Child's Play Communications was tapped by Filip Technologies to support the launch of its FiLIP2 next generation wearable phone, smart locator and watch for kids ages 4-11. The agency will handle media relations targeted to parents as well as blogger management. FiLIP 2 allows parents to call, text and locate their child from their mobile device. "Child's Play Communications is an expert at reaching moms and dads -- our target market," said Sten Kirkbak, founder and CCO of Filip Technologies. "We are excited to benefit from the knowledge and relationships they have built within this segment as we grow the …

Following a review that began in August, The VIA Agency was named creative agency of record for Golden Corral. The family-style restaurant chain has more than 500 locations across the United States. "We are excited to have VIA as our creative partner," said Chris Kuehn, CMO of Golden Corral. "Their genuine enthusiasm for our brand, coupled with unparalleled strategic insights and creative thinking, set them apart during this very competitive review process." Golden Corral spent $55.7 million on measured media in 2013 and $42.4 million between January and September of 2014, per Kantar Media. "Golden Corral has a real point …

Omnicom Group's DDB Chicago was named creative and digital agency for the American Cancer Society, following a review. "We have an immense amount of pride to be working for the American Cancer Society," said Paul Gunning, CEO of DDB Chicago. "This is a cause that's very personal for many of us, which makes us all the more passionate about working with such a worthy organization. We believe a strategically sound proposition and a brilliant, break-through campaign will engage more people and also enable more donations to help beat this terrible disease." Added Daniela Campari, SVP of Marketing at the American …

Carowinds, a 398-acre amusement park in Charlotte, North Carolina, hired Eric Mower + Associates to support the Spring 2015 launch of Fury 325, the world's tallest and fastest giga coaster, along with other park improvements. The agency will create and execute a public relations campaign that includes earned media, social media and guerilla marketing elements. "When selecting an agency partner, we were searching for a team of professionals who had a strong understanding and background in public and media relations. It was also imperative that they possessed an extensive travel and tourism background," said John Taylor, director of marketing at …

After a seven-week creative agency review, Johnsonville Sausage has awarded Droga5 its U.S.-based creative account. The agency bested Crispin Porter + Bogusky, Fallon and incumbent Cramer-Krasselt, which handled the account since 2008, for the win. The review was managed by Avidan Strategies of New York. "It's been Johnsonville's process every few years to review the creative partners it uses to support the various advertising and marketing work for Johnsonville," said Fabian Pereira, vice president at Johnsonville. "Going through this process helps ensure we have the best thinking, resources and creativity to help Johnsonville continue to grow faster than the market. …

Planit was named agency of record for The AMES Companies, a manufacturer and global provider of landscaping products. As agency of record, Planit will develop an integrated marketing campaign to build awareness for The AMES Companies' core brands: AMES, True Temper, Razor-Back, and Jackson. Work will include public relations, social media support, TV, digital media and video development. The AMES Companies offers lawn and garden tools for homeowners, jobsite tools for professionals and outdoor lifestyle products under the brand names AMES, True Temper, Razor-Back Professional, Jackson Professional, Southern Patio, UnionTools, Dynamic Design, Garant, Westmix, Kelso , Cyclone, Nylex and Northcote. …

7-Eleven tapped T3 as its digital agency of record. The pair began working together in 2012 on the retailer's mobile app. The agency's new work on 7-Eleven's digital strategy will launch this spring. "7-Eleven has been a great partner during the past few years we have worked with the company," said Ben Gaddis, chief innovation officer at T3. "They consistently have been open to innovation and experimentation to further enhance their customers' experience. Together, we are going to leverage digital, mobile and social to further 7-Eleven's position as the world's top convenience-retail brand." 7-Eleven spent $16.2 million on measured media …

Visit Seattle, Seattle's Tourism destination marketing organization, tapped Publicis Seattle as its advertising agency of record, following a review. Publicis Seattle bested two Seattle-based agencies for the win. The agency will manage Visit Seattle's marketing strategy and handle creative, and media planning and buying for local, national and international markets. "We are excited to be working with Publicis in this incredibly exciting time for Seattle and our region," said Tom Norwalk, president and CEO of Visit Seattle. "We are confident they have the expertise to help us continue to build the Seattle brand around the world." With the addition of …

NBCUniversal's Hispanic Enterprises and Content division has added Republica to its agency roster. The agency will report to Jacqueline Hernandez, chief marketing officer, Hispanic Enterprises and Content, NBCUniversal. The new assignment expands Republica's role within NBCUniversal beyond the advertising and marketing services it has been providing to Universal Orlando Resort since 2009. Republica will provide advertising creative, brand strategy, promotions and consumer engagement supporting the division's broadcast, cable and digital networks, as well as its marketing, community relations and government affairs departments. "As we look to the exciting opportunities that lie ahead for NBCU's Hispanic Enterprises and Content, we are …

Santy was named agency of record for China Mist Iced Tea, tapped to handle branding, social media management, digital marketing, content strategy, public relations and creative services. As part of China Mist Iced Tea's rebranding initiative, Santy will design a new logo and help expand their social media footprint and brand engagement online. "We are thrilled to welcome China Mist Iced Tea back to Santy," said Dan Santy, President and CEO of Santy. "With strong roots in the Southwest, China Mist Iced Tea truly sets the standard for the iced tea experience in restaurants. It presents a wealth of opportunity …