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Jarrard Phillips Cate & Hancock has partnered with Public Opinion Strategies on a study that reveals the reluctance many Americans have to get vaccinated for COVID-19 once a vaccine becomes available. According to the study, just over half of Americans (53 percent) say they are highly likely to get vaccinated, while 17 percent are somewhat likely, 21 percent are not likely and 10 percent say they’re unsure. Respondents said that the top reasons for their reservations about a vaccine are fears of potential side effects (47 percent) and being infected by the virus from the vaccine (22 percent). While respondents as a whole placed a high degree of trust in healthcare workers, making them key to any effective vaccination campaign, 40 percent of healthcare workers surveyed said they are on the fence or unlikely to get a vaccine when available. “This data shows that there is significant need and opportunity to develop vaccination campaigns,” said Jarrard CEO David Jarrard. “Before launching any campaigns for the public at large, though, healthcare organizations must build trust first within their own teams to reassure them about the safety of their facilities and the vetting of any vaccination.” To see the full study, click here.
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Icon Source, a digital marketplace that connects brands with pro athletes, has opened its platform to college athletes following the decision of the NCAA board of directors to have schools in all three of its divisions consider rules that would allow players to profit from their name, image and likeness. Beginning Oct. 1, college athletes will be able to register on Icon Source, with their profiles remaining private until college compensation laws go into effect. Athletes who register on the platform will be able to build profiles based on division, conference, school and sport, in addition to the metrics already included on the platform such as social stats, location and personal interests. Companies will be able to perform organic searches for athletes or utilize Icon Source’s AI technology to be paired with an athlete based on social audience demographics.
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| Drew Piers |
Sachs Media partner and director of campaigns Drew Piers has become president of the Florida Public Relations Association Capital Chapter. FPRA is a statewide organization linking over 1,000 professionals dedicated to advancing the profession of public relations. The Capital Chapter is the largest in Florida, featuring over 100 members. “Drew Piers is one of the smartest, sharpest, and most strategic professionals I have ever had the pleasure to call a colleague,” said Sachs Media founder and CEO Ron Sachs. “I know he will further contribute to the success of the Capital Chapter, our community, and the entire industry with his strong leadership.”
SourceCode Communications launches SourceCode Germany, establishing the agency's first office in continental Europe... Clario Group acquires Ted Miller Group, a Miami-founded agency focused on clients in the technology, travel & leisure and financial services sectors... Global Situation Room’s Global Risk Advisory Council is hosting a July 23 webinar that will go over the results of its new Reputation Risk Index.
Havas acquires MUT, a Barcelona-based firm focused on experiential marketing and sustainable events... IPREX lauches its AI Task Force...D S Simon Media, one of the first companies to produce a satellite media tour, celebrates its 40th anniversary... Washington Women in Public Relations is sponsoring an event that shows communications pros who work with associations how they can get their messages across clearly, credibly and courageously. “How Associations Lead with Strategic Storytelling,” at 6 p.m. on July 16.
TEAM LEWIS starts up its AI Practice... Thunderly launches a year-long storytelling campaign focused on how franchising can provide a pathway to business ownership... JIN, a European communications consulting group, introduces "AI Campaigning", a corporate offering designed to model and anticipate stakeholder behavior.
Karsh Hagan and Madden Media join forces as KHM... Endeavor Communications opens an office in the Harbor Point neighborhood of Stamford, CT... Big Red Oak, a Toronto-based communications firm, and D.C. area-based PA firm New Hill Consulting have launched a joint service exclusively for companies in the nuclear energy sector... The Pollack Group has partnered with Brandi AI, a platform for enterprise brand intelligence, AI visibility and Generative Engine Optimization.
Real Chemistry acquires Spurwing Communications, which advises pharmaceutical and healthcare organizations—as well as clients across a broader range of industries—throughout APAC... 5W AI Communications (5WPR) is moving its headquarters from New York to Florida (Miami, Tampa)... Valence Communications, which will focus on biopharmaceutical companies, launches under Matt Middleman, who was founder and CEO at LifeSci Communications.
