SCGWest

Hemsworth Communications has added Newport, CA-based commercial real estate development firm SCGWest to the roster of clients in its franchise and business services division. With work already underway, Hemsworth is developing a comprehensive B2B PR strategy for SCGWest that includes managing national media relations, thought leadership and more. SCGWest specializes in the turnkey delivery and management process of new, existing, and expanding restaurant and retail businesses nationwide, offering services that range from site selection, commercial lease auditing, lease negotiations and renewals to architecture design and construction, portfolio management and financing.

Syracuse

Mower’s Syracuse office has donated its creative talents to spread the message that the region’s shops, museums and restaurants are open and ready to safely welcome customers. The eight-week campaign, “Put the ‘U’ back in Syrac_use” was announced at a press conference led by the Downtown Committee of Syracuse, with Syracuse Mayor Ben Walsh, Onondaga County Executive Ryan McMahon, Visit Syracuse and a diverse coalition of more than 50 local businesses lending support. Mower contributed the campaign’s concept, creative and PR, including a chalk mural that will be promoted as a selfie background on the side of a downtown Syracuse building. The agency also enlisted a scavenger hunt app called Scavify that challenges people to visit a variety of area businesses and iconic landmarks, as well as developing and distributing a “Reopening Business Toolkit” that includes posters, a window cling and sample social media posts. To date, as many as two-thirds of the county’s restaurants and retailers are back in business, with more to follow in the coming weeks.

Playbook Public Relations has been awarded the marketing and communications contract for the Tampa Hillsborough Expressway Authority. Playbook will work to bring public awareness to THEA's $1 billion six-year work plan. The agency has also served as part of the team that spearheaded THEA's grassroots communications and outreach strategy. The term of the contract is three years with an option for THEA to renew with one-year extensions for each of the next two years.