NASHVILLE (AP) - Tennessee is rolling out a new logo that will take the place of dozens of symbols used by state agencies.

WSMV-TV reports (http://bit.ly/1EYRbHE) that the state hired advertising and marketing company GS&F to design the new logo that features the white letters TN on colors patterned on the state flag.

David Smith, a spokesman for Gov. Bill Haslam, said the new logo is needed to give a more unified look on signs and letterheads. The new logo will be gradually introduced as current stationery runs out.

"We last updated the website in May 2013, so it's a natural time to make sure it is updated in terms of look, feel and functionality," Smith said in an email. "For consistency, the visual identity that is part of the redesign of tn.gov will be used throughout state government."

The governor's office assembled a chart of more than 70 different logos used by state agencies to show the wide range of branding. Agencies as diverse as the Tennessee Highway Patrol, TennCare and the departments of transportation, education, correction and will soon start using a variation of the new logo.

The Tennessee state seal and flag will remain in use for official purposes, Smith said.