The Georgia Department of Economic Development (GDEcD) has selected McRae Communications to be its marketing and advertising agency of record. McRae will work with the department to bring jobs and travelers to Georgia. "We are very pleased to welcome McRae on board as we elevate our marketing to reach out to local, regional and global business partners and strategic industries," said Loretta Lepore, marketing and communications director for GDEcD. "Their experience matches the capabilities and resourcefulness we're looking for, and we anticipate a dynamic and creative partnership promoting Georgia as a great place to live, work and play."

McRae was selected after a competitive bid process. The firm's initial focus will be to support the state's re-branding efforts. McRae also will develop marketing plans, programs, ad campaigns, and events that support the agency's global commerce, tourism and film divisions. The efforts will include coordination of activities with departments within the GDEcD, other state agencies, and other communications firms currently engaged with the GDEcD. Billings are pending.

"Georgia's economic development and tourism initiatives are some of the most exciting marketing opportunities an agency could hope to work on," said McRae president Joe Snowden. "The State is positioned to leap forward in both prominence and in tangible success. Our team is fired up and ready to help make it happen."

The Georgia Department of Economic Development (GDEcD) is the state's sales and marketing arm. GDEcD is 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, promoting the state as a location for film and video projects, as well as planning and mobilizing state resources for economic development.

Other governmental bodies with which McRae has worked include the State's Department of Administrative Services, the Georgia Municipal Association and Main Street Fayetteville. Other past and/or present clients include Pathway Communities, American Express Travel Related Services, SCANA Energy, Prevent Child Abuse Georgia and GE Power Systems. McRae has also worked with Valdosta-Lowndes County and the cities of Washington, Fitzgerald, Kingsland and Thomasville to promote tourism and economic development.

McRae Communications has also been selected by Heritage Bank for its integrated marketing capabilities and market knowledge. McRae's work for Heritage Bank will be regional in scope and will focus on branding and marketing communications for the independent bank's commercial and consumer services.

"We were looking for a marketing partner who understands our business and region," said Jack Bowdoin, executive vice president and business development officer for Heritage Bank. "McRae has the expertise to help us advance our business, and is a good fit with our executive committee and culture."