Marco Lastrico
Marco Lastrico

Barabino & Partners, a leading Italian public relations firm with offices in Germany and the UK, marks the 10th anniversary of its US division with the opening of a new office in Rockefeller Center in New York City. The agency says it expects to close 2021 with a growth rate of 20 percent over 2020. Barabino & Partners USA has worked alongside over 150 Made in Italy brands, specializing in the food and beverage and hospitality sectors. “The choice of the new headquarters is strategic for us” said B+P USA partner and CEO Marco Lastrico. “The vibrant Rockefeller Center area, a symbolic place in New York, will offer our entire team additional motivation and creative ideas to develop new strategies.”

Next PR

Next PR is seeking proposals from mission-driven and charitable organizations that want to become the next pro bono client in the firm’s Conscious Capitalism program. The goal of the program is to assist groups by increasing brand awareness, garnering media coverage and growing social followings and engagement through PR support. Organizations supporting such missions as the advancement of women in STEM, clean energy, diversity in tech and healthcare improvement are encouraged to apply for the next partnership, which will run from April toSeptember 2022. Next says candidates must have a “kickass culture,” do innovative work and exhibit curiosity about the future of tech. The Conscious Capitalism program has thus far supported partners in the sustainability industry withDenver'sThe Alliance Center, in the biopharmaceutical industry withChicago'sNeopenda, withPhiladelphiatechnology nonprofitTech Impactand in the venture foundry space withMother SuperiorinSan Francisco.

Summit

The Summit Group, Utah’s longest-running independently owned agency, is acquired by Parpia Global Management. Parpia owner Naushad Parpia will serve as The Summit Group CEO, succeeding agency founder Bill Paulos, who after transitioning selected clients, will leave the agency to focus on community and public service activities. Partner Todd Wolfenbarger, who bought into the firm nearly 20 years ago, will continue to serve TSG in a consultative role. There are no plans to make any other staff changes. The agency will operate as a remote workforce with its headquarters in Salt Lake City, Utah, and New York, NY with satellite offices including San Jose, Austin, Greenville, and Seattle.