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Child’s Play Communications is partnering with STEM.org on the launch of Seriously STEM, an awards program designed to review and evaluate STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering & Math) toys for kids. STEM.org is the longest continually operating, privately held STEM education research organization in America. Award winners will be chosen by educators, industry play experts and toy reviewers, and will be announced November 1 at the agency’s third annual Kids’ & Family Tech Expo in New York City. “Our goal is to offer valuable information to all those parents who understand the benefits of learning STEM but who need help making the right choices for their child,” said Child’s Play Communications president Stephanie Azzarone. A percentage of Seriously STEM proceeds will be donated to the National Pediatric Cancer Foundation.
 Blain Rethmeier |
Ditto PR has launched two new practice areas: crisis communications and a tech policy relations practice that is meant to bridge the gap between Silicon Valley and the nation’s capital. The practices will be staffed by a team working under managing director Blain Rethmeier. Rethmeier, who headed Edelman’s West Coast crisis and risk practice before coming to Ditto, has worked with CEOs and senior government officials on policy-related issues, strategic communication needs, reputational positioning and branding. His team includes agency vps Steven Melfi, who was previously an account director at B2B communications agency Affect, and Kris Kitto, a former features editor at political newspaper and website The Hill, as well as account directors Caroline Pruett, a former media consultant for the Clinton Global Initiative and Jake Ciorciari, who came to Ditto from MWWPR, working for the firm’s corporate and crisis communications practice.
 Emma McKinstry |
PR consultancy 418 Communications has opened in Lexington, KY. Founded by husband-wife team Emma and Coley McKinstry, the company represents clients in such industries as beauty, childrenswear, fashion, professional services, technology and travel. It offers traditional media relations as well as social media, content creation, internal communications and thought leadership services. In addition to running her own company, Emma was previously with Goodman Media International, where she focused primarily on clients in the healthcare, non-profit, and publishing industries. Coley served as managing director at New York-based risk management and technology solutions company ACA Compliance Group. They also work with former Goodman Media International COO Henry Miller on select projects.
DJE Holdings, parent of Edelman and Zeno, launches RUTH as an independent shop named after Ruth Edelman, mental health advocate, wife and longtime business partner of Dan Edelman.
New York City PR firms make up the largest slice of O'Dwyer's 147 firm overall ranking with 33 of 40 in the New York/New Jersey area either calling Manhattan their home or having a presence there.
Subject Matter+Kivvit, which joined forces in May, has rebranded as Avoq, an integrated shop with more than 200 professionals in Washington, New York, Asbury Park (NJ), Miami and Chicago.
While PR pros stationed at in-house comms. teams and those working for agencies share many of the same objectives, they also have markedly different top priorities, according to a recent report.
Edelman is cutting 240 employees or about four percent of its workforce to cope with the cooling down of the PR sector, according to a memo from CEO Richard Edelman.
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