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Edelman and Basilinna, DC-based strategic communications shop, have entered into an exclusive partnership designed to provide multinational China-and Middle East-based clients of both firms with expanded communications and government relations services in China, the Middle East and the US. The alliance, which combines Edelman’s integrated global communications services with Basilinna’s specialized strategic consulting services, is intended to help clients navigate through the challenging landscape of changing international market dynamics. “The Basilinna team has unique insights on issues related to China, the Middle East and US markets and a strong track record of matching those insights with effective strategies,” said Edelman Asia Pacific CEO Stephen Kehoe. In the Middle East, Edelman will work with Basilinna’s partner, EN Investment, a consultancy and investment house with expertise in screening investment opportunities, interpreting and evaluating public policy and pursuing business development possibilities in Egypt and the wider MENA region.
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| Greg Hakim |
Corporate Ink, a Boston-based B2B tech PR and content marketing agency and a partner in Worldcom Public Relations Group, has been acquired by Greg Hakim, who was previously a vice president at the firm. Hakim will now serve as the agency’s president and CEO. Corporate Ink was founded in 1989 by former chair of Worldcom’s technology practice and B2B practice groups Amy Bermar, who will continue to consult with the agency and its clients. With experience in emerging tech, data and analytics, supply chain, procurement, manufacturing, robotics and customer experience, Corporate Ink has worked with such clients as Workforce Logiq, Universal Robots and 3M.
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| Shel Lustig |
MediaTracks Communications, which provides radio and audio services for public relations, will celebrate its 30th anniversary on Dec. 22. The company, which was founded by Shel Lustig and Reed Pence, started out by producing the syndicated program "The Search for Mental Health" for Forest Hospital in Des Plaines, IL. The company then added "Radio Health Journal" and "Viewpoints Radio" to its lineup. Those two programs now air on more than 1,200 stations nationally and reach roughly 6.2 million listeners weekly. MediaTracks serves such clients as Pfizer, The Home Depot, Verizon Wireless and McDonald’s. “Radio—in its many forms—continues to play an important role for savvy public relations practitioners looking for a dynamic method to reach millions of diverse consumers,” said Lustig, who serves as the president of MediaTracks.
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.
