URBANDALE, IA: The state of Iowa has hired ZRLIgnition of Des Moines to create a campaign highlighting the benefits of universities located there.

The one-year contract will end February 5, 2013, with an option to renew for an additional year. Sheila Doyle Koppin, a communications officer for the Iowa Board of Regents, declined to release a budget for the account.

The firm must develop a media presentation that can be distributed digitally or presented during a road show. The overall communications strategy will target the families of alumni and state residents.