 Zoe Weisberg Coady |
Brandstyle Communications has launched a full-service blockchain division. The division is designed to provide businesses with strategy and expertise in such areas as earned media relations, company messaging, content creation, crisis communications, speaking opportunities, thought leadership, sponsorships and partnerships. The division has signed up TokynX LLC, which aims to become the world’s first regulated security token exchange, as a client. “There is a considerable lack of transparency in this space,” said Brandstyle Communications CEO and founder Zoe Weisberg Coady. “Our goal is to help these dynamic companies stay fiercely competitive through authentic and strategic communication.”
 Michelle Mekky |
Mekky Media Relations, which set up shop in Chicago two years ago, is moving into offices in the the city’s Wrigley Building, sharing space with strategic partner and Mekky Media client TimeZoneOne. The agency, which was recently invited to join the Forbes Agency Council, is preparing to launch a Media Training and Public Speaking Division, which will offer workshops and training to an international client base. Mekky Media has also added several restaurant clients that include FARE Chicago, The Gringo, Untitled Supper Club and Vinny’s Pizza Bar. It recently led PR efforts for the CPD Finest vs. CFD Bravest Charity Baseball Game, which took place July 18 at Guaranteed Rate Field, in support of the Gold Badge Society and Chicago Police Memorial Foundation.
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O+B | P, a St. Louis-based firm that serves the agriculture and rural industry, has launched the Rural Spirit Awards, a program that will honor individuals who serve rural communities across the U.S. “The Rural Spirit Awards are really among the first of their kind and honor one of Rural America’s greatest traits––its passion to help,” said O+B | P president Rhonda Ries. Three award winners will be chosen in the areas of economic development, community service and next gen. Winners will have a chance for O+B | P to distribute their story across various digital and traditional media platforms. Nominations for winners will be accepted through October 31, 2018 and can be made by the public at ruralspiritawards.com.
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.
