IPR

The Institute for Public Relations and Peppercomm have released an e-book focused on COVID-19’s effect on PR, as well as other critical issues. Topics covered in “Leadership Perspectives: Leading and Looking Ahead Through COVID-19” include the increased importance of internal communications; diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives; corporate purpose; returning to work; and the future of business and the industry. The ebook features profiles and interviews from such communications executives and corporate leaders as Stagwell Group vice chair of marketing and communications agencies Ray Day, Hotwire North America CEO Barbara Bates, W2O principal Gary F. Grates and Public Affairs Council president Doug Pinkham. It is the third co-branded report released by IPR and Peppercomms during the COVID-19 crisis. To access the book, click here.

IconSource

Denver-based Icon Source, an on-demand digital marketplace that connects aspiring brands and professional athletes, has launched. The startup bills itself as the only platform that provides brands of all sizes direct communication with agents, eliminating intermediate steps to engage with a professional athlete. The more than 500 athletes on the platform are paired with brands based on social audience demographics. Companies can also run organic searches for athletes based on schedule, demographics, sports and personal interests. Founded by former Red Bull athlete marketing manager Chase Garrett, Icon Source provides strategy and production services in addition to its marketplace platform. “As social media and online platforms continue to transform our ability to access and interact with people, and as the college market begins to embrace compensation, it is an ideal time to create a secure and simple communication channel to connect directly to athletes and/or their agents for engagements,” said Garrett.

Eddie Reeves
Eddie Reeves

Vianovo, a strategy consultancy with offices in Austin, Mexico City and Washington, DC, has acquired Dallas-based Reeves Strategy Group. RSG founder Eddie Reeves will join Vianovo as partner. Before starting his own company, Reeves co-led the media relations practice of Austin-based Public Strategies Inc. Earlier in his career, Reeves was as press secretary for former U.S. Rep. J.J. ”Jake” Pickle and Houston Mayor Kathy Whitmire. The deal, intended to bolster Vianovo’s capabilities and presence in Texas and across the U.S. and Mexico, comes five months after Matt Hirsch, former deputy chief of staff and communications director for Texas Governor Greg Abbott, joined Vianovo as partner in its Austin office.