Jones-Dilworth launches press page-building software

February 07, 2012

AUSTIN, TX: PR and marketing consulting firm Jones-Dilworth has launched Totem, a Web app that helps boutique agencies, start-ups, and SMBs build press pages.
 

IRS seeks agency for compliance effort

February 06, 2012

WASHINGTON: The Internal Revenue Service is seeking an agency to help it with PR, advertising, and marketing projects, including a campaign to encourage voluntary tax compliance.
 

Nutrisystem picks Impression Partners as AOR

February 06, 2012

HORSHAM, PA: Weight-loss products and services company Nutrisystem has named recently launched firm Impression Partners its PR AOR after an agency review.
 

DiGennaro, Eulogy begin strategic partnership

February 06, 2012

NEW YORK: DiGennaro Communications and London-based Eulogy have formed a partnership that will include employee-exchange programs and shared pitches for new business.
 

Komen reversal shows power of social networks

February 03, 2012

WASHINGTON: The quick resolution to the standoff between The Susan G. Komen for the Cure organization and Planned Parenthood is a testament to the power of social media.
 

Foursquare hires M Booth as AOR

February 03, 2012

NEW YORK: Location-based social networking service Foursquare has hired M Booth as its PR AOR, confirmed Foursquare PR manager Erin Gleason.
 

Kraft pitches breakfast biscuits to US consumers

February 03, 2012

NORTHFIELD, IL: Kraft Foods is launching its belVita Breakfast Biscuits in the US by promoting them as a new morning concept for American consumers.
 

Text 100 hires two VPs to boost digital offering

February 03, 2012

SAN FRANCISCO: Text 100 has hired Michael DiLorenzo as VP of digital for North America and Jason Clarke as VP of marketing and business development.
 

Facebook avoids early IPO-filing pitfalls

February 02, 2012

MENLO PARK, CA: Facebook's initial public offering filing brought the company a slew of media attention, but it also gave the public a closer look at the social media heavyweight.
 

Wayfair selects Lippe Taylor as first consumer firm

February 02, 2012

BOSTON: Home furnishing e-commerce company Wayfair has selected Lippe Taylor as its first consumer agency following an RFP process.
 

Ogilvy guides coalition work on Affordable Care Act

February 02, 2012

WASHINGTON: Ogilvy PR Worldwide is working with the Essential Health Benefits Coalition to promote its recommendations for the implementation of the Affordable Care Act.
 

Lithium Technologies hires Bite as global AOR

February 02, 2012

SAN FRANCISCO: Lithium Technologies, a social customer-service software developer, has hired Bite Communications as global AOR, following a competitive agency search.
 

DKC opens offices in DC, LA, and Chicago

February 02, 2012

NEW YORK: DKC has opened offices in Washington, Los Angeles, and Chicago.
 

NHTSA to seek comms, marketing support

February 01, 2012

WASHINGTON: The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) will soon release a wide-ranging communications RFP seeking PR, advertising, marketing, and media services to enhance its behavioral safety programs.
 

C&W appoints Leonard tech leader, SF president

February 01, 2012

SAN FRANCISCO: Cohn & Wolfe has named Anna Cahill Leonard global technology practice leader and president of the agency's San Francisco office.
 

Fleishman's Lachky joins Crocs as comms leader

February 01, 2012

DENVER: Fleishman-Hillard VP Katy Lachky has joined shoe manufacturer Crocs as VP of communications, a newly created role at the company.
 

Gulf Coast states move on from oil spill

February 01, 2012

States along the Gulf Coast are hard at work developing tourism communications strategies for this summer. Most will make little or no mention of the BP Deepwater Horizon oil spill.
 

LendingTree names Peppercom AOR

February 01, 2012

NEW YORK: LendingTree has hired Peppercom as its AOR with the goal of providing greater support for its consumer and financial communications.
 

Atkins taps MWW as AOR

January 31, 2012

DENVER: Weight-loss company Atkins Nutritionals has selected MWW Group as its AOR to re-educate consumers about its low-carbohydrate food program.
 

Huntsworth suffers $4.7M reorganization charge

January 31, 2012

LONDON: Holding company Huntsworth is nearing the end of a rebudgeting process that will result in a one-time restructuring cost of about $4.7 million, the company said Tuesday.
 

NetApp hires Bluetext for US public sector work

January 31, 2012

SUNNYVALE, CA: NetApp, a data management, delivery, and storage company, has hired Washington-based integrated communications shop Bluetext to handle PR for its US public sector business.
 

Everett to depart News Corp. next month

January 30, 2012

NEW YORK: Teri Everett, SVP of corporate affairs and communications at News Corp., will leave the media company February 10.
 

LinkedIn hires Maloney & Fox as consumer firm

January 30, 2012

MOUNTAIN VIEW, CA: LinkedIn has selected Maloney & Fox as its consumer PR agency after a competitive review.
 

Networking nonprofit taps McGrath Power

January 30, 2012

PALO ALTO, CA: The Open Networking Foundation (ONF) has hired McGrath Power as its AOR.
 

UN Foundation picks Weber for energy program

January 30, 2012

WASHINGTON: The United Nations Foundation has appointed Weber Shandwick to develop the global communications strategy for the Sustainable Energy for All program.
 

Lenovo to build 'brand personality' in US

January 30, 2012

RALEIGH, NC: Chinese technology company Lenovo is enhancing its consumer outreach in the US with experiential and emotional marketing.
 

Caribou Coffee taps Ruder Finn as AOR

January 27, 2012

MINNEAPOLIS: Caribou Coffee has selected Ruder Finn as its AOR following a competitive selection process.
 

Visit Florida hires Ketchum as AOR

January 27, 2012

TALLAHASSEE, FL: Visit Florida has hired Ketchum as its PR AOR. Ketchum previously worked with the state tourism organization after the BP oil spill affected the Gulf Coast.
 

Davos chief extends olive branch to Occupy protesters

January 27, 2012

Klaus Schwab, head of the World Economic Forum, reportedly invited members of the "Occupy" movement to meet with him to talk about their concerns.
 

Cohn & Wolfe launches multicultural practice

January 27, 2012

NEW YORK: Cohn & Wolfe has revamped its four-year-old multicultural division with an expanded Latino and multicultural practice called Infuse.
 

Under Armour pitches Newton before Super Bowl

January 27, 2012

BALTIMORE: Sports apparel brand Under Armour will reveal products as it interacts with consumers before Super Bowl XLVI.
 

Ford, StyleCaster partner on fashion event

January 27, 2012

NEW YORK: StyleCaster Media, Ford Motor Company, and the 92nd Street Y have partnered to organize the "State of Style Summit" on February 7, which will use digital tools to promote high fashion.
 

Goya boosts healthy eating in Hispanic communities

January 26, 2012

SECAUCUS, NJ: Goya has partnered with the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) to encourage healthy eating habits in Hispanic communities.
 

US Travel Association promotes tourism's power

January 26, 2012

WASHINGTON: The US Travel Association will launch a campaign on Thursday to highlight the role the travel and tourism industry plays in the national economy.
 

Federal Reserve strategy shift draws mixed reviews

January 25, 2012

WASHINGTON: The Federal Reserve System's decision to publish members' predictions about short-term interest rates has drawn praise from PR agency executives. However, other experts contend the move towards transparency doesn't go far enough.
 

'The Guardian' selects Fenton to boost US digital presence

January 25, 2012

NEW YORK: UK-based media outlet The Guardian has selected Fenton to promote its online journalism as it expands its presence in the US.
 

Ketchum's crisis work for Penn State ends

January 25, 2012

NEW YORK: Penn State University has confirmed that it is no longer working with Ketchum for crisis communications services.
 

San Francisco International taps Burson-Marsteller as AOR

January 24, 2012

SAN FRANCISCO: San Francisco International Airport has hired Burson-Marsteller as AOR. The three-year contract has a total value of $1.8 million.
 

Ball Park targets women by poking fun at 'guy time'

January 24, 2012

CHICAGO: Sara Lee is targeting women by promoting its Ball Park hot-dog brand as the No. 1 food for men.
 

Vyatta names Airfoil AOR

January 24, 2012

BELMONT, CA: Vyatta, a software-based networking and security provider, has hired Airfoil Public Relations as AOR.
 

Illinois looks for firm to launch clean air campaign

January 24, 2012

SPRINGFIELD, IL: The Illinois Environmental Protection Agency is seeking a communications firm to launch a statewide clean air campaign.
 

Women take purchasing recommendations to social

January 24, 2012

ST. LOUIS: Women often use social media to distribute information that helps others make informed purchase decisions, according to a study from Fleishman-Hillard and Hearst Magazines.
 

Trust in media up, says Edelman Barometer

January 23, 2012

NEW YORK: Informed consumers trust the media more than they did last year, while trust in businesses, government, and non-governmental organizations all dropped slightly from 2011, according to the 2012 Edelman Trust Barometer.
 

Cohn & Wolfe promotes Beck to US consumer head

January 23, 2012

NEW YORK: Cohn & Wolfe has promoted Liz Beck to leader of its US consumer practice. She previously served as the agency's EVP and New York consumer practice leader.
 

Defense Department looks for comms assistance

January 23, 2012

WASHINGTON: The office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition, Technology, and Logistics has issued an RFP for communications and outreach support.
 

Glidden taps Emanate as first PR AOR

January 23, 2012

STRONGSVILLE, OH: AkzoNobel Paints has selected Emanate PR as the first AOR for its Glidden Paint brand, following an RFP process.
 

Pharmacy benefits group describes 'what PBMs do'

January 23, 2012

WASHINGTON: The Pharmaceutical Care Management Association has launched the "That's What PBMs Do" campaign, highlighting the value of pharmacy benefit managers.
 

Legal experts highlight rarity of Weber's suit

January 20, 2012

Weber Shandwick's move to take legal action against Hill+Knowlton Strategies for allegedly stealing confidential information, clients, and employees is one rarely seen in the industry, PR recruitment and legal experts tell PRWeek.
 

Iowa releases multimillion-dollar lottery RFP

January 20, 2012

DES MOINES, IA: The Iowa Lottery Authority has released a multimillion-dollar marketing RFP with significant PR components.
 

Aetna to bolster digital as part of rebranding process

January 20, 2012

HARTFORD, CT: Aetna is planning to expand its digital presence on the heels of its brand refresh.
 

Judge issues restraining order against H+K

January 20, 2012

DALLAS: A Dallas district court judge has granted Weber Shandwick a temporary restraining order against Hill+Knowlton Strategies and two senior executives who have been accused of stealing confidential information, clients, and employees from Weber.
 

StreamQuik launches StreamCell video production tool

January 20, 2012

IRVINE, CA: StreamQuik, a new media product-development company, has launched StreamCell, a portable video-production platform.
 

Weber alleges client, employee theft by H+K, seeks restraining order

, January 19, 2012

DALLAS: Weber Shandwick is seeking an injunction and temporary restraining order against Hill+Knowlton Strategies, its COO Ken Luce, and newly hired EVP Jody Venturoni in a Dallas district court, alleging they stole confidential information, clients, and employees.
 

Vermont searches for shop for anti-tobacco efforts

January 19, 2012

BURLINGTON, VT: The Vermont Department of Health has released an RFP for media and public health education services to reduce smoking in the state.
 

IPG acquires Nicole Weber, adds firm to Golin network

January 19, 2012

CHICAGO: Interpublic Group has acquired German consumer lifestyle agency Nicole Weber Communications, which it will add to GolinHarris' European network.
 

Pfizer promotes 'Lipitor for You' program

January 19, 2012

NEW YORK: Pfizer is focusing on promoting the Lipitor For You program after recently losing patent exclusivity for the cholesterol-lowering drug.
 

Tech companies boldly protest anti-piracy bills

January 19, 2012

SAN FRANCISCO: Websites including Reddit, Wikipedia, and Boing Boing darkened their websites on Wednesday to protest the Stop Online Piracy Act (SOPA) in the US House of Representatives and the Protect IP Act (PIPA) in the US Senate.
 

US Cellular issues RFP for first national agency

January 18, 2012

CHICAGO: US Cellular is conducting an agency search for national PR assistance, according to numerous industry sources.
 

Common Cause begins ballot initiative

January 18, 2012

WASHINGTON: Common Cause has launched a national grassroots campaign urging lawmakers to pass a constitutional amendment to overturn the Supreme Court's Citizens United vs. Federal Elections Commission decision.
 

Ogilvy appoints Stark MD of content, media strategy

January 18, 2012

NEW YORK: Ogilvy PR Worldwide has hired Betsy Stark as MD of content and media strategy, a newly created position at the agency.
 

H+K Strategies hires Hendler as technology chief

January 18, 2012

WASHINGTON: Hill+Knowlton Strategies has hired Josh Hendler as global chief technology officer.
 

Allison+Partners launches Hispanic practice

January 17, 2012

PHOENIX: Allison+Partners has rolled out a practice for targeting Hispanic consumers called Nuestra Voz.
 

Di Maria, DeNicola launch The 10 Company

January 17, 2012

NEW YORK: Former Peppercom director Valerie Di Maria and Clare DeNicola, former CEO of technology provider Ivans, launched agency The 10 Company on Tuesday.
 

Ikea retains Lippe Taylor for corporate work

January 16, 2012

PLYMOUTH MEETING, PA: Ikea has retained Lippe Taylor as its corporate agency following a competitive review.
 

Independent firms foresee successful 2012: survey

January 16, 2012

NEW YORK: Independent PR firms are optimistic about 2012 after many saw a surge of business at the end of last year, according to a study by the Worldcom Public Relations Group, an alliance of communications agencies.
 

RNC takes Hispanic outreach to social media

January 13, 2012

WASHINGTON: As the Republican National Committee ramps up Hispanic outreach efforts for the 2012 election cycle, its initial communications strategy will steer clear of focusing on specific candidate platforms and concentrate on messages that are universally important to Republicans.
 

Visit California issues tourism PR RFP

January 13, 2012

SACRAMENTO, CA: The California Travel and Tourism Commission, also known as Visit California, has issued an RFP seeking an agency to promote the state as a premiere travel destination.
 

Dickies taps Zeno Group as AOR

January 13, 2012

FORT WORTH, TX: Work apparel manufacturer Williamson-Dickie has selected Zeno Group as AOR for its Dickies brand after an RFP.
 

Edelman creating K Group to avoid Quaker conflict

January 12, 2012

CHICAGO: Edelman created the K Group Public Relations Company, an agency dedicated exclusively to its new Kellogg account, to avoid potential client conflicts, particularly those with the PepsiCo Quaker brands.
 

California High-Speed Rail Authority to expand in-house staff, end agency search

January 12, 2012

SACRAMENTO, CA: The California High-Speed Rail Authority's board has voted to nix the search for an outside agency and move forward with a proposed expansion of its internal communications team.
 

New York agriculture department releases regional produce marketing RFP

January 12, 2012

ALBANY, NY: New York State is seeking multiple firms to tailor its statewide "Pride of New York" promotion to fit the needs of specific regions.
 

Scripps Network Interactive names Rogers & Cowan AOR

January 12, 2012

NEW YORK: Lifestyle media company Scripps Networks Interactive has hired Rogers & Cowan as AOR for its home brands, including HGTV and the DIY Network.
 

Charming Charlie taps Alison Brod as first AOR

January 12, 2012

HOUSTON: Fashion accessory boutique Charming Charlie has selected Alison Brod PR as its first AOR after an RFP process.
 

Press secretary exits California High-Speed Rail Authority

January 12, 2012

SACRAMENTO, CA: Rachel Wall, press secretary for the California High-Speed Rail Authority, has left the organization for a PR position at Wal-Mart.
 

H+K Strategies appoints Coletti to lead SoCal offices

January 12, 2012

LOS ANGELES: Hill+Knowlton Strategies has appointed Bill Coletti EVP and GM of the firm's Los Angeles and Irvine offices.
 

With shareholder activism up, robust IR more valuable in proxy wars, says panel

January 12, 2012

MIAMI: Shareholder activism is increasing the need for financial communications professionals to serve as advisers beyond investment, M&A, and legal issues, said Michael Fox, president of the corporate communications group at ICR.
 

Edelman wins Kellogg, creates new agency to run account

January 11, 2012

CHICAGO: Kellogg has appointed The K Group Public Relations Company, a new agency formed by Edelman, to run PR efforts for its US brands.
 

PR unaffected by Ogilvy job cuts

January 11, 2012

NEW YORK: Ogilvy PR Worldwide has not been affected by job cuts at Ogilvy & Mather that impacted nearly 3% of employees at the ad agency's New York and West Coast offices.
 

Vermont releases healthcare communications RFP

January 11, 2012

MONTPELIER, VT: The Green Mountain Care Board (GMCB) has issued an RFP seeking a firm to highlight health policies being implemented across the state of Vermont.
 

TaylorMade appeals to 'Driver Love' to promote club

January 11, 2012

CARLSBAD, CA: TaylorMade Golf Company is promoting its R11S driver by appealing to consumers' emotions with the "Driver Love" campaign.
 

Ontario police departments try to stop pocket-dialed 9-1-1 calls

January 11, 2012

TORONTO: The Toronto Police Service (TPS) has launched a campaign to stop consumers from pocket-dialing 9-1-1 on their cell phones. Similar campaigns will be launched around Ontario in coming months.
 

Craftsman promotes garage door opener at first Consumer Electronics Show appearance

January 10, 2012

LAS VEGAS: Craftsman is making its first appearance at the International Consumer Electronics Show this week to promote its AssureLink garage door opener.
 

HP appoints Gomez EVP, CCO

January 10, 2012

PALO ALTO, CA: HP has named Henry Gomez EVP and CCO.
 

Weber's Morales joins Hill+Knowlton Strategies as NY consumer leader

January 10, 2012

NEW YORK: Hill+Knowlton Strategies has hired former Weber Shandwick VP Sergio Morales to serve as SVP and head of its New York consumer marketing practice.
 

Ford, NPR unveil voice-controlled news app

January 10, 2012

LAS VEGAS: Drivers of numerous 2012 Ford vehicles will be able to listen to National Public Radio on their own schedules through the integration of NPR's News app with Ford's Sync AppLink system.
 

US Chamber to launch own online news portal this week

January 10, 2012

WASHINGTON: The US Chamber of Commerce will unveil a revamped FreeEnterprise.com during president and CEO Thomas Donohue's annual "State of American Business" address this Thursday.
 

Group kicks off campaign to fight neglected tropical diseases

January 10, 2012

WASHINGTON: The Global Network for Neglected Tropical Diseases launched the "End 7" campaign today, with the goal of eliminating seven tropical diseases as a public health threat to poor communities by the end of 2020.
 

Entergy targets New Orleans sports fans with BCS event

January 09, 2012

NEW ORLEANS: Entergy Corporation has promoted its ties to New Orleans and Louisiana State University in the days before college football's BCS Championship game.
 

Edelman EVP Blankley dies of cancer

January 09, 2012

WASHINGTON: Tony Blankley, EVP for public affairs in Edelman's Washington office and a press secretary for former Speaker of the House Newt Gingrich in the 1990s, died Sunday at 63 after a battle with cancer.
 

MWW wins Eventbrite AOR account

January 09, 2012

SAN FRANCISCO: Eventbrite, a self-service ticketing platform, has hired MWW Group as AOR.
 

Ford to open Silicon Valley research lab

January 09, 2012

DEARBORN, MI: Ford Research and Innovation, the carmaker's advanced engineering arm, has said it will open a Silicon Valley research lab in the first quarter of this year.
 

Makovsky hires ex-Burson chair Goldberg as EVP

January 06, 2012

NEW YORK: Makovsky & Company has hired former Burson-Marsteller chair Andrew Goldberg as EVP and leader of a new corporate practice unit.
 

Brooks taps M Booth as AOR

January 06, 2012

BOTHELL, WA: Brooks Sports, an athletic shoe and apparel manufacturer, has selected M Booth as its AOR.
 

Burson bolsters DC office with Tibbits, Schneider hires

January 06, 2012

WASHINGTON: Burson-Marsteller has hired Nate Tibbits as chair of its US public affairs practice and Johanna Schneider as managing director and market leader of its Washington office.
 

Kodak loses top corp comms exec as Meuchner departs

January 05, 2012

ROCHESTER, NY: Gerard Meuchner, the top corporate communications executive at Kodak, has left the embattled digital imaging company.
 

Experts advise open comms policy during Kodak crisis

January 05, 2012

ROCHESTER, NY: Former Kodak CMO Jeffrey Hayzlett has urged the embattled digital imaging company to focus on its profitable products and ditch the rest if it is to survive its potential bankruptcy crisis.
 

Weber wins Amway R&D work

January 05, 2012

ADA, MI: Direct selling company Amway has selected Weber Shandwick to work on a research and development project, following an RFP.
 

Campaign aims to register 20 million organ donors

January 04, 2012

RICHMOND, VA: Donate Life America, an organization promoting organ, eye, and tissue donation, launched the "20 Million in 2012" effort with the goal of drastically increasing the number of consumers on state donor registries.
 

Fleishman launches minority fellowship program

January 04, 2012

ST. LOUIS: Fleishman-Hillard has launched the Alfred Fleishman Diversity Fellowships program to bolster diversity at the agency by recruiting minority college students.
 

Coach America taps Perry Street for Chapter 11 comms

January 04, 2012

DALLAS: Charter bus operator Coach America has hired Perry Street Communications to support its Chapter 11 restructuring.