media planning/buying and sponsorships that support the agency's global commerce, tourism and film divisions. The company will also assist with brand management, creative development and market research. Engauge has been GDEcD's digital agency of record since 2006.   'Georgia has an incredible story to tell to the world, and we are thrilled to play an even bigger role in driving business and tourism growth for the state we call home,' said Scott Hildebrand, chief consumer relationship officer at Engauge. About Engauge One of the nation's largest independent agencies, Engauge leverages creativity and technology to develop transformational ideas that connect brands and people. Engauge guides a growing roster of clients on the path to realizing the power of digital channels by focusing on driving results and sustainable growth for brands. The agency's client list includes Nationwide Insurance, DAD'S Pet Care, The Home Depot, Best Buy For Business, Chick-fil-A, Brown-Forman, Food Lion, Van Gogh Vodka, NGK Spark Plugs and more. Engauge, which has offices in Atlanta, Austin, Columbus, Orlando and Pittsburgh, is a portfolio company of Halyard Capital. About GDEcD The Georgia Department of Economic Development (GDEcD) is the state's sales and marketing arm, the lead agency for attracting new business investment, encouraging the expansion of existing industry and small businesses, locating new markets for Georgia products, attracting tourists to Georgia, and promoting the state as a location for film, music and digital entertainment projects, as well as planning and mobilizing state resources for economic development.