Realtors launch ad campaign on buying California homes - and guess who did the spots?

Not every piece of California business needs to originate from a California company, but it does seem odd that the California Association of Realtors is using a Philadelphia-based ad agency for its new series of spots that focuses on the economic benefits of buying homes in the state. In one example of this ripple effect, a young architect from back east is hired by a California developer to design high-rises in L.A., San Diego, and Oakland. The ads, which were developed by Red Tettemer + Partners, will run on ABC stations in L.A., SF, and San Diego. But wait a second - doesn't California have plenty of great ad agencies to choose from? Here's what a CAR spokeswoman emailed me:

This agency was selected not only for the campaign and messages they developed and delivered to us, but also their media partnerships. It was through their connections with ABC that we were able to secure them as an exclusive network. We previously had an LA-based agency that chose not to re-pitch for the business when we were seeking a new agency a couple of years ago.