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| Brian Tierney |
Brian Communications is going ahead with this summer’s internship program by taking it online. The Philadelphia firm's Summer Seminar Series will meet on Wednesday afternoons every other week from June through August (six sessions). Students will also be able to network individually with members of Brian's team. Topics covered in the sessions will include media relations, event planning, social media strategy and integrated marketing. Upon completion of the program, interns will receive a resume review and career counseling. “While we may not physically be in the office, we still wanted to give students the same opportunities they would have gotten through our internship program,” said Brian Communications CEO Brian Tierney. “Our internship program has always attracted high-caliber talent, and we wanted to help these budding professionals hone their skills in a way that is consistent with our mentor-driven approach. It’s really about creating a space to learn.”
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| Jeff Flint |
FSB Core Strategies is announcing a name change and restructuring to the Core Strategic Group to reflect the company’s expansion and growth. The Core Strategic Group of companies now includes BadFish Media, c3 Public Strategies, Chariot Campaigns, The Core Management Company, FSB Public Affairs and KPA Strategies. FSB acquired Chariot Campaigns and KPA Strategies in the past month. FSB Public Affairs CEO Jeff Flint will serve as Core Strategic Group’s president and CEO. Flint will serve on the Core Strategic Group’s board of directors, along with longtime FSB Public Affairs partners Kristy Babb and Cherri Spriggs, who will serve as chief administrative/talent officer, and chief client service officer, respectively. Chariot Campaigns president Jamie Fisfis and FSB Pubic Affairs president Frank Rizzo will also join the Core Strategic Group board. The new holding company employs nearly 50 professionals operating out of offices in Anaheim, Sacramento and San Francisco, with additional offices to be announced in the coming weeks.
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Gatesman has launched “Ads for Lunch,” a weekly YouTube podcast series. The 15-minute podcast, which is released every Thursday at noon, covers how advertisers are re-tooling their work to meet the demands of today’s fast-changing landscape. The first two episodes look at how brands like Dove, Apple and Coors Light have responded to the coronavirus pandemic and stay-at-home orders. Future episodes will zero in on the likability, relatability and overall effectiveness of campaigns for top brands. “We’re excited to bring the unique perspectives of a diverse spectrum of professionals together to debate what’s hot in the market and why,” said Gatesman president Shannon Baker. The podcast is available here.
CashmanKatz launches CK Health, a healthcare marketing specialty... Mission North introduces its Physical Industries practice, which will focus on physical AI applications across four verticals: commerce, manufacturing, mobility, and aerospace and defense... Muck Rack, an AI communications platform, announces a new feature designed to help communications leaders identify timely opportunities to shape relevant news conversations while they are still developing.
FINN Partners opens an office in Minneapolis, its fifth location in the Midwest and its 39th worldwide... AMP3 PR hosts its annual Gifting Suite and Media Lounge in conjunction with New York Fashion Week... Curious Plot, which works with clients in the agriculture, food and companion animal industries, is accepting applications for its 2026 Seed to Succeed pro bono program.
IPREX names Big Picture PR in San Francisco, Precision Strategies in Washington, D.C., and Tiny Mighty Communications in Nashville as its first Americas Partner Cohort... Highwire launches AcroAnswers, a proprietary AI visibility platform... Big Red Oak and Naer Communications, a Calgary-based firm, form a partnership providing integrated communications and marketing services to clean energy companies and organizations across Canada.
Matter launches its Review Visibility Management service to address a shift in how companies across verticals earn trust online... A Queens school is putting out the message about Sept. 12, 2001 when people came together to help, comfort, rebuild and unite... Directive expands its Directive Communications division, which will bring PR, organic social, influencer marketing and paid social together under one integrated organization.
Praytell expands its Influence Department—which unites media, creators and social under one team... LRJ PR & Communications and Canopy Brand Group form an alliance that the firms say will bridge the operational divide between high-end brand design and strategic public relations... Twin Minds Media, Hispanic market specialist, increases the scope of its services in an effort to help brands build deeper connections with audiences through culture, storytelling, media and experiences. 
