The Collective

Manifest, which has offices in London and New York, has been named communications agency of record in both the UK and US for The Collective, a global network of co-living buildings that combine private space with communal amenities. The agency will be involved in developing and delivering a PR framework for both consumer and corporate audiences, alongside The Collective’s growing in-house brand and strategic communications team. Founded in London in 2010 by CEO Reza Merchant, The Collective says it is poised to grow its global portfolio from 7,000 units to at least 100,000 units by 2025. “Manifest’s presence in the UK and the USA is a huge plus, and will support our goal of creating a consistent brand voice, coupled with a precise and informed local delivery,” said Merchant.

Ann Smith
Ann Smith

Boutique communications firm A.wordsmith is celebrating its 10th anniversary and initiating several client relationships. The firm has recently worked on a funding announcement for Portland, OR, tech start-up Talkoot; developed website content for Portland State University's School of Business; and promoted Design Week Portland event for client IDL, in collaboration with the Portland Trail Blazers. The firm was founded in March 2009 by Ann Smith, who was previously marketing communications manager at management consulting firm XPLANE. She has worked at both Standing Partnership and Weber Shandwick. Located in downtown Portland, A.wordsmith’s other clients include Technology Association of Oregon, ProKarma, Mammoth HR and BrewGroup.

Maccabee

Minneapolis-based Maccabee has added Foodsby, Learn to Live and HomeServices of America to its client roster. The agency will be responsible for public relations and marketing communications for all three clients. Foodsby is a lunch delivery service for office professionals that partners with thousands of office buildings and restaurants across the U.S. HomeServices of America, a Berkshire Hathaway affiliate, is the country’s largest residential real estate company. Learn to Live, a Minneapolis-based healthcare technology company, provides digital cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) programs and coaching services to health plans, employers, and higher education institutions.