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APCO Worldwide launches Margy, a form of adaptive intelligence that applies the collective knowledge and history of the APCO team to the agency’s client strategy and work. The new platform, which is named after and inspired by APCO Worldwide founder Margery Kraus, also learns from the firm’s top experts to provide better insights over time. Developed by APCO’s AI Comms Lab under the leadership of AI strategist Dr. Abdullah Sahyoun, Margy can automate content generation, help teams work more efficiently and has a reputation management tool that monitors a client’s online presence and manages potential crises. APCO has also created a new AI advisory offering for clients who are facing business challenges, navigating their own AI transformations, or are anxious to fast-forward their growth and gain market share. “We see AI as an opportunity to harness the collective wisdom of our global employees, our top advisors and 40 years of history, synthesize it in a streamlined way for every unique situation our clients face, and then make it available to our team,” said APCO president and managing director of operations Evan Kraus.
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Hill & Knowlton (formerly Hill + Knowlton Strategies), as part of its rebranding back to its original name, is introducing a new visual identity, website and social presence, along with several new services. Within its H&K Advisory unit, the agency is now offering FutureSight, a group of geopolitical, policy and communication advisors focused on helping executives anticipate the impact of international political and regulatory environments on business and stakeholder strategy, and Global Horizons, which is centered on the economies of the Global South spanning Asia, Latin America, Africa and the Gulf. H&K has also introduced a network of Innovation & Creative hubs around the world that are meant to bring together creative, content, media and digital specialists to work alongside sector specialists, public and corporate affairs advisors and public relations experts. “Business leaders need this powerful creative engine to help address today’s emerging risk,” said Hill & Knowlton global chairman & CEO AnnaMaria DeSalva.
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| Alisa Valudes Whyte |
Merritt Group CEO and senior partner Alisa Valudes Whyte is recognized by Washington Women in Public Relations as its 34th Woman of the Year. Whyte has been with Merritt Group since 1997 and helped to build and shape the agency, leading campaigns for clients in technology, healthcare and government. She currently serves on the board of directors of several organizations, including the Northern Virginia Technology Council, Neighborhood Health, and the Democratic Business Council of Northern Virginia. Established by Kate Perrin, WWPR’s Woman of the Year Awards program recognizes women who have raised the bar in the communications field and for the future of the profession. This year’s finalists for the award also included Stanton Communications president Lori Russo and News Generation founder and EVP, client engagement Susan Matthews Apgood.
Praytell expands its Influence Department—which unites media, creators and social under one team... LRJ PR & Communications and Canopy Brand Group form an alliance that the firms say will bridge the operational divide between high-end brand design and strategic public relations... Twin Minds Media, Hispanic market specialist, increases the scope of its services in an effort to help brands build deeper connections with audiences through culture, storytelling, media and experiences. 
The People Platform, part of Stagwell's The Marketing Cloud, rebrands as Numetrix... Zapwater Communications has earned 17 finalist honors across two PR competitions: eight at the 68th Annual Golden Trumpet Awards, presented by the Publicity Club of Chicago, and nine at the 2026 PRSA Chicago Skyline Awards.. The Florida Public Relations Association presented 122 awards to individuals and teams from across the state at its 69th annual Golden Image and 3rd Annual Pinnacle Awards gala.
The Motion Agency acquires Vehr Communications, a Cincinnati-based strategic communications firm, effective Oct. 1... Lyceus Group, which specializes in financial services, is named a finalist for Public Relations Campaign at the 2026 ThinkAdvisor Luminaries Awards... IPSY, a curated beauty membership platform, launches IPSY Marketing Solutions, a full-funnel marketing and sales acceleration engine. 
Fire on the Hill, which has offices in London, Manchester, New York and Paris, is providing pro bono communications support to the Intergenerational Foundation, the UK's leading authority on intergenerational fairness... The PRSA-NY Big Apple Awards Gala on Sept. 17 will have Gio Benitez, co-anchor of the weekend edition of “Good Morning America” and ABC News transportation correspondent, serving as emcee... CasePR, a boutique litigation communications firm, launches in Portland, OR.
inFocus, which works with entertainment, media and innovation brands in the US Hispanic market and Latin America, expands into Mexico... Modern Currency Public Relations, which will celebrate its 10th anniversary in 2027, launches an AI visibility & generative engine optimization practice... Adfactors PR, India’s largest reputation and critical issues advisory, acquires Australian communication consultancy SenateSHJ.
