The Zimmerman Agency wins Florida’s Anti-Smoking campaign.

The Florida Department of Health has awarded the $17 million Florida Tobacco Prevention account to The Zimmerman Agency, Tallahassee-based advertising, public relations and interactive firm. The campaign is among the largest marketing contracts for the state, and gained support from a voter referendum to increase anti-tobacco related programs.

“Like it or not, smoking affects every person that lives and breathes in the state of Florida,” says Curtis Zimmerman, president of The Zimmerman Agency. “We don’t advocate preaching to smokers — they don’t want to hear it — but we will make a connection between smokers and the affects of smoking, and let the outcome make the greatest impact.”

The marketing campaign is scheduled to be unveiled and launch during the Super Bowl in key Florida media markets. Initial executions of the campaign will appear in the first quarter of 2008. In addition to print, television and outdoor advertising, the effort includes heavy use of the Internet and additional awareness through public relations, promotions and
events.