By By Sheila Blackmon/The Meridian Star
June 8, 2001
Lauderdale County Tourism Bureau officials have decided to partner with Leading Edges Marketing, a local advertising agency.
Tourism Director Allison Beasley said she is excited about the new relationship. She said she feels agency representatives' background in the travel industry will benefit the bureau and draw more people to the area.
Beasley said the Bureau used Meridian-based Gianakos and Associates until the marketing firm closed in April, but it's a "healthy process" to periodically consider new advertising firms. She said tourism officials began selecting a new firm before Gianakos closed.
Besides that research, Leading Edges will be helping tourism officials develop brochures and calendars of events. They will help with media placement and serve as advisors, Beasley said.
Leading Edges founder Tony Pompelia said Gianakos' closing has had minimal impact on Leading Edges.
Pompelia established Leading Edges in May 2000. The agency offers advertising, public relations and design services to its clients.
He said Leading Edges now serves 14 clients. He said tourism staff members have worked hard to increase tourism influence in Lauderdale County and he looks forward to helping their new client build on that success.
Serving the Tourism Bureau will also benefit Leading Edges.
Sheila Blackmon is a staff writer for The Meridian Star. Call her at 693-1551, ext. 3275, or e-mail her at sblackmon@themeridianstar.com.