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| Ash Wright (left) and Chasen Bullock |
The Core Strategic Group (formerly FSB Core Strategies) has added office locations and staff in Austin, TX and Washington, D.C. Senior vice president Ash Wright will head up operations in Austin, while vice president Chasen Bullock will lead CSG’s Washington, D.C. office. Both join the new offices from existing independent practices. The Austin and D.C. operations will primarily support CSG companies providing public affairs and election campaign services, while also marketing the full range of CSG company offerings to clients in their regions. The Core Strategic Group of companies includes BadFish Media, c3Public Strategies, Chariot Campaigns, The Core Management Company and FSB Public Affairs.
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Waters Agency, a virtual technology public relations firm for B2B and B2C technology companies, has unveiled its new branding, global expansion and executive appointments. The rebranding from Waters Communications to Waters Agency includes a new logo and website, and is intended to highlight the firm’s ability to deliver strategic communications campaigns that combine public relations with analyst relations, content creation, social media, IPOs, executive communications and influencer marketing. To support its expansion, the agency has also added new leaders including Lauren Curley, based out of the Boston HQ, to the newly created position of chief operating officer and Ryan Waters as senior vice president for EMEA, based out of London.
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Woodruff, a Kansas City, MO-based marketing and communications firm, has expanded its digital capabilities to offer progressive web application (PWA). A PWA is essentially an application that works in any web browser but offers the functionality normally associated with native applications, such as a home screen icon, fast load times, access to content when offline, push notifications, GPS locations and other device hardware access. Woodruff digital director Jenny Jones says PWAs help companies “to ensure their digital properties are easy to access and as user-friendly as possible.” The company has also used the technology to develop a web-based application for Compass Minerals that the company’s sales team could use in the field, giving them access to up-to-date information on any device, even in locations without Wi-Fi.
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News Direct, a content and news distribution platform that allows users to release standalone multimedia, has launched. The platform features a self-directed, collaborative workspace powered by AI-assisted advanced automation software. “How news and information is disseminated and consumed today requires public relations professionals and journalists to create and deliver impactful multi-sensory stories. And this is what News Direct provides,” said founder and CEO Gregg Castano. In addition to its multimedia capabilities, News Direct assists users with reimagining their workflow, bolstering security and producing actionable analytics. The company also operates using a flat-rate pricing model.
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. 
