 |
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.
4media group completes its acquisition of Family Features Editorial Syndicate... Illumination PR, which represents lifestyle brands, influencers and celebrities, launches DR Media Group... EAG Advertising and Marketing acquires pay-for-performance firm INK inc. Public Relations. 
LLYC launches Signs of Pride, a campaign that revives the original protest banners of the first Pride marches... The Abu Dhabi Chamber of Commerce and Industry forms the Public Relations and Digital Marketing Working Group... Circle of One Marketing, a Miami-based, minority-owned marketing agency, is named official agency of record for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Miami. 
Vogel Group, a DC-headquartered government affairs and consulting firm, forms a strategic partnership with Montreal-based public affairs firm Boléro Stratégies... Matter Communications launches project-based offerings for B2C companies looking to increase brand awareness and visibility... Tucker/Hall, a Tampa-based PR and public affairs firm, opens a new office in Orlando. 
Why investing in public relations is ultimately about building bridges in a connected world.
Edelman is laying off 330 people (5.3 percent of its workforce) to cope with an anticipated eight percent shortfall in 2024 US revenues, and client demand for one-stop shopping for speciality services.
