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The Institute for Public Relations launches IPR ELEVATE, a membership program for leaders who are dedicated to IPR’s research-focused mission. The program is open to mid- and senior-level, high-achieving communication professionals with at least 10 years of experience. Members are elected by the IPR ELEVATE Committee, which is comprised of CCOs, as well as agency, nonprofit and executive search leaders. IPR ELEVATE will limit its membership to fewer than 35 in its inaugural year. Applications will be accepted on a quarterly basis with the first review of applications due on April 1. “IPR ELEVATE offers leadership and professional development opportunities for a generation of leaders who care about the importance of research and insights to the field,” said Steve Cody, founder and CEO of Peppercomm and inaugural chair of the IPR ELEVATE Committee. “I’m excited to work with these leaders to launch this program and advance IPR’s mission.”
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Maracaibo Media Group expanded into larger headquarters on Feb. 1. Founded in 2006, the New City, NY (about an hour from NYC) firm specializes in broadcast, print and web-based media campaigns, national broadcast print and online media placements, social media, live event production, video production and media training. The agency also has satellite offices and a network of affiliated professionals across the country. The new hybrid space is equipped with a large screen TV connected to a remote work-station for Zoom calls, and there are big “creative spaces” both inside and outside for employees to mingle and collaborate. Agency CEO and founder Lynn Munroe is excited about “hopping out of the zoom box” with her staff and being there in person three days a week.
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| Suzanne Tobin |
With the Australian border opening on Feb. 21 (allowing Australians to travel internationally for the first time since March 2020), PR firms that service the country are preparing for a wave of interest from travelers. Suzanne Tobin, CEO of Australia-based tourism and destination management firm Latitude PR, notes that “for the past two years, when Australians talked to friends, one of their first discussions would be, ‘What are the top destinations you are going to visit when the borders open?’” Before Covid 19, almost one out of three Australians traveled internationally every year, and the country ranks ninth on consulting firm Timetric’s survey of the World’s Top Ten Biggest Travelers.
VPE Communications, which helps organizations authentically connect with diverse audiences, celebrates 38 years in business and announces a new ownership structure... Praytell expands into the Asian market with the opening of a new office in Singapore... The International Public Relations Network unveils a new visual identity and redesigned website. 
SourceCode Communications launches SourceCode Germany, establishing the agency's first office in continental Europe... Clario Group acquires Ted Miller Group, a Miami-founded agency focused on clients in the technology, travel & leisure and financial services sectors... Global Situation Room’s Global Risk Advisory Council is hosting a July 23 webinar that will go over the results of its new Reputation Risk Index.
Havas acquires MUT, a Barcelona-based firm focused on experiential marketing and sustainable events... IPREX lauches its AI Task Force...D S Simon Media, one of the first companies to produce a satellite media tour, celebrates its 40th anniversary... Washington Women in Public Relations is sponsoring an event that shows communications pros who work with associations how they can get their messages across clearly, credibly and courageously. “How Associations Lead with Strategic Storytelling,” at 6 p.m. on July 16.
TEAM LEWIS starts up its AI Practice... Thunderly launches a year-long storytelling campaign focused on how franchising can provide a pathway to business ownership... JIN, a European communications consulting group, introduces "AI Campaigning", a corporate offering designed to model and anticipate stakeholder behavior.
Karsh Hagan and Madden Media join forces as KHM... Endeavor Communications opens an office in the Harbor Point neighborhood of Stamford, CT... Big Red Oak, a Toronto-based communications firm, and D.C. area-based PA firm New Hill Consulting have launched a joint service exclusively for companies in the nuclear energy sector... The Pollack Group has partnered with Brandi AI, a platform for enterprise brand intelligence, AI visibility and Generative Engine Optimization.
