WASHINGTON: Virilion hired Anthony Owens, former director of media relations and issues management for Sodexo as a senior strategic consultant, starting June 29.

FIRESTONE, CO: The National Honey Board is reviewing its $750,000 consumer PR account with plans to award a one-year contract in early November.

The day after Virgin Atlantic celebrated its 25th birthday, the UK-based airline launched Vtravelled, an online travel community that encourages conversation among travelers and provides information about planning a trip.

OAKBROOK TERRACE, IL: FoodMinds, a food and nutrition communications agency, has added five new clients to its roster.

Jaimy Lee, healthcare reporter, talks to Tony Russo about some of the challenges facing the biotech industry, the importance of cost-effective programs, and how the biotech-focused PR industry is faring.

COLUMBIA, MD: Martek Biosciences launched a campaign on June 23 to raise awareness with Baby Boomers about brain health as well as the company's line of branded health products.

ROCHESTER, NY: Bausch & Lomb launched its SofLens daily disposable contact lenses in the US with an online marketing campaign aimed at consumers, aged 25 to 34 years old.

As more Americans have gone online, social media has become essential to public affairs strategy.

When Nancy Pekarek assumed her new position as the VP of communications for GlaxoSmithKline, it was the next step in a 15-year career with the second-largest pharma company in the world.

WASHINGTON: AT&T tapped Margaret Boles as director of media relations in Washington, effective June 29.