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| Emily Graham |
The Institute for Public Relations has launched the IPR Center for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, a resource to help conduct, share and promote research and best practices in core areas related to diversity, equity and inclusion in the PR industry. The initiative will be led by two IPR trustees: FleishmanHillard chief diversity & inclusion officer and global practice lead Emily Graham and Lamar University chair and professor Dr. Natalie Tindall. The CDEI’s research areas include topics relating to PR professionals who are Black, indigenous and People of Color; women; LGBTQ+; and those with disabilities. It will also address mental health-related issues and intersectionality (interconnectedness of identities, such as race, gender, ethnicity and sexuality). Features include free on-demand webinars and upcoming sessions of “Race in the PR Classroom,” a series IPR co-hosts with the PRSA Educators Academy. Graham says that the CDEI “will accelerate the rigor and relentless focus needed to act with intent and impact, empowering communicators to lead the charge.”
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Saxum, an integrated digital marketing agency, has signed a letter of intent to acquire VI Marketing and Branding. Following closing of the transaction, which is expected by year-end 2020, Saxum chairman and CEO C. Renzi Stone will serve as chairman and CEO of the new entity. VI co-founder and president Tim Berney will be an equity shareholder and partner, and serve as president of Saxum. Debbie Schramm, currently president at Saxum, will become president emeritus and chief integration officer. The new agency will maintain Saxum’s name and its Oklahoma City headquarters. Together, the agencies will have revenues of more than $38 million and more than 100 employees in Oklahoma City, Chicago, Denver, Houston, St. Louis, Miami, Nashville, Charlotte, Chattanooga and Tulsa “With deep expertise and a focus on creating meaningful and measurable change, we will provide best-in-class strategic counsel and execution for our clients,” Stone said. “Our combined agency will provide clients with access to even more incredible talent and capabilities.”
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Onclusive, which offers PR analytics and media monitoring software, has entered into a strategic partnership with The RepTrak Company, a reputation data and insights company. The partnership will combine RepTrak’s reputation metrics with Onclusive’s AI-powered media analytics. RepTrak will receive real-time media data and analytics from Onclusive to help clients assess both their corporate reputation and related media trends. RepTrak measures and monitors clients’ reputation, ESG and brand metrics against competitors and industry to uncover reputational opportunities and risks. “Our customers are managing corporate communications across numerous issues, but corporate reputation is foremost for many of them,” said Onclusive CEO Dan Beltramo. “Our data, in combination with RepTrak’s, gives communications teams a clear objective against which to optimize.
Caster Communications is acquired by long-time agency leaders Alexandra Crabb and Peter Girard... DiGennaro Communications launches The Authority Studio, a freestanding content strategy and production offering... The Brandman Agency, which specializes in luxury travel and lifestyle, rebrands as Brandman.
Public Inc., a social impact agency based in Toronto and New York, acquires Rocket Social Impact, an advisory firm that works with nonprofit and corporate social impact organizations... Ruder Finn launches “What’s Next: The Ruder Finn Podcast,” a new platform hosted by CEO Kathy Bloomgarden... Crowe PR joins United Partners Network, a network of independent PR agencies with members across more than 65 markets worldwide.
Ruder Finn launches rf.Voices, an integrated influence offering that brings together AI-powered influencer marketing, customer advocacy and paid amplification under one measurable framework... The Pollack Group is accepting applications through March 31 for The Big Red Grant, a $40,000 pro bono strategic PR and marketing engagement program awarded to a nonprofit organization ready for growth... D S Simon Media releases a report that says almost seven in ten producers (68 percent) are more interested in airing a story when they know it has been optimized for AI.
Precision Strategies, an integrated strategy and marketing agency with offices in Washington and New York, acquires Firehouse Strategies, a DC-based public affairs firm... AVENIR GLOBAL acquires London-based Thinks Insight & Strategy... Good Company, which bills itself as a “cultural engineering firm,” is launched by DJ Hardy, a veteran of Johannesburg-based communications consultancy arxna and M&C Saatchi Sport & Entertainment and Casey Stickles, who has worked at 5WPR, Rubenstein and MWW.
PSC (Princeton Strategic Communications) acquires Nonprofit Partners... CG Life launches 24/364, a cultural brand platform intended to drive awareness, connection and action aimed at keeping rare disease at the forefront of the health and social conversation... Interluxe Group, which focuses on brand experiences and in-person activations; Quinn, a strategic communications agency; and media and digital agency North & Warren are uniting under the Interluxe Group banner.
