Winner
rbb Public Relations

Throughout its history, Florida-based rbb has worked hard to ensure that it provides a positive work environment, believing such an atmosphere will cause its long-term clients to stay and new ones to follow.

That belief has worked well for the firm. It boasts a number of long-term clients, comprising half of the firm's work. They include Florida Power & Light, Ringling Bros., Miami Art Museum, The Miami Herald, and Starbucks, among others. In 2007, the agency also added such national clients as Lady of America Franchise Corp., Ritz Carlton, and Schlitz.

Last year saw the creation of an employee-driven workplace management system and project management and results management tools for clients. Most importantly though, the firm grew 46% - monthly revenues grew from $217,000 to $317,000, resulting in an overall revenue of $3.8 million with an almost 30% profit.

The firm has also developed and implemented a number of innovations that benefit its clients and employees. The Activity Impact Score gives numerical value to a non-media activity, such as speaking engagements or sponsorships, so that all activity can be measured on the same scale. The agency's complimentary extranet also allows 24/7 contact with clients.

But it was the agency's "outstanding  culture" that most impressed judges. A major contributor to that is the firm's emphasis on work-life balance. Every staffer, down to the bookkeeper, determines his or her own schedule and chooses the location from where work will be done. To help keep employees connected to each other and clients, the firm supplies all of them with cell/data phones and encourages them to make it their only phone.

The culture is also aided by the four activity groups that the firm has implemented: rbb Think Tank, which concentrates on professional development and learning; rbb news, which is dedicated to firm branding and recognition; rbb Works, which manages operational issues and improves work tools; rbb Flex, which ensures that rbb's work-life balance programs work optimally. Every employee is a member of a group and staff feedback surveys show that 100% of the staff is extremely satisfied with the program.

The firm's "strong HR initiatives," according to one judge, are key reasons for its success.

Overall, the agency's "impressive and varied client list, creative work, and strong results," struck a chord with judges, resulting in this honor.

Honorable Mention
Coyne Public Relations



Part of the firm's mission statement reads, "We started Coyne Public Relations with one mission... not to be the best agency in America, but the best one to work for." That philosophy has been part of Coyne since its founding in 1996 and it not only resonated with judges, but also beyond the PR community. In 2007, the agency was named one of the Best 50 Places in New Jersey to Work by New Jersey Business Journal. The agency had financial success as well; revenue grew to more than $8.5 million - a 17% increase from 2006. In addition to sustaining long-term clients like Toys 'R Us, Campbell Soup, and Verizon, the agency also won business from such companies as Avis Car Rental, The Container Store, The Harlem Globetrotters, Mary Kay, and the Vitamin Shoppe in 2007. The firm has also incorporated a number of new innovations to improve its service offerings. In 2007, it initiated a new media offering, including services such as blogging, Web site creation, podcasts, and custom programs for iPods.

Honorable Mention
Linhart Public Relations

In 2006, the Denver-based agency set out to achieve three goals: to expand its reach beyond the Rocky Mountain region; to grow revenue by at least 25%; and to establish a practice in lifestyles of health and sustainability (LOHAS). As 2007 came to a close, it was clearly evident that the firm had met those objectives. The agency has won a number of national assignments for companies, including GTC Nutrition and Crocs. It estimated revenue growth of 31% for 2007 - and nearly 40% of that revenue can be attributed to the LOHAS practice, which conducts work for Chipotle, Frontier Airlines, United Healthcare, and Johns Manville. Linhart's business success is far from its only asset though. The agency's dedication to - and investment in - its employees is something that impressed the judges. In addition to giving out quarterly bonuses, the firm also invests an average of $2,250 per employee in training each year and offers regular team outings to help build team spirit.

Finalists 2008 
Coyne PR
LEWIS PR
Linhart Public Relations
Makovsky + Company
rbb Public Relations

Sponsor: Fleishman-Hillard started in a tiny office upstairs from a dime store. We know firsthand the challenges of successfully operating a small agency. No matter how large we've grown, we're still committed to the principles that sustained us in the beginning. Respect the individual. Passion for client service. Uncompromising standards of integrity and quality. Thoughtful, creative work that makes a real difference. Congratulations to the Small Agency of the Year finalists.