 Tai Wingfield |
Weber Shandwick has recruited Tai Wingfield, corporate communications chief of the Center for Talent Innovation, to run its newly formed diversity, equity and inclusion practice. The offering will build on programs and initiatives that the firm already supports, such as Verizon’s Adfellows program, a rotational marketing training program for diverse college graduates and entry-level talent. The firm says that strategies it will employ include: raising awareness and understanding around the business case for diversity; navigating culture change and transformation; communicating around complex social issues and demonstrating an organization’s commitment to advancing DEI. “We are integrating our world-class expertise in employee engagement, corporate reputation, social impact, high-impact marketing programs and the DEI landscape to help clients deliver on this important opportunity,” said WS CEO Andy Polansky.
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The O’Hara Project is looking for a nonprofit organization to become its 2018 pro bono public relations client. The agency will provide one year of PR services at no charge, to help the selected nonprofit raise awareness of its mission. This year, The O’Hara Project has worked with enCourage Kids Foundation, which supports kids facing health challenges by creating environments and experiences that help them laugh, play and have fun. "Nonprofit support has always been a part of The O'Hara Project's mission,” explains agency founder Katherine O’Hara. “It allows us to connect in a meaningful way with causes that inspire us while reminding ourselves that our talents can truly help remedy real-world problems.” Organizations can apply for consideration by visiting http://oharaproject.com/pro-bono-search and submitting the provided form by Dec. 11. The selected pro bono client will be announced on the agency’s website on Dec. 18.
 Robyn de Villiers |
Burson-Marsteller Africa has announced a partnership with Prologue Burson-Marsteller in Ethiopia. Prologue Burson-Marsteller, which officially launched this week as a self-standing company focusing solely on public relations, is a sister company to Cactus Communication, which has operated in the Ethiopian market for over 15 years and has had an association with Burson-Marsteller. Robyn de Villiers, chairman and CEO of Burson-Marsteller Africa is in Ethiopia to facilitate a training workshop entitled Reputation Management and the Role of the CEO. “We understand the traditions, cultures and insights of Ethiopia,” de Villiers said. “It is a privilege to visit Ethiopia and to be able to highlight the importance of effective reputation management to communications executives and organizations in Addis Ababa.”
4media group completes its acquisition of Family Features Editorial Syndicate... Illumination PR, which represents lifestyle brands, influencers and celebrities, launches DR Media Group... EAG Advertising and Marketing acquires pay-for-performance firm INK inc. Public Relations. 
LLYC launches Signs of Pride, a campaign that revives the original protest banners of the first Pride marches... The Abu Dhabi Chamber of Commerce and Industry forms the Public Relations and Digital Marketing Working Group... Circle of One Marketing, a Miami-based, minority-owned marketing agency, is named official agency of record for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Miami. 
Vogel Group, a DC-headquartered government affairs and consulting firm, forms a strategic partnership with Montreal-based public affairs firm Boléro Stratégies... Matter Communications launches project-based offerings for B2C companies looking to increase brand awareness and visibility... Tucker/Hall, a Tampa-based PR and public affairs firm, opens a new office in Orlando. 
Why investing in public relations is ultimately about building bridges in a connected world.
Edelman is laying off 330 people (5.3 percent of its workforce) to cope with an anticipated eight percent shortfall in 2024 US revenues, and client demand for one-stop shopping for speciality services.
