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| Vince Powers |
360PR+ acquires Philadelphia-based Powers Brand Communications. Powers founder Vince Powers will continue to work with the agency’s clients and staff, serving as executive vp for 360PR+ and managing director of its Philadelphia office. Launched in 2012, Powers Brand Communications serves clients in consumer products and retail, franchise businesses, financial services and insurance, education, hospitality and real estate. "There's a natural fit between the businesses Powers Brand Communications serves and 360's sectors of expertise—food & beverage, beauty, wellness, STEM learning, pet and more," said 360PR+ CEO Laura Tomasetti.
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Matter Communications opens an office in Rochester, NY. The agency says that the new office (its eighth) allows the agency to capitalize on the region’s growth opportunities across B2B technology, healthcare and consumer and further support its commitment to growing diverse talent. Among Matter’s current clients in the Rochester area is Paychex, a provider of integrated human capital management software solutions for human resources, payroll, benefits and insurance services. “Rochester was a natural choice for Matter and we’re excited to work more closely with existing partners as well as tap into the region’s bustling young professional scene from the area’s numerous universities,” said Matter principal and CEO Scott Signore.
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| Robert Hastings |
Robert Hastings & Associates, a leadership and communications consultancy focused on the aerospace, defense and mobility sectors, is launched by Robert A. Hastings, who served as principal deputy/assistant secretary of defense for public affairs in the George W. Bush administration. Hastings was most recently chief marketing & communications officer for Bell Textron Inc., where he planned and led the advocacy campaign for the U.S. Army’s Future Long Range Assault Aircraft program. The new consultancy’s focus will be on developing and executing strategies and campaigns to help businesses achieve strategic alignment, shape information environments, and drive performance and value. “I’m eager to leverage the experience and knowledge I’ve gained in government relations, marketing, communications and strategy with some of the world’s largest and most complex enterprises,” said Hastings.
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Penta, which was formed in September 2022 following the merger of Ballast Research, Hamilton Place Strategies, Flag Media Analytics, alva, Gotham Research Group, and Decode_M, acquires Hume Brophy, a global public affairs, communications, and strategy firm. Hume Brophy chief executive Conall McDevitt will become a senior partner and managing partner, Europe and Asia, at Penta. John Hume and Eoin Brophy, Hume Brophy co-founders, will continue at Penta as senior advisors. Founded in 2005, Hume Brophy has offices in London, Brussels, Dublin, Frankfurt, Paris, Hong Kong and Singapore. "As we look to provide the actionable intelligence businesses need to inform their decision-making, we are excited to welcome the Hume Brophy team to Penta," said Penta President Matt McDonald.
Brunner, a Pittsburgh-based integrated marketing agency, acquires AdSkate, an AI-powered creative analytics and marketing intelligence platform that helps brands and agencies optimize advertising performance... Augustine Agency launches Flavor Theory, a foodservice marketing practice aimed at helping restaurants, food manufacturers, distributors and institutional dining organizations grow their brands and businesses... The Acceleration Community of Companies releases a report finding that almost half (49 percent) of Gen Z sports fans say they have become interested in a new sport or athlete because of fan-created content or something entirely outside the sport. 
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.
