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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.
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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.”
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| 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.
Praytell expands its Influence Department—which unites media, creators and social under one team... LRJ PR & Communications and Canopy Brand Group form an alliance that the firms say will bridge the operational divide between high-end brand design and strategic public relations... Twin Minds Media, Hispanic market specialist, increases the scope of its services in an effort to help brands build deeper connections with audiences through culture, storytelling, media and experiences. 
The People Platform, part of Stagwell's The Marketing Cloud, rebrands as Numetrix... Zapwater Communications has earned 17 finalist honors across two PR competitions: eight at the 68th Annual Golden Trumpet Awards, presented by the Publicity Club of Chicago, and nine at the 2026 PRSA Chicago Skyline Awards.. The Florida Public Relations Association presented 122 awards to individuals and teams from across the state at its 69th annual Golden Image and 3rd Annual Pinnacle Awards gala.
The Motion Agency acquires Vehr Communications, a Cincinnati-based strategic communications firm, effective Oct. 1... Lyceus Group, which specializes in financial services, is named a finalist for Public Relations Campaign at the 2026 ThinkAdvisor Luminaries Awards... IPSY, a curated beauty membership platform, launches IPSY Marketing Solutions, a full-funnel marketing and sales acceleration engine. 
Fire on the Hill, which has offices in London, Manchester, New York and Paris, is providing pro bono communications support to the Intergenerational Foundation, the UK's leading authority on intergenerational fairness... The PRSA-NY Big Apple Awards Gala on Sept. 17 will have Gio Benitez, co-anchor of the weekend edition of “Good Morning America” and ABC News transportation correspondent, serving as emcee... CasePR, a boutique litigation communications firm, launches in Portland, OR.
inFocus, which works with entertainment, media and innovation brands in the US Hispanic market and Latin America, expands into Mexico... Modern Currency Public Relations, which will celebrate its 10th anniversary in 2027, launches an AI visibility & generative engine optimization practice... Adfactors PR, India’s largest reputation and critical issues advisory, acquires Australian communication consultancy SenateSHJ.
