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Zapwater Communications launches a dedicated bilingual services division, Chispa, to provide services for clients in Latin America. Zapwater’s Miami office will lead the division under the supervision of VP Bertha Diaz. Comprised of PR professionals from all three of the agency’s offices (Miami, Chicago, Los Angeles), Chispa will handle original Spanish-language content, translation, localization of marketing materials, bilingual media relations services, social media management, crisis communications, influencer marketing and overall message development. “Our team’s deep understanding of the Latin American market, coupled with their bilingual proficiency, allow us to develop compelling narratives and engage with audiences on a more personal level,” said Zapwater Communications founder and CEO David Zapata. Zapwater is also part of the Travel Lifestyle Network, a global network of marketing communications agencies, which recently expanded its presence to strengthen its network in the Americas.
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IPREX onboards six new partner agencies across its Americas region: Carve Communications (Miami), Chirp PR (Atlanta), Curious Public (Toronto), Ditto PR (New York), LaVoieHealthScience (Boston) and The TASC Group (New York). The network has also formed a Partner Value Committee, which conducts research, gathers benchmarking data, develops thought leadership content, provides agency recommendations and implements partner feedback through the development of new tools and topic-specific webinars. “By collaborating to share data and resources, each of our partnering members has access to the newest best practices in our quickly advancing communications industry,” said Tunheim director of integrated communication, Emily McGrath, who chairs the PVC alongside Susan Davis International VP Sean O’Leary.
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Richard Edelman provides an introduction for Strategic Crisis Communication, a new book from James O’Rourke and Jeffrey Smith that outlines the steps an organization should take in the heat of a crisis. The book says that rather than follow “The FiveDs”—Delay, Deflect, Deny, Discredit, Defame—communicators need to follow a game plan that includes quickly defining their core values, disclosing everything fast to steal the news media’s thunder, accepting responsibility, making meaningful amends, embracing employees in solutions, and informing all stakeholders. Examples are given of how companies like Starbucks, Wells Fargo, Target and many others handled their crisis communications, alongside interviews with several prominent journalists that provide insider tips on successfully interacting with them in a crisis.
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.
