NPG

The Next Practices Group makes a strategic investment in 104 West Partners, a communications agency for innovative companies. Terms of the investment were not disclosed. The addition of Denver-based 104 West Partners is intended to augment NPG’s communications solution for B2B technology companies, their innovations, products and ideas. Patrick Ward, 104 West’s founder and CEO, will serve in NPG’s founders’ group, which includes fellow leaders specializing across communications, marketing, public affairs, security, software, analytics, brand purpose, digital transformation and digital media. Through NPG’s growing global presence, 104 West will expand its reach in critical geographies including New York, Austin and London, offering greater scale and growth opportunities for clients as well as 104 West staff. NPG’s founder-driven network of firms and their clients will gain access to 104 West’s robust communications team, including its deeply experienced leadership team. “Our mission is to continue 104 West’s consistent track record for building informed, compelling programs that deliver measurable results where they matter most, as technology shapes our future,” said NPG chair Bob Pearson.

Matrix

New York Women in Communications honors six “Champions of Change” at the 53rd Annual Matrix Awards, being held tonight (Sept 20) at 5:30 p.m. at New York’s Ziegfeld Ballroom. Ever since the first Matrix honoree, Gloria Steinem, was honored back in 1971, the awards have celebrated female empowerment and achievement in the field of communication and the arts. This year’s award winners are Esi Eggleston Bracey, president, Unilever USA and CEO, Unilever Personal Care, North America; Moody’s chief corporate affairs officer Christine Elliott; Moira Forbes, executive VP, Forbes and publisher ForbesWomen; The Paley Center president and CEO Maureen J. Reidy; TelevisaUnivision president of advertising of sales and marketing Donna Speciale; and CNN chief international correspondent Clarissa Ward.

Grossman

Grossman Marketing Group, a Woburn, MA agency that provides marketing materials and solutions to customers including the Boston Bruins, Boston Celtics, Mass General Brigham, athenahealth, Columbia University, Hewlett-Packard and John Hancock, acquires Sarasota, FL-based Links Marketing Group. Links has served a client roster that includes multiple national charities along with PGA, LPGA and Senior PGA Tour events, insurance companies and retail brands. With this acquisition, Grossman will be expanding their internal service offerings along with their geographic footprint as they now offer expanded services to clientele in the Southeast. “We are excited to continue delivering exceptional marketing solutions to our expanded client base in the growing Florida market,” said Grossman Marketing Group co-president Ben Grossman.