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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.
Brunner, a Pittsburgh-based integrated marketing agency, acquires AdSkate, an AI-powered creative analytics and marketing intelligence platform that helps brands and agencies optimize advertising performance... Augustine Agency launches Flavor Theory, a foodservice marketing practice aimed at helping restaurants, food manufacturers, distributors and institutional dining organizations grow their brands and businesses... The Acceleration Community of Companies releases a report finding that almost half (49 percent) of Gen Z sports fans say they have become interested in a new sport or athlete because of fan-created content or something entirely outside the sport. 
VPE Communications, which helps organizations authentically connect with diverse audiences, celebrates 38 years in business and announces a new ownership structure... Praytell expands into the Asian market with the opening of a new office in Singapore... The International Public Relations Network unveils a new visual identity and redesigned website. 
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.
