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J/PR launches 20Two Studio, a creative storytelling affiliate focused on public relations and social media strategy for established and emerging hospitality, real estate, lifestyle, wellness and travel-related tech brands. J/PR senior vice president Lauren Knudsen, a 15-year veteran of the agency, will lead 20TwoStudio as president. The Studio’s current account team has footprints in New York City, Los Angeles and San Diego. Its client roster includes hotel brands like Independent Collection Hotels & Resorts and boutique hotels including The Roundtree, Amagansett; Royal Palms Resort & Spa; Noelle Nashville; L’Auberge Del Mar; Kona Kai Resort & Spa; The Plaza Hotel El Paso Pioneer Park and Palacio Provincial. “With 20Two Studio, we’re able to offer the authentic spirit of an entrepreneurial start-up, powered by C-level experience and a stronghold of back-office operations,” said J/PR partner Sarah Evans.
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Prosek Partners partner Russell Sherman launches the “Press Profiles” podcast, which features prominent business journalists sharing their backstories, memorable moments and perspectives on the news. In the podcast’s first episode, Russell interviews Financial Times US financial editor Gary Silverman, who talks about his early days as a reporter, the changing face of journalism and his career at the FT. Upcoming guests are scheduled to include the Wall Street Journal special writer Greg Zuckerman, Pensions & Investments senior reporter Christine Williamson, CNBC reporter Leslie Picker and Bloomberg chief correspondent Jason Kelly.
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Rosica Communications has been recognized for its work on behalf of The Salvation Army Greater New York Division. Rosica was cited by MerComm Inc. (Galaxy Award) and PRSA (Big Apple and Pyramid Awards) for its success in elevating awareness and donations for the nonprofit’s “Giant Red Kettle” campaign. Rosica’s campaign placed a larger-than-life-sized Giant Red Kettle in the middle of Times Square. With no dedicated marketing support for the Giant Red Kettle other than PR, The Salvation Army’s Red Kettle holiday fundraising campaign—which was facing a 50 percent decrease in donations over the prior year—saw a 17 percent increase. Dozens of national, regional and New York media placements delivered an estimated advertising value of approximately $500,000.
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Moxie Marketing Group, which previously was an in-house provider of marketing services to companies in the DRGinvest portfolio, has started working with external clients. Moxie specializes in web development, with services including graphics, brand creation, marketing collateral and print material development. Its other services include video production, content creation and optimization, database building and management, email campaigns, and public relations.
Mark Allen & Co. acquires Alban Communications, establishing its first Miami office... Buchalter, a business law firm, launches a crisis management and strategic response group... 5W PR expands its beauty practice to include TikTok Shop-aligned PR campaigns and creator amplification strategies.
Caster Communications is acquired by long-time agency leaders Alexandra Crabb and Peter Girard... DiGennaro Communications launches The Authority Studio, a freestanding content strategy and production offering... The Brandman Agency, which specializes in luxury travel and lifestyle, rebrands as Brandman.
Public Inc., a social impact agency based in Toronto and New York, acquires Rocket Social Impact, an advisory firm that works with nonprofit and corporate social impact organizations... Ruder Finn launches “What’s Next: The Ruder Finn Podcast,” a new platform hosted by CEO Kathy Bloomgarden... Crowe PR joins United Partners Network, a network of independent PR agencies with members across more than 65 markets worldwide.
Ruder Finn launches rf.Voices, an integrated influence offering that brings together AI-powered influencer marketing, customer advocacy and paid amplification under one measurable framework... The Pollack Group is accepting applications through March 31 for The Big Red Grant, a $40,000 pro bono strategic PR and marketing engagement program awarded to a nonprofit organization ready for growth... D S Simon Media releases a report that says almost seven in ten producers (68 percent) are more interested in airing a story when they know it has been optimized for AI.
Precision Strategies, an integrated strategy and marketing agency with offices in Washington and New York, acquires Firehouse Strategies, a DC-based public affairs firm... AVENIR GLOBAL acquires London-based Thinks Insight & Strategy... Good Company, which bills itself as a “cultural engineering firm,” is launched by DJ Hardy, a veteran of Johannesburg-based communications consultancy arxna and M&C Saatchi Sport & Entertainment and Casey Stickles, who has worked at 5WPR, Rubenstein and MWW.
