DUNDAS, ONTARIO: Social Media Group (SMG) plans to acquire DC-based Livingston Communications in August, combining two firms focused exclusively on social media marketing and communications.

WASHINGTON: The Alliance for Climate Protection (ACP) plans to use the star power of its chairman, Al Gore, to generate media coverage of its efforts. It took a significant step July 17 when the former Vice President addressed an audience of more than 3,000 at Washington's Constitution Hall.

The HSUS plans to launch a campaign to encourage support for cage-free egg production by asking visitors of allcreatures.hsus.org to either only buy eggs that are not produced by caged hens; buy fewer eggs; or replace eggs with some sort of substitute.

NEW YORK: Burson-Marsteller worldwide CEO and president Mark Penn said the recent appointment of longtime Bush confidante Karen Hughes as vice chair marks the start of an effort by the agency to create a worldwide "bipartisan braintrust."

Burson-Marsteller worldwide president and CEO Mark Penn recently spoke with PRWeek's Ted McKenna about efforts to build the agency's "bipartisanship" - including the hire of Bush confidante Karen Hughes -- and his work at the firm following the end of Sen. Clinton's presidential campaign, for which Penn was for a time the chief strategist.

WASHINGTON: In August, the US Army National Guard will launch a mobile marketing campaign, supported by outreach to local media, to sign up recruits at various music festivals and other outdoor events.

Former Bush administration communications counselor Karen Hughes is joining Burson-Marsteller as global vice chair.

Although the National Association of Broadcasters (NAB) and special interest groups fought the merger of XM Satellite Radio and Sirius Satellite Radio, recent statements in support of the merger by Federal Communications Commission chairman Kevin Martin were considered a good sign for the deal.

The upcoming Summer Olympics in Beijing have sparked protests across the world. For sponsors and other companies, though, the event is a powerful opportunity to connect with China.

WASHINGTON: The nonprofit Sabin Vaccine Institute hired Hyde Park Communications to develop new branding for the organization as well as provide strategic communications counsel and media relations.