Notes

An alliance of advertising, marketing and public relations agencies headed by Boston-based Arnold Communications has been awarded a $225-million campaign to help cut consumer use of tobacco products. The campaign, described as the largest concerted anti-smoking effort in history, is being paid for with funds set aside in a settlement agreement involving 46 states and the tobacco industry. Several Los Angeles-based companies will be involved in the huge campaign. Los Angeles-based Imada Wong Communications Group will craft anti-smoking advertising aimed at Asian American consumers. Lagrant Communications will handle public relations in conjunction with marketing aimed at blacks, while Durazo Communications will be involved in public relations efforts aimed at Hispanics. Public relations, marketing and advertising agencies from around the country also are involved in the alliance.