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Razorfish, a Publicis Groupe agency, launches R-Index, a proprietary data solution developed in collaboration with Google Cloud. A custom algorithm, R-Index leverages Google Cloud BigQuery, Looker Studio, Sensitive Data Protection, and its suite of AI and machine learning capabilities, including Vertex AI, to provide a more dynamic and nuanced view into a brand's overall marketing investment performance. Razorfish has already begun piloting the R-Index solution with several clients, including New York Life. “What sets R-Index apart is its unique ability to measure brand sentiment and equity among consumers, closing the gap between complexity and clarity that brands so often find themselves in,” said Razorfish chief data and analytics officer Sisi Zhang. “Now, they will be able to accurately analyze their target audiences’ needs and motivations, and leverage marketing to help drive performance outcomes in response to those consumer perceptions."
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Yes&, a New York-based marketing agency, and woman- and black-owned communications firm Spero Studio form a mentor-protégé partnership guided by the Small Business Administration. The partnership between the firms will leverage their combined expertise and resources to deliver inclusive and impactful marketing campaigns that resonate with wide-ranging audiences, for clients in the federal sector. In addition, they will form a joint venture—Spero Studio Federal. “Partnering with Spero Studio to create Spero Studio Federal is one more example of our ‘yes and’ approach,” said Yes& CEO Bob Sprague. “Their commitment to underserved audiences perfectly aligns with our values, which made this decision to join forces easy. Together, we will leverage our collective strengths to drive positive change and deliver outstanding results for our clients."
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Carabiner Communications, an Atlanta firm that serves B2B technology and healthcare startups and high-growth companies, marks its 20th anniversary. Founded by Peter Baron, who was founder of Socket PR and worked at Hill & Knowlton, Carabiner, which is part of Plexus PR Group, an international network of communications agencies, has more than 30 organizations on its client roster. The agency was a pioneer in the remote work world. “I wanted to try something that would allow professionals to do their best work with the support of a team behind them while also reducing their time on the proverbial hamster wheel,” explained Baron. “Our model also eliminated the leasing of office space—savings we continue to pass along to our clients while providing them with the same or, oftentimes, better quality of services than they would get with competing agencies.” In 2023, Baron transitioned from president to CEO, where he remains active in strategic consulting for clients. Former VP and general partner Dana Cogan took over as agency president, leading its continued evolution and quality of services.
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.
