PA Taxpayers to Save $2.6 Million on New Advertising Contracts; Pennsylvania Firms Win State Contracts for Creative Advertising, Media Buying

PA Taxpayers to Save $2.6 Million on New Advertising Contracts; Pennsylvania Firms Win State Contracts for Creative Advertising, Media Buying

HARRISBURG, Pa., Feb. 1 /PRNewswire/ -- Pennsylvania General Services Secretary Don Cunningham today announced the award of two new state contracts that are expected to save Pennsylvania's taxpayers a combined $2.6 million each year. Neiman Group of Harrisburg and Harmelin Media of Bala Cynwyd won contracts for creative advertising and media buying services, respectively.

In keeping with Governor Edward G. Rendell's focus on increasing opportunity for disadvantaged business, both contracts will include significant participation by minority and women-owned businesses. Harmelin is a woman-owned business, and 12.5 percent of Neiman's contract will be served by Pennsylvania-based minority and women-owned businesses, the Mendoza Group, Inc., Brown Partners, Inc., and Slingshot Marketing Consultants.

"This contract award continues the reduction of costs for the taxpayers of Pennsylvania in the purchasing of goods and services in support of Commonwealth programs," Secretary Cunningham said. "It also continues to increase opportunities for small and disadvantaged businesses to participate in state government contracts."

The Commonwealth expects to save nearly $1 million per year on the fees associated with the planning and placement of media (television and radio ads and billboards). In addition, the new contract for creative services will reduce professional fees by more than $1.6 million annually. The three-year contracts each have two, one-year extensions.

"As a Pennsylvania corporation, we are thrilled to be able to help promote the Commonwealth's programs through strategic media planning and execution," said Mary Meder, Harmelin Media President. "This is a wonderful opportunity to combine the buying power of the state and Harmelin Media."

"We couldn't be more proud," said Neiman Group founder and CEO Steven Neiman. "Proud to work with the Rendell Administration. Proud to be part of its Strategic Sourcing initiative. Proud to have the opportunity to do such important communications. And proud to have been able to meet the state's guidelines and creative requirements."

Today's announcement brings the total annual savings generated by Governor Rendell's Strategic Sourcing purchasing initiative to $121.3 million. The initiative maximizes the Commonwealth's buying power by aggregating the purchasing power of all state agencies.

The strategic sourcing "Taxpayer Savings Thermometer" can be viewed at http://www.governor.state.pa.us/governor/lib/governor/thermometer_chart_v2.pdf .

CONTACT: Frank Kane, Pennsylvania Department of General Services, +1-717-787-3197.


Source: Pennsylvania Department of General Services

CONTACT: Frank Kane, Pennsylvania Department of General Services,
+1-717-787-3197

Web site: http://www.state.pa.us/


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