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KO Public Affairs, a public affairs and government relations firm, merges with Sandy Hillman Communications, a full-service public relations and consumer marketing firm. The combination of the two Baltimore-based agencies expands KO’s footprint beyond public affairs into consumer marketing. The combined firm will be managed by KO managing partner and co-founder Steve Kearney. KO partner Rick Abbruzzese will oversee the integration of the firms with Elisabeth Feldman, who was an SVP at Sandy Hillman, serving as head of the consumer marketing and public relations division within the combined firm. “This merger combines KO’s local and regional expertise with Hillman’s national footprint,” said Hillman. “We are seeing a growing number of businesses and non-profits needing a combination of consumer outreach and public affairs counsel. This merger provides that full complement of strategic communications services.”
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FanCompass, a fan engagement and data technology company for sports organizations and brands, launches a business division, CORE FOR BRANDS. The new division works directly with brands and agencies to identify, develop and execute targeted digital fan activations using the suite of tools offered on FC CORE, the company’s flagship fan engagement data platform. The FC CORE platform is designed to encourage repeat engagement, providing a flow of zero and first-party progressive data, enriched by a supply of measurable, digital sponsorship inventory that delivers lead generation. "CORE FOR BRANDS unites teams and brands together in a unique, innovative way that brings increased value and drives revenue for all involved,” said FanCompass CEO & co-founder Jamie Pardi.
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Klick Health releases Klick Site AiQ, an AI-driven marketing audit and assessment tool to help life sciences organizations quickly optimize their brand strategies and enhance their market competitiveness. The new tool, which is now available for Klick clients, regularly monitors pharma brand websites, leveraging generative AI to audit and analyze multiple competitive brands’ online content. It then creates an AI scorecard that compares key life sciences criteria, including brand messaging, audience targeting, financial support programs, focus on mechanism of action or delivery, and accessibility based on content reading level. "We want to give pharma marketers the market intelligence they need, but don’t always have the time to capture," said EVP of Data Science Alfred Whitehead. Earlier this month, the agency launched KCM+AI, the first AI social media comment moderator for the life sciences industry.
Taylor launches "Earn Everything," a repositioning that is intended to reflect both its heritage and its emphasis on relevance that is earned, not bought... The Net Zero Conference, which takes place on October 8 at the Los Angeles Convention Center, will convene climate leaders to re-envision the built environment and inspire a net zero future... Kite Hill launches Kite Hill Integrated Comms Intelligence, a client reporting framework that incorporates AI and custom workflows to give brands a holistic view of their communications performance across PR, owned and social media, search and AI search visibility... The Washington Women in Public Relations hosted “How Associations Lead with Strategic Storytelling,” on July 16 at Avoq's rooftop.
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.
