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Stagwell launches NewVoices.ai, an independent AI-powered sales agent that can book appointments, drive conversions, resolve questions and handle customer concerns. Users can deploy ready-made solutions or customize solutions for their own workflows, including sales and revenue; customer support; retention and renewals; payments and operations; and surveys and feedback. Powered by Stagwell’s proprietary data and designed for one-to-one personalization, the platform learns from each interaction to deliver responses tailored to each customer. “Agents like NewVoices are at the center of Stagwell’s strategy of AI transformation and new revenue opportunities,” said Stagwell chairman and CEO Mark Penn.
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Cision, a consumer and media intelligence company, acquires search intelligence platform Trajaan. Trajaan’s technology, which captures search behavior across traditional search engines, e-commerce platforms, social channels, and emerging GenAI assistants, will be integrated across Cision’s portfolio. This integration is intended to help marketing and communications teams anticipate trends, understand intent and make faster, more confident strategic decisions. “By bringing Trajaan fully into the Cision ecosystem, we’re unifying search intelligence, conversational insight, and AI-driven analytics to give customers a deeper, more predictive understanding of the ‘why’ behind consumer behavior,” said Cision CEO Guy Abramo.
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| Beth McRae |
The McRae Agency, a Scottsdale, AZ-firm that provides strategic communications, media relations and brand building, celebrates its 30th anniversary. The agency has represented such brands as Google, Red Bull and Skansa, as well as working with a range of clients in the technology, real estate and consumer products sectors. It has also supported such local institutions such as the Phoenix Art Museum and the Phoenix Symphony and was named “Scottsdale’s Favorite PR Firm” by the Scottsdale Independent in 2024. “Thirty years in business isn’t just a milestone, it’s a reflection of the trust we’ve built, the transformations we’ve supported and the stories that have shaped brands and connected with audiences,” said agency founder and president Beth McRae.
FGS Global launches its AI Advisory practice and acquires Memetica, a specialist technology consultancy in AI-driven threat detection and mitigation across social, dark web and fringe platforms... The Harris Poll, which is part of Stagwell, launches Harris QuestRQ, a reputation system for business, communications and marketing leaders... The Change Agencies, an inclusive communications agency network, brings on The Holliday Collaborative Agency in Indianapolis and Meraki Communications Group in Alexandria, VA, as members.
The Public Relations Global Network adds Agence Profile in Paris and IDDEA Comunicaciones in Bogotá to its membership... Signal Group, a DC-based firm, launches AI Frame, a PA offering to help organizations understand and manage how they appear across Large Language Model AI platforms... Spears Group, a New Orleans-headquartered integrated marketing and advertising agency, sets up shop in Houston... IPREX brings on new partner agencies in Italy, Chicago, Las Vegas and India.
The New York Chapter of the Public Relations Society of America names Attention Comms CEO Paul Cohen as 2026 president of its board of directors. Cohen succeeds Ken Kerrigan, who has held executive posts at Bliss Group, Infinite and Weber Shandwick... Startr Co. of Los Angeles, marks its 10th anniversary with the launch of a renewed brand identity and redesigned website.... Michael Best Strategies, an affiliated consulting firm of national law firm Michael Best, is introducing a corporate advisory service.
Real Chemistry launches RC Resolve, a healthcare advisory practice... Seven Letter, a bipartisan strategic communications firm, adds offices in Los Angeles, New York, and Huntsville... GMMB founding partner David Mitchell died on Jan. 2 at 75. Mitchell’s career in communications began in June 1978, when he joined the staff of the United Auto Workers as assistant to the director of public relations and publications.
Berns Communications Group expands its advisory services and rebrands as Berns & Co... DVV Media International, a B2B media and events company serving the transport and logistics markets, sells its Road portfolio of products to Mark Allen Group... MAD Global Strategy of New Jersey launches a Washington presence. 
