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The Bliss Group opens a London office to serve professional services, financial services, healthcare, tech and impact clients with a European presence. The agency will work with London-based members of other Next Practices Group firms. Its growth into the UK and European markets is overseen by SVP Miles Hill, who has been with the agency for nearly ten years and has extensive experience with international Fortune 500 clients and middle market leaders. Bliss has also appointed Charlotte Chadwick, who previously ran her own corporate communications consultancy, as associate director of the London office. “As the second largest financial services hub in the world and a growing center for healthcare innovation, London is a logical place for Bliss to deepen its presence and better support clients with an international footprint,” said The Bliss Group CEO Cortney Stapleton.
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| Adam Clampitt |
Granite Creek Capital Partners in partnership with Boathouse Capital, makes an investment in The District Communications Group, which provides market research and strategic communications services, primarily supporting federal government clients. Granite Creek’s investment in DCG is from its FlexCap III Fund, which is licensed by the U.S. Small Business Administration as a small business investment company. In conjunction with its investment in DCG, Granite Creek Peter Lehman has joined DCG’s board of directors. Founded by Navy veteran Adam Clampitt, DCG has worked on such national initiatives as promoting veteran mental health and suicide prevention, combatting human trafficking, and raising public awareness of the signs of terrorism. “With the additional resources and capacity this investment provides, we plan to expand on our position as a leader in the federal communications arena,” said Clampitt.
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| Will Kruisbrink |
Treble, which partners with venture capital firms and venture-backed technology companies, forms an artificial intelligence practice group, which will be led out of the agency’s San Francisco office by VP Will Kruisbrink. Formerly a VP at Walker Sands, Kruisbrink has worked with AI companies such as LandingAI, SambaNova and Constructor. Along with SymphonyAI and ZEDEDA, Treble’s clients in the AI practice group include NeuReality, creators of purpose-built AI platforms for the ultra-scalability of real-life AI applications, and Prosimo, a Silicon Valley-headquartered company delivering a full stack multi-cloud networking platform. “As AI began to work its way into practically every tech media story, Treble was prepared to highlight our efforts and show how AI has emerged as a critical part of our business going forward,” said ZEDEDA senior director of marketing communications Sarah Beaudoin.
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.
