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| 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.”
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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.
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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.
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.
