MADISON, WI: The Wisconsin Department of Tourism is preparing an RFP for its PR business that it expects to put out to bid at the start of 2004.
The department spent approximately $500,000 on PR in the past year; spending levels for next year have yet to be determined.
The department currently works with Milwaukee-based Boelter & Lincoln for both advertising and PR, but is required by state law to rebid the contract every five years, said Jerry Huffman, department communications director.
The soft economy has hurt tourism in the state, although activity picked up noticeably around Labor Day, a sign that the worst could be over, said Huffman.
The state has several major events to promote next year, including a professional golf tournament, as well as the Grand Excursion, a Mississippi River-related event that commemorates the journey of Lewis & Clark. The rebuilt Green Bay Packers' Lambeau Field can also be capitalized on as a tourist attraction, he said.
