PRSA

PRSA launches its In Between Jobs program for communications professionals who have been affected by the past year’s economic challenges. The program’s offerings include a 50 percent discount off the organization’s regular $260 membership rate, a waived reinstatement fee for returning members and a free year-long membership in PRSA’s Independent Practitioner’s Alliance for those who may be considering starting or continuing an independent practice or are looking for freelance work. “Through this new program, we hope to partner with, and make it easier for, those seeking their next opportunity to take advantage of the professional development, networking and skills-building resources available through a PRSA membership,” said PRSA chief executive officer Linda Thomas Brooks. For additional information about the new program, click here.

Padilla

Padilla issues its 2020 Report to Our Communities, which highlights three projects that the agency’s teams completed during the past year. In June, Padilla’s Minneapolis headquarters office coordinated a supply drive for the YWCA Midtown, which was distributing groceries and supplies to city residents in the wake of the murder of George Floyd and the unrest that followed. To encourage Padilla employees to get involved in community service and voting rights initiatives, the agency established a diversity + inclusion day of service, which offered employees a paid day off, which they could devote a range of DE&I efforts. Padilla also served as strategic communications partner for MN Cup, an annual statewide competition that provides education, mentorship and financial support for Minnesotans launching their own businesses. “These are the moments we need to celebrate,” said Padilla president Matt Kucharski, “because as we help those around us, we’re also helping ourselves.”

Sean Mansouri
Sean Mansouri

Elevate IR, a strategic financial communications firm, has been started up by former Gateway Investor Relations managing director Sean Mansouri. Before joining Gateway, Mansouri worked as a financial analyst at both American Express and Mercer Advisors. Elevate will offer a range of investor relations services targeting institutional and retail audiences, including strategic communication, investor outreach, crisis planning, shareholder activism defense, and IPO, SPAC & syndicate advisory.