NEW YORK: Holding companies Publicis Groupe, WPP, and The Interpublic Group (IPG), all reported positive third quarter earnings results last week, but they predicted a future softening due to the down economy.

NEW YORK: Weber Shandwick promoted Cathy Calhoun, president of its Chicago office, to president of North America, effective immediately. The agency announced three other executive promotions today, as well.

The announcement that insurance company AIG hired Burson-Marsteller for PR work brought out the critics, including the New York Post, which said the company was "wasting money on a high-priced public relations firm."

LOS ANGELES: A free online directory of updated contact information for fashion publicists and stylists dubbed TheLookbook launched October 28.

LONDON: WPP reported that PR and public affairs revenue totaled approximately $347.7 million, up 9.3% from the year before. WPP revenue among all its groups totaled $3.25 billion, up 8.5%.

SAN FRANCISCO: Global firm Ketchum has acquired technology agency Access Communications.

Americans spend nearly $44 billion on plants and plant care products each year, but more than a third of plants die within a year of purchase, according to the National Gardening Association. Last week, Red Consultancy helped launch a product that brings the Web to gardening: The EasyBloom Plant Sensor.

NEW YORK: The Sharper Image recently named Kwittken & Co. as its AOR to assist in the brand's relaunch. It recently filed for bankruptcy and was acquired by Hilco Consumer Capital, Gordon Brothers, and Bluestar Alliance.

PRINCETON, NJ: Church & Dwight Co.'s Trojan condom brand recently kicked off its largest online initiative, "Evolve One, Evolve All," in partnership with MTV Networks Digital Fusion. The condom maker hopes to provide young US consumers with an outlet to discuss sexual health in an engaging environment.

WALTHAM, MA: Racepoint Group SVP Jackie Lustig confirmed a report by Mass High Tech that the agency is cutting 20% of its total staff of approximately 125.