 |
| 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.
 |
| 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.”
 |
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.
CashmanKatz launches CK Health, a healthcare marketing specialty... Mission North introduces its Physical Industries practice, which will focus on physical AI applications across four verticals: commerce, manufacturing, mobility, and aerospace and defense... Muck Rack, an AI communications platform, announces a new feature designed to help communications leaders identify timely opportunities to shape relevant news conversations while they are still developing.
FINN Partners opens an office in Minneapolis, its fifth location in the Midwest and its 39th worldwide... AMP3 PR hosts its annual Gifting Suite and Media Lounge in conjunction with New York Fashion Week... Curious Plot, which works with clients in the agriculture, food and companion animal industries, is accepting applications for its 2026 Seed to Succeed pro bono program.
IPREX names Big Picture PR in San Francisco, Precision Strategies in Washington, D.C., and Tiny Mighty Communications in Nashville as its first Americas Partner Cohort... Highwire launches AcroAnswers, a proprietary AI visibility platform... Big Red Oak and Naer Communications, a Calgary-based firm, form a partnership providing integrated communications and marketing services to clean energy companies and organizations across Canada.
Matter launches its Review Visibility Management service to address a shift in how companies across verticals earn trust online... A Queens school is putting out the message about Sept. 12, 2001 when people came together to help, comfort, rebuild and unite... Directive expands its Directive Communications division, which will bring PR, organic social, influencer marketing and paid social together under one integrated organization.
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. 
