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| R. Kurt Osenlund |
Mark Allen & Co. launches "PrideNOW," a specialized PR consulting service designed to help marketers connect with the LGBTQ+ community year-round. The service will be led by VP of client relations and former Out magazine editor R. Kurt Osenlund. PrideNOW services include strategic development for LGBTQ+ campaigns; LGBTQ+ media relations; LGBTQ+ content development for owned, earned and paid media; community engagement initiatives; executive briefings on the LGBTQ+ market; coordination of LGBTQ+ marketing events; strategic partnerships with LGBTQ+ organizations; advertising messaging counsel; influencer strategies; crisis communication support; and media training for press interviews and speaking engagements. “Between reputational missteps from brands and continued attacks on the LGBTQ+ community, CEOs and CMOs must answer a growing mandate from their boards and customers to develop a strategy to authentically connect with LGBTQ+ audiences. A PR firm that understands the nuances of the community can be an invaluable partner in this process,” said Mark Allen & Co. CEO Mark Pasetsky.
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| Khaner Walker |
ArcSense Communications, a Raleigh, NC-based communications and PR agency, is launched by Khaner Walker, who most recently served as internal and external communications lead for Syneos Health’s corporate functions and technology group. He previously led Lenovo’s global internal communications function, and before that he headed up French|West|Vaughan’s public affairs team. ArcSense provides senior-level counseling for companies establishing their narrative or those seeking to scale and grow with new audiences. “We know the problems businesses are facing when it comes to their marketing spend, we’ve faced them ourselves,” said Walker. “We distinguish which efforts are working, drive the right value, and ensure alignment with the broader org – all wrapped around thoughtful marketing and communications strategies.”
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Progressive Dental Marketing, which works with more than 1,000 dental practices to improve their marketing capabilities, is partnering with McCarthy Capital to accelerate its growth plans. PDM, which surpassed $60 million in revenue in 2023, says that the $100 million recapitalization will provide the company with resources that will allow it to continue its expansion domestically and internationally. "We’re excited to partner with an industry-leading provider of sales and marketing training for dentists," said McCarthy Capital partner Phil Dudley. “Together, we’ll accelerate Progressive Dental’s growth trajectory through international expansion and accretive acquisitions.” DLA Piper led the legal advisory for McCarthy Capital. Hill Ward Henderson served as legal counsel to Progressive Dental Marketing.
BGR Analytics rates Texas as the best state for AI investors to place their money, according to its newly launched BGR Best States for AI Investment Index... Pierpont Communications, a PR and integrated digital marketing agency headquartered in Houston, expands into South Florida... The Pollack Group names Project Petals as the recipient of its 2026 Big Red Grant.
LaVoie Strategic Communications Group launches an integrated market platform and redesigned website meant to reflect the agency’s evolving role advising healthcare, life sciences and government organizations... Highwire publishes “Passing the Torch: A Framework for CEO Transition Communication for Professional Services Businesses"... Auris, a communications lab backed by a strategic investment from Helios & Partners, launches.
MikeWorldWide acquires HudsonLake, a strategic communications firm specializing in organizational change, employee experience and workforce communications.
AKCG – Public Relations Counselors, a Philadelphia-area firm that offers crisis planning, crisis management, media training and media relations, acquires Hennes Communications... The Martin Group, an integrated marketing communications firm headquartered in Buffalo, acquires creative, brand strategy and content studio Mr. Smith Agency... ExpertClick, a platform connecting journalists with qualified interview sources, is offering a database of 357 top U.S. media outlets.
Perry Communications Group, a Sacramento‑based public affairs and strategic communications firm, marks its 30th anniversary... Bullish, an institutional-grade digital asset platform, enters into a definitive agreement to acquire Equiniti, the owner of press release service Notified... IPREX releases “Your Agency’s AI Reality Check Toolkit."
