Communications & New Media May 2019 I Vol. 33 No. 3

FIRMS RANKED BY ANNUAL GROWTH, PG. 53 PR FIRMS RANKED BY NET FEES, PG. 50 FIRMS RANKED BY REGION, PG. 54

ANNUAL RANKINGS ISSUE PR FIRMS RANKED BY NET FEES, SPECIALTY, REGION & GROWTH

RANKINGS OF TECH PR FIRMS, PG. 26 FINANCIAL & IR FIRMS RANKED, PG. 30

RANKINGS OF HEALTHCARE PR FIRMS, PG. 36 May 2019 | www.odwyerpr.com

Vol. 33. No. 3 MAY 2019 EDITORIAL O’DWYER’S RANKINGS OF FINANCIAL PR FIRMS CAN BAD PUBLICITY 6 30 IN HEALTHCARE, CHANGE RESPONSE BOOST VALUE? 8 32 IS THE NEW NORMAL MARKETERS TO RAISE O’DWYER’S RANKINGS OF 12 INFLUENCER SPENDS HEALTHCARE PR FIRMS SILENCE IS SAFEST POLICY 8 36 O’DWYER’S RANKINGS OF ON SOCIAL ISSUES PR SPECIALTIES EXECS MATTER MORE 9 38 DATA CALLS THE SHOTS THAN INFLUENCERS 10 42 AS PR FACES THE FUTURE THE PERILS OF CONTENT O’DWYER’S RANKINGS BY COMMITTEE 12 50 OF MAJOR US PR FIRMS WHAT TO DO WHEN YOU LEADING GAINERS 50WWW.ODWYERPR.COM CAN’T BELIEVE YOUR EYES 14 53 AMONG PR FIRMS Daily, up-to-the-minute PR news PATH TO SUCCESS CAN O’DWYER’S REGIONAL HAVE MANY TWISTS 16 54 RANKINGS OF PR FIRMS INOCULATING AGAINST LESSONS LEARNED AFTER BUBBLE-THINK AN AGENCY ACQUISITION 18 56 A CRISIS PRIMER FOR THE CORE OF YOUR THE SOCIAL MEDIA ERA COMMS STRATEGY 58 20 PEOPLE IN PR WHY NOT ALL LEADERS ARE THOUGHT LEADERS 60 PROFILES OF RANKED 22 PR FIRMS TECH SECTOR THRIVES 62 EDITORIAL CALENDAR 2019 ON INNOVATION WASHINGTON REPORT January: Crisis Comms. / Buyer’s Guide 24 March: Food & Beverage O’DWYER’S RANKINGS 84 May: PR Firm Rankings OF TECH PR FIRMS COLUMNS July: Travel, Tourism & International PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT 26 Fraser Seitel August: Financial, I.R. & Prof Services FINANCIAL FIRMS FIND 82 October: Healthcare & Medical SUCCESS IN VOLATILITY FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT 28 83 Richard Goldstein November: Technology & Social Media ADVERTISERS 5WPR...... 3 Finn Partners...... 47 Kekst CNC...... 65 APCO Worldwide...... 43 Health Unlimited...... Back cover LaVoieHealthScience...... 37 BackBay Communications...... 29 The Hoffman Agency...... 57 Lou Hammond Group...... 19 BerlinRosen...... Inside front cover Hotwire...... 25 Padilla...... 11 Bliss Integrated Communication...... 31 The Hoyt Organization...... 59 PAN Communications...... 13 Butler Associates...... 9 ICR...... 27 Qorvis Communications...... 17 Crosby...... 23 Infinite Global...... 5 rbb Communications...... 7 Edelman...... 44, 45 Jarrard Phillips Cate & Hancock...... 49 Sloane & Company...... 71 Evoke PR & Influence...... 35 Joele Frank, Wilkinson Brimmer Katcher...... 61 W2O Group...... 21 Fahlgren Mortine...... 15 JPA Health Communications...... 33 WebTalkRadio...... 77

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EDITORIAL Drop the ‘socially conscious’ brand act e all know the drill. Consumers today are more attuned to their purchasing habits and how they impact the world, and expect brands to take a stand on social and political EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Wissues with clearly-defined values that align with their own. Kevin McCauley In recent years, we’ve witnessed the rise of the socially-conscious brand, of companies reshap- [email protected] ing their reputations through random acts of kindness and tossing their hats in the ring on any number of hot-button social issues in a bid to position themselves as authorities on everything from climate change to racial injustice to sexual harassment. Unfortunately, too many of these PUBLISHER efforts are disingenuous, and it’s only a matter of time until consumers grow cynical about this John O’Dwyer overplayed strategy and begin getting the sneaking suspicion that many of these initiatives are [email protected] empty advocacy platitudes, consumer marketing efforts disguised as corporate benevolence. The fifteen minutes are just about up. An unpopular opinion, I’ll admit. But one issue isn’t up for debate: Americans want corpora- SENIOR EDITOR tions to be socially aware, and the public’s perception of brands is now greatly determined by Jon Gingerich companies’ commitment to causes we believe in. A March Hotwire survey found that nine out [email protected] of 10 consumers consider themselves conscious of how their personal values align with their ASSOCIATE EDITOR purchasing habits, and 76 percent said they now make a concerted effort to buy products and Steve Barnes services only from companies whose beliefs are in line with their own. [email protected] Another similar recent survey discovered that 71 percent of U.S. shoppers think it’s import- ant for businesses to take a stance on social causes, with three-quarters claiming they’re more CONTRIBUTING EDITORS inclined to buy from companies that support issues they agree with. The same study also found Fraser Seitel that some social stances now influence consumers’ buying decisions more than price: a com- Richard Goldstein pany’s environmentally-friendly business record, for example, took greater precedence among more Americans (71 percent) than how much a product costs (44 percent). Granted, consumers place higher expectations on some industries’ commitment to CSR ini- EDITORIAL ASSISTANTS tiatives than others; according to a recent Clutch survey, 70 percent of respondents said they & RESEARCH associate the food sector—namely, restaurants and food retailers— as uniquely poised to tackle Jane Landers issues such as food insecurity in their local communities. Additionally, 70 percent said they Melissa Webell expect the tech industry to take the lead in addressing data and privacy issues, and 65 percent want the fashion industry to invest more in the use of ethically-sourced materials. Marketers are keenly aware of this, of course, and as a result, Corporate Social Responsibility Advertising Sales: programs have exploded in popularity in recent years. The Hotwire survey found that more John O’Dwyer than half of the marketers polled (61 percent) believe their organization should take a more [email protected] proactive stance on social issues. It’s a nice idea, I suppose, and each of these topics invokes con- versations worth having, but there’s just something vaguely opportunistic about the notion of a company whose lone priority is profit stealing the mic every time a controversial issue arises in O’Dwyer’s is published seven times a year the national conversation. Does anyone actually believe Gillette exists to cure toxic masculinity, for $60.00 ($7.00 a single issue) by the or that it’s Nike’s mission to end police brutality? J.R. O’Dwyer Co., Inc. If those aforementioned companies’ recent earnings are any indication, some clearly do. And 271 Madison Ave., #600 therein lies the problem. Companies that shape public opinion through self-congratulatory acts New York, NY 10016. of advocacy are simply responding to consumer demand. The greater challenge will be convinc- (212) 679-2471 Fae: (212) 683-2750. ing Americans in this “woke” age that buying things will never alone suffice as a moral value expression. The socially-conscious shopper conducts a performative display to take a stand on © Copyright 2019 J.R. O’Dwyer Co., Inc. something he knows he’ll never be called on to actually fix; it allows us to engage in these narcis- OTHER PUBLICATIONS: sistic moral purity contests where we compete to achieve the prestige of being labeled the most conscientious among our peer group. But hey, it feels good to believe we’re making a difference, right? I wonder how much these “enlightened” consumers actually do in the way of directly www.odwyerpr.com Breaking news, commentary, useful data- helping their communities, be it through volunteering at a shelter, or canvasing for a political bases and more. candidate, but why do any of that when you can buy a pint of Ben & Jerry’s and leave with the feeling that you’re Rosa Parks? The undue moral scrutiny we give our purchasing habits feeds a O’Dwyer’s Newsletter lazy misconception that the private sector can do all the ethical heavy-lifting for us and we don’t A four-page weekly with general PR have to do anything aside from buy certain products. This isn’t how reality works. news, media appointments and placement Perhaps it’s not surprising, then, that more consumers are beginning to question the motives opportunities. of companies who engage in CSR. According to a Harris Poll Reputation Quotient study, 40 percent of Americans said they believe companies that embark on CSR initiatives only do so to O’Dwyer’s Directory of PR Firms bolster their public image. My guess is we can expect that number to surge in the coming years. Listings of more than 1,250 PR firms For this reason, it isn’t difficult to see how CSR initiatives can result in disaster. Most people throughout the U.S. and abroad. know a fake when they see one, and for this reason, CSR carries a lot of attendant risk. Indeed, O’Dwyer’s PR Buyer’s Guide one recent study (see full story on page 9) found that silence might be most companies’ best pol- Products and services for the PR industry icy on social issues, as consumers are less likely to boycott brands that remain mum on political in 50 categories. issues they care about than they are to stop supporting brands that take a stance on issues with which they disagree. Perhaps this is one more reason, as the adage goes, that if you aren’t willing jobs.odwyerpr.com to walk the walk, maybe you shouldn’t talk the talk.  O’Dwyer’s online job center has help — Jon Gingerich wanted ads and hosts resume postings.

6 MAY 2019 | WWW.ODWYERPR.COM

REPORT Negative publicity response can boost brand value Research shows that companies can sometimes gain value when responding to a celebrity endorser whose bad misbehavior has incident in which a celebrity endorser gen- threatened their brand. erated negative publicity. By Jon Gingerich Timing is key in a crisis. In analyzing companies’ speed of response, the nature t happens all the time: a brand’s celebri- separate instances between 1988 and 2016 of its response, and how that response im- ty spokesperson finds him/herself at the involving a celebrity endorser who gener- pacted returns, the study discovered that a Icenter of a controversy, which unwittingly ated negative publicity while being under faster announcement or statement after an generates negative publicity for the endors- contract with a publicly-traded company. incident of negative publicity saw compa- ing brand. While currently one of market- The study then evaluated the varying re- ny value increasing by 2.10 percent over ers’ preferred avenues for driving brand actions from the 230 companies affected the next four trading weeks. According to awareness and boosting sales, celebrity (suspend or maintain the spokesperson researchers, these positive effects held for endorsement remains a practice area also relationship, or offer no response at all) as different types of responses to endorser-re- wrought with challenges, chief among them well as response time (slow vs. fast), to iden- lated scandals. being the liabilities they present when ce- tify how those responses corresponded with These results are predicated on a fast re- lebrities behave poorly, and what disastrous daily gains or losses in the company’s stock sponse time. The study found the “window effects these crises can have on a company’s in the financial markets. of opportunity” for companies responding reputation and stock returns. Aside from yielding some actionable in- to a negative event is relatively small, and Now, new research sheds some light on sights regarding best steps and response that the positive effects of a firm’s response what economic effects a company’s reaction time for brands that find themselves in on the daily abnormal stock returns begin to these unforeseen events might have. the midst of a spokesperson controversy, diminishing quickly (by -.184 percent) The study, which was conducted jointly by the study also yielded a surprise finding: about 72 hours after the negative event be- researchers at the University of Connecticut depending on their response to the event, comes public. After that, a response there- and Free University of Berlin, analyzed 128 brands can actually gain value following an after becomes ineffective, and “this dimin- ishing effect becomes increasingly more Marketers to raise influencer spends negative with each day the firm does not respond,” the study’s authors wrote. A majority of marketers working in digital spaces now believe that One thing’s for sure: a response is always influencer content outperforms brand-created content. warranted. The study discovered that some definitive action on behalf of a company By Jon Gingerich is always better than offering no response at all. Regardless of whether the company ost marketers working in digital last year. Two-thirds (66 percent) said they chooses to suspend or maintain its relation- spaces now believe that influencer ran three or more campaigns in 2018. ship with the endorser, issuing a statement Mcontent outperforms brand-created A majority of respondents (34 percent) announcing its plans is more likely to yield content, according to a new report released said their agency now manages all influ- positive abnormal stock returns than re- by content marketing company Linqia. encer marketing programs in-house, while maining quiet. According to the report, which surveyed about a quarter (26 percent) hire a specialty “If the firm decides to remain quiet, in- digital marketers on how agencies are plan- agency and 20 percent rely on a platform vestors do not receive any signal whether ning to leverage influencer marketing in of some sort. 58 percent apply a one-off the firm is aware of the event,” the study’s 2019, more than half (57 percent) of those tactical campaign strategy to influencer authors wrote. “This ongoing uncertainty surveyed reported that the content created marketing, while 42 percent now leverage will lead investors to correct the initial re- by influencers outperforms brand-created influencer marketing across a multitude of action, and consequently stock returns will content when repurposed in other mar- initiatives across the year. be more negative on the following days.” keting channels. Nearly one in five (18 per- More than half (52 percent) said measur- Finally, the study’s authors warned that cent) believe that it “greatly outperforms” ing ROI continues to be marketers’ greatest simply because these findings suggest that brand-created content. challenge when working with influenc- companies can actually gain value when re- As a result, most marketing pros now say er marketing programs. Engagement (89 sponding to an endorser-related crisis, that that average influencer marketing budgets percent), impressions (67 percent), brand shouldn’t suggest companies do something are on the rise at their agency, with 54 per- awareness (65 percent) and clicks (63 per- to artificially cause a negative event, simply cent reporting plans to spend more than cent) were reported as the top means of so they can quickly respond to it. $250,000 this year on influencer marketing, measuring the success of influencer mar- “Such willful deceit,” the study’s authors and 17 percent reporting plans to spend up- keting programs. conclude, “will backfire immediately if it wards of $1 million. More than a third (39 More than two-thirds (68 percent) of becomes public.” percent) of respondents stationed at agen- marketers cited Instagram as their preferred The report, “Managing Negative Celebrity cies with digital marketing budgets above network for influencer marketing, followed Endorser Publicity: How Announcements $500,000 plan to increase their influencer by Facebook (51 percent). YouTube and of Firm (Non) Responses Impact Stock marketing budget in 2019. blogs trailed next, followed by Pinterest and Returns,” appears in Management Science, On average, more than a quarter (27 per- Twitter. Snapchat, meanwhile, bottomed a peer-reviewed journal published by the cent) of digital marketers said they ran five out the list as the least important social net- Institute for Operational Research and the or more influencer marketing campaigns work for influencer marketing in 2019. Management Sciences (INFORMS). 

8 MAY 2019 | WWW.ODWYERPR.COM Silence best policy for brands on social issues A recent study suggests that consumers are less likely to boycott companies that remain silent on social or political issues than they are to stop supporting companies that take a stance on issues with which they disagree. By Jon Gingerich

ompanies in recent years have in- thirds of consumers (63 percent) claim would be deterred by companies’ stanc- ternalized the notion that taking a they’re likely to continue shopping at busi- es on human rights issues, and only two Cstance on some of the pressing social, nesses that stay silent on issues they care percent cited environmental stances as a environmental and political challenges fac- about. A smaller percentage of consumers, deal-breaker. ing the world today is a great way to build however (58 percent), said they’d continue Still, a majority of respondents (71 per- awareness and engender a favorable public shopping at a business that takes a stance cent) remain adamant that they want busi- perception. on an issue with which they disagree. nesses to speak out on social issues, and As it turns out, however, data now sug- Suffice to say, speaking out in today’s di- more than half (52 percent) think busi- gests that staying mum on these issues also visive political and social climate always nesses should also air their sociopolitical has its own value, and might be the safe bet carries some attendant risk, as the move stances publicly via social media. for businesses looking to avoid a PR back- could alienate existing advocates, not to Consumers particularly want businesses lash, according to a recent survey conduct- mention the possible backlash that can to tackle issues related to the environment ed by D.C.-based research and consulting occur if a company loses control of the in- (89 percent), human rights (80 percent), firm Clutch. tended message. gender (74 percent) and politics (56 per- Clutch’s survey offers a rare caveat for Not all issues equal cent). today’s corporate advocacy endeavors and The survey found that 15 percent of con- Clutch’s “2019 PR and Corporate Social other social responsibility initiatives in the sumers are likely to stop shopping with a Responsibility Survey” polled 420 U.S. sense that it suggests businesses that re- company that speaks out on political issues consumers who reported making a pur- main silent on social or political issues run in a manner with which they disagree, and chase within the last six months. Research a lower chance of losing customers than 10 percent said the same about companies was conducted at the end of December us- those that take a stand. that address issues related to gender. Only ing brand intelligence research company According to the survey, nearly two- five percent said their buying decisions Survata. 

WWW.ODWYERPR.COM | MAY 2019 9 FEATURE Executives matter most in crowded age of influencers Digitally-enabled media influencers and executive thought leadership, once novel approaches employed to engage with targeted audience, have become commonplace. What matters now is deciding which strategic option makes sense for you. By Arti Patel hile many perceive influencers from an ever-changing global collective of tomers about a host of topics. and thought leaders as actors leaders and innovators like Bill and Melin- If you engage in executive thought leader- Wfulfilling the same roles within da Gates, Arianna Huffington and Richard ship, remember these four rules: the marketing ecosystem on the surface, Branson to emphasize its focus on discus- Identify your key audiences. Looking they’re necessarily different. When decid- sions around trending business issues. to directly reach consumers? Then imple- ing where to focus your marketing strate- So, what makes thought leadership so menting an influencer campaign might be gy, understanding the differences between valuable right now? the right choice. Otherwise, and especially the influencer and thought leadership ap- A defined market if you’re hoping to engage with key busi- proaches—and how they facilitate your In an ecosystem dominated by influenc- ness decision-makers, you’re best served business goals—is key. er marketing, it then seems like the obvi- by leaning into the thought leadership ap- These distinctions come down to two ar- ous tactic to prioritize within your broader proach—and its core distribution channels eas: their respective value propositions and marketing strategy. Nevertheless, today’s like LinkedIn. preferred platforms. environment—which has created a strong­ Always add value. The abundance of Value proposition er public appetite for differentiated, for- executive thought lead- While influencers’ value is rooted in ward-looking thought leadership—gives ership and influencer quantity, thought leaders’ value is rooted in you reason to rethink that plan. content will continue quality. Trust inequality between the informed to grow in the next few There are five main types of influencers— public and mass population is at a record years. With a cacophony celebrities, macro-influencers, professional high today, driving the creation of a large, of voices growing in in- influencers, micro-influencers, and brand underserved audience hoping to discover tensity, it’s not necessar- advocates—with each employed to bring information on its own. While trust in so- ily being first or loudest about specific business outcomes. cial media as a news source remains low at that matters most, but Influencers’ worth is determined by the 43 percent, trust in search and traditional rather the quality—or Arti Patel size and reach of their audience. As an in- media is at a historic high globally, both originality—of those in- fluencer, your audience volume determines at 65 percent. This means there’s a market sights that have the biggest impact. Once your power rankings, fees and standing for executive thought leadership content, your goal—and corresponding platform— within the professional hierarchy. particularly published in traditional media is confirmed, you should conduct research Conversely, thought leaders, especially outlets. into what’s already being said and identify of the C-suite variety, are judged on their Benefit your bottom line ways your C-suite executives can rise above business knowledge and subject-matter ex- A recent study of B2B thought leadership the fray and provide noteworthy insights to pertise. Often, these individuals are proac- impact noted that while decision makers reinforce their business acumen. tively looking to invest their time by shar- on the whole are spending more time read- Be consistent. Unlike influencer partner- ing insights and intelligence for the benefit ing thought leadership content—at least ships that are planned with a prospective of their professional industry. Their ability one hour per week—some senior decision end date in mind, thought leadership done to shift the momentum of an overall mar- makers are actively willing to pay a pre- correctly should only enhance and strength- keting plan is quite regularly undervalued, mium to work with companies that have en the relationship between the consumer and often dictated by the types, and audi- clearly articulated their vision via thought and the brand over long periods of time. ences of, the publications that feature them. leadership content. C-suite executives who participate should Preferred platforms Further, the study also noted B2B market- do so consistently. It will likely take several Because of their different value proposi- ers and salespeople significantly underesti- years to build up an engaged core audience, tions—and goals—influencers and thought mate the positive influence of thought lead- and the time investment is worth it. leaders warrant different platforms. Influ- ership content on demand generation and Realness matters. Authenticity is key encers, as marketers—or sellers—of their sales efforts. Execute this content correctly to the entire operation. Whether working own personal brands, prefer more consum- and it becomes an increasingly meaning- with an internal team, outside counsel or er-oriented platforms like Instagram and ful tool in your marketing arsenal, helping going solo, a successful thought leader will Facebook, while thought leaders—more to encourage positive brand sentiment, as always endeavor to remain true to his or likely to target business decision-makers— well as foster meaningful public discourse her unique voice. The public will always de- focus on LinkedIn. across your consumer base. tect and peel back a façade. While influencers speak to an audience Digital platforms like LinkedIn play a By installing an executive thought lead- of potential—and more direct—buyers, role too, serving as a launch point to help ership plan, you stand to bridge informa- thought leaders speak to business deci- C-suite executives create a demand for tion gaps between industry stakeholders sion-makers. So, when targeting a profes- their expert opinions, especially on trend- through knowledge sharing, which gives sional audience is paramount, LinkedIn’s ing news topics ripe for public discourse you a direct opportunity to tangibly impact 260 million active users worldwide rep- and engagement. By sharing insights on your bottom line. resent an opportunity that can’t be over- industry happenings and/or publishing Arti Patel is an Account Supervisor who looked. authored content, thought leaders can take works with teams across Bliss Integrated Underlining this opportunity, LinkedIn advantage of an opportunity to drive con- Communication’s healthcare, financial and itself has appointed official “influencers” versation with colleagues, peers and cus- professional services practice groups. 

10 MAY 2019 | WWW.ODWYERPR.COM

FEATURE Content by committee: the challenges and an antidote

process as a series of concentric circles. The The Pareto Principle, when coupled with a rigorous process ideation phase aims to be inclusive, and ini- around content creation, can foster optimal collaboration without tially solicits ideas and commentary from the usual headaches. wider, cross-functional teams. We specialize By Ken MacFayden in financial services, so brainstorming calls ames Joyce’s Ulysses, by most accounts, results stem from 20 percent of your efforts. may include portfolio managers, analysts, rests atop the literary canon. Often Applied to content, this idea can help orga- business-development or marketing execu- Joverlooked, when it was first pub- nizations determine where, exactly, efforts tives, or even third parties such as academic lished, the reviews were mixed. One critic, a are being wasted. Armed with this perspec- researchers. Upon digesting the discussion, Harvard professor, diagnosed Joyce as being tive, they can devise a process that focuses we’ll come back to the wider group with a “in an advanced stage of psychic disintegra- exclusively on the 20 percent that matters. series of proposed themes or story angles. tion,” while the author’s contemporary, Vir- It’s not about striving for anything less Once a topic is determined, we then work ginia Woolf, called the book “a misfire” and than perfection; it’s about recognizing at directly with the pro- “a bore,” surmising it came across as diffuse, which point refinement turns into paralysis posed “author,” whose brackish and pretentious. and at what expense to the objectives of a name will be on the ar- The point isn’t that either side is right or given marketing initiative. ticle. Through a short wrong. But the disparate opinions—for a “A horse, designed by ­committee.” interview, we’ll gain a novel considered the greatest work of fic- Jeff Bezos famously instituted a “two piz- better understanding tion ever written—should underscore that za” rule at Amazon. The mandate effectively around the points that when it comes to any finished creative work, limits the participation on a project to the matter most to the tar- a definitive consensus is more of an abstract number of people who can be fed by two geted audience, as well idea than a realistic outcome. large pies. The thinking, as conveyed in as any relevant exam- Ken MacFayden Given that most content-marketing ef- Brad Stone’s book The Everything Store, is ples or anecdotes. Our forts, at their heart, are collaborative en- that by keeping projects small and agile, a objective is to minimize deavors, it speaks to why strategy and pro- concentrated team is more productive with- the effort required from clients so they can cess are so important to align objectives and out having to coordinate across multiple dedicate more time to creating a consistent define responsibilities. Moreover, under- groups. stream of content, which is when the effort, standing the subjectivity involved will help Stone described it as an offshoot of Fred- ultimately, pays dividends. contributors embrace the Pareto Principle, erick Brooks’ observation that adding man- Some writers short change the value of an which is a prerequisite to establish an effi- power to complex tech initiatives slows outline. When collaborating, though, this cient and productive content-marketing rather than accelerates progress. An added is the most important step to foster align- program. benefit is that smaller teams also obviate ment and set expectations. It also represents “Striving to better, oft we mar what’s well.” groupthink, while empowering indepen- a point in the process when it’s still feasible Ray Dalio, founder of hedge fund Bridge- dent, innovative ideas, a process Bezos re- to change course, providing a check point water Associates, is active on social media. ferred to as “wandering” in his most recent for would-be dissenters to either voice con- Each day he posts a different “life principle” shareholder letter. cerns or sign off on the direction of the that reflects his philosophy around lead- This is an important concept in content piece. With a quorum in place, and with a ership and investing. In one April post, he creation. When analyzed through the Pa- greenlight on the proposed narrative, the implored his followers to “be an imperfec- reto Principle lens, much of the wasted ef- editorial team proceeds to draft the article, tionist,” explaining too much time is spent fort can be minimized through being more working directly with the author to iterate “on little differences at the margins at the discriminating in determining who partici- and refine it. Usually, a finished product is expense of the important things.” pates and at what stage of the process. ready after one or two rounds of edits. Once It’s not exactly a controversial take. Similar David Hume, in his essay “On the Stan- it goes through compliance, it’s then ready sentiments have been expressed throughout dards of Taste,” spent more than 7,500 for distribution. At this point it can be in- time, going back to Confucius, Shakespeare words discussing the qualifications that corporated into marketing materials, rein- and Voltaire. Yet dissenters will hold that should be mandatory for critics and editors. force social media campaigns, be pitched embracing imperfection equates to “a lack Yet, absent a process, everyone from interns out to trade publications as a byline, or of effort,” which is how multiple comment- to third-party consultants are invited to support any number of internal or external ers responded to Dalio’s post. scrutinize what would otherwise be a fin- communication strategies. This may be true in certain roles with no ished product. Process wise, this equates to The process works when the challenges margin for error. You wouldn’t want your a game of 52-card pickup. in forming a consensus are resolved in the brain surgeon mumbling under her breath The most seamless and simple process outline stage, allowing a smaller team to that “perfection is the enemy of progress.” is when a content champion emerges who then concentrate on one executive’s per- The goal of content marketing, however, is relishes the writing role and has a nose for ceived view of “perfection.” In keeping with to drive awareness and influence consum- what’s topical and interesting. The issue, the Pareto Principle, the process breaks the er behaviors. And if counsel can’t agree on however, is that writing often takes a back- endless iteration loop, marked by detached an Oxford comma or whether sentences seat to other priorities that comprise exec- contributors whose “two cents” can trans- should ever begin with a conjunction, those utives’ day to day. Most organizations, in late into a dollar’s worth of interference in micro quibbles—when multiplied—prevent turn, will either create an in-house editorial which the entire process is reopened and content from ever seeing the light of day. function or tap third parties to oversee a recycled with every passing suggestion. The Pareto Principle, while not precise, more holistic content strategy. Again, this is not the fault of contributors, contends that roughly 80 percent of your Our agency views the content-creation _ Continued on page 22

12 MAY 2019 | WWW.ODWYERPR.COM

FEATURE What to do when you can’t believe your eyes

Clever editing, misleading titles and manufactured images are Go on the offensive. Protect your brand making it easier to deceive and manipulate stakeholders. Here’s by proactively telling your story to build a wall of positive perception and trust. For what communicators can do to combat this truth decay. example, if you transparently and consis- By Christine Barney tently put out video of your manufactur- nce upon a time, the world was black Egypt being covered in snow when the pho- ing process, stakeholders are more likely to and white; we knew the good guys to was actually of a miniature Sphinx in To- question a fake that says you rely on child Ofrom the bad. At least we thought we kyo. This sophisticated technique includes labor. Be prepared to fight fire with fire—or did, and we enjoyed that clarity. We trusted manufactured images and sound. Photo- video with video—and aggressively debunk our information sources to provide us with shop has been around a long time, but it’s myths. Just being right isn’t enough. If given facts. getting harder and harder to detect image the choice between watching a two-minute Technology now makes it easier for our doctoring in photos, not to mention video. video of a car on fire ver- eyes to deceive us and has accelerated the With fewer than 15 seconds of someone’s sus reading your brand’s rate of “truth decay,” a term coined by the image and voice, you can now create ava- press release on how safe RAND Corporation. This gradual decline tars that say or do whatever you want. These your cars are in terms of of the ability to know what’s true and what deepfake videos were first reported in 2017, fire injuries, we all know isn’t presents serious challenges for organi- and soon fake celebrity porn was making what people will choose. zations worldwide. What is truth decay and news and being banned on social channels. And think about click- what can be done to protect the relationship In April 2018, Jordan Peele and Jonah Per- bait strategies with your brands have with stakeholders? etti created a deepfake using Barack Obama message. For a company First let’s look at what contributes to this as a public service announcement regarding focusing on energy effi- Christine Barney phenomenon. It can be narrowed down to the danger of deepfakes. While the phe- ciency, we saw a dramat- two trends: nomenon of creating fakes isn’t new, it’s ic difference in response to the phrase “are Society’s growing hunger for the sensa- the realism of the evolving techniques that you losing money” vs. “how to save money.” tional. The expression “if it bleeds, it leads” makes their impact more powerful. As arti- Predict the future. Technology is chang- has existed for decades. In a chicken-or- ficial intelligence continues to advance, the ing rapidly; your job will never be done. the-egg scenario, the debate continues as ability to identify and control fakes will be- Anticipate what could be the next possible to whether news media outlets overempha- come even more of a challenge. attack on your brand. What new apps are size negative news to attract audiences or There are numerous examples of how out there that might present an opportunity if they’re just serving up audience prefer- manufactured and forced perspective or a challenge for you? ences. The sensational headlines known as erodes trust and impacts situations in ev- Make friends. Being on the defensive is clickbait are just a new variation on an old erything from elections to healthcare. The always hard. But a tried and true public re- theme. About four years ago, I started hear- increasing ease of these techniques is what lations strategy still works today: have other ing reporters ask for support in promoting has accelerated the rate of truth decay. So, people say good things about you, and the their stories, because clicks were part of what can ethical communicators do to com- rewards will follow. So, ensure you have a their performance metrics. Remembering bat this wave of misinformation and protect strong circle of third-party supporters who that at the end of the day, most informa- their brands? Consider these five guidelines. can come to your aid, help tell your story tion sources are also businesses looking to Don’t blame the platforms or the gov- and act as truth protectors for your brand. make a profit makes it easier to understand ernment or expect them to solve the prob- Are the days of absolute truth over? Per- why they mirror back the news consumers lem. We may shake our heads when news haps. But the news isn’t all bad. We too have want. And the news we want is visual, dra- media run a hoax photo or if a social me- more tools and more technology to use in matic and served up in small bites for easy dia platform helps a fake video go viral, but the fight to tell our stories. Ultimately, in consumption. The 24/7 news cycle creates a regulation isn’t going to make these issues this new gray world, communicators have a constant need for content, and the reduced go away and the platforms themselves can’t bigger job than ever in shaping stakehold- resources at news sources means fact check- police the quantity of content that goes up er perceptions and slowing the rate of truth ing falls by the wayside. So, with less scruti- each second. Expecting someone else to fix decay. ny, there’s likely to be less truth even from the problem means a very long wait. You Christine Barney is CEO and Managing  trusted sources. can’t regulate your way to ethical behavior. Partner of rbb Communications. Technology makes it easy to manipu- But just like with anti-bullying programs, PR news brief late stakeholders. At a recent Page Society brands are in a unique position to put a APCO cuts ties with Huawei event, I heard RAND Corporation Deputy spotlight on the problem and model good APCO Worldwide has ended its nine-year relation- Chief Technology Officer Dr. Rand Waltz- behavior. ship with Huawei, the Chinese electronics/telecomm man make the audience very uncomfort- giant at the heart of the U.S. battle with China on the Keep your head out of the sand. Don’t as- technology and trade fronts. able by showing examples of both simple sume people won’t be influenced by “fakes.” “We have reached the end of the contract and we and Mission-Impossible-like techniques to We’ve spent a long time accepting that “see- came to a mutual decision not to continue the con- create news. The simple technique included ing is believing” and it will take time for tract,” an APCO staffer told O’Dwyer’s. clever editing such as a video cut short to people to adjust to a new era where they Former 14-term Congressman Don Bonker (D-WA) had handled APCO’s representation with Huawei, of- show a brand spokesperson seemingly ig- can’t trust what they see. Take them serious- ficially terminated April 19. The U.S. slapped sanctions noring victims after a tragedy. Or consider ly. Monitor and track attacks on your brand on Huawei, which is heavily subsidized by China’s gov- the misleading copy from captions on actu- and be prepared to not just respond but an- ernment, for violating a ban on the sale of high-tech al photos like the hoax about the Sphinx in ticipate. equipment to Iran.

14 MAY 2019 | WWW.ODWYERPR.COM

FEATURE Straight path to success not necessary data and happenings, has kept their names The route most of us take to get where we are in the professional and faces on a heavy rotation of influential communications world doesn’t necessarily move in a straight line. business news channels and columns. And as for the floor of the New York Stock By Thomas P. Butler Exchange, where I once thought my future would lie, it’s instead my present, although n April, I had two opportunities to appear Exchange or the Commodities Exchanges more as a financial newsroom. before groups of high school students. —was also a magnet for street and political Just a few weeks before, we were there with IOne was to speak to a marketing class and theater, as an impassioned press conference the CEO of an infrastructure finance firm the other was for Financial Literacy Month. or a well-executed publicity stunt could gar- who was announcing the launch of a new The objective on both occasions was to ner major headlines. We lived and worked initiative to invest in Public-Private-Part- instill a greater understanding in these there day after day, alongside so many nership infrastructure 16-18-year-old students regarding the pro- members of the press who also called this projects all across the fessional opportunities that lie ahead, in beehive home. United States. His in- whichever career path they select, and the Our public and media events included vestors are college en- importance education plays in building U.S. Senators, famous magazine publishers dowments, hedge funds their skillsets. and billionaires, the first U.S. visit by Nelson and others who see the What I’ve learned is that the profession- Mandela, and one including the greatest liv- value in the investment al path most of us took to get where we are ing heavyweight boxing champs of the last community stepping now, doesn’t always—or even typically— 50 years, all above and beyond the fascinat- into roles that were once move in a straight line. Diversity of skills ing business of the day. It was undeniably a only addressed by gov- and experiences among my team of fellow magnet for the famous, successful and in- ernment. Thomas P. Butler strategic communicators at Butler Associ- fluential of the city. Once hoping to be ates is the key to what makes our campaigns My schooling had certainly not prepared among those who built a financial career have greater impact for the clients we serve. me for this diverse universe, nor gotten me from the dynamic action taking place on For me, the journey began with the study there. Instead it was youthful curiosity, in- the floor, now we were able to use it almost of Economics. How odd was it that a young terest and family background centered in as a soundstage to broadcast favorable mes- man who’d expected he’d wind up on Wall and around politics and the feeling that, saging for our clients. Street—and had worked on the floor of the hey, why not give this “press office thing” a From ringing the closing bell on the NAS- New York Stock Exchange for a summer try, because if doesn’t work out after a few DAQ Exchange, to stories of our clients’ during college—would instead wind up in years, Wall Street and a career in banking success running across the stock ticker at media communications.? will still be there. the NASDAQ Market Site in Times Square, But those are the paths that eventually in- Transition to agency life I’ve been able to combine the preparation tersected. With this rapid-paced environment of from my younger days with the reality of my A beehive filled with top journalists shaping client announcements, scheduling current work to bring clients into that space My own career began in the press office press conferences, working on the infra- to help them propel their messages. of New York City Hall, dealing with gov- structure of public events and ghostwriting, Three decades after entering the profes- ernment and elected officials, public hear- it’s rather easy to expose the skillset defi- sional communications world, I can look ings and learning about strategic messaging ciencies in any young aspiring communica- back and recall countless client experiences, regarding legislation and the operations tions staffer. A fast-paced newsroom envi- journalist interactions and winning cam- of government. It was also a place that af- ronment serves as an ideal backdrop to the paign results, and a few occasions when forded daily interaction with some truly re- equally active agency world. prudent advice was offered, but clients sim- markable and esteemed journalists. It’s not just writing, but learning to pitch, ply chose to go a different route. In the late 1980s, New York City had mul- how to compose effective bylined or opin- While the study of other professions, be tiple daily newspapers with circulations ion leader articles, linking your message they accounting or law, does perhaps have close to or exceeding a million daily read- and clients into breaking news cycles. The more of a straight path, as strategic commu- ers: The New York Times, Daily News, Post, continuing transition and expansion of dig- nicators it’s exactly our diverse backgrounds Newsday and so much more. In New York, ital news delivery has rewritten the play- —and constant on-the-job-learning—that they say, all roads lead to City Hall, and it book, speeding up the learning process and give our guidance and counsel greater was truly a great place to cut your teeth in forcing veteran practitioners to constantly strength. the media world. adapt. Thankfully, on my way up in this business, The reporters covering the business of Intersecting paths I had the good fortune of smart and kind New York City were seasoned veterans in Going back to that business degree, it has mentors that took the time to guide and chronicling and editorializing about pol- served me quite well, given that a signifi- direct me. They saw a hustle and a willing- itics, real estate, business, taxation and fi- cant part of our growing communications ness to work, an until-I-got-it-right attitude. nance. I believe the New York Times alone practice is focused on clients in the world of While I might’ve blushed back then, when had four reporters assigned to the bureau finance, business, real estate, infrastructure, told there was a better way to get something and a columnist or two who’d be there on construction services, hospitality and the done, lessons from those more experienced occasion as well. legal profession. peers and mentors do make up the success City Hall in lower Manhattan—which was Having the capability to link CEOs and top we build to reach the height of our careers. only a five-minute walk to the major finan- industry executives into the news, offering Thomas P. Butler is President and Founder cial markets: NYSE, the American Stock expertise about business events, economic of Butler Associates, LLC. 

16 MAY 2019 | WWW.ODWYERPR.COM

FEATURE Inoculating against bubble-think with patients—are highly engaged with The vaccine debate is just one example of how big data can help these groups. Depending on the commu- us get beyond our own perspectives to better understand the world nications need, we must reach these two as it really is. groups in very different ways. By Ken Deutsch and Adam Pawluk By mapping the relationships between the top influencers on an issue and then group- t was a familiar refrain for many of us in this middle? They’re not enticed by data. ing them together based on what sources after November, 2016: “We’re living in a They’re not motivated by scientists. They’re they pay attention to, we can generate an Ibubble! We don’t understand the people!” moved to action by emotional appeals that understanding of the conversation struc- Since that time, we all see this same story feed into an increasing sense that our sys- ture. As we see in these examples, different repeated. Confirmation bias is more pow- tem is broken, that they’re pawns in a game audiences connect in different ways around erful than any one of us realizes. Social me- of industry profits. issues, with very real implications for how dia just tells us what we want to hear. Our The expertise fails to land. The scien- we design an effective communications news media of choice caters to narrowly tists and so-called “elites” talk only to program. defined groups and views. themselves, and the people on the side of Social becomes measuring stick Likely, every agency has been challenging what’s best for public health lose messaging Social media provides itself to get outside of this bubble. We’re be- ground again and again to the anti-vaccine a powerful channel to ginning to realize that “big data,” for all its movement. A premise that seems ridicu- reach audiences, but it faults, also presents an opportunity to get lous to many continues to gain steam. also offers a new ave- outside our own perspectives and better It’s possible that recent outbreaks will nue to understand the understand the world as it really is. lead to a reset in the discussion. Howev- media landscape and to Few issues in healthcare represent this er, instead of focusing just on studies and decide not just which problem of self-selecting information as data and scientific expertise, we should be outlet, but which media clearly as the debate around vaccines. For talking more about how our systems are de- platforms work best to groups on both sides, the view is 100 per- signed to protect us, how small actions can engage specific audi- Ken Deutsch cent clear: vaccines are either a miracle of save lives, and the real fears parents have ences. modern medicine, or a harmful hoax. But about losing their children to highly conta- In the old days, we even this level of understanding lacks the gious diseases. could only measure depth needed to solve the problem. Conversation taking shape readership of a media JPA has developed a tool we call Gretel, It’s obvious that different health issues re- outlet. We were lucky the only collection of health conversation quire different communications approach- to be able to perform data that cross-references advocacy, news es. We now, however, can literally see the surveys or focus groups and social media and online influencers. shape of a conversation, where the bubbles to better understand It’s a powerful engine that allows us to see are and where they’re not, to determine which outlets and mes- across a universe of voices to zero in on how best to reach specific audiences. sages were landing with what’s really going on, and it’s often full of For example, the oncology conversation specific audiences. We Adam Pawluk surprises that we follow like breadcrumbs. takes a very different shape from the high- didn’t have the trove of When we dig into the data in Gretel on ly-fragmented vaccine debate. In oncology, public data we do today, documenting what the vaccine conversation, here’s what we we see very little bubble-think, because peo- content drives which conversations among see: the medical establishment, with all its ple are highly motivated to share as much which audiences. scientific wisdom, spouts data points, study information as possible with each other. We Our experience reaching emergency results and clinical facts. They make their see this in the data, and we see this mani- room physicians is a great example of un- case with MDs and PhDs and rely on tradi- fest itself across the oncology landscape. In expected insights hiding beneath the sur- tional medical organizations and tradition- a recent online discussion about lung can- face. In looking at how to best reach them, al media sources to carry their message. cer, patients, oncologists, radiologists and we were surprised to find they were more On the other side of the issue, anti-vaxx- pathologists were all engaged, participating likely to cite blogs than medical trade pub- ers lay into the dangers of big pharma, the equally, and sharing knowledge with each lications in sharing information with each harm in our broken medical system, the other. When does that ever happen? other. For the rest of us, blogs peaked a few problems with chemicals and putting bad But we also can see distinctions that the years ago, but with emergency room doc- things in our bodies. They make the case professionals themselves may not even re- tors they’re continuing to thrive. with moms and kids and regular folks alize. While arguable, it has been said that Taking a closer look, we saw these physi- who’ve allegedly been harmed by a medical oncologists in many ways are closer to their cians love to share stories about odd things hoax. News and social media focused on patients and the patient experience than that happen in the emergency room. If you popular culture tend to pick up this mes- other types of specialists. Oncologists may want to reach an emergency room phy- sage and spread the word. There’s a dash of group themselves by their specialties, but sician, you’ll hit a home run if you can tie pseudo-science thrown in, but the focus is we see another difference between groups your cause to an unusual patient case and on people who believe they’ve been affected of oncologists known as medical oncolo- get it covered in a blog. and subsequently marginalized by main- gists and surgical oncologists. It’s exciting to realize how much better stream beliefs. The surgical oncologists—accustomed we can understand our audiences at both In between these two camps exists a large, to dealing with patients in an operating a macro level and on an individual level, moveable middle of mainstream popular room—are less connected to patient groups thanks to the power of big data and data culture. Whose arguments do you think are and influencers. On the other hand, med- more compelling to more of these people ical oncologists—face-to-face every day _ Continued on page 22

18 MAY 2019 | WWW.ODWYERPR.COM

FEATURE The core of your communications strategy

Considerations for building out your company’s thought leadership Make it omnichannel platform. Creating a thought leader is, at its core, By Darlene Doyle about creating someone’s personal brand. Our “brands” are three-dimensional, and hought leadership is a key founda- Are there gaps in the current resources/ our strategies need to be as well. The core tional element to your communi- research available in your space? Are there considerations here are your content me- Tcations program. Authorities with voices of authority? And, if so, what are diums and channels, expertise in a specialized field just seem they saying? This will help determine how which are influenced important on a visceral level, but we’ve and where thought leadership can work for by where your audience also been told by experts of its influence on your business. lives. Are there “must at- buying decisions, market education, and Define your thought leadership pillars tend” events you should on building your brand. And we’ve heard it We call this finding the white space. Put be speaking at? What are directly from the source itself. 96 percent of your data and analytics tools to work by the top-read industry B2B buyers reported wanting content with taking a look at what the market is talking publications you need to more input from industry thought leaders, about: where’s the conversation focused, be in? What social me- according to HubSpot, a nod to thought what are the trending topics, what are your dia channels are critical? Darlene Doyle leadership’s impact on the path to purchase. competitors saying, and what are they not If your audience isn’t on That should be good enough, right? But saying? Map these conversations back to Instagram, don’t waste efforts on building a how do you explain to a C-suite executive what topics and messages matter to your presence there. Focus on the channels and who’d rather focus efforts elsewhere in the company and identify where there’s an mediums that matter most. business why this is worth their time, en- opening in the conversation to bring forth Back it up with content and data ergy and effort to establish themselves as a your company’s expertise. A trending top- Your content is the lifeblood of your thought leader? ic that doesn’t map back to your business thought leadership strategy, supported by We all have people in our personal and doesn’t serve your needs. The sweet spot the fact that 47 percent of buyers viewed professional lives whose voices we trust. A is in using this data to clearly define your 3-5 pieces of content before engaging with a blog we follow, speaking engagements we thought leadership pillars and drive focus sales rep, according to Demand Gen Report. attend or social channels we peruse con- to the conversations that will have mean- And this content will come in many shapes sistently because we like what they have to ingful impact on your business. and sizes. As you’re considering your chan- say. They educate us on a topic of interest, Develop your POV nels, also consider your mediums. Long- provide fresh perspective and sometimes, Creating compelling points of view to form content plays a big part—bylines, hit us in the gut with a salient point that drive your thought leadership pillars is blogs, ­eBooks and LinkedIn posts—and can makes us say, “I never thought of it that way critical to success. If you’re saying the same provide essential platforms to express your before.” That’s the quintessential thought thing everyone else is, you’re not setting ideas and POVs. But don’t forget about the leader. yourself or your company apart from the power of short-form, videos, quotes and Thought leadership is a powerful way pack. In fact, a contrarian point of view posts. In a recent survey, 64 percent of re- to connect with your audience. It brings can be exactly what’s needed, but equally spondents said watching a marketing video you—and your company—into relevant important is an insightful one. Put yourself on Facebook influenced a purchase decision and meaningful conversations. And, most in your customer’s or prospect’s shoes; this in the last month, according to Animoto. importantly, it builds trust. In a LinkedIn is your opportunity to help them. How can Whether it’s video or some other type of study of more than 1,300 business decision your POV educate them? Create a new way content, they all serve a purpose in build- makers and C-suite executives, 82 percent of thinking about a business problem or ing your platform. Understand the unique reported that thought leadership has in- challenge? Plant a seed for how a new tech- power of each and put them to work for creased trust in an organization. People nology application could work for their your brand. And back it up with data. Data listen to and buy from people and, by ex- business? Or correct misinformation that makes your content sing and grounds your tension, companies they trust. exists in the market? This is your chance to POVs in reality. Here are some key considerations for join the dialogue and start building trust. Don’t be self-serving building out your company’s thought lead- Choose your cast It can be a fine line to walk at times in ership platform. Outline your thought leadership bench ensuring your thought leadership plat- Set your strategy and align pillars and topics to their areas of form supports your business objectives but Building out a thought leadership plat- expertise. Being thoughtful about creating doesn’t become self-serving. Your prod- form can feel overwhelming. It can be clear “swim lanes” for your thought leaders uct and innovation stories have a time and tempting to just dive into the tactics and is critical to establishing credible and con- place but your thought leadership content content creation machine. Before you lock sistent industry voices. Beyond expertise, needs to serve a greater good. There can yourself into a room and start typing your it’s also important to consider “passion top- be tie-backs to your business, but you lose own version of Moby Dick, take some time ics” for your thought leaders. When some- your audience when you begin using your to set your strategy. Define why thought one is speaking on a topic they are passion- thought leadership platform as your prod- leadership matters for your industry and ate about, they bring another level of energy uct or company platform. Turn on your lis- company. Is your company early stage in and enthusiasm to the conversation that tening channels—on social, blogs and in the a new market (you may need to hyper-fo- translates to their audience. If your thought media—to learn about what the industry is cus on educational content) or late stage leaders aren’t excited about or don’t believe talking about and learn how you can con- in a mature market (where differentiation in their talk track, it’s a non-starter. Passion and customer success stories are key)? topics create authenticity. _ Continued on page 22

20 MAY 2019 | WWW.ODWYERPR.COM

FEATURE Thought leadership requires thoughts and leadership

Companies must come to grips with the fact that not all leaders, no world, or the industry, or the category, or matter how successful, are necessarily thought leaders. the consumer (you get the gist) is headed. By Matt Kucharski Can the market leader also be the thought leader? After all, thought leaders s a firm that helps organizations challenging the way things are being done question the status quo, and market leaders build, grow and protect their brands today. The truly credible ones do so while are the status quo. They can, but it requires Aand reputations, it’s common for at the same time backing up their words a willingness to question and strategical- clients to ask us to help establish them as with specific actions demonstrating their ly disrupt their own status quo. Thought thought leaders. After all, what company ability to deliver. That’s the “leadership” leadership, at its core, doesn’t want to be the go-to expert in their part of thought leadership. We normally is about change and respective space? think of Tesla in this vein, though time will transformation, and But logic suggests that not everyone can tell whether the company can deliver on that doesn’t happen be a thought leader, and not every thought its promise of a mass-produced, affordable without a strong vi- leader is the same. Part of determining electric car. sion—and most im- thought-leadership strategy means looking The convener: this is the organization portantly, sharing that in the mirror and asking whether you have that steps forward and brings disparate vision beyond the walls the discipline, the courage and the vision to groups together to solve a common prob- of your organization. make it happen. lem. Conveners must set aside their egos And it means estab- Matt Kucharski Thought leader profiles and put the cause before their own visibil- lishing a content and If Yogi Berra were still alive, he’d say the ity—otherwise others won’t want to take connectivity strategy that builds and grows best thought leaders are ones with compel- up their mantle. An example here might be your reputation as a true thought leader. ling thoughts and strong leadership. Sim- United Way, which serves to help convene No organization ever became a thought ple, right? organizations around solving hunger, pov- leader by keeping opinions to themselves. Nope. erty and other pressing social issues. But it Own it and act on it First, an organization must come to grips also could be Apple (normally thought of Finally, you need to make a long-term with what kind of thought leader it can be. as a “disruptor”), who is largely credited commitment, acting in a manner that sup- At Padilla, we generally see three types: with helping solve the issue of digital rights ports your thought-leadership platform. The sage: this is the company with a long management for the music and entertain- Thought leaders without actions are indus- history who has seen it all and can put ment industry. try pretenders. Market leaders questioning industry change into context. Successful Having (and sharing) an opinion matters their own status quo must take action to “sage” thought leaders have the courage Knowing what kind of thought leader support their long-term vision, and disrup- to question their own status quo, because you want to be is a start, but then you need tors need to show that they can consistently if they don’t, someone else will. Microsoft the courage to express a strong point of perform. would fall into this camp as it helps move view. Thought leaders have a vision that’s The truly remarkable companies con- people from desktop to cloud. Lots of different than their peers, and they’re will- vince stakeholders to believe in their view companies came before it, but when Mic- ing to express that vision even if it makes of where the world is going and their abili- rosoft—the undisputed leader in desktop others (including their own customers and ty to deliver on that vision. That is thought computing—talked about the value of the employees) uncomfortable. True thought leadership, and it’s a true competitive ad- cloud, people started adopting en masse. leaders step outside of their industry norms vantage for today’s best organizations. The disruptor: the new upstart that’s to share their point of view on where the Matt Kucharski is President of Padilla. 

Your comms. strategy’s core Finally, don’t forget that success takes first you don’t succeed, try, try, try again.” _ Continued from page 20 time, effort and patience. In the famous Darlene Doyle is Executive Vice President, words of William Edward Hickson, “If at Client Relations at PAN Communications.  tribute to that dialogue. Informed POVs are built from a listening-first approach. Ken Deutsch is Head of Analytics & Re- Measure and refine Inoculating against bubble-think _ Continued from page 18 search and Adam Pawluk is Senior Vice If it can’t be measured, then it doesn’t President at JPA Health Communications.  count. If you want to build support for why thought leadership should sit at the core of visualization. As communicators, we have Content by committee your communications strategy, you need to tools today that help us fight confirmation _ Continued from page 12 show proof. Like everything in marketing, bias. Tools that prevent social media from thought leadership is an act of testing and re- telling us just what we want to hear. Tools who should offer feedback when solicited. fining. Set clear success metrics at the outset that allow us to take a broad look across a The culprit, every time, can be traced back and be sure you have a plan—and the tools— universe of conversation and cater to nar- to the process and precisely when contrib- in place for measuring impact. Media trac- rowly defined groups and views. utors should be asked to contribute. This tion, SOV, social shares, engagement, likes, It takes constant effort, invention and is generally where content marketing pro- downloads, attendees: these are all ways to re-invention as communicators, but we’re grams either die or thrive to augment and look at measuring success. There’s nothing better than ever at understanding the world enhance an integrated PR strategy. like hard metrics that matter to C-suite be- as it really is, and how to make a difference Ken MacFadyen is Head of Content at lievers. where it matters most. BackBay Communications. 

22 MAY 2019 | WWW.ODWYERPR.COM

REPORT PR thrives amid tech’s wide net for innovation

The historic disruption affecting today’s tech sector has resulted in a number of unlikely alliances in recent years, as a host of traditionally non-tech companies enter into a thriving market that shows no signs of slowing down. It’s also presented untold demand and opportunities for the communicators working within this landscape. O’Dwyer’s interviewed several executives at agencies representing tech clients on their strategies for growth in tech’s golden age and where they see the industry headed in a world where every PR agency is now a tech agency. By Jon Gingerich

alling tech an emerging market might the firm as a challenger brand that can at- stronger leadership position in brand strat- offer a contender for understatement tract the right team talent. egy conversations, a trend Kernahan said Cof the year. Digitization’s rise and The U.S. and U.K.-based tech PR special- she expects to continue. subsequent consolidation, the technolog- ist also launched a series of pop-up offices “Communications professionals looking icalization of just about everything, has across North America, with the agency’s to grow their skills should seek learning resulted in countless cross-over oppor- downtown Minneapolis outpost adding opportunities in the areas of strategy and tunities for PR professionals working for five additional staff and anticipating to insights,” she said. “Those who can turn tech-based businesses and clients, as a host double its headcount by the end of this complex topics into simple-to-understand of traditionally non-tech companies now year. Kernahan said the pop-up office mod- narratives will position themselves ahead enter an ever-widening market, signaling el allows the agency to enter new markets in the field.” one of the most profound changes to hit quickly and respond to customer requests ICR inches into top five the communications field in recent years. while adding top talent across growing ICR gained more than $1.1 million in The numbers speak for themselves. The markets. The agency plans to open addi- 2018 tech-related fees to total nearly $18.3 top 10 PR firms ranked by O’Dwyer’s for tional locations this year. million in this practice area, joining O’Dw- technology this year brought in a combined Kernahan noted that marketers today yer’s top five tech firms for the first time this total of nearly $466 million in tech-related are taking more of a stand on high-stakes year, up from the number-six slot last year fees in 2018, a 7.3 percent increase—or issues. A March report issued by the agen- ($17.1 million) and number-eight in 2017 about $32 million—from last year’s $434 cy, which polled business decision makers, ($12.7 million). million. Eight of this year’s top 10 tech company marketing leaders and consum- The New York-based agency, which firms were up in total billings last year— ers to gauge opinions regarding the private staffs about 190 and is known for its finan- four of them by double digits—and all save sector’s handling of social matters, dis- cial communications one gained in tech-related fees last year. covered that more than half of marketing and investor relations We asked several of the top PR firms rep- leaders surveyed (61 percent) believe their work, also gained nine resenting the tech marketplace to weigh in organization should take a more proactive percent overall to $69.1 on some of the advances and unlikely al- stance on tackling key high-stakes issues. million in total 2018 liances they’ve experienced in today’s tech Among CMOs and senior communications billings. spaces, and what future changes we might executives, 78 percent said high-stakes is- Partner Bo Park, who expect in a world where tech seems to be sue planning is at least as important as any leads ICR’s tech, media everywhere. other factor in their marketing and com- and telecom practice, Hotwire expands foothold, talent munications plans. cited an ability to blend Hotwire maintained its position as one “The top issues for marketing leaders in the agency’s Wall Street Bo Park of our top-ranked technology PR firms, the U.S. are immigration, mental health roots with traditional gaining more than $3.6 million in tech-re- and sexual harassment,” Kernahan said. PR to engineer programs around its cli- lated net fees last year to take the num- “These aren’t issues that would show up ents’ individual business models as key to ber-two spot in O’Dw- on the B2B priority list in the past, but the its success. yer’s 2019 rankings of melding of B2B and B2C means there are “Leveraging that framework to antici- technology PR firms, fewer boundaries on issues.” pate the next stages of growth, we’re able to with $36.8 million Kernahan also posited that strategy will deliver a holistic story across audiences— in 2018 tech-related gain importance in the months and years from investors to customers, partners and billings, nearly three to come, as PR leaders have begun taking a employees—so that technology companies times what the New can enhance their profiles where it matters York-headquartered most,” Park told O’Dwyer’s. agency accounted for Park cited multiple factors at play in the just three years before. agency’s tech growth last year, including Heather Kernahan Hotwire President of an increase in non-tech companies across North America Heath- industrial, retail, financial services and er Kernahan told O’Dwyer’s that a contin- healthcare sectors now seeking to reinvent ued expansion in North America played themselves as technology-driven enterpris- a sizeable role in the agency’s success, as es. According to Park, companies sought did bolstering Hotwire’s capabilities in the ICR’s expertise to uncover their areas of areas of strategy, brand and marketing ser- vices and insights, as well as positioning O’Dwyer’s technology PR rankings, pg. 26 _ Continued on page 34

24 MAY 2019 | WWW.ODWYERPR.COM

RANKINGS OF FIRMS SPECIALIZING IN TECHNOLOGY

Firm 2018 Net Fees Firm 2018 Net Fees

1. Edelman, New York, NY $280,260,000 38. Karbo Communications, San Francisco, CA $2,012,737 2. Hotwire, New York, NY 36,879,576 39. Singer Associates, Inc., San Francisco, CA 1,804,510 3. Zeno Group, New York, NY 25,303,770 40. Caliber Corporate Advisers, New York, NY 1,501,330 4. Finn Partners, New York, NY 22,476,000 41. Trevelino/Keller, Atlanta, GA 1,450,000 5. ICR, New York, NY 18,291,753 42. Lambert, Grand Rapids, MI 1,416,000 6. Highwire PR, San Francisco, CA 17,901,420 43. Kivvit, Chicago, IL 1,213,316 7. PAN Communications, Boston, MA 17,307,546 44. Pierpont Communications, Houston, TX 1,212,060 8. Racepoint Global, Boston, MA 16,712,708 45. Brownstein Group, Philadelphia, PA 1,165,032 9. LaunchSquad, San Francisco, CA 16,273,000 46. Tunheim, Minneapolis, MN 1,063,518 10. Bateman Group, San Francisco, CA 14,499,420 47. CommCentric Solutions, Inc., Tampa, FL 995,796 11. Walker Sands Communications, Chicago, IL 14,116,410 48. Feintuch Communications, New York, NY 984,452 12. The Hoffman Agency, San Jose, CA 13,665,000 49. Bianchi Public Relations, Troy, MI 810,529 13. MWWPR, New York, NY 13,253,751 50. Prosek Partners, New York, NY 607,455 14. APCO Worldwide, Washington, DC 10,889,600 51. rbb Communications, Miami, FL 601,490 15. Fahlgren Mortine, Columbus, OH 10,809,347 52. Standing Partnership, St. Louis, MO 600,682 16. W2O Group, San Francisco, CA 9,398,000 53. 360PR+, Boston, MA 486,947 17. Inkhouse, Waltham, MA 9,084,293 54. Greentarget Global LLC, Chicago, IL 356,100 18. 5W Public Relations, New York, NY 8,900,000 55. Landis Communications, San Francisco, CA 340,000 19. Padilla, Minneapolis, MN 8,290,343 56. Bellmont Partners, Minneapolis, MN 337,669 20. Matter Communications, Newburyport, MA 8,229,872 57. WordWrite Communications LLC, Pittsburgh, PA 336,025 21. Merritt Group, McLean, VA 7,569,251 58. French | West | Vaughan, Raleigh, NC 298,104 22. Havas Formula, New York, NY 5,060,125 59. O’Malley Hansen Communications, Chicago, IL 295,750 23. G&S Business Communications, New York, NY 4,856,039 60. The Bradford Group, Nashville, TN 285,197 24. March Communications, Boston, MA 4,168,379 61. Konnect Agency, Los Angeles, CA 264,893 25. MP&F Strategic Comms, Nashville, TN 4,145,326 62. Weiss PR, Inc., Baltimore, MD 235,128 26. Touchdown PR, Austin, TX 4,100,995 63. Kohnstamm Communications, Inc., St. Paul, MN 198,363 27. Citizen Relations, Los Angeles, CA 3,870,596 64. Hollywood Agency, Hingham, MA 167,000 28. Rasky Partners, Inc., Boston, MA 3,444,452 65. BoardroomPR, Ft. Lauderdale, FL 100,000 29. North 6th Agency, Inc., New York, NY 3,145,851 66. Maccabee, Minneapolis, MN 98,891 30. Raffetto Herman Strategic Comms, Seattle, WA 2,915,484 67. Judge Public Relations, LLC, Tampa, FL 82,846 31. Idea Grove, Dallas, TX 2,901,468 68. BLAZE, Santa Monica, CA 74,618 32. Hunter PR, New York, NY 2,800,000 69. Fish Consulting, Fort Lauderdale, FL 70,000 33. Coyne PR, Parsippany, NJ 2,500,000 70. Buchanan Public Relations, Bryn Mawr, PA 58,208 34. Crenshaw Communications, New York, NY 2,280,188 71. Public Communications Inc., Chicago, IL 54,840 35. ARPR, Atlanta, GA 2,262,442 72. Champion Management Group, Dallas, TX 27,000 36. Gregory FCA, Ardmore, PA 2,100,000 73. Stuntman PR, New York, NY 13,318 37. Jackson Spalding, Atlanta, GA 2,059,544 74. Beehive Strategic Communication, St. Paul, MN 11,715

26 MAY 2019 | WWW.ODWYERPR.COM © Copyright 2019, J.R. O’Dwyer Co., Inc.

REPORT Financial firms navigate Wall Street’s choppy waters PR firms working in the finance sector managed to drive growth with new account wins and agency offerings in a year characterized by market volatility. By Kevin McCauley

inancial PR firms weathered a rough ness Network’s “Mornings with Maria” and In early 2019, Vested brought on Chris- 2018, which was Wall Street’s worst PBS’ “Nightly Business Report.” tina Bertinelli, formerly of Lumentus, as Fperformance in a decade. The S&P 500 On behalf of Ark Invest, DLPR cashed in Managing Director to help further the tumbled 6.2 percent. The Dow fell 5.6 per- on the media and investment community’s agency’s digital capabilities. cent. The NASDAQ declined 4.0. intense interest in Tesla boss Elon Musk. On the client front, Vested picked up In its December 31 financial wrap-up, Ark Invest is the ETF industry’s second big- Boston Private, which provides wealth CNN cited volatility driven by signs of an gest shareholder of Tesla. Following Musk’s management, trust, and private banking to economic slowdown, worries over mon- claim in August that he had a deal to take clients. etary policy, political dysfunction, infla- Tesla private for $460 per-share, Cath- Kim said Vested helped Boston Private tion fears and potential regulation of the ie Wood, Ark’s Chief Investment Officer, receive top-tier coverage for its “Why of technology sector among reasons for Wall tweeted an open letter to Musk urging him Wealth” campaign, including a feature in Street’s 2018 blues. against the go-private deal. the New York Times money column and APCO rides out storm The Tesla chief responded to Wood di- coverage on Business Insider and CNBC. The public affairs mindset of Washing- rectly, setting the tone for significant cov- The firm also added digital assets leader ton-based APCO Worldwide helped it erage speculating on the wisdom—or lack DCG/Grayscale/Genesis; real estate in- make the most out of a down year in the thereof—of such action. vestment tech platform Roofstock; and the financial category as its fee income slipped “Wood appeared on the major financial wealth management firm Bailard. 9.2 percent to $10.8 million. broadcast cable networks 16 times in Au- Finn names first financial head Jeff Zelkowitz, head gust, to offer expert commentary on Tesla,” Finn Partners, which posted a 19.1 per- of APCO’s Global Fi- said Dukas. “Her unwavering support likely cent jump in financial nancial Practice, said was key to the strength of Tesla’s stock, de- income to $2.5 million, the firm’s PA orienta- spite Musk’s antics.” named Ryan Barr its tion was most evident DLPR notched a 1.9 percent gain in 2018 first global financial ser- in its support for public financial fees to $5.4 million. vices head. sector financial over- New faces, accounts at Vested His mission is to drive sight and economic Vested, No. 5 on the financial list, chalked “successful business development agencies, up a 17.7 percent rise in 2018 fees to $7.3 outcomes for its clients Jeff Zelkowitz government ministries million. through purposeful sto- and central banks. Binna Kim, President, rytelling and integrated APCO handled projects “to ensure strong said recruitment and communications pro- Ryan Barr and transparent management of public client wins highlighted grams.” sector finances, restructure debt, attract the performance. Finn’s financial unit, which recently ac- investment, strengthen public markets, In January, Vested quired Moorgate Communications in and promote policies and reforms to create opened its London of- London, added a roster of financial pros the foundations for sustainable economic fice and hired Elspeth including Robert Kelsey, Athanasia Sfikas, growth,” according to Zelkowitz. Rothwell as CEO and Pete Johnson, Beth Weine, Liz Nardozza He views fintech as a growing category Katie Spreadbury as and Rachel Neff to its team. for both startups and established finan- Director. Binna Kim They serve long-standing clients such as cial companies. “Data-fueled innovation is In the U.S., the firm Commerzbank, Deutsche Bank, Regions changing financial services, creating new added PR veteran Amber Roberts to its Bank and S&P Global as well as new en- benefits for consumers and markets but team as CEO of professional services, and gagements with BNY Mellon, Cetera Fi- also requiring agile communications and Kevin Trowbridge as Chief Technology nancial Group and First Interstate Bank. public affairs strategies,” said Zelkowitz. Officer and the lead developer of the firm’s “Technological advancements have He believes APCO’s integrated approach proprietary tech platform Qwoted. turned every consumer, partner and em- to communications, combining “financial ployee into a real-time brand advocate and subject matter expertise with an under- influencer,” said Barr. “We work with our standing of client strategies, stakeholder, clients to identify the most meaningful way policy and media landscape and data-driv- to engage key audiences and inspire action.” en insights on what impacts target audienc- Bliss packages complex ideas into es” is what differentiates the firm from its integrated PR competitors. Financial PR, which accounts for 36 per- It’s the media that matters cent of overall revenues, is the No. 1 prac- Richard Dukas of Dukas Linden PR, No. tice at Bliss Integrated Communications. 7 on O’Dwyer’s rankings of financial firms, “We work with some of the biggest names said his broadcast media team chalked up in asset management, insurance, wealth a solid 2018 with bookings on CNBC’s “Squawk Box” and “Closing Bell,” Fox Busi- O’Dwyer’s financial PR rankings, pg. 30 _ Continued on page 34

28 MAY 2019 | WWW.ODWYERPR.COM

RANKINGS OF FIRMS SPECIALIZING IN FINANCE

Firm 2018 Net Fees Firm 2018 Net Fees

1. Edelman, New York, NY $79,857,000 25. Greentarget Global LLC, Chicago, IL $759,000

2. ICR, New York, NY 47,469,335 26. Havas Formula, New York, NY 746,130

3. Prosek Partners, New York, NY 41,492,456 27. Beehive Strategic Communication, St. Paul, MN 608,769

4. APCO Worldwide, Washington, DC 10,739,700 28. Citizen Relations, Los Angeles, CA 417,840

5. Vested, New York, NY 7,268,000 29. Jackson Spalding, Atlanta, GA 360,626

6. Gregory FCA, Ardmore, PA 6,000,000 30. The Bradford Group, Nashville, TN 358,489

7. Dukas Linden Public Relations, New York, NY 5,409,338 31. IW Group, Inc., West Hollywood, CA 319,000

8. Lambert, Grand Rapids, MI 4,039,000 32. French | West | Vaughan, Raleigh, NC 271,234

9. Bliss Integrated Communication, New York, NY 3,948,000 33. rbb Communications, Miami, FL 270,205

10. Kivvit, Chicago, IL 2,995,865 34. Butler Associates, LLC, New York, NY 267,017

11. BackBay Communications, Boston, MA 2,984,508 35. MP&F Strategic Communications, Nashville, TN 254,420

12. G&S Business Communications, New York, NY 2,694,202 36. Trevelino/Keller, Atlanta, GA 245,000

13. Finn Partners, New York, NY 2,500,000 37. BoardroomPR, Ft. Lauderdale, FL 200,000

14. Zeno Group, New York, NY 2,237,698 38. Buchanan Public Relations, Bryn Mawr, PA 193,297

15. Inkhouse, Waltham, MA 1,719,664 39. Standing Partnership, St. Louis, MO 145,969

16. 5W Public Relations, New York, NY 1,600,000 40. Brownstein Group, Philadelphia, PA 105,286

17. Padilla, Minneapolis, MN 1,362,728 41. North 6th Agency, Inc., New York, NY 100,075

18. Buttonwood Comms Group, New York, NY 1,311,200 42. O’Malley Hansen Communications, Chicago, IL 92,400

19. Caliber Corporate Advisers, New York, NY 1,228,360 43. The Hoyt Organization Inc., Torrance, CA 65,000

20. Akrete, Evanston, IL 1,153,662 44. Public Communications Inc., Chicago, IL 60,777

21. Pierpont Communications, Houston, TX 1,060,553 45. Feintuch Communications, New York, NY 60,554

22. KCD Public Relations, Inc., San Diego, CA 1,057,583 46. Weiss PR, Inc., Baltimore, MD 58,782

23. 360PR+, Boston, MA 973,895 47. Judge Public Relations, LLC, Tampa, FL 11,970

24. Rasky Partners, Inc., Boston, MA 781,100 48. Landis Communications, San Francisco, CA 5,000

30 MAY 2019 | WWW.ODWYERPR.COM © Copyright 2019, J.R. O’Dwyer Co., Inc.

REPORT Constant change is new normal in healthcare

A series of recent technological innovations and the rise of a consumer-driven healthcare ecosystem has transformed the health and life sciences communications landscape, introducing a host of new possibilities for professionals working in the field, and new challenges as well. By Steve Barnes eeping up with the constantly shifting ing in categories and topics we never would sion efforts at major companies are mov- goalposts in the healthcare industry have imagined 10 years ago,” Gross said. ing the needle for the better,” said Pagan- Kover the past year has required com- Among those categories: advertising for elli. “These efforts were munications firms working in the sector to cancer treatments, which she said have be- happening behind the stay abreast of seemingly constant social come mainstream over the past few years. scenes in many instanc- and technological change. “There’s even discussion about including es, but now are front Those social changes are primarily a result drug prices in DTC ads,” she said. and center.” of the growing role patients are now playing In addition, these conversations are lead- When it comes to in how healthcare is de- ing communicators toward channels that technological change, livered. consumer audiences use—most important- artificial intelligence, “Empowered patients ly social media. “Convincing healthcare telemedicine and elec- are no longer outliers— executives to responsibly engage on social tronic health records Michelle Gross they’re here to stay,” said media channels” is a challenge for many are all drivers of a chang- W2O Practice Leader, communication pros, according to W2O’s ing relationship between Earned and Social Me- Paganelli. “Companies that stand out are healthcare communications providers and dia Jennifer Paganelli. utilizing these channels to their advantage.” audiences, according to Roth. “Patients bring a unique, The expanding audience of consumers He noted that each generation of health- Jennifer Paganelli authentic ability to con- for healthcare communications efforts is care consumers requires its own set of com- nect and inspire that a also resulting in a bigger pool of “non-tra- munications priorities. “While a Millenni- traditional press release will never rival.” ditional players,” such as al may go to extensive lengths to avoid an Paganelli noted that healthcare firms are vision insurance compa- in-person doctor’s visit in favor of a virtu- bringing patient groups into the process at nies that also focus on al check-in,” he said that Boomers may be a much earlier point than they once did, clinical outcomes, who more hesitant about putting their trust in making patient points of view a central part Roth said are “crossing technology and senior citizens may see the of their communications efforts. She said over and demonstrating human-to-human contact of a doctor’s visit this trend will grow in the years to come, real value in the space.” as a way to stave off loneliness. eventually becoming standard practice for With the emergence of Spectrum Chief Innovation Officer Rob healthcare communications practitioners. those players, Roth said, Oquendo also pointed Michael Roth, who leads of Bliss Inte- Michael Roth “the health and life sci- out the role technology grated Communication’s healthcare prac- ences ecosystem is being is playing the tailoring tice, added that “patients are transforming turned on its head and it of messages to a range of business and getting what they want, and takes subject matter expertise in insurance, audiences. “Technology healthcare businesses are getting smarter technology, therapeutics and even financial is enabling a paradigm about delivering what patients need.” services to help these clients succeed.” shift from sharing con- Roth cited the rare disease space as a It’s not only the entry of patients and tent to establishing one- prime example of how patient activism is non-traditional providers in the health- on-one conversations,” having a big effect. “Many rare diseases have care communications environment that’s he said. “Healthcare Rob Oquendo small but mighty advocates who testify at a factor. The efforts toward diversity and communicators need to FDA hearings to ensure regulators consider inclusion that have characterized the com- start thinking about how to leverage mes- not just the scientific innovation of a new munications industry as a whole are also on saging platforms to reach audiences, wheth- treatment option but the full patient experi- the radar for healthcare communications er it’s text, voice or bots leveraging AI.” ence too,” he said. companies. Paganelli said that “technology is democ- Roth also pointed to another factor in the “Positive changes in diversity and inclu- ratizing access to data.” Using machine equation: the emergence of the “empathetic learning and AI to “make sense of the mas- client,” or healthcare practitioners who are sive amounts of public social data,” Pagan- beginning to listen to what patients have to elli believes communicators can uncover say. consumer concerns and nuances of opinion Spectrum President Michelle Gross said to produce more targeted, insightful com- this trend is part of a move away from “see- munications. ing healthcare providers as the sole decision In addition, possible regulatory and legis- maker when it comes to treatment and pre- lative developments could provide a boost. scription decisions.” “If certain proposals to update HIPAA The increasing importance of patient and current innovation-first programs at concerns has opened up new avenues for the FDA remain, I see greater opportunity healthcare communicators in a few ways. “We’re seeing direct-to-consumer market- O’Dwyer’s healthcare PR rankings, pg. 36 _ Continued on page 34

32 MAY 2019 | WWW.ODWYERPR.COM

REPORT

Financial roundup _ Continued from page 28 firm’s 25 financial staffers “know the issues, strategic brand repositionings, new brand audiences, influencers and media that mat- architectures and visual assets, and stake- ter to B2B and B2C financial services cli- holder engagement across paid, earned, ents — and push themselves to stay ahead owned and shared media. management, banking and private equity of emerging trends in fintech, regtech, fi- Halsey said the firm is poised to detect and have expertise in reaching niche au- nancial wellness, wealth management, pay- and address changes in consumer and diences, including regulators, advisors, ments and cybersecurity.” business relationships with financial insti- intermediaries, institutional investors, Become tech-wise or capsize tutions—many of which are the result of business owners, consumers, millennials, In the aftermath of new generational preferences and the rapid women, mass affluent, and high-net-worth the economic crisis a adoption of technology in decision mak- investors,” said Meg Wildrick, Managing decade ago, the most ing. Partner. resilient companies G&S, which ranked No. 12 on O'Dw- Bliss, which ranked learned they would ei- yer's financial list with $2.9 million in fees, No. 9 on O’Dwyer’s fi- ther become tech-wise strives to unlock value for fledgling fintech nancial list with $3.9 or capsize, according to companies as they achieve scale, seek new million in fees, takes Steve Halsey, managing routes to market, and encounter pressure pride in its ability to director, business con- from competitors, regulators, legislators or break down complex sulting at G&S Business suppliers. ideas and packaging Communications. Steve Halsey “It’s an exciting time to be a business com- them into integrated G&S collaborated munications agency because our action-in- Meg Wildrick communications cam- with financial services and fintech clients on spiring strategies can be tailored for a wide paigns. a significant number of tech-driven business range of organizations, from global busi- Wildrick said the transformations that prompted the need for nesses to emerging ventures,” he said. 

Technology roundup _ Continued from page 24 PAN puts emphasis on ‘X-tech’ the firm’s highest retention rates to date, Boston-based PAN took the number-sev- allowing the agency to focus its time and innovation, build compelling storylines en position in O’Dwyer’s tech rankings this energy on meeting customer demands. and amplify those key messages in a bid to year, clearing more “Our growth in the technology sector reposition their corporate brands. than $17.3 million in specifically was two-fold. We have a strong Park said her agency has also noticed 2018 tech-related net pipeline of emerging and enterprise tech “furious” development in areas such as AI fees, an uptick of more brands looking for integrated offerings, and blockchain disrupting segments in than $2.2 million that and they’re leaning on mid-sized agencies supply chains, infrastructure and enter- reveals an ongoing like PAN because of our ability to meet prise, with emerging brands now seeking climb from the agency’s their needs on a global scale, while con- to incorporate PR into their marketing mix number-eight spot last tinuing to deliver personalized service,” in an effort to showcase their solutions to year (or $15 million Nardone said. prospects, while simultaneously seeking IR in 2017 billings) and Philip Nardone, Jr. Nardone noted that the second factor guidance as they enter the next stage. number-nine position contributing to its growth comes from Finally, Park said ICR expanded its focus in 2017, or $11.7 million. what he referred to as “X-tech,” industry in autonomous driving and connected cars, Philip A. Nardone Jr., President and CEO disruptors currently causing headwinds particularly in global markets, and saw an of the tech and healthcare specialists, told in today’s tech market. “We’re seeing more increase in alternative IPO activities, in- O’Dwyer’s that no single factor could be at- and more inbound requests from AI-tech, cluding RegA+ offerings and Special Pur- tributed to the firm’s forward mobility and insurance tech, real estate tech, etc., brands pose Acquisition Corp. instead cited a combined effort across the that are earning attention from investors “We expect to see these trends continuing board from its PR, marketing, HR and fi- and need PR and marketing services to to grow and taking even bigger shape this nance teams, as well as a recent expansion support. That’s an area we look forward to year and next,” she said. of PAN’s executive team which resulted in expanding in 2019,” he said. 

Healthcare roundup become more reflective of the patient ex- may be confused by agency offerings and _ Continued from page 32 perience and more attuned with what the assume you have experience in areas where patient is looking for.” you simply don’t have experience.” in healthcare for companies—and their in- However, in a sector marked by mergers W2O’s Paganelli emphasizes that practi- vestors—that can address priority and unmet and focused on new technologies, audi- tioners still need “well-rounded, 360-de- patient needs through these pathways,” said ences and suppliers, communications ba- gree understanding of the paid, earned Roth. sics—and a firm knowledge of what your and shared tools in our arsenal and how to “With the 2018 FDA guidance on patient-fo- firm can and can’t do—is still seen as fun- deploy them appropriately to reach our key cused drug development,” said Spectrum’s damental to success in the sector. audience where they are going for infor- Gross, “we’ll see clinical trials—and what is “Massive integration means that every- mation in the format they want to receive said about the drugs resulting from them— one does everything,” said Roth. “Clients it in.” 

34 MAY 2019 | WWW.ODWYERPR.COM

RANKINGS OF FIRMS SPECIALIZING IN HEALTHCARE

Firm 2018 Net Fees Firm 2018 Net Fees

1. W2O Group, San Francisco, CA $168,171,000 39. Lambert, Grand Rapids, MI $1,325,000 2. Edelman, New York, NY 154,202,000 40. Jackson Spalding, Atlanta, GA 1,238,933 3. Spectrum, Washington, DC 32,900,000 41. Gregory FCA, Ardmore, PA 1,100,000 4. APCO Worldwide, Washington, DC 25,087,900 42. L.C. Williams & Associates, Chicago, IL 1,029,935 5. Health Unlimited, New York, NY 24,267,133 43. Standing Partnership, St. Louis, MO 1,025,535 6. Finn Partners, New York, NY 21,182,000 44. Inkhouse, Waltham, MA 880,519 7. Crosby, Annapolis, MD 19,204,310 45. Trevelino/Keller, Atlanta, GA 875,000 8. Zeno Group, New York, NY 12,300,659 46. Havas Formula, New York, NY 825,596 9. Evoke PR & Influence, Philadelphia, PA 12,000,000 47. Rosica Communications, Paramus, NJ 645,075 10. Jarrard Phillips Cate & Hancock, Brentwood, TN 11,591,239 48. G&S Business Communications, New York, NY 633,845 11. IMRE, LLC, Baltimore, MD 11,450,000 49. Pierpont Communications, Houston, TX 606,030 12. KYNE, New York, NY 10,405,888 50. Landis Communications, San Francisco, CA 555,000 13. Padilla, Minneapolis, MN 9,630,245 51. Bellmont Partners, Minneapolis, MN 545,376 14. JPA Health Communications, Washington, DC 9,264,490 52. Buchanan Public Relations, Bryn Mawr, PA 501,240 15. Coyne PR, Parsippany, NJ 9,000,000 53. French | West | Vaughan, Raleigh, NC 495,445 16. Sam Brown Inc., Wayne, PA 5,621,644 54. LaunchSquad, San Francisco, CA 484,000 17. The SPI Group LLC, Fairfield, NJ 4,956,674 55. Raffetto Herman Strategic Comms, Seattle, WA 475,969 18. Lazar Partners, New York, NY 4,878,125 56. Greentarget Global LLC, Chicago, IL 474,000 19. 5W Public Relations, New York, NY 4,500,000 57. North 6th Agency, Inc., New York, NY 423,000 20. Citizen Relations, Los Angeles, CA 4,235,437 58. Marketing Maven PR, Camarillo, CA 413,108 21. MCS Healthcare PR, Bedminster, NJ 4,194,507 59. Singer Associates, Inc., San Francisco, CA 362,529 22. MWWPR, New York, NY 3,168,922 60. Merritt Group, McLean, VA 335,057 23. Lovell Communications, Nashville, TN 2,976,067 61. Maccabee, Minneapolis, MN 273,633 24. Public Communications Inc., Chicago, IL 2,900,420 62. IW Group, Inc., West Hollywood, CA 240,000 25. rbb Communications, Miami, FL 2,876,163 63. Perry Comms Group, Inc., Sacramento, CA 238,058 26. Hunter PR, New York, NY 2,600,000 64. Judge Public Relations, LLC, Tampa, FL 221,747 27. PAN Communications, Boston, MA 2,586,184 65. Schneider Associates, Boston, MA 195,395 28. Bliss Integrated Comm, New York, NY 2,494,000 66. WordWrite Communications LLC, Pittsburgh, PA 190,500 29. LaVoie Health Science, Boston, MA 2,489,984 67. Fish Consulting, Fort Lauderdale, FL 143,000 30. Matter Communications, Newburyport, MA 2,483,498 68. BLAZE, Santa Monica, CA 125,500 31. MP&F Strategic Comms, Nashville, TN 2,329,335 69. Weiss PR, Inc., Baltimore, MD 117,564 32. SevenTwenty Strategies, LLC, Washington, DC 2,328,195 70. Brownstein Group, Philadelphia, PA 113,894 33. 360PR+, Boston, MA 1,947,790 71. Kohnstamm Communications, Inc., St. Paul, MN 110,932 34. Racepoint Global, Boston, MA 1,907,544 72. BoardroomPR, Ft. Lauderdale, FL 100,000 35. Beehive Strategic Comm, St. Paul, MN 1,675,677 73. Hollywood Agency, Hingham, MA 90,000 36. Rasky Partners, Inc., Boston, MA 1,579,425 74. O’Malley Hansen Communications, Chicago, IL 52,000 37. Tunheim, Minneapolis, MN 1,516,094 75. SPM Communications, Dallas, TX 18,441 38. Kivvit, Chicago, IL 1,483,874

36 MAY 2019 | WWW.ODWYERPR.COM © Copyright 2019, J.R. O’Dwyer Co., Inc. RANKINGS OF FIRMS SPECIALIZING IN HEALTHCARE

Firm 2018 Net Fees Firm 2018 Net Fees

1. W2O Group, San Francisco, CA $168,171,000 39. Lambert, Grand Rapids, MI $1,325,000 2. Edelman, New York, NY 154,202,000 40. Jackson Spalding, Atlanta, GA 1,238,933 3. Spectrum, Washington, DC 32,900,000 41. Gregory FCA, Ardmore, PA 1,100,000 4. APCO Worldwide, Washington, DC 25,087,900 42. L.C. Williams & Associates, Chicago, IL 1,029,935 5. Health Unlimited, New York, NY 24,267,133 43. Standing Partnership, St. Louis, MO 1,025,535 6. Finn Partners, New York, NY 21,182,000 44. Inkhouse, Waltham, MA 880,519 7. Crosby, Annapolis, MD 19,204,310 45. Trevelino/Keller, Atlanta, GA 875,000 8. Zeno Group, New York, NY 12,300,659 46. Havas Formula, New York, NY 825,596 9. Evoke PR & Influence,Philadelphia, PA 12,000,000 47. Rosica Communications, Paramus, NJ 645,075 10. Jarrard Phillips Cate & Hancock, Brentwood, TN 11,591,239 48. G&S Business Communications, New York, NY 633,845 11. IMRE, LLC, Baltimore, MD 11,450,000 49. Pierpont Communications, Houston, TX 606,030 12. KYNE, New York, NY 10,405,888 50. Landis Communications, San Francisco, CA 555,000 13. Padilla, Minneapolis, MN 9,630,245 51. Bellmont Partners, Minneapolis, MN 545,376 14. JPA Health Communications, Washington, DC 9,264,490 52. Buchanan Public Relations, Bryn Mawr, PA 501,240 15. Coyne PR, Parsippany, NJ 9,000,000 53. French | West | Vaughan, Raleigh, NC 495,445 16. Sam Brown Inc., Wayne, PA 5,621,644 54. LaunchSquad, San Francisco, CA 484,000 17. The SPI Group LLC, Fairfield, NJ 4,956,674 55. Raffetto Herman Strategic Comms, Seattle, WA 475,969 18. Lazar Partners, New York, NY 4,878,125 56. Greentarget Global LLC, Chicago, IL 474,000 19. 5W Public Relations, New York, NY 4,500,000 57. North 6th Agency, Inc., New York, NY 423,000 20. Citizen Relations, Los Angeles, CA 4,235,437 58. Marketing Maven PR, Camarillo, CA 413,108 21. MCS Healthcare PR, Bedminster, NJ 4,194,507 59. Singer Associates, Inc., San Francisco, CA 362,529 22. MWWPR, New York, NY 3,168,922 60. Merritt Group, McLean, VA 335,057 23. Lovell Communications, Nashville, TN 2,976,067 61. Maccabee, Minneapolis, MN 273,633 24. Public Communications Inc., Chicago, IL 2,900,420 62. IW Group, Inc., West Hollywood, CA 240,000 25. rbb Communications, Miami, FL 2,876,163 63. Perry Comms Group, Inc., Sacramento, CA 238,058 26. Hunter PR, New York, NY 2,600,000 64. Judge Public Relations, LLC, Tampa, FL 221,747 27. PAN Communications, Boston, MA 2,586,184 65. Schneider Associates, Boston, MA 195,395 28. Bliss Integrated Comm, New York, NY 2,494,000 66. WordWrite Communications LLC, Pittsburgh, PA 190,500 29. LaVoie Health Science, Boston, MA 2,489,984 67. Fish Consulting, Fort Lauderdale, FL 143,000 30. Matter Communications, Newburyport, MA 2,483,498 68. BLAZE, Santa Monica, CA 125,500 31. MP&F Strategic Comms, Nashville, TN 2,329,335 69. Weiss PR, Inc., Baltimore, MD 117,564 32. SevenTwenty Strategies, LLC, Washington, DC 2,328,195 70. Brownstein Group, Philadelphia, PA 113,894 33. 360PR+, Boston, MA 1,947,790 71. Kohnstamm Communications, Inc., St. Paul, MN 110,932 34. Racepoint Global, Boston, MA 1,907,544 72. BoardroomPR, Ft. Lauderdale, FL 100,000 35. Beehive Strategic Comm, St. Paul, MN 1,675,677 73. Hollywood Agency, Hingham, MA 90,000 36. Rasky Partners, Inc., Boston, MA 1,579,425 74. O’Malley Hansen Communications, Chicago, IL 52,000 37. Tunheim, Minneapolis, MN 1,516,094 75. SPM Communications, Dallas, TX 18,441 38. Kivvit, Chicago, IL 1,483,874

© Copyright 2019, J.R. O’Dwyer Co., Inc. Firm 2018 Net Fees Firm 2018 Net Fees Firm 2018 Net Fees Firm 2018 Net Fees

RANKINGS OF PR FIRMS SPECIALIZING IN AGRICULTURE Entertainment cont. RANKINGS OF PR FIRMS SPECIALIZING IN SPORTS & LEISURE Travel & Economic Development cont. 1. G&S Business Communications, New York, NY $17,938,881 8. Citizen Relations, Los Angeles, CA $408,653 1. MWWPR, New York, NY $8,747,651 21. Berk Communications, New York, NY $827,850 2. Edelman, New York, NY 8,529,000 9. rbb Communications, Miami, FL 341,706 2. French | West | Vaughan, Raleigh, NC 6,336,500 22. LaunchSquad, San Francisco, CA 523,000 3. French | West | Vaughan, Raleigh, NC 2,128,039 10. Singer Associates, Inc., San Francisco, CA 285,498 3. Coyne PR, Parsippany, NJ 2,800,000 23. MP&F Strategic Communications, Nashville, TN 497,354 4. Padilla, Minneapolis, MN 1,418,219 11. O’Malley Hansen Communications, Chicago, IL 269,300 4. Havas Formula, New York, NY 2,288,794 24. North 6th Agency, Inc., New York, NY 321,000 5. Zeno Group, New York, NY 929,289 12. Brownstein Group, Philadelphia, PA 217,426 5. Edelman, New York, NY 1,592,000 25. Gregory FCA, Ardmore, PA 312,112 6. Citizen Relations, Los Angeles, CA 896,620 13. MP&F Strategic Communications, Nashville, TN 166,992 6. Berk Communications, New York, NY 1,370,500 26. Hunter PR, New York, NY 300,000 7. Standing Partnership, St. Louis, MO 596,578 14. BLAZE, Santa Monica, CA 150,000 7. APCO Worldwide, Washington, DC 1,078,100 27. Tunheim, Minneapolis, MN 293,428 8. Bellmont Partners, Minneapolis, MN 308,574 15. BoardroomPR, Ft. Lauderdale, FL 100,000 8. Konnect Agency, Los Angeles, CA 760,850 28. IW Group, Inc., West Hollywood, CA 259,000 9. Jackson Spalding, Atlanta, GA 215,706 16. Trevelino/Keller, Atlanta, GA 100,000 9. Jackson Spalding, Atlanta, GA 679,200 29. Padilla, Minneapolis, MN 226,603 10. North 6th Agency, Inc., New York, NY 102,000 17. Rasky Partners, Inc., Boston, MA 87,500 10. IW Group, Inc., West Hollywood, CA 555,000 30. Bellmont Partners, Minneapolis, MN 192,493 11. Trevelino/Keller, Atlanta, GA 50,000 18. Standing Partnership, St. Louis, MO 65,292 11. O’Malley Hansen Communications, Chicago, IL 521,350 31. Inkhouse, Waltham, MA 177,165 12. Landis Communications, San Francisco, CA 12,000 19. Landis Communications, San Francisco, CA 50,000 12. Fish Consulting, Fort Lauderdale, FL 513,000 32. Butler Associates, LLC, New York, NY 107,000 13. O’Malley Hansen Communications, Chicago, IL 2,500 20. SPM Communications, Dallas, TX 47,131 13. 360PR+, Boston, MA 486,947 33. Marketing Maven Public Relations, Camarillo, CA 75,087 21. Padilla, Minneapolis, MN 43,138 14. Racepoint Global, Boston, MA 430,737 34. BoardroomPR, Ft. Lauderdale, FL 60,000 22. WordWrite Communications LLC, Pittsburgh, PA 31,660 15. SPM Communications, Dallas, TX 269,737 35. Stuntman PR, New York, NY 55,000 23. Hunter PR, New York, NY 25,000 16. Trevelino/Keller, Atlanta, GA 200,000 36. Public Communications Inc., Chicago, IL 44,329 RANKINGS OF PR FIRMS SPECIALIZING IN BEAUTY & FASHION 24. AMP3 Public Relations, New York, NY 16,977 17. Kohnstamm Communications, Inc., St. Paul, MN 190,019 37. Standing Partnership, St. Louis, MO 43,082 25. Champion Management Group, Dallas, TX 11,000 1. Edelman, New York, NY $83,455,000 18. BizCom Associates, Plano, TX 120,000 38. Fish Consulting, Fort Lauderdale, FL 40,000 26. Buchanan Public Relations, Bryn Mawr, PA 9,812 2. Citizen Relations, Los Angeles, CA 6,311,286 19. BLAZE., Santa Monica, CA 85,100 39. Havas Formula, New York, NY 31,452 27. Rosica Communications, Paramus, NJ 6,750 3. French | West | Vaughan, Raleigh, NC 5,624,181 20. Marketing Maven Public Relations, Camarillo, CA 81,750 40. Judge Public Relations, LLC, Tampa, FL 11,106 28. Judge Public Relations, LLC, Tampa, FL 5,927 4. Zeno Group, New York, NY 4,941,933 21. Judge Public Relations, LLC, Tampa, FL 77,891 5. 5W Public Relations, New York, NY 4,500,000 22. MP&F Strategic Communications, Nashville, TN 66,234 6. Turner, a Fahlgren Mortine company, New York, NY 3,274,784 23. BoardroomPR, Ft. Lauderdale, FL 65,000 RANKINGS OF PR FIRMS SPECIALIZING IN 7. Coyne PR, Parsippany, NJ 3,000,000 24. Buchanan Public Relations, Bryn Mawr, PA 35,597 8. LaunchSquad, San Francisco, CA 1,382,000 RANKINGS OF PR FIRMS SPECIALIZING IN HOME FURNISHINGS 25. Champion Management Group, Dallas, TX 28,000 ENVIRONMENTAL & PUBLIC AFFAIRS 26. Maccabee, Minneapolis, MN 17,084 9. Havas Formula, New York, NY 884,399 1. G&S Business Communications, New York, NY $4,357,033 1. APCO Worldwide, Washington, DC $45,548,900 27. Padilla, Minneapolis, MN 16,238 10. BLAZE, Santa Monica, CA 725,399 2. Citizen Relations, Los Angeles, CA 3,463,603 2. Edelman, New York, NY 12,922,000 28. Perry Communications Group, Inc., Sacramento, CA 11,000 11. AMP3 Public Relations, New York, NY 647,519 3. Zimmerman Agency, Tallahassee, FL 3,300,000 3. Davies, Santa Barbara, CA 11,119,160 29. Zeno Group, New York, NY 10,523 12. 360PR+, Boston, MA 486,947 4. Edelman, New York, NY 3,274,000 4. Finn Partners, New York, NY 6,331,000 13. Hunter PR, New York, NY 400,000 5. L.C. Williams & Associates, Chicago, IL 3,219,357 5. Singer Associates, Inc., San Francisco, CA 5,238,460 14. SPM Communications, Dallas, TX 355,251 6. Coyne PR, Parsippany, NJ 3,000,000 6. Cerrell Associates, Los Angeles, CA 3,751,386 15. O’Malley Hansen Communications, Chicago, IL 318,550 7. Jackson Spalding, Atlanta, GA 2,713,319 RANKINGS OF PR FIRMS SPECIALIZING IN 7. Perry Communications Group, Inc., Sacramento, CA 2,463,238 16. Zapwater Communications, Chicago, IL 304,250 8. 5W Public Relations, New York, NY 2,000,000 TRAVEL & ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT 8. Pierpont Communications, Houston, TX 1,893,844 17. Hollywood Agency, Hingham, MA 248,000 9. Havas Formula, New York, NY 1,859,450 9. Lambert, Grand Rapids, MI 1,830,000 18. Trevelino/Keller, Atlanta, GA 175,000 10. Zeno Group, New York, NY 1,628,120 1. Edelman, New York, NY $39,843,000 10. SevenTwenty Strategies, LLC, Washington, DC 1,687,033 19. Konnect Agency, Los Angeles, CA 146,810 11. Hunter PR, New York, NY 1,500,000 2. APCO Worldwide, Washington, DC 15,022,400 11. Padilla, Minneapolis, MN 1,609,710 20. Marketing Maven Public Relations, Camarillo, CA 113,818 12. Pierpont Communications, Houston, TX 1,212,060 3. Zimmerman Agency, Tallahassee, FL 11,800,000 12. Zeno Group, New York, NY 1,539,416 21. IW Group, Inc., West Hollywood, CA 105,000 13. rbb Communications, Miami, FL 640,796 4. Finn Partners, New York, NY 11,125,000 13. Citizen Relations, Los Angeles, CA 1,350,569 22. Padilla, Minneapolis, MN 51,658 14. Inkhouse, Waltham, MA 507,853 5. J Public Relations, New York, NY 10,441,381 14. rbb Communications, Miami, FL 1,015,930 23. BoardroomPR, Ft. Lauderdale, FL 50,000 15. French | West | Vaughan, Raleigh, NC 372,200 6. Development Counsellors Int’l (DCI), New York, NY 10,050,306 15. Jackson Spalding, Atlanta, GA 878,383 24. J Public Relations, New York, NY 22,934 16. Trevelino/Keller, Atlanta, GA 300,000 7. Turner, a Fahlgren Mortine company, New York, NY 9,809,261 16. Tunheim, Minneapolis, MN 621,095 25. rbb Communications, Miami, FL 22,038 17. O’Malley Hansen Communications, Chicago, IL 295,750 8. NJF, an MMGY Global company, New York, NY 9,376,703 17. French | West | Vaughan, Raleigh, NC 606,995 26. Maccabee, Minneapolis, MN 9,587 18. Rosica Communications, Paramus, NJ 239,055 9. Lou Hammond Group, New York, NY 7,800,243 18. Butler Associates, LLC, New York, NY 509,989 19. Marketing Maven Public Relations, Camarillo, CA 229,939 10. French | West | Vaughan, Raleigh, NC 5,095,114 19. Landis Communications, San Francisco, CA 430,000 20. SPM Communications, Dallas, TX 222,870 11. Hawkins Int’l Public Relations, New York, NY 5,000,000 20. Schneider Associates, Boston, MA 414,225 12. Jackson Spalding, Atlanta, GA 3,798,010 21. Public Communications Inc., Chicago, IL 377,494 RANKINGS OF PR FIRMS SPECIALIZING IN ENTERTAINMENT 21. Zapwater Communications, Chicago, IL 152,250 22. Konnect Agency, Los Angeles, CA 151,484 13. Coyne PR, Parsippany, NJ 3,300,000 22. Inkhouse, Waltham, MA 215,009 1. Edelman, New York, NY $31,657,000 23. Schneider Associates, Boston, MA 127,950 14. rbb Communications, Miami, FL 3,257,863 23. Fish Consulting, Fort Lauderdale, FL 184,000 2. Finn Partners, New York, NY 6,650,000 24. Landis Communications, San Francisco, CA 120,000 15. 5W Public Relations, New York, NY 2,300,000 24. Buchanan Public Relations, Bryn Mawr, PA 118,789 3. Zeno Group, New York, NY 6,584,933 25. BoardroomPR, Ft. Lauderdale, FL 75,000 16. Zeno Group, New York, NY 2,239,657 25. WordWrite Communications LLC, Pittsburgh, PA 117,000 4. French | West | Vaughan, Raleigh, NC 2,422,430 26. Maccabee, Minneapolis, MN 66,840 17. Zapwater Communications, Chicago, IL 1,681,271 26. Beehive Strategic Communication, St. Paul, MN 85,593 5. Public Communications Inc., Chicago, IL 616,991 27. Padilla, Minneapolis, MN 39,737 18. Hemsworth Communications, Fort Lauderdale, FL 1,625,562 27. BoardroomPR, Ft. Lauderdale, FL 50,000 6. Jackson Spalding, Atlanta, GA 614,928 28. MP&F Strategic Communications, Nashville, TN 16,500 19. Citizen Relations, Los Angeles, CA 1,262,421 28. Trevelino/Keller, Atlanta, GA 50,000 7. 360PR+, Boston, MA 486,947 29. Stuntman PR, New York, NY 10,000 20. 360PR+, Boston, MA 973,895 29. Weiss PR, Inc., Baltimore, MD 29,391

38 MAY 2019 | WWW.ODWYERPR.COM © Copyright 2019, J.R. O’Dwyer Co., Inc. Firm 2018 Net Fees Firm 2018 Net Fees Firm 2018 Net Fees Firm 2018 Net Fees

RANKINGS OF PR FIRMS SPECIALIZING IN AGRICULTURE Entertainment cont. RANKINGS OF PR FIRMS SPECIALIZING IN SPORTS & LEISURE Travel & Economic Development cont. 1. G&S Business Communications, New York, NY $17,938,881 8. Citizen Relations, Los Angeles, CA $408,653 1. MWWPR, New York, NY $8,747,651 21. Berk Communications, New York, NY $827,850 2. Edelman, New York, NY 8,529,000 9. rbb Communications, Miami, FL 341,706 2. French | West | Vaughan, Raleigh, NC 6,336,500 22. LaunchSquad, San Francisco, CA 523,000 3. French | West | Vaughan, Raleigh, NC 2,128,039 10. Singer Associates, Inc., San Francisco, CA 285,498 3. Coyne PR, Parsippany, NJ 2,800,000 23. MP&F Strategic Communications, Nashville, TN 497,354 4. Padilla, Minneapolis, MN 1,418,219 11. O’Malley Hansen Communications, Chicago, IL 269,300 4. Havas Formula, New York, NY 2,288,794 24. North 6th Agency, Inc., New York, NY 321,000 5. Zeno Group, New York, NY 929,289 12. Brownstein Group, Philadelphia, PA 217,426 5. Edelman, New York, NY 1,592,000 25. Gregory FCA, Ardmore, PA 312,112 6. Citizen Relations, Los Angeles, CA 896,620 13. MP&F Strategic Communications, Nashville, TN 166,992 6. Berk Communications, New York, NY 1,370,500 26. Hunter PR, New York, NY 300,000 7. Standing Partnership, St. Louis, MO 596,578 14. BLAZE, Santa Monica, CA 150,000 7. APCO Worldwide, Washington, DC 1,078,100 27. Tunheim, Minneapolis, MN 293,428 8. Bellmont Partners, Minneapolis, MN 308,574 15. BoardroomPR, Ft. Lauderdale, FL 100,000 8. Konnect Agency, Los Angeles, CA 760,850 28. IW Group, Inc., West Hollywood, CA 259,000 9. Jackson Spalding, Atlanta, GA 215,706 16. Trevelino/Keller, Atlanta, GA 100,000 9. Jackson Spalding, Atlanta, GA 679,200 29. Padilla, Minneapolis, MN 226,603 10. North 6th Agency, Inc., New York, NY 102,000 17. Rasky Partners, Inc., Boston, MA 87,500 10. IW Group, Inc., West Hollywood, CA 555,000 30. Bellmont Partners, Minneapolis, MN 192,493 11. Trevelino/Keller, Atlanta, GA 50,000 18. Standing Partnership, St. Louis, MO 65,292 11. O’Malley Hansen Communications, Chicago, IL 521,350 31. Inkhouse, Waltham, MA 177,165 12. Landis Communications, San Francisco, CA 12,000 19. Landis Communications, San Francisco, CA 50,000 12. Fish Consulting, Fort Lauderdale, FL 513,000 32. Butler Associates, LLC, New York, NY 107,000 13. O’Malley Hansen Communications, Chicago, IL 2,500 20. SPM Communications, Dallas, TX 47,131 13. 360PR+, Boston, MA 486,947 33. Marketing Maven Public Relations, Camarillo, CA 75,087 21. Padilla, Minneapolis, MN 43,138 14. Racepoint Global, Boston, MA 430,737 34. BoardroomPR, Ft. Lauderdale, FL 60,000 22. WordWrite Communications LLC, Pittsburgh, PA 31,660 15. SPM Communications, Dallas, TX 269,737 35. Stuntman PR, New York, NY 55,000 23. Hunter PR, New York, NY 25,000 16. Trevelino/Keller, Atlanta, GA 200,000 36. Public Communications Inc., Chicago, IL 44,329 RANKINGS OF PR FIRMS SPECIALIZING IN BEAUTY & FASHION 24. AMP3 Public Relations, New York, NY 16,977 17. Kohnstamm Communications, Inc., St. Paul, MN 190,019 37. Standing Partnership, St. Louis, MO 43,082 25. Champion Management Group, Dallas, TX 11,000 1. Edelman, New York, NY $83,455,000 18. BizCom Associates, Plano, TX 120,000 38. Fish Consulting, Fort Lauderdale, FL 40,000 26. Buchanan Public Relations, Bryn Mawr, PA 9,812 2. Citizen Relations, Los Angeles, CA 6,311,286 19. BLAZE., Santa Monica, CA 85,100 39. Havas Formula, New York, NY 31,452 27. Rosica Communications, Paramus, NJ 6,750 3. French | West | Vaughan, Raleigh, NC 5,624,181 20. Marketing Maven Public Relations, Camarillo, CA 81,750 40. Judge Public Relations, LLC, Tampa, FL 11,106 28. Judge Public Relations, LLC, Tampa, FL 5,927 4. Zeno Group, New York, NY 4,941,933 21. Judge Public Relations, LLC, Tampa, FL 77,891 5. 5W Public Relations, New York, NY 4,500,000 22. MP&F Strategic Communications, Nashville, TN 66,234 6. Turner, a Fahlgren Mortine company, New York, NY 3,274,784 23. BoardroomPR, Ft. Lauderdale, FL 65,000 RANKINGS OF PR FIRMS SPECIALIZING IN 7. Coyne PR, Parsippany, NJ 3,000,000 24. Buchanan Public Relations, Bryn Mawr, PA 35,597 8. LaunchSquad, San Francisco, CA 1,382,000 RANKINGS OF PR FIRMS SPECIALIZING IN HOME FURNISHINGS 25. Champion Management Group, Dallas, TX 28,000 ENVIRONMENTAL & PUBLIC AFFAIRS 26. Maccabee, Minneapolis, MN 17,084 9. Havas Formula, New York, NY 884,399 1. G&S Business Communications, New York, NY $4,357,033 1. APCO Worldwide, Washington, DC $45,548,900 27. Padilla, Minneapolis, MN 16,238 10. BLAZE, Santa Monica, CA 725,399 2. Citizen Relations, Los Angeles, CA 3,463,603 2. Edelman, New York, NY 12,922,000 28. Perry Communications Group, Inc., Sacramento, CA 11,000 11. AMP3 Public Relations, New York, NY 647,519 3. Zimmerman Agency, Tallahassee, FL 3,300,000 3. Davies, Santa Barbara, CA 11,119,160 29. Zeno Group, New York, NY 10,523 12. 360PR+, Boston, MA 486,947 4. Edelman, New York, NY 3,274,000 4. Finn Partners, New York, NY 6,331,000 13. Hunter PR, New York, NY 400,000 5. L.C. Williams & Associates, Chicago, IL 3,219,357 5. Singer Associates, Inc., San Francisco, CA 5,238,460 14. SPM Communications, Dallas, TX 355,251 6. Coyne PR, Parsippany, NJ 3,000,000 6. Cerrell Associates, Los Angeles, CA 3,751,386 15. O’Malley Hansen Communications, Chicago, IL 318,550 7. Jackson Spalding, Atlanta, GA 2,713,319 RANKINGS OF PR FIRMS SPECIALIZING IN 7. Perry Communications Group, Inc., Sacramento, CA 2,463,238 16. Zapwater Communications, Chicago, IL 304,250 8. 5W Public Relations, New York, NY 2,000,000 TRAVEL & ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT 8. Pierpont Communications, Houston, TX 1,893,844 17. Hollywood Agency, Hingham, MA 248,000 9. Havas Formula, New York, NY 1,859,450 9. Lambert, Grand Rapids, MI 1,830,000 18. Trevelino/Keller, Atlanta, GA 175,000 10. Zeno Group, New York, NY 1,628,120 1. Edelman, New York, NY $39,843,000 10. SevenTwenty Strategies, LLC, Washington, DC 1,687,033 19. Konnect Agency, Los Angeles, CA 146,810 11. Hunter PR, New York, NY 1,500,000 2. APCO Worldwide, Washington, DC 15,022,400 11. Padilla, Minneapolis, MN 1,609,710 20. Marketing Maven Public Relations, Camarillo, CA 113,818 12. Pierpont Communications, Houston, TX 1,212,060 3. Zimmerman Agency, Tallahassee, FL 11,800,000 12. Zeno Group, New York, NY 1,539,416 21. IW Group, Inc., West Hollywood, CA 105,000 13. rbb Communications, Miami, FL 640,796 4. Finn Partners, New York, NY 11,125,000 13. Citizen Relations, Los Angeles, CA 1,350,569 22. Padilla, Minneapolis, MN 51,658 14. Inkhouse, Waltham, MA 507,853 5. J Public Relations, New York, NY 10,441,381 14. rbb Communications, Miami, FL 1,015,930 23. BoardroomPR, Ft. Lauderdale, FL 50,000 15. French | West | Vaughan, Raleigh, NC 372,200 6. Development Counsellors Int’l (DCI), New York, NY 10,050,306 15. Jackson Spalding, Atlanta, GA 878,383 24. J Public Relations, New York, NY 22,934 16. Trevelino/Keller, Atlanta, GA 300,000 7. Turner, a Fahlgren Mortine company, New York, NY 9,809,261 16. Tunheim, Minneapolis, MN 621,095 25. rbb Communications, Miami, FL 22,038 17. O’Malley Hansen Communications, Chicago, IL 295,750 8. NJF, an MMGY Global company, New York, NY 9,376,703 17. French | West | Vaughan, Raleigh, NC 606,995 26. Maccabee, Minneapolis, MN 9,587 18. Rosica Communications, Paramus, NJ 239,055 9. Lou Hammond Group, New York, NY 7,800,243 18. Butler Associates, LLC, New York, NY 509,989 19. Marketing Maven Public Relations, Camarillo, CA 229,939 10. French | West | Vaughan, Raleigh, NC 5,095,114 19. Landis Communications, San Francisco, CA 430,000 20. SPM Communications, Dallas, TX 222,870 11. Hawkins Int’l Public Relations, New York, NY 5,000,000 20. Schneider Associates, Boston, MA 414,225 12. Jackson Spalding, Atlanta, GA 3,798,010 21. Public Communications Inc., Chicago, IL 377,494 RANKINGS OF PR FIRMS SPECIALIZING IN ENTERTAINMENT 21. Zapwater Communications, Chicago, IL 152,250 22. Konnect Agency, Los Angeles, CA 151,484 13. Coyne PR, Parsippany, NJ 3,300,000 22. Inkhouse, Waltham, MA 215,009 1. Edelman, New York, NY $31,657,000 23. Schneider Associates, Boston, MA 127,950 14. rbb Communications, Miami, FL 3,257,863 23. Fish Consulting, Fort Lauderdale, FL 184,000 2. Finn Partners, New York, NY 6,650,000 24. Landis Communications, San Francisco, CA 120,000 15. 5W Public Relations, New York, NY 2,300,000 24. Buchanan Public Relations, Bryn Mawr, PA 118,789 3. Zeno Group, New York, NY 6,584,933 25. BoardroomPR, Ft. Lauderdale, FL 75,000 16. Zeno Group, New York, NY 2,239,657 25. WordWrite Communications LLC, Pittsburgh, PA 117,000 4. French | West | Vaughan, Raleigh, NC 2,422,430 26. Maccabee, Minneapolis, MN 66,840 17. Zapwater Communications, Chicago, IL 1,681,271 26. Beehive Strategic Communication, St. Paul, MN 85,593 5. Public Communications Inc., Chicago, IL 616,991 27. Padilla, Minneapolis, MN 39,737 18. Hemsworth Communications, Fort Lauderdale, FL 1,625,562 27. BoardroomPR, Ft. Lauderdale, FL 50,000 6. Jackson Spalding, Atlanta, GA 614,928 28. MP&F Strategic Communications, Nashville, TN 16,500 19. Citizen Relations, Los Angeles, CA 1,262,421 28. Trevelino/Keller, Atlanta, GA 50,000 7. 360PR+, Boston, MA 486,947 29. Stuntman PR, New York, NY 10,000 20. 360PR+, Boston, MA 973,895 29. Weiss PR, Inc., Baltimore, MD 29,391

© Copyright 2019, J.R. O’Dwyer Co., Inc. © Copyright 2019, J.R. O’Dwyer Co., Inc. WWW.ODWYERPR.COM | MAY 2019 39 RANKINGS OF FIRMS SPECIALIZING IN PROFESSIONAL SERVICES RANKINGS OF FIRMS SPECIALIZING IN FOOD & BEVERAGE

Firm 2018 Net Fees Firm 2018 Net Fees Firm 2018 Net Fees Firm 2018 Net Fees

1. Edelman, New York, NY $81,394,000 28. Konnect Agency, Los Angeles, CA $848,999 1. Edelman, New York, NY $111,419,000 26. The Dana Agency, Miami, FL $900,000

2. MWWPR, New York, NY 8,909,509 29. The Bradford Group, Nashville, TN 701,579 2. Hunter PR, New York, NY 16,200,000 27. LaunchSquad, San Francisco, CA 622,000

3. Jackson Spalding, Atlanta, GA 7,643,752 30. Brownstein Group, Philadelphia, PA 688,764 3. Padilla, Minneapolis, MN 15,737,186 28. O’Malley Hansen Communications, Chicago, IL 557,200

4. Finn Partners, New York, NY 6,900,000 31. Beehive Strategic Communication, St. Paul, MN 562,482 4. APCO Worldwide, Washington, DC 15,736,400 29. Maccabee, Minneapolis, MN 531,062 5. Greentarget Global LLC, Chicago, IL 6,745,000 32. Gregory FCA, Ardmore, PA 525,000 5. Zeno Group, New York, NY 13,353,365 30. L.C. Williams & Associates, Chicago, IL 455,515 6. Infinite Global, New York, NY 5,440,960 33. The Hoyt Organization Inc., Torrance, CA 496,000 6. Citizen Relations, Los Angeles, CA 10,927,316 31. Stuntman PR, New York, NY 403,267 7. Prosek Partners, New York, NY 4,894,449 34. Buchanan Public Relations, Bryn Mawr, PA 470,375 7. Havas Formula, New York, NY 8,664,470 32. IW Group, Inc., West Hollywood, CA 369,000 8. Bliss Integrated Comm, New York, NY 4,589,000 35. Standing Partnership, St. Louis, MO 447,825 8. MWWPR, New York, NY 8,504,187 33. rbb Communications, Miami, FL 342,755 9. rbb Communications, Miami, FL 4,183,936 36. Marketing Maven PR, Camarillo, CA 421,861 9. Coyne PR, Parsippany, NJ 6,400,000 34. Zapwater Communications, Chicago, IL 283,200 10. 5W Public Relations, New York, NY 4,100,000 37. WordWrite Comms LLC, Pittsburgh, PA 401,900 10. Finn Partners, New York, NY 5,950,000 35. Brownstein Group, Philadelphia, PA 246,812 11. Schneider Associates, Boston, MA 3,009,710 38. Butler Associates, LLC, New York, NY 372,500 11. Jackson Spalding, Atlanta, GA 5,038,021 36. BizCom Associates, Plano, TX 216,000 12. Padilla, Minneapolis, MN 2,808,132 39. Zapwater Communications, Chicago, IL 360,300

13. Rasky Partners, Inc., Boston, MA 2,689,782 40. Citizen Relations, Los Angeles, CA 351,589 12. 5W Public Relations, New York, NY 4,500,000 37. Rosica Communications, Paramus, NJ 205,915

14. Zeno Group, New York, NY 2,303,655 41. IW Group, Inc., West Hollywood, CA 323,000 13. 360PR+, Boston, MA 3,895,581 38. Buchanan Public Relations, Bryn Mawr, PA 198,828

15. Ripp Media/PR, Inc., New York, NY 2,201,786 42. Bellmont Partners, Minneapolis, MN 268,198 14. French | West | Vaughan, Raleigh, NC 3,619,775 39. J Public Relations, New York, NY 167,820

16. MP&F Strategic Comms, Nashville, TN 2,012,466 43. Akrete, Evanston, IL 257,231 15. Konnect Agency, Los Angeles, CA 3,566,914 40. Judge Public Relations, LLC, Tampa, FL 162,791

17. French | West | Vaughan, Raleigh, NC 2,010,503 44. Hollywood Agency, Hingham, MA 251,000 16. Champion Management Group, Dallas, TX 2,850,000 41. Trevelino/Keller, Atlanta, GA 150,000

18. North 6th Agency, Inc., New York, NY 2,001,025 45. Maccabee, Minneapolis, MN 178,896 17. Lambert, Grand Rapids, MI 1,671,000 42. Hemsworth Communications, Fort Lauderdale, FL 125,411

19. BoardroomPR, Fort Lauderdale, FL 2,000,000 46. Hunter PR, New York, NY 175,000 18. Kohnstamm Comms, Inc., St. Paul, MN 1,638,823 43. Inkhouse, Waltham, MA 93,467 20. Havas Formula, New York, NY 1,963,648 47. Trevelino/Keller, Atlanta, GA 175,000 19. Fish Consulting, Fort Lauderdale, FL 1,262,000 44. Hollywood Agency, Hingham, MA 61,500 21. Racepoint Global, Boston, MA 1,825,411 48. Rosica Communications, Paramus, NJ 170,289 20. Berk Communications, New York, NY 1,257,250 45. MP&F Strategic Communications, Nashville, TN 53,005 22. Pierpont Communications, Houston, TX 1,590,829 49. Weiss PR, Inc., Baltimore, MD 146,955 21. Kivvit, Chicago, IL 1,214,967 46. BoardroomPR, Fort Lauderdale, FL 50,000 23. Matter Communications, Newburyport, MA 1,179,121 50. Kohnstamm Communications, Inc., St. Paul, MN 144,000 22. SPM Communications, Dallas, TX 1,189,590 47. Beehive Strategic Communication, St. Paul, MN 36,295 24. Fish Consulting, Fort Lauderdale, FL 1,089,000 51. The SPI Group LLC, Fairfield, NJ 143,326 23. Tunheim, Minneapolis, MN 1,091,660 48. Public Communications Inc., Chicago, IL 30,451 25. Public Communications Inc., Chicago, IL 1,024,839 52. Bianchi Public Relations, Troy, MI 89,903 24. Matter Communications, Newburyport, MA 1,068,721 49. WordWrite Comms LLC, Pittsburgh, PA 16,400 26. Tunheim, Minneapolis, MN 995,205 53. Judge Public Relations, LLC, Tampa, FL 16,875 25. BLAZE, Santa Monica, CA 950,100 27. Inkhouse, Waltham, MA 973,626 54. O’Malley Hansen Communications, Chicago, IL 8,200

40 MAY 2019 | WWW.ODWYERPR.COM © Copyright 2019, J.R. O’Dwyer Co., Inc. RANKINGS OF FIRMS SPECIALIZING IN PROFESSIONAL SERVICES RANKINGS OF FIRMS SPECIALIZING IN FOOD & BEVERAGE

Firm 2018 Net Fees Firm 2018 Net Fees Firm 2018 Net Fees Firm 2018 Net Fees

1. Edelman, New York, NY $81,394,000 28. Konnect Agency, Los Angeles, CA $848,999 1. Edelman, New York, NY $111,419,000 26. The Dana Agency, Miami, FL $900,000

2. MWWPR, New York, NY 8,909,509 29. The Bradford Group, Nashville, TN 701,579 2. Hunter PR, New York, NY 16,200,000 27. LaunchSquad, San Francisco, CA 622,000

3. Jackson Spalding, Atlanta, GA 7,643,752 30. Brownstein Group, Philadelphia, PA 688,764 3. Padilla, Minneapolis, MN 15,737,186 28. O’Malley Hansen Communications, Chicago, IL 557,200

4. Finn Partners, New York, NY 6,900,000 31. Beehive Strategic Communication, St. Paul, MN 562,482 4. APCO Worldwide, Washington, DC 15,736,400 29. Maccabee, Minneapolis, MN 531,062 5. Greentarget Global LLC, Chicago, IL 6,745,000 32. Gregory FCA, Ardmore, PA 525,000 5. Zeno Group, New York, NY 13,353,365 30. L.C. Williams & Associates, Chicago, IL 455,515 6. Infinite Global, New York, NY 5,440,960 33. The Hoyt Organization Inc., Torrance, CA 496,000 6. Citizen Relations, Los Angeles, CA 10,927,316 31. Stuntman PR, New York, NY 403,267 7. Prosek Partners, New York, NY 4,894,449 34. Buchanan Public Relations, Bryn Mawr, PA 470,375 7. Havas Formula, New York, NY 8,664,470 32. IW Group, Inc., West Hollywood, CA 369,000 8. Bliss Integrated Comm, New York, NY 4,589,000 35. Standing Partnership, St. Louis, MO 447,825 8. MWWPR, New York, NY 8,504,187 33. rbb Communications, Miami, FL 342,755 9. rbb Communications, Miami, FL 4,183,936 36. Marketing Maven PR, Camarillo, CA 421,861 9. Coyne PR, Parsippany, NJ 6,400,000 34. Zapwater Communications, Chicago, IL 283,200 10. 5W Public Relations, New York, NY 4,100,000 37. WordWrite Comms LLC, Pittsburgh, PA 401,900 10. Finn Partners, New York, NY 5,950,000 35. Brownstein Group, Philadelphia, PA 246,812 11. Schneider Associates, Boston, MA 3,009,710 38. Butler Associates, LLC, New York, NY 372,500 11. Jackson Spalding, Atlanta, GA 5,038,021 36. BizCom Associates, Plano, TX 216,000 12. Padilla, Minneapolis, MN 2,808,132 39. Zapwater Communications, Chicago, IL 360,300

13. Rasky Partners, Inc., Boston, MA 2,689,782 40. Citizen Relations, Los Angeles, CA 351,589 12. 5W Public Relations, New York, NY 4,500,000 37. Rosica Communications, Paramus, NJ 205,915

14. Zeno Group, New York, NY 2,303,655 41. IW Group, Inc., West Hollywood, CA 323,000 13. 360PR+, Boston, MA 3,895,581 38. Buchanan Public Relations, Bryn Mawr, PA 198,828

15. Ripp Media/PR, Inc., New York, NY 2,201,786 42. Bellmont Partners, Minneapolis, MN 268,198 14. French | West | Vaughan, Raleigh, NC 3,619,775 39. J Public Relations, New York, NY 167,820

16. MP&F Strategic Comms, Nashville, TN 2,012,466 43. Akrete, Evanston, IL 257,231 15. Konnect Agency, Los Angeles, CA 3,566,914 40. Judge Public Relations, LLC, Tampa, FL 162,791

17. French | West | Vaughan, Raleigh, NC 2,010,503 44. Hollywood Agency, Hingham, MA 251,000 16. Champion Management Group, Dallas, TX 2,850,000 41. Trevelino/Keller, Atlanta, GA 150,000

18. North 6th Agency, Inc., New York, NY 2,001,025 45. Maccabee, Minneapolis, MN 178,896 17. Lambert, Grand Rapids, MI 1,671,000 42. Hemsworth Communications, Fort Lauderdale, FL 125,411

19. BoardroomPR, Fort Lauderdale, FL 2,000,000 46. Hunter PR, New York, NY 175,000 18. Kohnstamm Comms, Inc., St. Paul, MN 1,638,823 43. Inkhouse, Waltham, MA 93,467 20. Havas Formula, New York, NY 1,963,648 47. Trevelino/Keller, Atlanta, GA 175,000 19. Fish Consulting, Fort Lauderdale, FL 1,262,000 44. Hollywood Agency, Hingham, MA 61,500 21. Racepoint Global, Boston, MA 1,825,411 48. Rosica Communications, Paramus, NJ 170,289 20. Berk Communications, New York, NY 1,257,250 45. MP&F Strategic Communications, Nashville, TN 53,005 22. Pierpont Communications, Houston, TX 1,590,829 49. Weiss PR, Inc., Baltimore, MD 146,955 21. Kivvit, Chicago, IL 1,214,967 46. BoardroomPR, Fort Lauderdale, FL 50,000 23. Matter Communications, Newburyport, MA 1,179,121 50. Kohnstamm Communications, Inc., St. Paul, MN 144,000 22. SPM Communications, Dallas, TX 1,189,590 47. Beehive Strategic Communication, St. Paul, MN 36,295 24. Fish Consulting, Fort Lauderdale, FL 1,089,000 51. The SPI Group LLC, Fairfield, NJ 143,326 23. Tunheim, Minneapolis, MN 1,091,660 48. Public Communications Inc., Chicago, IL 30,451 25. Public Communications Inc., Chicago, IL 1,024,839 52. Bianchi Public Relations, Troy, MI 89,903 24. Matter Communications, Newburyport, MA 1,068,721 49. WordWrite Comms LLC, Pittsburgh, PA 16,400 26. Tunheim, Minneapolis, MN 995,205 53. Judge Public Relations, LLC, Tampa, FL 16,875 25. BLAZE, Santa Monica, CA 950,100 27. Inkhouse, Waltham, MA 973,626 54. O’Malley Hansen Communications, Chicago, IL 8,200

© Copyright 2019, J.R. O’Dwyer Co., Inc. © Copyright 2019, J.R. O’Dwyer Co., Inc. WWW.ODWYERPR.COM | MAY 2019 41 REPORT Data reigns as PR faces future market volatility The challenge to provide definitive metrics that measure the reach, target and value of campaign efforts increasingly scattered across audiences and media channels arises as an overarching theme for the top- ranked firms in O’Dwyer’s 2019 Rankings of PR Firms. By Jon Gingerich and Kevin McCauley pectrum, Imre and W2O Group pow- cent gain from last year’s $128.2 million. Business wins, acquisitions boost Finn ered O’Dwyer’s top 25 independent PR As President and Managing Director of During 2018, Finn Partners acquired Sfirms this year to a 12.9 percent rise in Operations Evan Krause explained, the MFA, a New York sports marketing, trav- combined 2018 fee income to $2.1billion unusually high level of political uncertain- el, lifestyle and consumer firm and later, and a 10.7 percent jump in employment to ly in the world today picked up CatchOn, a PR and digital mar- 11,702, according to O’Dwyer’s Rankings of places undue pressure keting agency that brought new offices in PR Firms. on boardrooms and Hong Kong and Shanghai, and added depth W2O (+23.1 percent to $177.6 million) C-suites to address en- in travel, lifestyle and health and wellness. paced the gains among the Top 10 firms. terprise risk and repu- That acquisition drive continued into Prosek Partners (+15.1 percent to $47 mil- tation, which bodes well 2019 with the purchase of Small Army, a lion), Zeno Group (+13.6 percent to $73.4 for firms with skin in the Boston-based digital storytelling agency million), ICR (+9.0 percent to $69.2 mil- public affairs game. and the addition of Moorgate Commu- lion) and Finn Partners (+8.0 percent to “The world is continu- nications in London, a financial services $88.1 million) ranked as the other big gain- ing to transform itself specialist firm. The firm also stepped up its ers in the top grouping. Number-one PR gi- rapidly, and the amount Evan Kraus hiring, adding 34 staffers during the past 13 ant Edelman topped the list of independent of change happening months. firms again this year with income of $888.4 only seems to be accel- “Our commitment to million, revealing a .6 percent decline from erating,” Krause said. “When change breeds be a world class, best- last year’s $893.5 million. uncertainly in the market, people tend to place-to-work global No categories, just solutions at W2O want to work with us more, as public affairs agency, with a heart W2O CEO Jim Weiss credited his firm’s remains at the root of our heritage.” and a conscience, was robust performance to an effort to redefine Krause said the D.C.-based government core to our growth in the communications and marketing land- relations giant has experienced healthy 2018,” said Founding scape “with no lines growth in Europe and Asia, but has noticed Partner Peter Finn. between and among cat- particular activity in the Middle East, where “Our growth during the egories, just solutions to some countries in that region are now try- first quarter of 2019 has an ever-changing mar- ing to communicate more aggressively been unprecedented, Peter Finn ket complete with an about what they’re doing for the first time in especially in terms of expanded ecosystem of an effort to diversify their economies, which new business as we have won significant ac- influence.” has resulted in a great deal of market-entry counts in health, technology, sustainability, Launched by Weiss in work. education, travel and other sectors. When 2001, the firm has in- Finally, Krause said APCO recently part- combined with our two acquisitions this Jim Weiss vested heavily in data nered with other agencies to launch a new year, we’re on a path that will deliver stron- analytics/insights, dig- research model that addresses corporate ger growth this year than in 2018.” ital/ social media, con- agility in the market and the factors that Zeno keeps rolling along tent creation/activation and strategic con- drive agility, services for which the agency Zeno CEO Barby Siegel noted that 2018 sulting. has seen increased demand. marked the ninth consecutive year of dou- He said the tech-focused independent “As the traditional ad marketplace starts ble-digit growth for the firm. It was up 17 network’s client-centric approach has at- to transform and evolve, in some cases de- percent in the U.S. and 13.6 percent over- tracted more than 24 of the top 25 pharma- volve, the rise of digital and data to develop seas. ceutical companies to its roster and a grow- insights and micro-targeted messages has More than half (54 ing number of Fortune 500 clients. become very important to our clients and percent) of Zeno’s rev- “W2O prides itself on always working is another space where we’re making a big enues stemmed from hard to punch above its weight because it’s investment and doing a lot of work,” Krause multinational sources, on a mission to improve healthcare and the said. up from 46 percent in patient experience through strategic mar- 2017. keting and communications by achieving She said Zeno in- clarity, understanding and engagement,” creasingly works at the said Weiss. “It’s about never resting on our intersection of commu- laurels and continually challenging our- nications and business Barby Siegel selves and our clients to do better, to see impact with purposeful what’s not in front of us, to dig deeper for work that generates real and measurable the best approach, and to ignore labels and business outcomes. descriptions.” “While innovation is at the heart of the Uncertainty drive APCO’s bottom line firm, we continue to invest in our core Number-three firm APCO Worldwide competency of earned media relations O’Dwyer’s rankings of PR firms, p. 50 took in $134.1 million, revealing a four-per- _ Continued on page 46

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REPORT

growth, and will inevita- pendently operated. Throughout the transi- O’Dwyer’s rankings bly increase as markets tion, Padilla remained focused on delivering _ Continued from page 42 get more volatile. She strategic work for new and existing clients, expects PR and mar- which Kucharski said is while pushing forward into new and rap- keting spends to slow reflected in the agency’s idly-evolving spaces such as paid social, naturally a bit alongside top-line growth. owned newsrooms, data-driven story-tell- a slower growth econo- “We are energized by ing and content developed specifically to my, but sees promising that in 2019, with ef- optimize search,” said Siegel. emerging growth op- forts underway to help As Zeno grows and evolves, it strives portunities in the areas Jennifer Prosek clients reach their ob- to keep its soul, according to Siegel. “We of culture, recruiting, jectives through con- continually reinforce core values that are D&I, employee engage- tent and connection non-negotiable—fearless, collaborative, ment and special situations work. strategy, engagement committed, true to our word and human,” “I believe the industry will continue to and thought leadership, Matt Kucharski she said. benefit as companies seek to grow and pro- and much more.” Ruder Finn returns tect their corporate brands, prioritize their Health, life sciences and public affairs After not appearing in O’Dwyer’s rank- employees and corporate culture, and grap- firmSpectrum (#13) gained more than any ings for several years, Ruder Finn was one ple with change.” other agency in O’Dwyer’s top 25, up 37.1 of the firms—along with fellow Top 10 5W PR posts 17.7% across-the-board gain percent to $32.9 million. agency MWWPR—to return this year for 5W Public Relations CEO Ronn Toros- President Michelle Gross said Spectrum the #7 spot, at $69.1 million. sian said his New York-based firm’s 17.7 earned its top gainer spot because “we re- CEO Kathy Bloomgarden said 2018 was a percent gain in fee income to $32.4 million newed our focus on clients and increased year of immense investment and growth for came from across its practice areas. capabilities in key areas to ensure we are the agency. RF furthered efforts to reinvent As a PR innovator, 5W launched a CBD delivering best-in-class interwoven pro- its business while sustaining its creative un- (cannabidiol) special- grams in the evolving communications derpinnings and reinforcing its technolog- ty team, a practice landscape.” ical capabilities with new digital, social and focused on providing In 2018, Spectrum saw the ahead-of- analytics offerings. In the process, the agen- strategy and media schedule completion of its sale to CEO cy won more than 30 new clients across relations services in Jonathan Wilson and established a new consumer, corporate, healthcare and tech- the gaming and sports framework around four key pillars: strat- nology and partnered with existing clients gambling industry, egy, engagement, innovation and creative. to grow assignments and expanded its fin- The firm reorganized leadership into a into campaigns that tech specialty. new strategy council consisting of Wilson, magnified impact. RF The firm added staff Gross, Rob Oquendo (Chief Innovation Of- also added senior tal- to its corporate, tech- Ronn Torossian ficer), Michelle Strier (Chief Strategy Offi- ent, including four ex- nology, consumer and cer), Scott Chesson (COO) and Jon Higgins ecutive vice presidents digital teams. (Chief Engagement Officer). in its New York office. “We won consumer, corporate and Gross said Spectrum Finally, RF acquired fast-growing technology companies and do is positioned to take RLA Collective in the great work for them,” said Torossian. on the future of health U.S. to expand its inte- Big agency sales mark 2018 Kathy and science communi- grated marketing and Bloomgarden Minneapolis-based Padilla grew three cations—a space where analytics expertise. percent to round out O’Dwyer’s top 10 with it sees the overlap be- “We are proud of the $41.2 million in 2018 net fees. tween marketing and excellent momentum we achieved last year But the most significant change to affect communications disci- and in the first quarter of this year and are the agency last year involved its acquisition plines expanding and excited to continue our journey as a leader by Avenir Global, a Montreal-based hold- the importance of tak- in leveraging new tools and capabilities to ing company of PR and communication ing a science-first per- Michelle Gross further our activities on behalf of our cli- firms. spective. ents,” Bloomgarden said. Padilla President Matt Kucharski told “As we move beyond simply integrated Prosek picks up pace O’Dwyer’s that move provided the agen- teams to interwoven client-centric teams— New York-based Prosek Partners re- cy’s clients and staff with access to global with our scientists, creatives, media special- vealed another year of solid growth, follow- resources while allowing it to remain inde- ists and account teams working in lockstep ing 2017’s big 33 percent gains with 15.1 to deliver for clients every day and setting percent additional growth in 2018 to take the agency model of the future—our un- O’Dwyer’s #8 spot with $46.9 million. compromising focus on client service and Jennifer Prosek, Managing Partner of strategy rooted in science and innovation the financial, healthcare and professional remain unchanged,” she said. services shop, told O’Dwyer’s that she pre- G&S Business Communications grew dicted years ago that the financial services 11.8 percent in 2018 to $30.4 million, taking sector would one day “wake up and smell O’Dwyer’s #15 spot. Notably, the business the marketing.” Prosek announced that day communications firm more than doubled has finally come. Prosek also said the agency’s special situ- _ Continued on page 48 ations work has been a particular source of O’Dwyer’s rankings by PR specialty, pg. 38

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faction and net promoter scores among cli- CEO Jeffrey Lambert said the firm, for- O’Dwyer’s rankings ents and low voluntary attrition among our merly known as Lambert, Edwards & As- _ Continued from page 46 associates,” he said. socs., attributed its double-digit increase to Mortine said both the near- and long- “a cocktail of organic and acquisition growth its New York fee income and broadened its term future of PR rests on growth in the use mixed with integrated marketing and mul- roster of accounts last year when it acquired of performance analytics and an ongoing timedia expansion,” adding that Lambert’s CooperKatz & Co. blurring of the lines between traditional current goal is to make another acquisition G&S CEO Luke Lambert told O’Dwyer’s marketing and communications. Clients this year and launch a new practice area “to that the agency owes its success to the rela- today demand more definitive metrics keep the momentum tionships it has nurtured within the agency that go beyond the traditional measures of rolling.” as well as its long-standing client engage- reach, frequency, target impressions and “We are moving into ments, many of which have spanned de- key messaging delivery, Mortine said, and the age of account- cades and multiple generations of commu- want measured the relative value and ROI ability and from being nication teams. of engaging the right target with the right professional communi- “G&S also leverages a media mix. cators to business con- unique business com- “For an integrated communications com- sultants as our work munications approach pany like Fahlgren Mortine, clients are impacts not just aware- that helps clients seeking holistic solutions to their business ness and influence, but address their evolv- problems. Clients understand that achiev- outcomes and sales,” Jeffrey Lambert ing markets—ones ing their business goals depends on the Lambert said. “This re- in which more deci- right mix of PR, advertising, digital and quires new talent on our teams, a wholis- sions are made within social strategies. There’s an overwhelming tic approach to marketing with PR as the tech-disrupted work- choice in communications vehicles, and lead but not the only silver-bullet strategy, Luke Lambert places and homes—by clients simply don’t know where to invest deeper analytics expertise and boardroom shaping strategies in- and how it all works seamlessly together. acumen. Unfortunately, this will only wid- formed by insights and enhanced by cre- The best agencies connect the dots for their en the gap between the smaller agencies ativity,” Lambert said. clients to optimize success.” and the mid-sized and larger firms who are Columbus, OH’s Fahlgren Mortine Imre, the number-two leading gainer in willing and able to invest in the human and gained 8.9 percent last year to nearly $30 O’Dwyer’s top 25 (up 34.3 percent to #24), technology capital to compete. We believe million in 2018 billings, taking O’Dwyer’s attributed a portion of its 34.3 percent gains the best way to accomplish this is through #17 position. to a “fiercely independent business model a combination of organic practice start-ups President and CEO Neil Mortine told that clients find attractive when seeking an and adjacent service acquisitions and be- O’Dwyer’s that FM saw record revenue in agency partner.” lieve the scale and agility mix of mid-sized 2018 after implementing the fastest and In 2018, Imre acquired Los Angeles-based firms like ours will be a competitive advan- largest volume of change in the company’s JMPR, which has more t a g e .” 57-year history. The agency transitioned than 40 years of experi- Health Unlimited, Racepoint plan for ownership when it was acquired by Mem- ence in the automotive rebound phis, TN-based holding company East- sector. That deal “helped Following a 6.6 percent dip in fee income port Holdings, LLC and, several months us bolster our integrated to $24.3 million last year, Health Unlim- later, consolidated staff and clients when it approach for clients and ited CEO Tim Bird said his firm entered merged with fellow Eastport property and we expect to see that ad- 2019 with a solid base of growing clients Columbus-based ad shop SBC Advertising. dition continue to sup- and is positioned for growth with expan- The agency also strengthened its vertical port our growth in 2019 sion or capabilities and presence. industry expertise as a and beyond,” said agen- “We are extremely proud that two of our top-five ranked trav- Dave Imre cy Founder and CEO signature campaigns, Myhealthysexual Sto- el and tourism firm Dave Imre. ry and Speak Your Migraine, were recog- through an affiliation Noting that the shop has hired people nized by our peers and with tourism research with diverse backgrounds, Imre also said, shortlisted by several consultancy Long- “We’ve especially doubled down on strate- industry awards for cre- woods Internation- gy to bring more true human insights to the ativity and impact,” said al and entrenched its table. And we’ve also seen the industry re- Bird. position as one of the new its creative focus on leading with ideas, The global health con- nation’s leading busi- followed by technology, which we’ve always sultancy and communi- ness-to-business firms Neil Mortine done. The best ideas resonate with people cations agency strength- by winning several and we’ve often seen them attract a lot of ened creative and digital blue-chip clients and earned media as a result.” engagement capabilities hosting a B2B Peer Summit. Lambert grew by a whopping 32.1 per- with senior leadership Tim Bird “Despite starting the year without our cent in 2018 to $10 million in net fees (up hires. HealthUnlimited largest client of 40 years in McDonald’s from 2017’s $7.6 million), taking O’Dwyer’s has also embraced the philosophy of being following a consolidation of U.S. agencies, #45 position this year and surging from Fluent in HUman, aligned with our core Fahlgren Mortine not only replaced that their #54 spot in last year’s rankings. The purpose to create a meaningful change in lost revenue, but achieved double-digit Detroit-based firm gained noticeable size health, said Bird. “We have renewed our growth in revenue and operating profit. in 2018 when it acquired financial PR pow- commitment to training and development In addition to our financial performance, erhouse Owen Blicksilver PR in a move Fahlgren Mortine maintained high satis- into the New York market. _ Continued on page 52

48 MAY 2019 | WWW.ODWYERPR.COM

O’DWYER’S RANKINGS OF PR FIRMS WITH MAJOR U.S. OPERATIONS Firm 2018 Net Fees FT Employees % Change from 2017 1. Edelman, New York, NY $888,405,000 5,616 -0.6 2. W2O Group, San Francisco, CA 177,569,000 718 23.1 3. APCO Worldwide, Washington, DC 134,136,700 783 4 4. Finn Partners, New York, NY 88,114,000 617 8 5. Zeno Group, New York, NY 73,373,239 481 13.6 6. ICR, New York, NY 69,166,880 188 9 7. Ruder Finn Inc., New York, NY 69,100,000 603 NA 8. Prosek Partners, New York, NY 46,994,360 163 15.1 9. MWWPR, New York, NY 42,584,020 189 6.5 10. Padilla, Minneapolis, MN 41,233,936 226 3 11. Hotwire, New York, NY 36,879,576 264 10.9 12. Citizen Relations, Los Angeles, CA 34,084,343 202 10.7 13. Spectrum, Washington, DC 32,900,000 116 37.1 14. 5W Public Relations, New York, NY 32,410,427 146 17.7 15. G&S Business Communications, New York, NY 30,480,000 182 11.8 16. Coyne PR, Parsippany, NJ 30,000,000 133 7 17. Fahlgren Mortine, Columbus, OH 29,632,896 208 8.9 18. French | West | Vaughan, Raleigh, NC 29,280,490 113 16 19. Jackson Spalding, Atlanta, GA 25,300,426 138 8 20. Health Unlimited, New York, NY 24,267,133 102 -6.6 21. Kivvit, Chicago, IL 24,220,353 74 8.4 22. Hunter PR, New York, NY 24,000,000 116 7 23. Havas Formula, New York, NY 22,324,063 130 11.6 24. IMRE, LLC, Baltimore, MD 21,940,000 133 34.3 25. Racepoint Global, Boston, MA 20,876,000 117 -16.8 26. Crosby, Annapolis, MD 20,693,661 80 36.5 27. PAN Communications, Boston, MA 19,893,730 130 12.1 28. Matter Communications, Newburyport, MA 19,732,255 157 15 29. LaunchSquad, San Francisco, CA 19,284,304 116 1.5 30. Regan Communications Group, Boston, MA 18,543,132 104 13.6 31. Highwire PR, San Francisco, CA 17,901,420 74 5.2 32. Inkhouse, Waltham, MA 17,696,102 109 9.1 33. Bravo Group, Inc., Harrisburg, PA 16,458,558 83 14.6 34. Zimmerman Agency, Tallahassee, FL 15,200,000 52 1 35. Bateman Group, San Francisco, CA 14,499,420 68 16.5 36. Walker Sands Communications, Chicago, IL 14,116,410 115 62.3 37. The Hoffman Agency, San Jose, CA 13,665,000 35 7.4 38. rbb Communications, Miami, FL 13,552,882 74 18.8 39. Evoke PR & Influence, Philadelphia, PA 12,000,000 55 0 40. Jarrard Phillips Cate & Hancock, Brentwood, TN 11,591,239 36 17.5 41. Davies, Santa Barbara, CA 11,119,160 35 6 42. Bliss Integrated Communication, New York, NY 11,031,000 55 15.7 43. J Public Relations, New York, NY 10,632,135 71 17.1 44. KYNE, New York, NY 10,405,888 48 7.3 45. Lambert, Grand Rapids, MI 10,055,000 55 32.1 46. Development Counsellors Int’l (DCI), New York, NY 10,050,306 50 1 47. JeffreyGroup, Miami, FL 9,975,712 157 22.4 48. Gregory FCA, Ardmore, PA 9,860,000 74 8.9 49. 360PR+, Boston, MA 9,738,953 54 16.7 50. MP&F Strategic Communications, Nashville, TN 9,541,632 65 17.5 51. NJF, an MMGY Global company, New York, NY 9,376,703 55 10.5 52. JPA Health Communications, Washington, DC 9,264,490 34 1 53. Rasky Partners, Inc., Boston, MA 8,582,259 32 -18.1 54. Greentarget Global LLC, Chicago, IL 8,467,310 42 4.1 55. Infinite Global, New York, NY 8,055,189 40 18.6 56. Merritt Group, McLean, VA 7,904,308 37 6.1 57. Lou Hammond Group, New York, NY 7,800,243 40 4 58. Singer Associates, Inc., San Francisco, CA 7,690,997 18 47.9 59. Vested, New York, NY 7,268,000 31 22.9 60. North 6th Agency, Inc., New York, NY 7,010,951 43 16.5 61. Pierpont Communications, Houston, TX 6,763,557 31 1 62. Konnect Agency, Los Angeles, CA 5,739,951 33 6 63. Sam Brown Inc., Wayne, PA 5,621,644 40 17.1 64. Tunheim, Minneapolis, MN 5,581,000 33 2 65. Dukas Linden Public Relations, New York, NY 5,409,338 22 2.3

50 MAY 2019 | WWW.ODWYERPR.COM © Copyright 2019, J.R. O’Dwyer Co., Inc. O’DWYER’S RANKINGS OF PR FIRMS WITH MAJOR U.S. OPERATIONS Firm 2018 Net Fees FT Employees % Change from 2017 66. Hawkins Int’l Public Relations, New York, NY $5,180,581 36 3.5 67. Public Communications Inc., Chicago, IL 5,110,141 42 -3 68. The SPI Group LLC, Fairfield, NJ 5,100,000 31 -5.7 69. Lazar Partners, New York, NY 4,878,125 22 -10.6 70. L.C. Williams & Associates, Chicago, IL 4,705,032 23 2.4 71. MCS Healthcare Public Relations, Bedminster, NJ 4,194,507 18 9.7 72. March Communications, Boston, MA 4,168,379 31 2.2 73. Touchdown PR, Austin, TX 4,100,995 38 -2.5 74. Trevelino/Keller, Atlanta, GA 4,043,027 24 18.2 75. SevenTwenty Strategies, LLC, Washington, DC 4,015,229 31 21.5 76. Cerrell Associates, Los Angeles, CA 3,751,386 19 -3.6 77. Schneider Associates, Boston, MA 3,747,280 15 15.5 78. Berk Communications, New York, NY 3,455,600 16 30.9 79. Raffetto Herman Strategic Communications, Seattle, WA 3,395,648 20 8.2 80. Fish Consulting, Fort Lauderdale, FL 3,301,775 20 2.1 81. Champion Management Group, Dallas, TX 3,011,783 22 4.4 82. BackBay Communications, Boston, MA 2,984,508 20 6.6 83. Lovell Communications, Nashville, TN 2,976,067 20 15.6 84. Beehive Strategic Communication, St. Paul, MN 2,973,951 13 -15.9 85. Standing Partnership, St. Louis, MO 2,925,757 16 -17.9 86. Idea Grove, Dallas, TX 2,901,468 34 -9.5 87. BoardroomPR, Ft. Lauderdale, FL 2,900,000 17 6 88. CashmanKatz, Glastonbury, CT 2,865,000 27 -4 89. Zapwater Communications, Chicago, IL 2,805,000 22 14.3 90. Caliber Corporate Advisers, New York, NY 2,729,690 14 72 91. Perry Communications Group, Inc., Sacramento, CA 2,701,296 10 43 92. Gatesman, Pittsburgh, PA 2,634,274 67 15.4 93. Brownstein Group, Philadelphia, PA 2,537,214 9 -5.6 94. LaVoie Health Science, Boston, MA 2,489,984 11 17.6 95. O’Malley Hansen Communications, Chicago, IL 2,413,000 13 -8.6 96. Kohnstamm Communications, Inc., St. Paul, MN 2,311,630 12 11 97. Crenshaw Communications, New York, NY 2,280,188 14 23 98. ARPR, Atlanta, GA 2,262,442 17 43.5 99. Ripp Media/Public Relations, Inc., New York, NY 2,201,786 8 16.3 100. IW Group, Inc., West Hollywood, CA 2,170,000 11 -19.5 101. BLAZE, Santa Monica, CA 2,110,618 12 9.6 102. SPM Communications, Dallas, TX 2,103,020 14 -4.1 103. Karbo Communications, San Francisco, CA 2,012,737 17 43.6 104. Stanton Communications, Washington, DC 1,955,838 11 -10.4 105. Bellmont Partners, Minneapolis, MN 1,826,828 13 18.4 106. Hollywood Agency, Hingham, MA 1,752,509 7 -14.2 107. Hemsworth Communications, Ft. Lauderdale, FL 1,750,973 22 11.3 108. Landis Communications, San Francisco, CA 1,738,547 8 1 109. Buchanan Public Relations, Bryn Mawr, PA 1,586,150 8 3.4 110. Akrete, Evanston, IL 1,410,893 4 6.6 111. WordWrite Communications LLC, Pittsburgh, PA 1,368,300 10 10.4 112. The Bradford Group, Nashville, TN 1,345,265 12 36.6 113. Marketing Maven Public Relations, Camarillo, CA 1,335,565 9 -42.7 114. Buttonwood Communications Group, New York, NY 1,311,200 8 48.8 115. Rosica Communications, Paramus, NJ 1,282,705 5 -1.4 116. Butler Associates, LLC, New York, NY 1,256,507 9 43.1 117. The Hoyt Organization Inc., Torrance, CA 1,200,000 9 0 118. Maccabee, Minneapolis, MN 1,190,839 8 0 119. KCD Public Relations, Inc., San Diego, CA 1,057,583 8 40.7 120. The Dana Agency, Miami, FL 1,031,037 9 7.8 121. CommCentric Solutions, Inc., Tampa, FL 995,796 6 11 122. Bob Gold & Associates, Redondo Beach, CA 910,137 7 -3.9 123. Bianchi Public Relations, Troy, MI 900,432 3 -8 124. Feintuch Communications, New York, NY 888,523 3 4.9 125. BizCom Associates, Plano, TX 708,907 8 5.9 126. AMP3 Public Relations, New York, NY 665,497 6 33.1 127. TransMedia Group, Boca Raton, FL 650,676 6 1.3 128. Judge Public Relations, LLC, Tampa, FL 629,654 6 76.1 129. Weiss PR, Inc., Baltimore, MD 587,820 3 2.6 130. Stuntman PR, New York, NY 481,585 3 1 131. Novitas Communications, Denver, CO 383,441 4 2.4

© Copyright 2019, J.R. O’Dwyer Co., Inc. WWW.ODWYERPR.COM | MAY 2019 51 REPORT

O’Dwyer’s rankings CEO Jamie Diaferia reported that the 22 firms join O’Dwyer rankings _ Continued from page 48 agency “exceeded our ambitious expecta- Nearly two-dozen firms joined O’Dwyer’s tions by hitting three key metrics: at least rankings this year. Among the new addi- 15 percent growth (with a cap of 20 percent tions were Berk Communications (#78, initiatives, as well as our commitment to to make sure we don’t exceed our ability to $3.4 million, up 30.9 percent), Buchanan diversity and inclusion, which has already hire responsibly); a minimum of 20 per- Public Relations (#109, $1.5 million, up 3.4 resulted in a significant increase in a more cent profit margin; and 50-55 percent staff percent), Buttonwood Communications diverse and aware workforce,” he added. costs,” he explained. Group (#114, $1.3 million, up 48.8 per- Boston’s Racepoint Global experienced Diaferia focused on cent), Caliber Corporate Advisers (#90, key client losses in 2018, including its four primary drivers: $2.7 million, up 72 percent), Citizen Re- long-standing relationships of seven and diversifying services, lations (#12, $34 million, up 10.7 percent), nine years with AT&T and investing in marketing CommCentric Solutions (#121, $995,000, IBM, respectively. Fee generating more reve- up 11 percent), Crenshaw Communica- income for the technol- nue from existing cli- tions (#97, $2.2 million, up 23 percent), ogy, B2B and healthcare ents, and limiting staff The Dana Agency (#120, $1 million, up shop dropped 16.8 per- and client turnover. 7.8 percent), Havas Formula (#23, $22.3 cent to $20.9 million. He said Infinite Glob- million, up 11.6 percent), KCD PR (#119, Chairman Larry We- al has hit every goal in $1 million, up 40.7 percent), Kohnstamm ber stepped into the the seven-year growth Jamie Diaferia Communications (#96, $2.3 million, up 11 CEO role in the second plan that it established percent), Regan Communications Group half of 2018 to help re- in 2015. “It’s gratifying to watch the com- (#30, $18.5 million, up 13.6 percent), Ripp position the agency and Larry Weber pany hitting on all cylinders across the U.S. Media/Public Relations (#99, $2.2 million, double down on its fo- and U.K.,” he said. up 16.3 percent), Sam Brown Inc. (#63, cus on earned media for San Francisco-based Singer Associates $5.6 million, up 17.1 percent), SevenTwen- B2B, technology and healthcare brands. grew by an impressive 47.9 percent in 2018 ty Strategies (#75, $4 million, up 21.5 per- “Racepoint has started 2019 off strong, to nearly $7.7 million in net fees, taking cent), SPI Group (#68, $5.1 million, down exceeding Q1 growth targets, and we are O’Dwyer’s #58 spot this year, a sizeable 5.7 percent), Touchdown PR (#73, $4.1 optimistic about the year ahead,” Weber jump from their #66 position last year ($5.2 million, down 2.5 percent) and Zapwater told O’Dwyer’s. million). Communications (#89, $2.8 million, up Double-digit gains exceed expectations President Sam Singer cited two factors as 14.3 percent), among others. The top 50 firms in O’Dwyer’s rankings responsible for driving the agency’s growth: One such newcomer, Tampa’s Judge Pub- this year registered a total 14.1 percent gain a senior staff with deep experience and lic Relations (#128, $629,654), entered in income to $2.4 billion and a 13.3 percent growing markets in sectors for which the O’Dwyer’s rankings to reveal 2018 growth of rise in employment to 12,048. agency specializes. 76.1 percent, the largest single gains count- Chicago-based tech and professional ser- “Clients are willing to ed among any of the 130 firms listed this vices firm Walker Sands Communications pay a premium to get se- year. grew more than any agency in O’Dwyer’s nior, experienced com- President James P. top 50 this year, surging an unbelievable munications consul- Judge posited that as an 62.3 percent to $14.1 million in net fees and tants. They are seeking industry, the PR profes- now taking our #36 slot, a major leap from out agencies that pos- sion is uniquely poised the firm’s #49 position last year. sess strategic thinking to educate the public re- “Walker Sands has achieved incredible and have senior players garding the importance growth over the last several years because who can implement Sam Singer of communications and of our focus in the growing niche of B2B those strategies,” Singer shifting the mindset that tech and effectively integrating public rela- told O’Dwyer’s. “Clients, now more than PR is a practice reserved tions and digital marketing,” said President ever, desire and demand local, regional and solely for crises. While James P. Judge Mike Santoro. “But more than anything, it’s state knowledge and in-the-trenches expe- most businesses today our reputation for achiev- rience. The future of public relations and understand the need for accountants and ing real, measurable communications is bright for agencies that attorneys, Judge noted that many don’t con- results for our clients possess experienced staff with strong local sider reputation to carry the same impor- that has compounded connections and knowledge of issues, reg- tance, and said it’s the job of professionals our momentum. We’ve ulatory agencies, elected and business and working within the field to change that. been fortunate to work community groups.” “As demand for media increases at a stag- with some of the big- gering rate and attention spans continue gest players in the in- to grow shorter, audiences have become dustry, and it’s been immune to the trite talking points and key incredibly rewarding to messages, which are spit out by many PR grow alongside them as Mike Santoro and marketing professionals,” Judge said. they continue to rely on “As a result, we have to be more creative Walker Sands for smart than ever to break through the noise and programs with impact that matters.” grab attention, while ensuring we continue Crisis and professional services specialist to fact-check and maintain our credibility. Infinite Global (#55) posted an 18.6 per- I see the demand for PR professionals con- cent surge in fee income to $8.1 million last tinuing to increase, as technology makes year. O’Dwyer’s rankings of firms by region, pg. 54 communication faster.” 

52 MAY 2019 | WWW.ODWYERPR.COM LEADING GAINERS AMONG PR FIRMS

Firm 2018 Net Fees FT Employees % Change from 2017

Firms in the top 25 (representing fees from $20,8M to $888M) 1. Spectrum, Washington, D.C. $32,900,000 116 +37.1 2. IMRE, Baltimore, MD $21,940,000 133 +34.3 3. W2O Group, San Francisco $177,569,000 718 +23.1 4. 5W PR, New York, NY $32,410,427 146 +17.7 5. French | West | Vaughan, Raleigh, NC $29,280,490 113 +16 6. Prosek Partners, New York, NY $46,994,360 163 +15.1 7. Zeno Group, New York, NY $73,373,239 481 +13.6 8. G&S Business Comms., New York, NY $30,480,000 182 +11.8 9. Havas Formula, New York, NY $22,324,063 130 +11.6 10. Hotwire, New York, NY $36,879,576 264 +10.9

Firms ranked 26 through 50 (representing fees from $9.5M to $20.6M) 1. Walker Sands Communications, Chicago, IL $14,116,410 115 +62.3 2. Crosby, Annapolis, MD $20,693,661 80 +36.5 3. Lambert, Grand Rapids, MI $10,055,000 55 +32.1 4. JeffreyGroup, Miami, FL $9,975,712 157 +22.4 5. rbb Communications, Miami, FL $13,552,882 74 +18.8 6. Jarrard Phillips Cate & 6. Hancock, Brentwood, TN $11,591,239 36 +17.5 6. MP&F Strategic Communications, Nashville, TN $9,541,632 65 +17.5 7. J Public Relations, New York, NY $10,632,135 71 +17.1 8. 360PR+, Boston, MA $9,738,953 54 +16.7 9. Bateman Group, San Francisco, CA $14,499,420 68 +16.5 10. Bliss Integrated Communication, New York, NY $11,031,000 55 +15.7

Firms ranked 51 through 100 (representing fees from $2.1M to $9.3M) 1. Caliber Corporate Advisers, New York, NY $2,729,690 14 +72 2. Singer Associates, Inc., San Francisco, CA $7,690,997 18 +47.9 3. ARPR, Atlanta, GA $2,262,442 17 +43.5 4. Perry Communications Group, Inc., Sacramento, CA $2,701,296 10 +43 5. Berk Communications, New York, NY $3,455,600 16 +30.9 6. Crenshaw Communications, New York, NY $2,280,188 14 +23 7. Vested, New York, NY $7,268,000 31 +22.9 8. SevenTwenty Strategies, Washington, DC $4,015,229 31 +21.5 9. Infinite Global, New York, NY $8,055,189 40 +18.6 10. Trevelino/Keller, Atlanta, GA $4,043,027 24 +18.2

Firms ranked 101 through 131 (representing fees from $383K to $2.1M)

1. Judge Public Relations, Tampa, FL $629,654 6 +76.1 2. Buttonwood Communications Group, New York, NY $1,311,200 8 +48.8 3. Karbo Communications, San Francisco, CA $2,012,737 17 +43.6 4. Butler Associates, New York, NY $1,256,507 9 +43.1 5. KCD Public Relations, Inc., San Diego, CA $1,057,583 8 +40.7 6. The Bradford Group, Nashville, TN $1,345,265 12 +36.6 7. AMP3 Public Relations, New York, NY $665,497 6 +33.1 8. Bellmont Partners, Minneapolis, MN $1,826,828 13 +18.4 9. Hemsworth Communications, Ft. Lauderdale, FL $1,750,973 22 +11.3 10. CommCentric Solutions, Inc., Tampa, FL $995,796 6 +11

© Copyright 2019, J.R. O’Dwyer Co., Inc. WWW.ODWYERPR.COM | MAY 2019 53 RANKINGS OF PR FIRMS BY CITY/GEOGRAPHY Firm 2018 Net Fees FT Empl. Firm 2018 Net Fees FT Empl. CONNECTICUT NEW YORK & NEW JERSEY 1. ICR, Norwalk, CT $30,192,576 70 1. Edelman (includes Rochester) $197,147,000 909 2. CashmanKatz, Glastonbury, CT 2,865,000 27 2. Zeno Group 73,373,239 481 3. Ruder Finn Inc. 69,100,000 603 CHICAGO 4. Prosek Partners 46,994,360 163 1. Edelman (includes Detroit) $99,833,000 557 5. Hotwire 36,879,576 264 2. Walker Sands Communications 14,116,410 115 6. 5W Public Relations 32,410,427 146 3. Finn Partners (includes Detroit) 8,702,000 53 7. MWWPR (includes NJ offices) 31,851,949 128 4. Greentarget Global LLC 8,467,310 42 8. Finn Partners 29,279,000 211 5. Kivvit 6,985,725 20 9. Health Unlimited 24,267,133 102 6. G&S Business Communications 5,959,330 34 10. ICR 24,259,824 88 7. Public Communications Inc. 5,110,141 42 11. Hunter PR 24,000,000 116 8. L.C. Williams & Associates 4,705,032 23 12. Havas Formula 22,324,063 130 9. Padilla 4,258,904 22 13. APCO Worldwide 13,947,500 60 10. APCO Worldwide 4,117,600 17 14. Kivvit (includes Asbury Park, NJ) 11,613,425 36 11. Zapwater Communications 2,805,000 22 15. Citizen Relations 11,474,688 0 12. O’Malley Hansen Communications 2,413,000 13 16. Bliss Integrated Communication 11,031,000 55 13. MWWPR 1,952,515 10 17. Padilla 10,867,851 30 14. Akrete, Evanston, IL 1,410,893 4 18. J Public Relations 10,632,135 71 15. Infinite Global 259,093 1 19. KYNE 10,405,888 48 20. Development Counsellors Int’l (DCI) 10,050,306 50 FLORIDA 21. NJF, an MMGY Global company 9,376,703 55 1. Zimmerman Agency, Tallahassee $15,200,000 52 22. Lou Hammond Group 7,800,243 40 2. rbb Communications, Miami 13,552,882 74 23. G&S Business Communications 7,375,696 66 3. JeffreyGroup, Miami 9,975,712 157 24. Vested 7,268,000 31 4. Fish Consulting, Fort Lauderdale 3,301,775 20 25. North 6th Agency, Inc. 7,010,951 43 5. BoardroomPR, Fort. Lauderdale 2,900,000 17 26. Dukas Linden Public Relations 5,409,338 22 6. Edelman, Orlando 2,779,000 11 27. Hawkins Int’l Public Relations 5,180,581 36 7. Hemsworth Comms., Fort Lauderdale 1,750,973 22 28. The SPI Group LLC, Fairfield, NJ 5,100,000 31 8. The Dana Agency, Miami 1,031,037 9 29. Lazar Partners 4,878,125 22 9. CommCentric Solutions, Inc., Tampa 995,796 6 30. MCS Healthcare PR, Bedminster, NJ 4,194,507 18 10. Kivvit, Miami 747,719 4 31. Berk Communications 3,455,600 16 11. TransMedia Group, Boca Raton 650,676 6 32. Caliber Corporate Advisers 2,729,690 14 12. Judge Public Relations, LLC, Tampa 629,654 6 33. Infinite Global 2,590,933 10 34. Crenshaw Communications 2,280,188 14 BOSTON 35. Ripp Media/Public Relations, Inc. 2,201,786 8 1. Racepoint Global $20,876,000 117 36. Inkhouse 1,723,843 14 2. PAN Communications 19,893,730 130 37. Buttonwood Communications Group 1,311,200 8 3. Regan Communications Group 18,543,132 104 38. Rosica Communications, Paramus, NJ 1,282,705 5 4. Inkhouse, Waltham, MA 17,696,102 61 39. Butler Associates, LLC 1,256,507 9 5. Matter Communications 15,976,074 132 40. Feintuch Communications 888,523 3 6. 360PR+ 9,738,953 54 41. AMP3 Public Relations 665,497 6 7. Rasky Partners, Inc. 8,582,259 32 42. Stuntman PR 481,585 3 8. ICR 5,409,612 12 9. March Communications 4,168,379 31 PENNSYLVANIA 10. Schneider Associates 3,747,280 15 1. Bravo Group, Inc., Harrisburg $16,458,558 83 11. BackBay Communications 2,984,508 20 2. Evoke PR & Influence, Philadelphia 12,000,000 55 12. LaVoie Health Science 2,489,984 11 3. Gregory FCA, Ardmore 9,860,000 74 13. Hollywood Agency, Hingham, MA 1,752,509 7 4. Sam Brown Inc., Wayne 5,621,644 40 5. Gatesman, Pittsburgh 2,634,274 67 WASHINGTON, D.C. 6. Brownstein Group, Philadelphia 2,537,214 9 1. Edelman $72,096,000 275 7. Buchanan Public Relations, Bryn Mawr 1,586,150 8 2. APCO Worldwide 41,817,000 165 8. WordWrite Communications LLC, Pittsburgh 1,368,300 10 3. Spectrum 32,900,000 116 4. IMRE, LLC, Baltimore, MD 21,940,000 133 MIDWEST CITIES 5. Crosby, Annapolis, MD 20,693,661 80 1. Edelman (includes Detroit), Chicago, IL $99,833,000 557 6. Finn Partners 12,538,000 60 2. Fahlgren Mortine, Columbus, OH 29,632,896 208 7. JPA Health Communications 9,264,490 34 3. Walker Sands Comms., Chicago, IL 14,116,410 115 8. Merritt Group, McLean, VA 7,904,308 37 4. Padilla, Minneapolis, MN 13,993,737 87 9. Kivvit 4,873,484 14 5. Lambert, Grand Rapids, MI 10,055,000 55 10. SevenTwenty Strategies, LLC 4,015,229 31 6. Finn Partners (includes Detroit), Chicago, IL 8,702,000 53 11. Padilla 2,216,003 12 7. Greentarget Global LLC, Chicago, IL 8,467,310 42 12. Stanton Communications 1,955,838 11 8. Kivvit, Chicago, IL 6,985,725 20 13. Raffetto Herman Strategic Comms. 1,685,316 10 9. G&S Business Comms., Chicago, IL 5,959,330 34 14. MWWPR 1,145,255 12 10. Tunheim, Minneapolis, MN 5,581,000 33 15. Weiss PR, Inc., Baltimore, MD 587,820 3 11. Public Communications Inc., Chicago, IL 5,110,141 42 12. L.C. Williams & Associates, Chicago, IL 4,705,032 23 13. Padilla, Chicago, IL 4,258,904 22

54 MAY 2019 | WWW.ODWYERPR.COM RANKINGS OF PR FIRMS BY CITY/GEOGRAPHY RANKINGS OF PR FIRMS BY CITY/GEOGRAPHY Firm 2018 Net Fees FT Empl. Firm 2018 Net Fees FT Empl. Firm 2018 Net Fees FT Empl. Firm 2018 Net Fees FT Empl.

CONNECTICUT NEW YORK & NEW JERSEY 14. APCO Worldwide, Chicago, IL $4,117,600 17 6. The Hoffman Agency, San Jose, CA $13,665,000 35 1. ICR, Norwalk, CT $30,192,576 70 1. Edelman (includes Rochester) $197,147,000 909 15. Beehive Strategic Comm., St. Paul, MN 2,973,951 13 7. Hotwire 9,503,203 32 2. CashmanKatz, Glastonbury, CT 2,865,000 27 2. Zeno Group 73,373,239 481 16. Standing Partnership, St. Louis, MO 2,925,757 16 8. ICR 9,304,869 18 3. Ruder Finn Inc. 69,100,000 603 17. Zapwater Communications, Chicago, IL 2,805,000 22 9. Singer Associates, Inc. 7,690,997 18 CHICAGO 4. Prosek Partners 46,994,360 163 18. O’Malley Hansen Comms., Chicago, IL 2,413,000 13 10. Inkhouse 5,885,662 42 1. Edelman (includes Detroit) $99,833,000 557 5. Hotwire 36,879,576 264 19. Kohnstamm Comms., Inc., St. Paul, MN 2,311,630 12 11. Finn Partners 5,324,000 25 2. Walker Sands Communications 14,116,410 115 6. 5W Public Relations 32,410,427 146 20. MWWPR, Chicago, IL 1,952,515 10 12. Edelman 3,264,000 15 3. Finn Partners (includes Detroit) 8,702,000 53 7. MWWPR (includes NJ offices) 31,851,949 128 21. Bellmont Partners, Minneapolis, MN 1,826,828 13 13. Perry Comms Group, Inc., Sacramento, CA 2,701,296 10 4. Greentarget Global LLC 8,467,310 42 8. Finn Partners 29,279,000 211 22. Akrete, Evanston, IL 1,410,893 4 14. Infinite Global 2,590,933 10 5. Kivvit 6,985,725 20 9. Health Unlimited 24,267,133 102 23. Maccabee, Minneapolis, MN 1,190,839 8 15. Padilla 2,516,625 13 6. G&S Business Communications 5,959,330 34 10. ICR 24,259,824 88 24. Bianchi Public Relations, Troy, MI 900,432 3 16. Karbo Communications 2,012,737 17 7. Public Communications Inc. 5,110,141 42 11. Hunter PR 24,000,000 116 25. Infinite Global, Chicago, IL 259,093 1 17. MWWPR 1,816,674 8 8. L.C. Williams & Associates 4,705,032 23 12. Havas Formula 22,324,063 130 18. Landis Communications 1,738,547 8 9. Padilla 4,258,904 22 13. APCO Worldwide 13,947,500 60 TEXAS 10. APCO Worldwide 4,117,600 17 14. Kivvit (includes Asbury Park, NJ) 11,613,425 36 1. Edelman (includes Dallas & Houston), Austin $23,100,000 108 WESTERN CITIES 11. Zapwater Communications 2,805,000 22 15. Citizen Relations 11,474,688 0 2. Pierpont Communications, Houston 6,763,557 31 1. W2O Group, San Francisco, CA $177,569,000 718 12. O’Malley Hansen Communications 2,413,000 13 16. Bliss Integrated Communication 11,031,000 55 3. Touchdown PR, Austin 4,100,995 38 2. Edelman (incl. Silicon Valley), San Francisco, CA 47,847,000 203 13. MWWPR 1,952,515 10 17. Padilla 10,867,851 30 4. Champion Management Group, Dallas 3,011,783 22 3. Edelman, Seattle, WA 37,490,000 194 14. Akrete, Evanston, IL 1,410,893 4 18. J Public Relations 10,632,135 71 5. Idea Grove, Dallas 2,901,468 34 4. Edelman (incl. Beverly Hills), Los Angeles, CA 30,354,000 143 15. Infinite Global 259,093 1 19. KYNE 10,405,888 48 6. SPM Communications, Dallas 2,103,020 14 5. LaunchSquad, San Francisco, CA 19,284,304 116 20. Development Counsellors Int’l (DCI) 10,050,306 50 7. BizCom Associates, Plano 708,907 8 6. Highwire PR, San Francisco, CA 17,901,420 74 FLORIDA 21. NJF, an MMGY Global company 9,376,703 55 7. Bateman Group, San Francisco, CA 14,499,420 68 1. Zimmerman Agency, Tallahassee $15,200,000 52 22. Lou Hammond Group 7,800,243 40 SOUTHEAST 8. The Hoffman Agency, San Jose, CA 13,665,000 35 2. rbb Communications, Miami 13,552,882 74 23. G&S Business Communications 7,375,696 66 1. French | West | Vaughan, Raleigh, NC $29,280,490 113 9. Davies, Santa Barbara, CA 11,119,160 35 3. JeffreyGroup, Miami 9,975,712 157 24. Vested 7,268,000 31 2. Jackson Spalding, Atlanta, GA 25,300,426 138 10. Hotwire, San Francisco, CA 9,503,203 32 4. Fish Consulting, Fort Lauderdale 3,301,775 20 25. North 6th Agency, Inc. 7,010,951 43 3. Edelman, Atlanta, GA 23,212,000 120 11. ICR, San Francisco, CA 9,304,869 18 5. BoardroomPR, Fort. Lauderdale 2,900,000 17 26. Dukas Linden Public Relations 5,409,338 22 4. G&S Business Communications, Raleigh, NC 17,144,974 83 12. Edelman, Portland, OR 8,207,000 44 6. Edelman, Orlando 2,779,000 11 27. Hawkins Int’l Public Relations 5,180,581 36 5. Zimmerman Agency, Tallahassee, FL 15,200,000 52 13. Singer Associates, Inc., San Francisco, CA 7,690,997 18 7. Hemsworth Comms., Fort Lauderdale 1,750,973 22 28. The SPI Group LLC, Fairfield, NJ 5,100,000 31 6. rbb Communications, Miami, FL 13,552,882 74 14. 8. The Dana Agency, Miami 1,031,037 9 29. Lazar Partners 4,878,125 22 7. Jarrard Phillips Cate & Hancock, Brentwood, TN 11,591,239 36 Citizen Relations, Los Angeles, CA 7,649,779 0 9. CommCentric Solutions, Inc., Tampa 995,796 6 30. MCS Healthcare PR, Bedminster, NJ 4,194,507 18 8. JeffreyGroup, Miami, FL 9,975,712 157 15. Inkhouse, San Francisco, CA 5,885,662 42 10. Kivvit, Miami 747,719 4 31. Berk Communications 3,455,600 16 9. Finn Partners, Nashville, TN 9,909,000 62 16. Konnect Agency, Los Angeles, CA 5,739,951 33 11. TransMedia Group, Boca Raton 650,676 6 32. Caliber Corporate Advisers 2,729,690 14 10. MP&F Strategic Comms., Nashville, TN 9,541,632 65 17. Finn Partners, San Francisco, CA 5,324,000 25 12. Judge Public Relations, LLC, Tampa 629,654 6 33. Infinite Global 2,590,933 10 11. Padilla, Richmond, VA 7,380,816 49 18. Finn Partners, Los Angeles, CA 4,504,000 38 34. Crenshaw Communications 2,280,188 14 12. Trevelino/Keller, Atlanta, GA 4,043,027 24 19. MWWPR, Los Angeles, CA 3,774,259 16 BOSTON 35. Ripp Media/Public Relations, Inc. 2,201,786 8 13. APCO Worldwide, Raleigh, NC 3,844,000 19 20. Cerrell Associates, Los Angeles, CA 3,751,386 19 1. Racepoint Global $20,876,000 117 36. Inkhouse 1,723,843 14 14. Lovell Communications, Nashville, TN 2,976,067 20 21. Edelman, Sacramento, CA 3,264,000 15 2. PAN Communications 19,893,730 130 37. Buttonwood Communications Group 1,311,200 8 15. BoardroomPR, Ft. Lauderdale, FL 2,900,000 17 22. Finn Partners, Portland, OR 2,844,000 21 3. Regan Communications Group 18,543,132 104 38. Rosica Communications, Paramus, NJ 1,282,705 5 16. Edelman, Orlando, FL 2,779,000 11 23. Perry Comms. Group, Inc., Sacramento, CA 2,701,296 10 4. Inkhouse, Waltham, MA 17,696,102 61 39. Butler Associates, LLC 1,256,507 9 17. ARPR, Atlanta, GA 2,262,442 17 24. Infinite Global, San Francisco, CA 2,590,933 10 5. Matter Communications 15,976,074 132 40. Feintuch Communications 888,523 3 18. Hemsworth Comms., Fort Lauderdale, FL 1,750,973 22 25. Padilla, San Francisco, CA 2,516,625 13 6. 360PR+ 9,738,953 54 41. AMP3 Public Relations 665,497 6 19. The Bradford Group, Nashville, TN 1,345,265 12 26. IW Group, Inc., West Hollywood, CA 2,170,000 11 7. Rasky Partners, Inc. 8,582,259 32 42. Stuntman PR 481,585 3 20. The Dana Agency, Miami, FL 1,004,717 9 27. BLAZE, Santa Monica, CA 2,110,618 12 8. ICR 5,409,612 12 21. CommCentric Solutions, Inc., Tampa, FL 995,796 6 28. Karbo Communications, San Francisco, CA 2,012,737 17 9. March Communications 4,168,379 31 PENNSYLVANIA 22. Kivvit, Miami, FL 747,719 4 29. APCO Worldwide (includes employee 10. Schneider Associates 3,747,280 15 1. Bravo Group, Inc., Harrisburg $16,458,558 83 23. TransMedia Group, Boca Raton, FL 650,676 6 presence from CA to CO), Seattle, WA 2,003,400 11 11. BackBay Communications 2,984,508 20 2. Evoke PR & Influence, Philadelphia 12,000,000 55 24. Judge Public Relations, LLC, Tampa, FL 629,654 6 30. MWWPR, San Francisco, CA 1,816,674 8 12. LaVoie Health Science 2,489,984 11 3. Gregory FCA, Ardmore 9,860,000 74 31. Landis Communications, San Francisco, CA 1,738,547 8 13. Hollywood Agency, Hingham, MA 1,752,509 7 4. Sam Brown Inc., Wayne 5,621,644 40 LOS ANGELES 32. Raffetto Herman Strategic Comms., Seattle, WA 1,706,137 10 5. Gatesman, Pittsburgh 2,634,274 67 1. Edelman (includes Beverly Hills) $30,354,000 143 33. Marketing Maven PR, Camarillo, CA 1,335,565 9 WASHINGTON, D.C. 6. Brownstein Group, Philadelphia 2,537,214 9 2. Davies, Santa Barbara, CA 11,119,160 35 34. The Hoyt Organization Inc., Torrance, CA 1,200,000 9 1. Edelman $72,096,000 275 7. Buchanan Public Relations, Bryn Mawr 1,586,150 8 3. Citizen Relations (includes Irvine) 7,649,779 0 35. KCD Public Relations, Inc., San Diego, CA 1,057,583 8 2. APCO Worldwide 41,817,000 165 8. WordWrite Communications LLC, Pittsburgh 1,368,300 10 4. Konnect Agency 5,739,951 33 36. Bob Gold & Associates, Redondo Beach, CA 910,137 7 3. Spectrum 32,900,000 116 5. Finn Partners 4,504,000 38 37. Novitas Communications, Denver, CO 383,441 4 4. IMRE, LLC, Baltimore, MD 21,940,000 133 MIDWEST CITIES 6. MWWPR 3,774,259 16 5. Crosby, Annapolis, MD 20,693,661 80 1. Edelman (includes Detroit), Chicago, IL $99,833,000 557 7. Cerrell Associates 3,751,386 19 6. Finn Partners 12,538,000 60 2. Fahlgren Mortine, Columbus, OH 29,632,896 208 8. IW Group, Inc., West Hollywood, CA 2,170,000 11 The firms ranked in the O’Dwyer Co. rankings of PR firms have sat- 7. JPA Health Communications 9,264,490 34 3. Walker Sands Comms., Chicago, IL 14,116,410 115 9. BLAZE, Santa Monica, CA 2,110,618 12 isfied O’Dwyer’s ranking rules, supporting fee and employee totals 8. Merritt Group, McLean, VA 7,904,308 37 4. Padilla, Minneapolis, MN 13,993,737 87 10. Marketing Maven PR, Camarillo, CA 1,335,565 9 with income tax and W-3 forms and providing a current account list. 9. Kivvit 4,873,484 14 5. Lambert, Grand Rapids, MI 10,055,000 55 11. The Hoyt Organization Inc., Torrance, CA 1,200,000 9 The O’Dwyer rankings should be regarded as an expression of our 10. SevenTwenty Strategies, LLC 4,015,229 31 6. Finn Partners (includes Detroit), Chicago, IL 8,702,000 53 12. Bob Gold & Associates, Redondo Beach, CA 910,137 7 judgment of a firm’s standing within the industry, and are not warrant- 11. Padilla 2,216,003 12 7. Greentarget Global LLC, Chicago, IL 8,467,310 42 ed to comply with any specific objective standards. 12. Stanton Communications 1,955,838 11 8. Kivvit, Chicago, IL 6,985,725 20 SAN FRANCISCO & NORTH CALIFORNIA 9. 13. Raffetto Herman Strategic Comms. 1,685,316 10 G&S Business Comms., Chicago, IL 5,959,330 34 1. W2O Group $177,569,000 718 Firms are added to O’Dwyer’s rankings throughout the year. Go to 14. MWWPR 1,145,255 12 10. Tunheim, Minneapolis, MN 5,581,000 33 2. Edelman (includes Silicon Valley) 47,847,000 203 odwyerpr.com for an up-to-date version of the rankings. 15. Weiss PR, Inc., Baltimore, MD 587,820 3 11. Public Communications Inc., Chicago, IL 5,110,141 42 3. LaunchSquad 19,284,304 116 12. L.C. Williams & Associates, Chicago, IL 4,705,032 23 4. Highwire PR 17,901,420 74 13. Padilla, Chicago, IL 4,258,904 22 5. Bateman Group 14,499,420 68

© Copyright 2019, J.R. O’Dwyer Co., Inc. WWW.ODWYERPR.COM | MAY 2019 55 FEATURE Lessons learned after an agency acquisition

Insights to ensure a seamless transition before, during and after a from helping individuals decide on benefit PR agency sale. and healthcare options to providing one- By Art Stevens on-one counseling for those interested in personal growth and development oppor- f your PR or digital marketing agency cy acquisition, he recommends: tunities. is considering an acquisition, you like- Get all leaders involved Focus on your client retention strategy Ily know how crucial it is to incorporate Change can be difficult for employees, In general, many clients are supportive careful, strategic planning and collabora- and it’s important to understand that they’ll of acquisitions, provided that an organi- tion across both entities to ensure a smooth need time and support to adapt to the new zation is open and honest about the moti- transition and happy, motivated employees. “normal.” For a change as significant as an vation behind the sale. They also want to Effectively communicating the changes acquisition, all senior executives in each be assured that they’ll continue to receive throughout the process — both internally firm should be active, communicative par- the same level of service and externally — is also important, if not ticipants before, during and after the pro- they’ve come to expect. vital. Unfortunately, in cases where com- cess. Senior management must commit to In imre’s case, man- munications were handled poorly during roll up their sleeves and engage with staff agement dedicated an acquisition, management ends up with members at all levels to keep operations time to communicate dissatisfied employees, skeptical clients, seamless, especially during the transitional the reasoning behind and a baffling brand message, among other period. the new direction to all issues. These effects can create long-term— “We didn’t want to leave anything to clients. “This has been sometimes permanent—damage. chance during the [acquisition] process,” key to keeping everyone Whether your acquisition experience is a he said. “We were extremely high-touch engaged and informed seamless one depends on numerous factors with our employees, especially post-sale. both on JMPR’s side and Art Stevens surrounding company culture, chemistry In fact, on day one, our two partners and on our side,” he said. and collaboration, as well as the blending of five other senior leaders were on-site in Just prior to announcing the acquisition best practices of each firm. L.A. to ­welcome new employees and to publicly, Dave said both agencies personal- Dave Imre, CEO of NYC/LA/Baltimore show them our serious commitment … ly called top clients on each side to clearly digital marketing agency imre, knew what the goal throughout the process has been spell out the benefits to them of the deal. he was doing when his agency acquired Los to show our dedication to our employees Also, within four weeks post-sale, these Angeles-based, boutique PR firm, JMPR, ­personally.” same clients received in-person, follow-up last October. I had the pleasure of working Make communication and culture top meetings. “We attribute our client retention with both agencies to help consummate the priorities rates to this constant, clear communica- deal. The importance of integrating two differ- tion,” he said. Imre’s operations were previously com- ent cultures can sometimes be overlooked The bottom line prised of the imre Health brand alongside during an acquisition. However, nuances The process of successfully acquiring or its consumer practice, and top brand cli- must be considered early on to avoid hin- merging companies can take months or ents including PepsiCo, Dickies, AstraZen- dering morale. For instance, imre invested even years, and depends, in part, on aspects eca, T. Rowe Price, Under Armour Inc. and ample time carefully evaluating any poten- like culture and size. And both organiza- John Deere. JMPR is known for specializ- tial cultural differences between the two tions will no doubt experience change as a ing in the luxury, lifestyle and transporta- agencies to mitigate potential challenges result. Yet it’s an outstanding opportunity to tion industries, and works with numerous and circumvent any surprises. Dave said innovate and open doors. Fortune 500 companies including Infiniti, this approach helps avoid hurling new em- The takeaway here is to continuously keep Airstream and Bugatti. ployees into an unfamiliar environment. communication lines open and keep up- According to Dave, the acquisition pro- “We were very honest from the start, and dating employees, letting them know their cess has progressed rather seamlessly since we outlined the anticipated changes to al- place and how they can help make the ac- planning and negotiations began almost lay any fears. We also communicated that quisition process more seamless. a year ago. As part of the deal, imre has new systems would be put in place, new Dave stressed that if both the buyer and added JMPR’s staff of 13 to its West Coast career path opportunities, but there also seller are fully committed to transparency operations, doubling the size of the firm’s would be plenty of training to eliminate any and constant communication to all stake- L.A. office. Imre’s total staff size is now 150 ­surprises.” holders from the start, the integration pe- across the combined company. Dave stressed the importance of laying riod can be a genuine growth opportunity. From a staff and client retention stand- out the groundwork and addressing em- “Be sure you talk the talk and walk the point, Dave said the acquisition has been a ployee concerns immediately, including walk,” he said. “Your employees and cli- positive experience. He attributes the suc- keeping communication lines open about ents will be looking at everything you do to cess thus far to numerous crucial factors, the state and security of jobs, roles and make sure you keep your word throughout including strategic planning. “This meant responsibilities, growth plans and more. the process.” gaming out every possible scenario ahead With this approach, he noted, not a single Art Stevens is Managing Partner of The of time, and learning as much as possible employee skips a beat after a deal is com- Stevens Group, comprised of consultants to about the people we were going to inherit pleted. the PR agency profession and focusing on ahead of time,” he said. imre’s management team intentionally mergers, acquisitions and management con- For those executives considering an agen- “hand-held” each employee along the way, sulting. 

56 MAY 2019 | WWW.ODWYERPR.COM

FEATURE A crisis primer for the social media era

The old crisis management protocols of controlling the narrative while communicating the brand story doesn’t work in a digital age where every action is misconstrued as a misstep and anything you say can and will be used against you. By Peter Burger “ ou never want a serious crisis to go to naïve belief that PR professionals can see the de facto crisis leader is the chief exec- waste.” These words from President the future. Peering into their crystal balls, utive, not the PR chief, and only executive YObama’s Chief of Staff Rahm Em- PR chiefs devise plans for their potential actions that solve operational and business manuel have been taken out of context for crises. When a predicament occurs, the issues will make a measurable difference. cynical opportunism. Try making that dec- company implements the corresponding Going (anti)social laration to Boeing, as its stock price drops plan to blunt public outcry, avoid product A highly-accepted way of communicat- in the wake of the 737 Max Lion Air and recalls, arrest a plummeting stock price and ing is social media, and you need to stay Ethiopian Airlines crashes or any organi- preserve brand equity. All in a good few away from it during a zation fighting to maintain its reputation months’ work. Theoretically. true viral crisis. These during a public conflagration. Even if a cri- Such a PR plan likely includes antici- days, social isn’t only sis doesn’t involve the tragic loss of life, far pating issues and preparing responses to the preferred channel from seeking to capitalize on it, leadership each; building a team with roles includ- for issuing apologies. simply wants it to go away. ing a spokesperson that can execute a re- Marketing gurus extol In the digital-social media age, scandals sponse to whichever issue arises; develop- the virtues of upping are spread and remain memorialized a ing a holding pattern statement to issue to your social “quotient” few clicks away. Recent examples include the media when the crisis happens; being by “engaging” your con- H&M selling a racist t-shirt; Oxfam’s work- ready to respond immediately after the cri- stituents with dialogue Peter Burger ers paying for sex while working in Haiti; sis hits; showing compassion for the people and sticky content they and Tesla CEO Elon Musk running afoul of harmed; have the capability to monitor the can’t get enough of. But the SEC with his tweets and smoking weed situation as it occurs; and conduct an anal- when it comes to large corporations, social during a video podcast. Not to mention the ysis when it’s over to assess the effectiveness media doesn’t stem the tide of haters. Quite post-2016 U.S. presidential election revela- of the plan. often, just the opposite results when you tion that Facebook had harvested customer No PR director ever got fired for develop- “go social.” data for client Cambridge Analytica with- ing a crisis plan. But that doesn’t constitute According to Dezenhall, “Social media is out their permission, a contravention of its evidence that plans work. “The PR industry a vehicle for dispersion. Crisis management mission to make the world a “more con- over-emphasizes preparation because they is a discipline of containment.” As a result, nected place.” get to bill for it,” according to Dezenhall. “More often than not social media exacer- These debacles metastasized across the “Most preparation — not all — is worth- bates crises because people over-respond web as memes, acquiring a life of their own less because nothing is predictable. Com- and believe in the old cliché of ‘respond that companies could do little to stop. In- panies desperately want to be told they can immediately.’ That ethic came from another deed, today every crisis is digital, moving prepare because it gives them the illusion era when there weren’t cascading technolo- at a velocity that could tarnish even the of control.” Accordingly, Dezenhall is ada- gies magnifying everything.” most pristine brand halo, despite an or- mant that “There is no one ‘approach’ that In certain situations, social media can be ganization’s best efforts to respond. Social works. The flaw is that my industry sells an effective. It’s a useful marketing tool and platforms have turned the print media’s 24- ‘approach.’ Every case is different.” brand positioning channel. But when it hour news cycle into a relic. Yet the average In short, you can’t plan for a crisis you comes to getting out your message during PR team clings to the old mission of “con- can’t predict. turmoil, one need only examine the snarky trolling the narrative” by communicating Less conversation, more action comments filling up Twitter feeds to see the corporate story early and often. While a big crisis plan might make you how social can be misused. “I find social This approach doesn’t work. According feel confident today, it likely won’t help you media useful for monitoring the state of to Eric Dezenhall, CEO of Washington, cure an actual future crisis. “It’s more use- play on a subject and for communicating D.C.-based crisis management firm Dezen- ful to have a response apparatus and strong discreet, specific information,” Dezenhall hall Resources, during a full-blown crisis leadership than a good plan,” Dezenhall said. “It is no forum for engaging in a de- it doesn’t matter how mellifluously a com- said. “The focus should be on making sure bate with parties that have a vested interest pany’s spokesperson talks and how precise you’ve got a strong leader with the authori- in keeping hostilities alive.” its tweets are. “No matter what they do, for ty to act, not in developing a thorough plan Friends, foes, “stakeholders” a while every action will be considered a that will never be used.” Crises aren’t orderly affairs in which ev- misstep,” Dezenhall said. Anything you ut- To stem a crisis, you need to be able to eryone speaks when it’s their turn and plays ter orally or digitally can and will be used solve problems with the business rather by preset rules. That’s why “you have to run against you. It’s time to take a tough look than engage in the thankless and usually certain crisis campaigns like political cam- at the PR crisis communications rulebook futile efforts of trying to take control of a paigns because you need friends,” Dezenhall and write a new one. narrative through words. “If your client said. “The first thing I look at when I take on Shattering the PR crystal ball doesn’t have the power to authorize a prod- a new client is who their adversaries are. If Let’s start by examining a tenet of public uct recall, you don’t have a team leader,” they have serious enemies, they’ll need se- relations: the crisis communications plan. Dezenhall said. “A company’s PR chief al- However well-intentioned, it’s based on the most never has that power.” Like it or not, _ Continued on next page

58 MAY 2019 | WWW.ODWYERPR.COM it’s a battle, a conflict. Corporate people problem is a technical one, searching for a Crisis primer tend to think everything is a misunder- software remedy while emphasizing that the _ Continued from last page standing that can be addressed by better company itself is the proper authority to ar- communications,” he said. rive at the solution and cutting production rious friends and that’s one of the first chal- Beware the glass jaw of the jet. Notably, while the first Boeing lenges we have to work our way through.” It doesn’t matter how beloved an organi- 737 took to the skies in 1967 and has a ster- Whether you’re a bank, consumer prod- zation is, how strong its brand, how lofty its ling safety record overall, the current crisis ucts company or an energy conglomerate, market valuation. During a crisis, the com- seems to involve not only a software prob- you must not hesitate from enlisting your pany can do no right. Gone is your aura of lem but also a training issue that lies with most powerful constituencies. “Your ad- invincibility. Dezenhall used boxing terms both airline and manufacturer to solve. versaries will declare your efforts to find to describe the phenomenon. “All compa- No words can change the post-crash situ- friends of your own to be unfair but that nies have ‘glass jaws’ under the wrong set of ation. Better to take the measured, analyt- shouldn’t stop you.” Presently, it’s not polit- circumstances.” ical approach of a management consultant ically correct to conceive of conflict as a ze- An aerospace company with an excel- to identify the problem, fix it, compensate ro-sum game. But a crisis isn’t a marketing lent safety record was recently described victims, regain confidence from airlines scenario where everyone wins. by the following New York Times headline: and regulators and demonstrate over time Who’re you going to call? “As Boeing Confronted a Swelling Crisis, It that the aircraft and software function. “Make love not war” isn’t a strategy that Had Little to Say.” Fair enough. The article “The solution isn’t a better CEO inter- works when you’re in a war of ideas. Ac- says that with the crisis unfolding on social view,” Dezenhall said. Crisis management cordingly, “There are peacetime advisors media, Boeing’s customers are not just the isn’t the same as PR. It’s not about building and wartime advisors,” Dezenhall said, airlines but also the airlines’ customers, the brand but rather preserving it by navi- which is why “the skill set and tempera- suggesting it owes them a conversation. But gating through the thorny situation at hand ment it takes to run a PR campaign to pro- facing an environment in which every word — not letting a “serious crisis go to waste” mote a product is different from the skill set is being digitally parsed, the airline has stu- but rather knowing when “a win is losing required to do battle.” Which experts are diously resisted overcommunicating. by less.” you going to hire to weather a crisis? A more trenchant take came from PR Peter Burger is an omnichannel content The people you want on your side are Week, which named Boeing’s response its consultant and communications writer who individuals who’ve been subpoenaed, “Flop of the month” for the aircraft man- brings narrative life to brands, products and sued and fired — not merely those who’ve ufacturer delaying grounding the 737 Max services, organizational cultures and people. been at companies under siege, but people only after the UK, China, India and Aus- He’s worked with the likes of EY, Deloitte, who’ve been through the eye of the storm. tralia — and finally President Trump in the JPMorgan Chase, Towers Watson, New York Dezenhall recommends people who’ve U.S. — grounded the plane. Life and the Metropolitan Transportation been in politics rather than the corporate Boeing is now handling the crisis in a Authority. View his portfolio at aislewpeter. world. “Political types tend to understand clinical manner, with its CEO claiming the com.

WWW.ODWYERPR.COM | MAY 2019 59 PEOPLE IN PR

is a Daniel J. Edelman Co. Edelman rep- also been a commentator for National Pub- Microsoft resents Well Fargo. It promoted the January lic Radio and was a frequent contributor to launch of the new image campaign tagged programs on CNBC, CNN, the BBC and co-founders’ PR rep “This is Wells Fargo” to highlight its com- other networks.  joins Facebook mitment to customer service.  MSL recruits ohn Pinette, who worked for Mic- Levick’s Deschauer rosoft Co-Founders Paul Allen and ­Edelman’s Long JBill Gates, has joined Facebook as moves to Markstein VP-Global Communications. SL has named Isabel Long Senior He takes over for Caryn Marooney, who arkstein has hired Jack Deschau- Vice President, U.S. Business De- announced plans to quit in February. er as a strategic consultant in its Mvelopment, effective May 1. Long Most recently, Pinette was VP-Marketing MWashington, D.C. office. Deschau- comes to MSL from Edelman’s Chicago of- and Communications at Vulcan Inc, the er joins Markstein from LEVICK, where he fice, where she served philanthropic, technol- was a Senior Vice President, co-managing as SVP, Director of ogy and business plat- the corporate affairs practice and leading Growth and Devel- form of Allen. crisis teams. opment. She has also Earlier, he head- At LEVICK, Deschauer worked across worked in business ed communications numerous industries with such clients as development for for Gates Ventures, CITGO Petroleum Corporation, Pratt & Deutsch NY and DDB served as Asia-Pacific Whitney, the United States Olympic Com- Chicago. PR lead for Google, mittee, World TeamTennis and Carnival In her new post, Isabel Long worked in various PR Cruise Lines. Long will lead strate- John Pinette jobs at Microsoft and He previously was gic growth across MSL’s handled external PR a Senior Director U.S. network, reporting to Chief Integra- for Pershing Square Capital Management at Qorvis Commu- tion Officer Amy Cheronis. hedge fund.  nications, where he MSL, which is part of the Publicis Groupe, worked on nation- has 100 offices in 40 countries. al communications Wells Fargo’s ex-PR programs for defense contractors; nutrition- Brown becomes chief joins Zeno al, health and wellness Jack Deschauer groups; and GQ and Cookerly president scar Suris, the former PR chief at Scientific American magazines. Wells Fargo who exited amid its fake Markstein represents clients including ookerly Public Relations has promot- Oaccounts scandal, has joined Zeno Walmart, Encompass Health, Colonial ed Stephen Brown to the role of Pres- Group as Executive VP for Corporate and Pipeline, Diversified Gas & Oil, the Interna- Cident. Crisis Strategy. tional Women’s Media Foundation and The He succeeds agency founder Carol Cook- At his departure from the embattled bank World Games 2021 Birmingham.  erly, who will remain with the company as last August, Suris was Executive VP and CEO. head of corporate relations and PR counsel Brown joined the Atlanta-based commu- to top management. Goldman Sachs’ nications firm in 2015 as Senior Vice Presi- The nine-year veteran of the bank was dent and Chief Innovation Officer, and was charged with “communicating the com- Wells goes to Prosek responsible for agency pany’s vision & values, goals and achieve- business development ments to key stakeholders—team members, rosek Partners has recruited David and marketing ini- customers, communi- Wells, who was Chief Marketing and tiatives. He arrived at ties and sharehold- PCommunications Officer in Goldman Cookerly from Cohn ers,” according to his Sachs’ consumer and investment manage- & Wolfe, where he LinkedIn bio. ment division, as Part- was Executive VP and Earlier, Suris was ner. Earlier, he headed Managing Director of Director of Corporate communications for the WPP unit’s Atlanta Communications at Goldman’s Americas office. Stephen Brown Ford Motor and Auto- unit. Prior to that he was Nation. Wells has also served a Senior VP in MSL- The latest Wells Far- Oscar Suris as Head of Marketing GROUP’s consumer practice and a Direc- go CEO, Tim Sloan, and Communication, tor in Ketchum’s Technology Influencer quit March 28 after a three-year run. He had EMEA at J.P. Morgan Relations practice. replaced John Stumpf. Allen Parker, general and has worked as an David Wells Atlanta-based Cookerly, which focus- counsel of the bank, is Interim CEO. editor and reporter at es on crisis and issues management, was Zeno Group, #5 on O’Dwyer’s rankings, the Financial Times and Bloomberg. He has founded in 1991. 

60 MAY 2019 | WWW.ODWYERPR.COM

O’Dwyer’s guide to RANKED PR FIRMS

5W PUBLIC Haircare, jane iredale, JetSmarter, Washington, DC 20004 nications programs for financial JustWorks, KRUPS, Lenda, Life- 202/778-1000 services firms including marketing RELATIONS styles Condoms, Loews Hotels, Fax: 202/466-6002 strategy, content development, me- McDonald’s, Medifast, Millen- [email protected] dia relations, brand research and 230 Park Ave., 32nd floor nium Hotels, Patina Restaurant www.apcoworldwide.com message development, creative de- New York, NY 10169 Group, Payoneer, Publisher’s APCO Worldwide is an advi- sign and multi-channel distribution 212/999-5585 Clearing House, Purity Vodka, of company news and perspectives Fax: 646/328-1711 sory and advocacy communica- [email protected] Rowenta, RxAdvance, SAP NS2, tions consultancy helping leading to build brand awareness, credibil- www.5wpr.com Servcorp, SMEG, Sparkling ICE public and private sector organi- ity and drive new business for our by Talking Rain, Spring Owl As- zations act with agility, and build clients. Ronn D. Torossian, President & set Management Storyblocks, organizational reputations, brands, Solely focused on financial ser- CEO Sure Fit, T-Fal, The Jackie Robin- relationships and solutions to suc- vices since its founding in 2005, Dara Busch, Matthew Caiola, son Foundation, The New Jersey BackBay has unparalleled industry Exec. VPs ceed. APCO is an independent and Chamber of Commerce, The Pee- majority women-owned business. expertise and strong relationships bles Corp., The Trade Desk, Voices with the major business and finan- Since 2003, New York City- Most importantly, we are a trusted Against Brain Cancer, Wendy Wil- partner to our clients. We help them cial trade media. A boutique agen- based 5W Public Relations (5WPR) liams, Inc., Zeta Global and ZICO cy, every client account is staffed has worked with widely known and anticipate, plan, execute and se- Coconut Water. cure impact through our curiosity, with senior team members dedi- emerging brands, corporations and cated to providing clients a high- high-profile individuals. Our prac- insights and diverse expertise. Our clients benefit from APCO leaders touch, results-oriented experience. tice areas include Consumer Prod- 360PR+ BackBay was recently ranked #1 ucts & Brands, Food & Beverage, who have the pulse of the dynami- cally changing global environment in Boston for financial services PR Health & Wellness, Beauty, Appar- 200 State St. by O’Dwyers for the third year in a el & Accessories, Home & House- Boston, MA 02109 that defines the marketplace; the 617/585-5770 first-hand experience of having row and was recognized as Com- wares, Travel & Hospitality, En- munications Firm of the Year by tertainment & Sports, Corporate, Fax: 617/585-5789 faced significant issues or oppor- www.360PR.plus tunities; the ability to harness the M&A Advisor. BackBay also con- Technology, Public Affairs & Gov- www.twitter.com/360PRplus sistently ranks as a top ten global ernment Relations, Nonprofit, Cri- power of data, insights and tech- www.linkedin.com/ nology; and the passion to deliver PR Agency in The Deal’s private sis Communications, Events and company/360prplus equity league tables. Digital & Social Media. We have a unparalleled results. Our expertise 360-degree approach to PR, social Additional locations: NYC; San and integrated approach enable us media, branding and digital mar- Francisco, CA to provide a full range of services, BLISS keting that delivers game-changing across industry sectors and global INTEGRATED results to our clients. Laura Tomasetti, CEO markets, allowing us to offer ef- Our 150 tenacious and creative Rob Bratskeir, Exec. VP fective counsel and programs for COMMUNICATION Stacey Clement, Kalley Jolly, boards of directors and CEOs. communications practitioners de- Caitlin Melnick, Victoria Member of The Worldcom Public velop and execute creative cam- Renwick, Michael Rush, Sr. VPs Relations Group paigns that connect our clients Matthew Lenig, Creative Dir., Sr. VP BACKBAY with their target audiences in mem- Jenni Brennan, Melinda Bonner, 500 5th Ave., 16th Floor orable ways. Every aspect of our Ali Kavulich, Jill Hawkins, VPs COMMUNICATIONS New York, NY 10110 programs is designed to impact Melissa Perroni, Employee 212/840-1661 Engagement Director 20 Park Plaza, Suite 801 Fax: 212/840-1663 our clients’ bottom line, bringing www.blissintegrated.com leading businesses a resourceful, Boston, MA 02116 360PR+ is an award-winning, bold and results-driven approach 617/391-0790 creative, independent agency with Elizabeth Sosnow, Meg Wildrick, to communication. www.backbaycommunications.com the expertise and relationships to Managing Partners 5WPR’s diverse roster of clients Cortney Stapleton, Partner, power earned media, executive 14-16 Great Chapel Street includes Sparkling ICE, All-Clad, Professional Services Practice thought leadership, influencer London, W1F 8FL It’s a 10 Haircare, jane iredale, Leader marketing, content marketing and +44 (0) 203 475 7552 JetSmarter, The Trade Desk, Wen- Michael Roth, Partner, Healthcare experiential activations across a dy Williams and Zeta Global. Our Bill Haynes, President & CEO Practice Leader variety of b2c and b2b sectors. Our Vicky Aguiar, Alexis Odesser, innovative programs have received highly creative and collaborative Greg Hassel, Julia Mellon, Keri recognition and we have won many BackBay Communications is team members, including a hands- Toomey, Reed Handley, Sally awards including PR Agency of an integrated public relations and on senior team, are all in with Slater, SVPs the Year, PR Executive of the Year, content marketing firm focused on Liz DeForest, Miles Hill, VPs our clients every day, producing Product Launch of the Year and the financial services sector, with business-driving results. Ranked Business to Business Program of special expertise in the private eq- Bliss Integrated Communication as a Top-50 PR firm nationally, the Year. uity, asset management and fintech is a 44-year old integrated market- 360PR+ has been recognized as Clients: Aerosoles, All-Clad industries. With offices in Boston ing communication agency that an Agency of the Year and Best Metalcrafters, Ashley Stewart, and London, BackBay is a spe- partners with top-tier healthcare, Place to Work and is a partner in BornFree, Bowlmor AMF, Camp cialty agency serving companies financial and professional services PROI Worldwide, offering clients Bow Wow, CheapOAir.com, Crepe across the United States, Europe, companies—and those who live in-market resources in 100+ cities. Erase, Decléor, Diono, Duane and elsewhere, leveraging global “in between”—to build reputation Reade, Ethique, Empire Govern- partners. and sales through strategic PR, ment Strategies, FULLBEAUTY APCO WORLDWIDE BackBay takes a brand-centric, thought leadership, targeted digital Brands, Gray Line New York, Go- content-driven approach to devel- media and analytics. Bliss focus- Health, Hess Toy Trucks, IMUSA 1299 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW oping and executing market po- es on finding the whitespace that USA, Indie Beauty Expo, It’s a 10 Suite 300 sitioning and integrated commu- makes each business unique, driv-

6262 APRILMAY 20192015 | WWW.ODWYERPR.COM | ADVERTISING SECTION Profiles of Ranked PR Firms

seasoned PR and marketing profes- global PR agency network support- www.brownsteingroup.com sionals — to secure earned media. ing global campaigns. We support [email protected] Clients turn to us when they want start-ups to Fortune 500 companies creative solutions to increase visi- across hi tech and entertainment. Marc Brownstein, President and bility, establish credibility and ulti- We listen and tell your story from CEO mately make their phones ring. our heart through public relations, Erin Allsman, Managing Director Boardroom Communications marketing and communications to Recognized by Ad Age as a helps bridge traditional and new propel your business forward. “Small Agency of the Year,” media to generate newspaper, mag- We deliver guaranteed, tangible Brownstein Group (BG) is the azine, trade journal, radio, tele- results in our contracts. Does your longest-running independent mar- vision and online coverage. Our agency do that? keting communications agency digital expertise includes website Find out why clients say, “Bob in Philadelphia. Founded at the development, blog and social me- Gold & Associates is an invaluable height of the Creative Revolution dia management and email cam- addition to our team.” in 1964, BG is a full-service agen- paigns. Perhaps most important in Let’s talk. We want to put our in- cy with expertise across all disci- today’s Internet-driven economy, sights and unparalleled connections plines, including: brand strategy, our online campaigns incorporate to work for you. advertising, public relations, social online research, search engine Clients: Canoe, Cisco, Content media, and digital services. BG optimization (SEO), pay-per- Delivery & Security Association specializes in crafting memorable click (PPC) and online reputation (CDSA), Corning Optical Commu- campaigns that generate positive management (ORM). We offer nications, Fathom Events, Media brand awareness, increased sales/ full-service branding capabilities & Entertainment Services Alliance leads and measurable impact for consisting of logo, ad and collat- (MESA), Ooyala, The Cable Cen- clients like IKEA, Comcast Xfin- eral materials design, copywriting ter. ity, Wawa, GIANT Food Stores, and video production. With offices Western Union, NJM Insurance, in Miami, Fort Lauderdale, West THE BRADFORD and DuPont™ Sorona®. Ranked Palm Beach, Orlando, Naples and as an O’Dwyer’s Top 100 Nation- Jeff Bradford, CEO of the Bradford Tampa, we are positioned to serve GROUP al PR Agency and Fortune Maga- Group. clients across Florida and beyond. zine’s Top 100 Best Places to Work Clients include: Accountable 2115 Yeaman Place, #210 for Women, BG is relentless in the ing toward business goals and se- Care Options, LLC; Altman Com- Nashville, TN 37206 pursuit of breakthrough ideas, but curing real results. Clients include panies; Anesthesia Pain Care Con- 615/515-4888 dedicated to its clients and people. some of the most respected names sultants; Associated Builders and www.bradfordgroup.com Contractors; Bardan International; [email protected] in the industries served; average BUCHANAN tenure among large clients is eight City National Bank; C3/Customer Jeff Bradford, CEO plus years. What sets Bliss apart is Contact Channels; Cuesta Con- Gina Gallup, EVP & COO PUBLIC RELATIONS its dedicated and experienced ex- struction; Development Special- ecutives, an understanding of how ists; Easton Group; e-Builder; En- Focusing on the financial, tech- LLC to forge deep, long-lasting client core Capital; Fiske & Co. CPAs; nology and commercial real estate/ partnerships and an unwavering Florida’s Children First; Florida construction industries, the Brad- 890 County Line Rd. commitment to success. Peninsula Insurance; Florida Prop- ford Group is a B2B PR firm that Bryn Mawr, PA 19010 Want to learn more? Contact us erty and Casualty Assn.; Franklin generates top-tier coverage and 610/649-9292 at [email protected]. Street; Group P6; Heartwell; Holo- inspires action. Among our clients [email protected] caust Center; Independent Living are the largest bank headquartered www.BuchananPR.com Systems; ITPalooza; IStar Finan- Twitter: @BuchananPR BOARDROOM in Tennessee, the largest inde- LinkedIn: LinkedIn.com/company/ cial; JAFCO; Keyes Company; pendent, trust-based wealth man- buchananpr COMMUNICA- Marina Palms Yacht Club & Res- agement firm in the Southeastern Facebook: Facebook.com/ idences; MCM Construction; Mer- United States, the largest fintech BuchananPR TIONS, INC. rick Manor; Minto Communities; company in Tennessee, the largest Oasis Outsourcing; Palm Beach manufacturer of construction mate- Anne A. Buchanan, APR, 1776 No. Pine Island Rd., #320 Pops; Pulte Group; St. Thomas rials in the world, the third-largest President (anne.buchanan@ Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33322 School; South Florida Technology commercial construction company buchananpr.com) 954/370-8999 Alliance; SRF Ventures; Talenfeld in the world and the #2 electronic Nancy Page, EVP (nancy.page@ [email protected] Law; Tropical Financial C.U.; Ul- buchananpr.com) www.boardroompr.com discovery firm in the Midwest. We tra Music Festival; Verzasca Group provide public relations, content Founded in 1998, Buchan- Locations: Fort Lauderdale, Tampa, creation and digital marketing ser- an Public Relations LLC is an Orlando, WPB, Miami and Naples BOB GOLD & vices that generate results. We ex- award-winning, dog-friendly, na- cel because we only hire excellent tional communications agency Julie Talenfeld, President ASSOCIATES people, thanks to a very strict and based in Philadelphia. We spe- Don Silver, COO comprehensive hiring procedure cialize in media relations, digital, Todd Templin, Exec. VP 1640 South Pacific Coast Hwy. that assures only the best and the Jennifer Clarin, Michelle Griffith, and crisis communications, with Redondo Beach, CA 90277 brightest join the team. To get the expertise in healthcare, life scienc- Laura Burns, Eric Kalis, VPs 310/320-2010 attention your financial, tech, con- es, financial services, professional [email protected] struction or CRE firm deserves, get Boardroom Communications is www.bobgoldpr.com services, not-for-profit, real estate a full-service public relations and the Bradford Group. and consumer goods. integrated marketing agency de- Bob Gold, President With excellence and integrity as livering results for many of Flor- BROWNSTEIN guiding principles, we help brands ida’s most successful profession- We are a local agency with in- find and share stories that mat- als, corporations, entrepreneurs ternational reach. Bob Gold & GROUP ter. Our storytelling tools include and non-profit organizations. Now Associates is a results-driven, bou- graphics and video, in addition to in our 30th year, we leverage the tique-sized agency headquartered 215 South Broad Street skills and connections of our staff, in Southern California with an of- Philadelphia, PA 19147 _ Continued on page 64 which includes former journalists, fice in New York City and a trusted 215/735-3470 ADVERTISING SECTION | WWW.ODWYERPR.COM | MAY 2019 63 Profiles of Ranked PR Firms firm provides strong, effective cor- porate, financial, legal, crisis and Additional locations: Boston, New public affairs strategies that have York City positive, lasting impacts. Whether a client’s need is a Tony Cashman, President and shareholder campaign, CEO-level CEO Eric Cavoli, Partner, SVP, Group messaging, brand awareness, or Creative Director long-range strategic planning, But- Amanda Mueller, Partner, SVP, ler Associates prides itself on de- Client Services veloping and nurturing key issues as well as relationships that effec- CashmanKatz has been pro- tively build and sustain our client’s ducing unexpected ideas and de- reputation and brand. livering unexpected results for Butler Associates continual- clients since 1992. A full-service ly achieves significant visibility, integrated marketing agency, spotlights corporate and financial CashmanKatz offers multiple dis- leaders, leads or supports winning ciplines under one roof, including campaigns, delivers clear and crisp advertising, public relations, social messaging for a diverse range of media, media planning and buying, clients. Our team includes sea- research and branding, content cre- soned professionals who are com- ation and video/audio production mitted to their clients and deliver services. CashmanKatz houses consistent, measurable results. three separate operating companies The industries we advocate for — InFocus (www.ctinfocus.com), include the finance, banking, real Dsign Digital (www.dsigndigital. estate, construction, legal, medical, com), and Octagon Strategy Group telecommunications, high-tech, (www.octagonstrategy.com) — travel, hospitality and food sectors. which offer market research, con- tent creation, and public affairs, respectively. CashmanKatz boasts CASHMANKATZ a broad set of capabilities and three Buchanan Public Relations’ three canine employees – Shiloh, Katie and Northeast offices but still -main Lacey. 76 Eastern Blvd. tains a nimble team that generates Glastonbury, CT 06066 860/652-0300 solutions to clients’ toughest chal- BUCHANAN PR Fax: 860/652-0308 lenges. We have built an agency that _ Continued from page 63 Butler Associates is winner of [email protected] the PRSA-NY’s 2018 Best Legal CashmanKatz.com most clients don’t expect. A Twitter: @CashmanKatz multi-service enterprise that feels writing. We pride ourselves on sol- & Communications Campaign Linkedin: linkedin.com/company/ like a creative boutique. An unas- id, long-term relationships with our award and likewise in 2016 was cashmankatz suming shop with the game-chang- clients. honored with the PRSA-NY’s Best Facebook: facebook.com/ ing idea and the resources to see it Our amazing client roster in- Business Campaign and Best Pub- CashmanKatz cludes: Anthony & Sylvan, At- lic Affairs Campaign achievement. Instagram: instagram.com/ _ Continued on page 66 lantiCare, Bimbo Bakeries USA, Serving clients since 1996, our CashmanKatz Barsz Gowie Amon & Fultz, LLC, Blaschak Coal Corp., Chester Up- land School District, Foundation to Abolish Child Sex Abuse, Penn- sylvania Trust, Pepper Hamilton LLP, Philadelphia Insurance Com- panies, Ramboll, Salveson Stetson Group, Willow Valley and World Affairs Council of Philadelphia A founding member of the Pub- lic Relations Global Network (PRGN), we offer clients access to 50 top-tier, independent PR firms around the world.

BUTLER ASSOCIATES, LLC

204 East 23rd St. New York, NY 10010 212/685-4600 [email protected] www.ButlerAssociates.com

290 Harbor Drive Workpoint – Shippan Landing Stamford, CT 06902 Among its clients, Butler Associates represents the Great New York Automobile Dealers Association, which Thomas P. Butler, President owns and produces the New York International Auto Show.

64 MAY 2019 | WWW.ODWYERPR.COM | ADVERTISING SECTION

Profiles of Ranked PR Firms CASHMANKATZ Spanning nearly 20 industry CROSBY Kaiser Permanente, OrganDonor. verticals, Coyne’s client roster in- gov, Shriners Hospitals for Chil- _ Continued from page 64 cludes many of the most respected 705 Melvin Avenue dren, Social Security Administra- companies in the world and those tion, Substance Abuse & Mental through. Our smaller feel and full Annapolis, MD 21401 who want to be, including Hard 410/626-0805 Health Services Administration capabilities mean smart, defensible Rock International, Shell Oil, www.crosbymarketing.com (SAMHSA), United States Con- solutions delivered quickly and Chrysler, Pfizer, Hilton, VTech and ference of Catholic Bishops, U.S. without the expected time and cost IMAX, among others. Raymond Crosby, President Dept. Of Agriculture (USDA), casualties of big agency process. Joel Machak, Executive Creative U.S. Dept. of Health & Human Clients Include: AVANGRID, Director Denise Aube, Healthcare Practice Services, Veterans Health Admin- BIC North America, Bouvier In- CRENSHAW istration and The Wallace Founda- surance, Cirque Du Soleil, Click It Leader COMMUNICATIONS Meredith Williams, Government tion. or Ticket, CT Catholic Conference, Crosby is #26 on O’Dwyer’s na- CT Dept. of Motor Vehicles, CT Practice Co-Leader 36 W. 20th St., 5th Floor Anna Zawislanski, Government tional ranking of PR firms, #7 for Dept. of Public Health, CT Dept. New York, NY 10011 Practice Co-Leader healthcare PR, and is a member of Revenue Services, CT Dept. of 212/367-9700 Pam Atkinson, Director of of the PR Council and American Transportation, CT Natural Gas, [email protected] Connection Planning Association of Advertising Agen- CT Science Center, Eastern CT www.crenshawcomm.com Suresh John, Director of Digital cies (4As). The firm has offices in Strategy & Analytics Health Network, Energize CT, Maryland’s state capital of Annap- Farmington Bank, Frontier Com- Dorothy Crenshaw, CEO/Founder Chris Harihar, Partner The Crosby team is passionate olis and in Washington, D.C. To munications, Gaylord Hospital, see case studies and capabilities, General Dynamics, Ion Bank, Iron about helping clients Inspire Ac- At Crenshaw Communications visit www.crosbymarketing.com. Mountain, Kiehl’s, Kingswood tions That Matter™ — actions that our mission is to help turn high- Oxford, Lincoln Financial Group, positively impact people’s lives growth tech companies into pow- Mahoney Sabol LLP, Mass Mu- and contribute to the greater good. THE DANA erhouse brands. For startup com- tual, Mohegan Sun Holdings, MS Crosby helps clients make pow- panies and established businesses Society, National Grid, National erful connections with their cus- AGENCY PR alike, we shape and communicate Progressive Plastic Bag Assn., tomers, constituents and commu- compelling brand stories that bring Miami/NYC/LA Quinnipiac Athletics, Saint Mary’s nities to shape attitudes, inspire meaningful innovation to life. Our 305/758-1110 Hospital, School Nutrition Asso- behavior change, and motivate campaigns translate product and www.thedanaagency.com ciation of CT, See Something Say action. The firm’s award-winning service attributes into real brand Something, Shriners Hospitals for campaigns, which integrate paid, Founded in 2003, The Dana equity. They’re designed not just Children, The Lighting Quotient, earned, shared and owned media, Agency is recognized as a leading to generate positive visibility, but Trinity Health New England, Unit- have touched the lives of virtually boutique public relations agency to engage prospects and build ed Illuminating, University of Con- every American. founded by award-winning publi- connections with influencers and necticut Genomics, and WTNH The firm has specialized prac- cist Dana Rhoden. With offices in end users. As the partner to many – ABC. tices in Healthcare, Government, NYC, LA and Miami, The Dana new technology companies, we Nonprofits & Causes, and Military Agency specializes in national, have a high-energy, entrepreneur- & Veterans. Clients include the regional and trade public relations COYNE PUBLIC ial culture that rewards action and Agency for Healthcare Research outreach, marketing, creative spe- accountability, with outcomes that and Quality (AHRQ), Centers for cial events, brand management RELATIONS are transformational for clients. Disease Control & Prevention and product placement for lifestyle Crenshaw Communications. (CDC), DAV (Disabled American brands. The Dana Agency’s team 5 Wood Hollow Rd. Come for the insights and ideas. Parsippany, NJ 07054 Veterans), Dept. of Defense/Mili- of trusted communication con- 973/588-2000 Stay for the results. tary OneSource, ENERGY STAR, www.coynepr.com

Additional Office: 1400 Broadway, 36th & 37th Floors New York, NY 10018 212/938-0166

Thomas F. Coyne, CEO Rich Lukis, John Gogarty, Presidents Kelly Dencker, Jennifer Kamienski, Tim Schramm, Lisa Wolleon, Executive Vice Presidents As one of the Top Independent PR Firms in the U.S., Coyne PR delivers programs built on a foun- dation of stand-out creative, in- tegrated thinking and activation capabilities to effectively convey messages across paid, earned, shared and owned channels for its clients. These programs have been recognized with more than 1,000 industry awards since the agen- cy’s inception in 1991 and led to the agency being named the Best Agency to Work For Globally by Crosby staff members support the company’s mission of “Inspiring Actions That Matter” by donating time and The Holmes Report. money to worthy charities and nonprofits.

66 MAY 2019 | WWW.ODWYERPR.COM | ADVERTISING SECTION w Profiles of Ranked PR Firms Regional Offices: Denver; Los across multiple platforms, content purpose of making “Health More Angeles; Toronto creation, media and presentation Human™. Evoke PR & Influence coaching, crisis and special situa- uses its knowledge, influencer Karyl Leigh Barnes, President, tions communications, online rep- relationships, and proven experi- Tourism Practice utation management and internal ence to connect leading industry Julie Curtin, President, Economic communications. organizations with the audiences Development Practice Andrew Levine, Chairman DLPR’s clients include well- that matter most. We translate the known, large and middle-market science behind health and wellness One Agency. Two Specialized companies in key areas of finance, companies, products and services Practice Areas. Established in 1960, including: institutional investing, into meaningful stories that get Development Counsellors Inter- mutual funds, ETFs, wealth man- heard, always striving to achieve national (DCI) focuses exclusive- agement, alternatives and private our clients’ objectives on time and ly on economic development and equity, and investment and com- within budget. travel marketing. We have worked munity banking. DLPR has proven Clients include: Adaptimmune; with more than 500 cities, regions, professional services experience Almirall; Ferring Pharmaceuti- states, provinces and countries to within accounting, business con- cals; Harmony Biosciences; Idera help them attract business invest- sulting, compliance, cybersecurity, Pharmaceuticals; Incyte Corpora- ment, visitors and talent. Experts in economics, risk management, man- tion; Janssen, the Pharmaceutical economic development marketing, agement consulting and law. DLPR Companies of Johnson & John- DCI knows how to elevate a com- also has strong experience in fin- son; Life Sciences Pennsylvania; munity’s image, increase project tech and B2B technology. Nutricia; Reckitt Benckiser (RB); inquiries and help create new in- DLPR has an exceptionally Teva Pharmaceuticals and Zynerba vestment opportunities and quality strong broadcast group that, on Pharmaceuticals. jobs. We then help attract skilled average, secures approximately 50 talent to fill those jobs. Our travel bookings per month, primarily on FAHLGREN marketing team partners with des- CNBC, Bloomberg, Fox Business tinations to increase leisure, corpo- and Yahoo! Finance. MORTINE rate and association visitor arrivals and spending. How? By winning EDELMAN 4030 Easton Station, Suite 300 the support of key influencers — Columbus, OH 43219 614/383-1500 media, digital influencers, meeting 250 Hudson St., 16th Floor planners and the travel trade. Our Fax: 614/383-1501 New York, NY 10013 www.fahlgrenmortine.com goal always? Combine smart strat- 212/768-0550 egy with the right tactics to deliver Fax: 212/704-0117 Neil Mortine, President powerful results. www.edelman.com [email protected] DCI is globally connected Aaron Brown, Executive Vice through TAAN Worldwide, a net- Edelman is a global commu- President work of 46 agencies in 29 coun- nications firm that partners with [email protected] tries. businesses and organizations to Marty McDonald, Executive Vice Richard Dukas, Chairman and CEO; evolve, promote and protect their President and Seth Linden, President, Dukas brands and reputations. Our 6,000 [email protected] Linden Public Relations. DUKAS LINDEN people in more than 60 offices de- liver communications strategies Fahlgren Mortine is an integrat- PUBLIC RELATIONS ed marketing and communications sultants, many former journalists, that give our clients the confidence to lead and act with certainty, earn- company headquartered in Colum- work to maximize the client’s me- 100 W. 26th St. bus, Ohio, with locations in Cleve- dia exposure through strategic and New York, NY 10001 ing the trust of their stakeholders. Since our founding in 1952, we land and Dayton, Ohio; Charles- creative PR campaigns, partner- 212/704-7385 ton, W. Va.; Boise, Idaho; Denver, ships and events that successfully [email protected] have remained an independent, www.dlpr.com family-run business. Edelman Colo.; Myrtle Beach, S.C.; Miami; drive revenue. Chicago and New York City. The The agency specializes in cre- owns specialty companies Edel- Richard Dukas, Chairman & CEO man Intelligence (research) and agency is a member of the global ative strategy for a wide array of Seth Linden, President IPREX network. national brands spanning food and United Entertainment Group (en- Zach Leibowitz, Exec. VP tertainment, sports, lifestyle). For Key industries include B2B, beverage, hospitality, real estate, CPG, economic development, health/wellness, beauty, fashion, Dukas Linden Public Relations more information please visit: www.edelman.com healthcare, higher education, man- entertainment, arts and culture and (DLPR) is a communications part- ufacturing, logistics, retail, tech- consumer products. Clients benefit ner for leaders in finance, asset nology, and travel and tourism. from the reach of a larger, more management, professional services, EVOKE PR & Our integrated model differenti- expensive firm but with the media fintech and B2B technology. We INFLUENCE ates the Fahlgren Mortine experi- expertise, responsiveness and nim- create compelling narratives that ence by allowing us to pursue the bleness of a specialized boutique expand our clients’ share of voice, best solution to our clients’ chal- agency. enhance their brand value and— One South Broad, 9th Floor Philadelphia, PA 19107 lenges regardless of the medium. most important—engage key audi- We consistently achieve a Net Pro- ences in a global marketplace. 215/625-0111 DEVELOPMENT www.evokegroup.com moter Score placing us in what the Ranked #7 on O’Dwyer’s list of metric creator deems the “world- COUNSELLORS top financial PR firms, we’re driv- Maryellen Royle, President, PR & class” range, and it means clients INTERNATIONAL en by a passion to deliver targeted Influence enthusiastically recommend us to strategies and creative solutions their peers. (DCI) that provide measurable benefits Evoke PR & Influence is the The agency consistently earns to clients—and help their busi- global, award-winning public rela- Best Place to Work and Agency of 215 Park Ave. South, 14th Floor nesses grow and succeed. Our full tions and stakeholder engagement the Year honors from various trade New York, NY 10003 suite of integrated communications division of Evoke, a leading mar- keting, media and communications 212/725-0707 services includes: comprehensive _ Continued on page 68 www.aboutdci.com messaging and media relations agency that is bound by a common

ADVERTISING SECTION | WWW.ODWYERPR.COM | MAY 2019 67 Profiles of Ranked PR Firms through shared values and a com- FRENCH/WEST/ FAHLGREN MORTINE mon philosophy of “working hard _ Continued from page 67 and playing nice.” Our 700 strat- VAUGHAN egists across 18 offices in the US, Europe and Asia, provide deep ex- 112 East Hargett St. 919/832-6300 organizations. pertise in key sectors: technology, TURNER, a travel, tourism and Raleigh, NC 27601 health, consumer, travel + lifestyle, www.fwv-us.com active lifestyle public relations food + beverage, CSR, sustainabil- agency, is a Fahlgren Mortine com- ity, corporate, financial services, Rick French, Chairman & CEO pany. crisis, education, public + govern- David Gwyn, President / Principal ment affairs and manufacturing Natalie Best, Chief Operating Officer / Principal FEINTUCH and trade. Our full-service marketing and French/West/Vaughan (FWV) is COMMUNICATIONS communications services deliver the Southeast’s leading public re- break-through campaigns rooted lations, public affairs, advertising 245 Park Ave., 39th Floor in analytics and insights, powered and digital media agency. Firmly New York, NY 10167 by strategy and creativity, and entrenched among the country’s 20 212/808-4901 awarded for results that positively [email protected] largest PR firms (2019 O’Dwyer’s www.feintuchcommunications.com impact our clients’ revenues and Ranking of Top U.S. PR Firms), www.PRWorldAlliance.com reputation. Our global integrated FWV was winner of The Holmes digital team, which expanded in Report 2016 Consumer Agency of Henry Feintuch, President 2018, creates the social conver- the Year and the Bulldog Report- Richard Roher, Managing sations that engage stakeholders, er 2017 Consumer, Midsize and Partner stimulate emotionality and elevate North American Communications Rick Anderson, Senior Managing brands. Agency of the Year. It has captured Director We are proud of our multiple Doug Wright, Senior Account 15 National Agency of the Year Director Henry Feintuch, President, Fein- agency awards including being honors over the past two decades tuch Communications and 2014 honored as a “Best Place to Work” and is a 2019 Holmes Report Con- Feintuch Communications is an past President, PRSA-NY. several times by leading PR trades sumer Agency of the Year Finalist award-winning technology and and our recent Diversity Distinc- for the fifth time. financial services firm offering tion Award, a testament to our Founded in April 1997, the firm senior counsel, experience and commitment to diversity and in- is led by Chairman & CEO Rick tactical support to a broad range clusion across our worldwide net- French, President David Gwyn and of organizations — from the For- FINN PARTNERS work. Chief Operating Officer Natalie tune 500 to emerging companies, Best. FWV employs 113 public non-profits and associations. 301 East 57th St. FISH CONSULTING relations, public affairs, social me- Key market segments include New York, NY 10022 dia, advertising and digital market- AV, adtech/martech, cleantech, 212/715-1600 117 NE 2nd Street ing experts between its Raleigh, consumer electronics, e-com- www.finnpartners.com Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301 N.C. headquarters and New York merce, fintech and financial- ser Twitter.com/finnpartners 954-893-9150 City, Los Angeles and Tampa offic- vices, professional services and Facebook.com/finnpartners [email protected] es. Among its operating divisions start-ups. LinkedIn.com/company/finn- are: FWV Fetching, a pet and vet- partners Lorne Fisher, CEO/Managing Our focus is on business results Agency Leadership erinary PR and marketing agency – helping our clients build distribu- Partner based in Tampa; AMP3 PR, a fash- Peter Finn, Founding Managing Jenna Kantrowitz, COO/SVP tion, sell more products or services, Partner; [email protected] Lauren Simo, VP ion, beauty, luxury and lifestyle PR improve their corporate or brand (NY) firm based in New York City; and image and achieve other business Dena Merriam, Co-Founding Fish’s in-depth experience in Prix Productions, the company’s outcomes. Every client engage- Partner; [email protected] franchising helps us customize na- longform content feature and docu- ment is managed — hands-on — (NY) tional and local programs for our mentary film division, with offices by a senior practitioner responsible Richard Funess, Senior Managing in Raleigh and L.A. Partner; [email protected] clients that drive both consumer for results. (NY) engagement and franchise sales. FWV is also a partner in IPREX, We provide clients with an inte- Practice Leaders Our services range from national a $380 million + network of glob- grated blend of public relations, so- Gil Bashe (Health) gil.bashe@ and local media relations, franchi- al communication agencies, with cial media, advertising/marketing, finnpartners.com see recruitment, grand openings, 1,600 staff and 110 offices world- investor relations, web/digital mar- Noah Finn (Digital/Social) noah@ influencer relations and cause mar- wide. keting and other services. Our firm finnpartners.com keting to crisis communications. In addition to ranking FWV 18th serves on the board of PR World Alan B. Isacson (Industrial/B2B) Our focus is to meet and exceed nationally in audited annual fee Alliance (www.PRWorldAlliance. [email protected] billings, O’Dwyer’s ranks FWV #1 Gail Moaney (Travel + Lifestyle) our clients’ business goals by pro- com), a global partnership of pre- [email protected] viding strategic counsel and mar- in the Southeast, a position it has mier independent communications Philippa Polskin (Arts and Culture) keting support that goes beyond occupied for more than 15 years. consultancies. [email protected] traditional public relations. Among the top agencies, FWV Our goal is to provide the expert Scott Widmeyer (Education) We’re proud to serve systems of ranks second in Sports Marketing, service, experienced counsel and [email protected] all sizes, from emerging brands third in both Beauty & Fashion hands-on support that our clients Alicia Young (Consumer and to some of the industry’s leading and Agriculture, fourth in En- need to meet their business objec- Technology) concepts and pride ourselves on tertainment Marketing, and 10th tives. Our commitment is to be a becoming your PR partner. Clients in Travel & Economic Develop- Finn Partners’ success as one superior business partner in each include Dunkin’, Denny’s, Neigh- ment. The agency’s work in Food of the leading independent pub- and every client engagement. borly, FOCUS Brands, Massage & Beverage, Home Furnishings, lic relations agencies in the world Clients include: BasisCode Heights, Captain D’s, Fleet Feet, Professional Services, and Envi- is a result of organic growth, the Compliance, HDMI Licensing Chicken Salad Chick, Tropical ronmental & Public Affairs also integration of strategic acquired Administrator, Leclanché, Silicon Smoothie Café, Blo Blow Dry Bar earned category rankings in the companies and new talent united Line and ZeeVee. and more. top 20.

68 MAY 2019 | WWW.ODWYERPR.COM | ADVERTISING SECTION Profiles of Ranked PR Firms

FWV has been recognized over Our strategic consumer-centric in Los Angeles, Chicago, San Di- Communications 900 times with awards on behalf model puts your target audiences at ego, and Miami. Part of Havas, the Susan Duffy, Chief Strategy of clients such as Wrangler, Co- the forefront to motivate action and agency is committed to making a Officer, US ca-Cola, Jack Daniels, Slim Jim, influence behavior that increases meaningful difference to brands, Justin Boots, Pendleton Whisky, sales, market share and brand af- businesses and people. Havas For- Health Unlimited is a global the Greater Raleigh Convention & finity. mula specializes in general market health consultancy and communi- Visitors Bureau, Bassett Furniture, We combine critical and creative and Hispanic PR, social/digital cations agency built by specialists Saft, ABB, Teen Cancer America thinking to produce ideas and con- and experiential marketing. Its with unmatched experience, per- and countless other industry lead- tent that stem from research and corporate philosophy — Be Brave spective and expertise. For more ing companies and brands. insights to disrupt, educate and — stems from the belief that for than 25 years we have been driving It has also become one of the engage consumers, media and the a brand to truly differentiate itself results for companies solving the nation’s go-to agencies for issues industry. We believe in research, so in the marketplace it must exhibit world’s most complex and chal- management and crisis counseling much so that we invest more than bravery. The agency’s core practice lenging health issues. We have a work, having defended the reputa- $200,000 annually in tools and re- areas include consumer, lifestyle, legacy of advancing landmark de- tion of dozens of high-profile in- sources to benefit your business. consumer technology, high-tech, velopments in global health and dividuals, institutions, companies Founded in 2006, Gatesman is a B-to-B, travel/hospitality and en- challenging, hard to treat health and associations. privately held corporation owned tertainment, with category exper- conditions such as HIV/AIDS, can- by partners John Gatesman and tise in food and beverage, retail cer, rare diseases, infectious diseas- Shannon Baker. Gatesman is an and restaurants, beer/wine/spirits, es and vaccine preventable diseases. GATESMAN award-winning, full-service pub- sports/leisure, consumer packaged We drive results for a diverse group lic relations practice that ranks goods, home, and beauty/fashion. of companies and organizations in- 444 Liberty Avenue, Suite 700 nationally within the top 100 inde- Clients include: Jaguar Land vested in solving the world’s most Pittsburgh, PA 15222 complex and challenging health is- 412/381-5400 pendent PR firms, and is a partner Rover, Panda Express, Mike’s [email protected] in IPREX, a global communication Hard Lemonade, Hefty, Maui Jim, sues in these areas. Clients include https://www.gatesmanagency.com/ network. Most recently, Gatesman Wholly Guacamole, Schlage, Jus- medical device, pharmaceuticals, PR was named a Top Place to tin’s, Shure, Wonderful Pistachios government agencies, medical so- Facebook: @Gatesman Agency Work by PR News and earned Best and RE/MAX cieties, advocacy organizations and Instagram: www.instagram.com/ In Show at the 2018 PRSA East consumer health. gatesmanagency Central District Diamond Awards LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/ HEALTH company/gatesman-agency/ and the 2019 PRSA Renaissance HEMSWORTH Awards. UNLIMITED Twitter:@GatesmanAgency COMMUNICATIONS Susan English, SVP, PR & Social HAVAS FORMULA 111 Fifth Avenue Media New York, NY 10003 1510 SE 17th Street John Gatesman, CEO 212/886-2200 Fort Lauderdale, FL 33316 Shannon Baker, Partner, 200 Hudson St. www.healthunlimited.com 954/716-7614 President New York, NY 10013 Facebook.com/Health.Unlmtd Fax: 954/449-6068 212/219-0321 Twitter.com/health_unltd www.HemsworthCommunications.com We are writers, researchers and Fax: 212/219-8846 Linkedin.com/company/ Instagram.com/HemsworthPR news hounds. www.havasformula.com healthunlimited Facebook.com/ Gatesman PR tackles your tough- HemsworthCommunications Michael Olguin, President & CEO Tim Bird, CEO LinkedIn.com/Company/ est business and communications Hemsworth-Communications challenges — whether it’s to stand Jon Watson, Executive Creative Director out in a competitive environment, Founded in 1992, Havas Formu- Samantha Jacobs, Founder/ la is an award-winning, national Karen O’Malley, Global Practice change perception, protect your Chair, Public Health and Policy Pres.; Samantha.Jacobs@ reputation or navigate the rapidly public relations agency headquar- Julia Jackson, Practice Leader, hemsworthcommunications.com evolving digital world. tered in New York, with offices US Public Relations and Marketing Michael Jacobs, COO; Michael.Jacobs@ hemsworthcommunications.com Lacey Outten, Director, Food/ Wine/Spirits Rachel Tabacnic, Director, Franchise/Business Services Carter Long, Director, Travel/ Hospitality (Atlanta) Lindsey Wiegmann, Director, Travel/Hospitality (Fort Lauderdale) Hemsworth is a full-service PR and communications agency that specializes in three core areas — travel/tourism/hospitality; food/ _ Continued on page 70

The July issue of O’Dwyer’s will profile Travel PR firms, as well as Multicultural PR firms. If you would like to be profiled, contact Editor Steve Barnes at 646/843-2089 or [email protected] Staff from all five of Havas Formula’s offices converge in San Diego during the agency’s annual summit.

ADVERTISING SECTION | WWW.ODWYERPR.COM | MAY 2019 69 Profiles of Ranked PR Firms

HEMSWORTH COMMS. Leeza L. Hoyt, President Dan Minkoff, Associate VP _ Continued from page 69 With offices in greater Los An- geles and partners worldwide, The wine/spirits, and franchise/busi- Hoyt Organization, Inc., knows a ness services. Capabilities and ser- thing or two about reaching the vices range from brand strategy, right audience. In fact, as one of promotions, media relations and the continuously top-ranked inde- events to guerilla marketing, so- pendent PR firms by the Los Ange- cial media, CSR programming and les Business Journal, THO reaches thought leadership. markets all across the country with With headquarters in Fort Lau- clients based in New York, Virgin- derdale, Florida and offices in At- ia, New Jersey, Phoenix, Kansas lanta and Charleston — as well as City, Dallas, Seattle and more. As a network of expert freelance PR the Los Angeles area agency for professionals in markets like NYC the Public Relations Global Net- and Northern California — the work (PRGN), we have 53 partner Hemsworth team features unpar- agencies around the globe which alleled global connections. The allows us to also offer internation- agency prides itself on delivering al boots-on-the-ground capabili- outstanding results with a distinc- The Hoyt Org team takes a well-deserved night out on the town to attend the LA PRSA PRism Awards. ties. tively personal touch and offering Our full-service, integrated com- a unique combination of passion, munications campaigns have made insight and connections to surpass Stephen Burkhart, General HOTWIRE a tangible difference for hundreds client expectations at every turn. Manager., North America of start-ups, public and private Hemsworth has won numerous Caroline Hsu, Managing Director, 45 E. 20th St., 10th Floor companies, nonprofits, and more. awards for its work within the PR Asia Pacific New York, NY 10003 Today, the firm serves real estate, and communications industry, as Mark Pinsent, Managing Director, 646/738-8960 Europe [email protected] finance, technology, healthcare and well as the national business com- luxury/lifestyle clients on a nation- munity, and is consistently ranked Lydia Lau, VP of Global hotwireglobal.com Operations @hotwireglobal wide basis. one of the fastest-growing firms THO’s greatest strength is our in the United States. In addition, Defining communications broad- 222 Kearny St., #400 growth-oriented strategies. Our Hemsworth’s unique internal cul- ly to include digital, content mar- San Francisco, CA 94108 media relations, communications ture and extensive employee bene- keting, thought leadership as well 415/840-2790 and digital media programs fea- fits have earned the agency a cov- as traditional PR, The Hoffman 225 S 6th Street, Suite 3900 ture thoughtful, laser-focused eted spot on several “Best Places Agency knows how to differenti- Minneapolis, MN 55402 game plans that use the right tac- to Work” lists. ate brands and deliver air cover for Barbara Bates, Global CEO tical tools to break through the Clients include: Air Partner, sales. With heritage in the technol- Heather Kernahan, President, bland in your market. With a deep AmaWaterways; Amicalola Falls ogy sector, the firm’s work today North America understanding of everything from State Park & Lodge; Best West- cuts across a range of industries. Adrian Talbot, Chief Finance traditional earned media to emerg- ern Hotels & Resorts; Brasstown While campaigns vary by client Officer Andy West, Chief Development ing social and digital platforms Valley Resort & Spa; Driftwood and industry, all share one theme: to crisis communications, we’ll Hospitality Management; First Officer the creation of content that reflects Chris Paxton, Chief Strategy strengthen your voice and amplify American Bank; Gatsby’s Joint; the tenets of storytelling. This Officer your brand. HSMAI Foundation; I Heart Mac means developing narratives that Fiona Chilcott, Chief People & THO. Because your voice mat- & Cheese; Lake Blackshear Re- prompt journalists to write and tar- Culture Officer ters. sort; Massanutten, Virginia; Mar- get audiences to read — a far cry garitaville Holdings; Margarita- from the “corporate speak” that Hotwire is a global communica- HUNTER ville Hollywood Beach Resort; satisfies internal stakeholders. To- tions agency that helps businesses Margaritaville Lake Resort, Lake ward this end, the firm conducts better engage and connect with 41 Madison Ave., 5th Floor of the Ozarks; Medieval Times; their customers. From Sydney to New York, NY 10010 storytelling workshops for internal 212/679-6600 Oasis Travel Network; Orion communicators, executives and San Francisco, we operate with Span’s Aurora Station (Luxury [email protected] employees. a borderless mind-set across 33 www.hunterpr.com Space Hotel); SmartCruiser.com; For clients with global needs, the locations including the UK, US, Sonesta Fort Lauderdale Beach; company operates in Asia Pacif- Mexico, France, Germany, Spain, Grace Leong, CEO Steelpan; Stems & Skins; Taste ic, Europe and the United States. Italy and Australia, together with Jonathan Lyon, Mark Newman, of Buckhead; Unicoi State Park Unlike traditional agencies handi- exclusive partners Yellow Com- Donetta Allen, Gigi Russo, Erin & Lodge; PuroClean; Walgreens capped by their silo structure, The munications in the Netherlands Hanson, Partners Gridiron Grill-Off Food, Wine & Hoffman Agency applies a collab- and Belgium, Active DMC in the Music Festival Middle East, The Hoffman Agency Hunter is an award-winning con- orative approach to implementing sumer marketing communications multi-country campaigns. This in Asia and VIANEWS in Brazil, as well as other affiliate partners. firm with primary offices in New THE HOFFMAN leverage of content and thinking York and London and a footprint AGENCY across geographies ultimately gen- across North America. Beginning erates better results. HOYT with research-driven consumer 325 South 1st St., 3rd Floor Sample Clients: Axis Communi- ORGANIZATION insights, Hunter executes strate- San Jose, CA 95113 cations, B-Secur, Baidu, Blackber- gic, integrated programs that build 408/286-2611 ry, Cypress, City of Fremont, Corn- brand equity, increase engagement Fax: 408/286-0133 ing, Crypto.com, Flex, KaiOS, 23001 Hawthorne Blvd., #200 [email protected] Torrance, CA 90505 and drive measurable business re- Lam Research, Lenova, Lumileds, sults for consumer products and www.hoffman.com Nautilus, NextFlex, Nokia, Nuta- 310/373-0103 [email protected] nix, OSIsoft, Revation, SpinTrans- www.hoytorg.com Lou Hoffman, CEO fer, and SuperMicro. _ Continued on page 72

70 MAY 2019 | WWW.ODWYERPR.COM | ADVERTISING SECTION w Profiles of Ranked PR Firms HUNTER ICR _ Continued from page 70 685 Third Ave., 2nd Floor New York, NY 10017 646/277-1200 services. The 120-person firm em- www.icrinc.com ploys a powerful blend of market- ing solutions including strategic Established in 1998, ICR partners planning, social and digital media, with companies to execute strategic talent and influencer engagement, communications and advisory pro- media relations, experiential, mul- grams that achieve business goals, ticultural, and content creation build awareness and credibility, and distribution for all platforms and enhance long-term enterprise and channels to earn consumer value. The firm’s highly-differen- attention on behalf of some of the tiated service model, which pairs world’s best known and most be- capital markets veterans with se- loved brands. nior communications professionals, Founded in 1989 with a special- brings deep sector knowledge and ization in food and nutrition, Hunt- relationships to more than 650 cli- er has grown into one of the most ents in approximately 20 industries. respected and awarded mid-size ICR’s healthcare practice operates marketing communications firms under the Westwicke brand (www. in the country, proudly serving westwicke.com). Today, ICR is one a broad range of esteemed com- of the largest and most experienced panies and brands across Food + independent communications and Jamie Sigler O’Grady and Sarah Evans, Partners at J Public Relations. Beverage, Wine + Spirits, Home + advisory firms in North America, Lifestyle, Health + Beauty, Retail maintaining offices in New York, + Ecommerce, Travel + Restau- Norwalk, Boston, Baltimore, San Lazard Freres & Co. LLC, La clear sense of the kinds of stories rants, Education, Fashion, and Francisco, San Diego and Beijing. Quinta Holdings, Inc., Legg Mason that make news, and tested knowl- Toys + Games. ICR also advises on capital markets & Co. LLC, Limoneira, lululemon edge of when and how to engage Our motto is “we earn it,” and transactions through ICR Capital, athletica, Mobileye, Michaels, Mi- the media. at Hunter we focus on doing so in LLC. Learn more at www.icrinc. chael Kors, New Relic, Nomad Our unwavering client focus sets three key areas: earning consumer com. Follow us on Twitter at @ Foods, Nutrisystem, Ocwen Finan- us apart. Our approach and success attention, earning client relation- ICRPR. cial Corp., Paramount Group Inc., earns accolades from our clients ships and earning staff dedication. Clients: B&G Foods, Black Planet Fitness Inc., Red Hat Inc., and peers, including winning The Our creative approach and cli- Bear Diner, Boot Barn, CV Sci- Shake Shack, Starwood Property National Law Journal’s “Best PR ent service-orientation has led to ences, Chunghwa Telecom Co. Trust, Texas Roadhouse, Tilray, Firm” award seven years running. some of the most enduring client Ltd., Cobalt Int’l Energy, Darden VF Corp., Williams-Sonoma, Inc., But the most flattering honor we relationships in the business in- Restaurants, GNC Holdings, Fleet- Workiva. receive is the vote of confidence cluding TABASCO® Pepper Sauce Cor Technologies, Inc., Fossil, from our clients who retain us year (30 years), 3M (22 years), Diageo Inc., Freshpet, Genuine Parts Co., INFINITE after year, including many that (15 years), Church & Dwight (13 Gildan Activewear, Greenlane, GLOBAL have worked with us for a decade years), and Johnson & Johnson Harman, Herbalife Ltd., Host- or more. Consumer Inc. (12 years). ess, HubSpot, lAC, Jarden Corp., 205 E. 42nd St., 14th Floor J PUBLIC New York, NY 10017 212/838-0220 RELATIONS www.infiniteglobal.com Linkedin.com/company/ 530 7th Ave., #502 infiniteglobal New York, NY 10018 Twitter.com/igc_us 212/924-3600 [email protected] Additional offices: San Francisco, www.jpublicrelations.com Chicago, Philadelphia, London https://www.instagram.com/ jpublicrelations/ Jamie Diaferia, Founder & CEO Zach Olsen, President Jamie Sigler O’Grady and Sarah Evans, Partners Infinite Global is an award-win- ning communications firm pro- J Public Relations (JPR) is an viding PR, Branding and Content international luxury PR, influenc- services. Led by seasoned media er management and social media professionals and top creative agency specializing in hospitality, directors, we help professional travel and luxury lifestyle brands. services firms and other complex With 80 team members across four businesses demonstrate their ex- offices in New York City, London, pertise to sophisticated audiences. Los Angeles and San Diego, plus Our roots are in the legal sec- a presence in Denver and Arizona, tor, where our unrivaled depth of JPR is a trusted leader in media knowledge allows us to provide relations and brand strategy, trend counsel to the world’s largest, most forecasting, brand partnerships, in- On the occasion of the firm’s 30th anniversary, to better reflect its diverse profitable and most specialized law fluencer relations, and social media roster of marketing communications services for earning consumer at- firms. Other professional services strategy. Always evolving, JPR is tention, the leading consumer agency known since 2000 as Hunter Public firms look to us for a nuanced un- an innovator in all things travel and Relations updated its brandmark and simplified its name to Hunter. derstanding of their businesses, a was the first travel PR agency to

72 MAY 2019 | WWW.ODWYERPR.COM | ADVERTISING SECTION Profiles of Ranked PR Firms launch a podcast in 2018, Priority Atwell, Kim Fox, Partners Latin America and regionwide ca- realities of this dynamic landscape. Status. Jarrard Phillips Cate & Hancock, pabilities, our teams of local mar- The agency is recognized for its Established in 2005, JPR has Inc. is a top-10 strategic communi- ket experts provide unique insights ability to deliver results quickly. As consistently risen to become the cations consulting firm devoted to and generate results in alignment partners with our clients, we drive world’s fastest growing agency in helping the nation’s health systems with global strategies and interna- meaningful relationships, stimulate the travel and hospitality spaces. and health services companies nav- tional standards of excellence. intellectual curiosity, combine data JPR’s global roster includes more igate confidently through change, and intuition to go deeper and see than 150+ hotels in the U.S., U.K. challenge and opportunity. With JPA HEALTH beyond the obvious and creatively and throughout Europe, Mexi- offices in Nashville and Chicago, solve complex problems. co, Caribbean, Dubai, New Zea- Jarrard Inc. has guided leaders at COMMUNICATIONS JPA is a woman-owned agency land, Asia and more. The agency more than 400 healthcare organi- with offices in Washington, DC, represents destinations such as zations across the country through 1101 Connecticut Ave NW Boston and London, and is a mem- North Carolina and Utah as well high-stakes moments, including Suite 600 ber of IPRN, the world’s leading as brands including Marriott, Re- leading communications and po- Washington, DC 20036 202/591-4000 independent public relations agen- lais & Châteaux, Jumeirah Hotels litical strategy for more than $60 [email protected] cy network. & Resorts, Vail Resorts Hospital- billion in announced M&A. Our www.jpa.com ity, Vail Mountains and multiple team of former journalists, po- @JPAHealthComm KARBO Ritz-Carlton Hotels & Resorts. litical operatives and healthcare www.facebook.com/JPAHealth JPR is listed on the Observer’s executives works alongside every COMMUNICATIONS annual “PR Power 50” as one of client to build a custom strategy Carrie Jones, Principal the country’s most powerful PR that delivers measurable results in Michael O’Brien, Stephen 601 Fourth St., #204 firms and Crain’s “Best Places the areas of M&A, issues and crisis Piotrowski and Diane Wass, San Francisco, CA 94107 Managing Directors to Work in New York City.” The management, strategic positioning 415/255-6510 agency also garnered “Top Places opportunities and systemic change JPA Health is an award-winning [email protected] www.karbocom.com to Work” by PR News and “Agen- management. For more informa- public relations, marketing and tion, visit jarrardinc.com. cy of the Year” by Bulldog Report- advocacy firm known for sharing Julie Karbo, Founder & CEO er in addition to multiple trade and our clients’ commitment to mak- consumer awards for company JEFFREYGROUP ing people healthier. With deep ex- Are you looking for a respected culture and brand success. JPR’s pertise in these core services, JPA and inventive PR and digital mar- client campaigns have won mul- 201 South Biscayne Blvd. offers a truly integrated model that keting agency with a track record tiple HSMAI Adrian Awards and Suite 1400 delivers sustained business results. of delivering revenues, industry named a finalist in The Shorty Miami, FL 33131 The agency works across the health leading stature, partners and fund- Awards. 305/860-1000 sector, including biopharma, med- ing? Karbo Com’s services com- Sampling of clients: Adare Man- www.jeffreygroup.com tech, and non-profit organizations. bine successful and inventive PR or, Adventures by Disney (project JPA has built a proprietary tool, programs with the newest digital work), Aulani, a Disney Spa & Additional locations: New York, Gretel™, which segments audienc- marketing services. Startups to Resort (project work), Hotel Cha- Mexico City, São Paulo, Brasília, Rio de Janeiro, Buenos Aires es and provides unparalleled in- Fortune 500 enterprises trust Kar- teau du Grand-Lucé, Chewton sights for reaching and engaging in- bo Communications for our indus- Glen, Cliveden House, Discov- Jeffrey Sharlach, Founder and fluencers in health and healthcare. try knowledge, strategic thinking, er Baja California, Dream Hotel Chairman JPA’s exclusive focus on health creativity and the tech industry’s Hollywood, Four Seasons Resort Brian Burlingame, CEO means that clients can count on a entrepreneurial spirit to create and Lana’i, Grand Hotel Tremezzo, Sarah Garrido, Managing Director, team with the experience and per- amplify market leadership and Great Wolf Lodge, Helena Bay, Miami spective to provide sound, strategic out-perform competitors. Hotel del Coronado, Iconic Luxury Mauricio Gutiérrez, Managing health, medical and science com- Hotels, InterContinental Los An- Director, Mexico munications counsel, rooted in the _ Continued on page 74 geles Downtown, InterContinental, Rodrigo Pinotti, Managing Washington DC — The Wharf, Director, Brazil Diego Campal, Managing Director, L’Auberge de Sedona, Perry Lane Argentina Hotel, Rancho La Puerta, Rancho Valencia Resort & Spa, The Palms Latin America is Our Business, and The Shore Club, The Resort at Our Only Business. As the only Pedregal. agency dedicated exclusively to working with multinational clients JARRARD and brands in this part of the world, JeffreyGroup has been an industry PHILLIPS CATE & leader in the fast-growing mar- kets of Latin America since 1993. HANCOCK, INC. Our specialization and expertise have attracted some of the world’s The Horse Barn at Maryland Farms largest companies and best-known 219 Ward Circle brands. We’re proud that our Brentwood, TN 37027 current retainer clients include 615/254-0575 Airbus, Amazon, American Air- lines, Bayer, BlackRock, Citibank, 150 N Wacker Dr., Suite 2925 Facebook, GE, HBO, Mastercard, Chicago, IL 60606 312/419-0575 Marriott, PepsiCo, Salesforce and Samsung, among others. Jef- [email protected] freyGroup has continually evolved www.jarrardinc.com to provide a full range of market- ing, corporate communication and David Jarrard, Kevin Phillips, public affairs services. With owned Molly Cate, Anne Hancock offices in the largest markets of JeffreyGroup has more than 200 staff across the region. Toomey, Magi Curtis, Jana

ADVERTISING SECTION | WWW.ODWYERPR.COM | MAY 2019 73 w Profiles of Ranked PR Firms

KARBO COMMUNICATIONS _ Continued from page 73

Karbo Com offers an extensive array of innovative services, in- cluding branding, corporate and product PR, social media, creative services, digital marketing cam- paigns plus content creation. Unlike most other agencies, Kar- bo Com ensures client teams are al- ways led by senior people on a day- to-day basis. You won’t get bench players. A varied and multi-talented team synthesizes the worlds of PR, journalism and digital marketing— with a Silicon Valley ethos. Our teams have ushered in technologies such as the cloud, SaaS, AI, the Internet of Things, data analytics, mobile, security, networking, aug- mented reality and wearables. We’ve worked extensively with From left: Konnect CEO Sabina Gault, Managing Director Carmen Hernandez, CCO Monica Guzman Escobar and both B2B and consumer tech com- Executive VP Amanda Bialek. panies ranging from small startups to global, billion dollar brands, in- content to produce hyper-targeted brands. The team of almost 40 pro- cy dedicated to helping improve cluding: Apple, Cisco, Digg, eBay, campaign plans that shape public fessionals provides public relations, and save lives. We were founded on Equinix, Fog World Congress, Go- opinion, impact public policy, and social media, influencer, content the belief that communication is a Daddy, Intel, the IoT World Con- enhance business outcomes. Our and marketing services focused on powerful health intervention. Our ference, The National Geographic, relentless focus on measurement garnering measurable results that team are alumni of global commu- NerdWallet, and Oracle. means that our work maximizes positively impact brand growth. nications firms, non-profit organi- Current Clients: TIBCO, TDK, results and achieves tangible goals Konnect Agency represents both zations, foundations and biophar- Logitech, 8th Wall, Pigeon, Project for our clients. national and international com- maceutical companies, united by a Text, The Tylt, OnScale, Megaport, Kivvit’s culture is marked by an panies via offices in Los Angeles, passion for making a real difference Penguin Computing, RTI (Re- entrepreneurial spirit as well as an New York, Denver and Austin, Tex- in health. We approach our work al-Time Innovations), Harmony insatiable curiosity to master our as. Clients include Fatburger, Lyft, with compassion, enthusiasm and Helper, iamond Pro client sectors and constantly find KRAVE Jerky, Sky Zone, Mrs. optimism. But our greatest strength innovative solutions. We start from Fields and ONE Brands, to name a isn’t just our ability to connect the KIVVIT scratch every time we develop a few. Using an integrated-approach dots. It’s in creating programs that campaign plan. No campaign is ex- and with a desire to add incremen- achieve real change, leveraging actly the same; each is tailored to tal value, Konnect is a true partner our skills, expertise and passion to 222 W. Merchandise Mart Plaza, that promotes client-agency trans- break down barriers. We develop Suite 2400 our clients’ needs. That’s what sets Chicago, IL 60654 Kivvit apart. parency, the use of technology to and deliver tailored programs to 312/664-0153 Our client roster includes: Airb- better client relationships, and a meet each clients’ goals and objec- [email protected] nb, Allstate, Anheuser-Busch, Aon, thoughtful approach to media and tives. We love what we do, we live www.kivvit.com BAE Systems, BlueCross BlueSh- influencer relations. what we do, and we truly believe in ield, Citadel LLC, Delta Airlines, what we do. Additional Offices: New York, NY KYNE Exelon, Ford, General Dynamics, Key Clients: Alnylam, AstraZen- / Washington, D.C. / Miami, FL / eca, The Carter Center, Parkinson’s Asbury Park, NJ Google, Lyft, PSEG, Tesla, United 252 W. 37st Street, Suite 500E States Olympic Committee, Uni- Foundation, World Federation of New York, NY 10018 Hemophilia Eric Sedler, Managing Partner versity of Chicago 212/594-5500 Maggie Moran, Managing Partner [email protected] LANDIS KONNECT AGENCY www.KYNE.com Kivvit is a nationally recognized www.twitter.com/KYNE_INC COMMUNICATIONS strategic communications and http://www.linkedin/company/KYNE 888 S. Figueroa St., Ste #1000 www.facebook.com/KYNEGlobal INC. public affairs firm with offices in Los Angeles, CA 90017 www.instagram.com/KYNEGlobal Chicago, New York, New Jersey, 213/988-8344 Miami, Boston, and Washington, [email protected] David Kyne, Founder & CEO 1388 Sutter St., #901 D.C.. Kivvit prides itself on being www.konnectagency.com Maureen Byrne, Wendy Woods- San Francisco, CA 94109 Additional office locations: NYC, Williams, Executive VPs 415/561-0888 a strategic advisor to organizations Fax: 415/561-0778 with big ideas and complex chal- Denver, Austin Joanne Wunder, Managing Director [email protected] lenges. Sabina Gault, CEO Michael Grela, Michele www.landispr.com Kivvit is defining the agency of Monica Guzman, CCO Kleinmann, Amanda Mulally, the future. We don’t have silos. We Amanda Bialek, EVP Darcy Sawatzki, Traci Tournoux, David Landis, CEO integrate our full suite of data-driv- Carmen Hernandez, Mng. Director Senior VPs Sean Dowdall, GM en advertising and strategic com- Konnect Agency (www.kon- Julie O’Donnell, Global Head of Brianne Miller, Business Digital Development Manager munications capabilities across nectagency.com) is a strategic David Cumpston, Senior Director teams. Our holistic approach com- business partner for food & bever- KYNE is an award-winning spe- bines analytics, technology, and age, lifestyle, family, and franchise cialty health communications agen- Named America’s #1 PR Agen-

74 MAY 2019 | WWW.ODWYERPR.COM | ADVERTISING SECTION Profiles of Ranked PR Firms cy (Small Firm) (Ragan’s) and #1 Healthcare PR Agency in America (Ragan’s) and called “the Bay Ar- ea’s consumer/B2B PR and mar- keting communications experts,” San Francisco-based Landis Com- munications Inc. (LCI) is celebrat- ing nearly 30 years in business. LCI also is a Bulldog Award win- ner for social media and media re- lations and has been named the #1 Social Media Agency in the U.S. by TopPRAgencies.com. LCI is a full-service public rela- tions, digital/social media and mar- keting communications agency that specializes in healthcare, real es- tate, environmental, consumer, con- sumer technology, B2B, corporate and institutional public relations campaigns that help support each business’ identified goals. Through its Promised Results© return-on-in- vestment program, LCI provides tangible metrics for your PR dol- lars. Clients include: Velodyne Lidar, Sutter Health, Lucile Pack- ard Children’s Hospital Stanford, The LCI Team Celebrates. UCSF, Global Alzheimer’s Plat- form, Walmart, Match.com, Cali- fornia Bank & Trust, Brain Health LAUNCHSQUAD 222 3rd St., #3100 change-the-world companies. Registry, Carrington College, Save Cambridge, MA 02142 LaunchSquad takes a custom- 617/945-1915 ized, holistic approach to story- the Redwoods League, Peninsula 340 Pine St., #100 Mike Farber, Boston Lead Open Space Trust, MetLife, Whole San Francisco, CA 94104 telling. Over the past 19 years, Foods Market and more. LCI is a 415/625-8555 they have built long-lasting, 20 W. Kinzie St., #9052 powerhouse brands. Much like proud member of the National Gay [email protected] Chicago, IL 60654 & Lesbian Chamber of Commerce, www.launchsquad.com 415/819-9382 the disruptors they represent, is an official Corporate Diversity Daniel Paul, SVP they like to do things differently. Jason Mandell, Co-founder Supplier and is certified as a Small LaunchSquad’s expertise spans Jesse Odell, Co-founder LaunchSquad is an award-win- both consumer-facing and B2B Business Enterprise by the City of Lisa Picasso, Consumer Practice San Francisco. LCI is the San Fran- ning public relations and creative clients in a variety of industries Lead including consumer technology, cisco member agency of the Public Meghan Cavanaugh, SVP Talent communications agency with of- Relations Global Network, with 50 fices in San Francisco, New York, enterprise technology, fashion, re- tail, entertainment, media, e-com- affiliate agencies worldwide. Call 121 E. 24th St., 3rd Floor Boston and Chicago. They are a us at: 415/561-0888, email us at: New York, NY 10010 group of dynamic storytellers who merce, education, gaming, finance, [email protected] or visit LCI on- 212/564-3665 build meaningful brands by cre- energy and more. line at: www.landispr.com. Gavin Skillman, NYC Lead ating and spreading the stories of LAVOIEHEALTH- SCIENCE

One Thompson Square, #503 Boston, MA 02129 617/374-8800 [email protected]

Donna L. LaVoie, President & CEO Douglas Russell, Sr. VP & General Manager. Sharon Correia, SVP, Integrated Communications Sharon Choe, Sr. VP, IR & BD Paul Sagan, AVP, IR & Corporate Communications Lisa DeScenza, AVP, Integrated Communications Ella Deych, VP, Finance & Operations LaVoieHealthScience is a health science focused, award winning integrated communications agen- cy providing IR and PR bringing

The KYNE team. _ Continued on page 76

ADVERTISING SECTION | WWW.ODWYERPR.COM | MAY 2019 75 Profiles of Ranked PR Firms

LAVOIEHEALTHSCIENCE _ Continued from page 75

18 years of industry-tested coun- sel to more than 375 clients. Our specialized expertise in biotech- nology and pharmaceuticals, med- ical technology and devices, and digital and public health uniquely positions us to help clients make their health and science innova- tions known, understandable, and approachable to target stakehold- ers through carefully executed strategies and plans. The agency has received over 50 awards in recognition of the work it has done for emerging LaVoie executive team members (left to right) Lisa DeScenza, AVP, Integrated Communications; Douglas Rus- and ­established industry leaders sell, SVP & General Manager; Donna LaVoie, President & CEO; Paul Sagan, AVP, Investor Relations & Corporate helping our clients from develop- Communications; Ella Deych, VP, Finance & Operations; and Sharon Correia, SVP, Integrated Communications. ment to launch to commercializa- tion. We help advance health and healthcare professionals, patients, ness-as-usual. LHG continues to Award-winning PR. Killer Con- science innovations by providing third-party organizations, the fi- grow with an emphasis on digital, tent. Insights-rich digital. All tied specialized thinking to clients nancial community, the media, and social, design, advertising and together to tell your story of inno- throughout the company and prod- business partners. Our commit- branding in an ever-evolving me- vation across all key platforms. uct life cycle building innovation ment to clients is to forge trusting dia landscape. With quality and and value for human kind. We connections that build brand eq- trust as guiding principles, LHG offer direct connections to me- uity, increase goodwill and grow has developed a proven yet agile MWWPR dia, investors, partners, advocacy shareholder value. and strategic approach earning it groups, and KOLs. We are focused Yet even companies with great recognition as one of the nation’s 304 Park Ave. South, 8th Floor on building trust and long-term New York, NY 10010 reputations sometimes find them- most award-winning marketing relationships based on the quality 212/704-9727 selves facing challenging situa- and communications firms. of the work that we deliver. Many [email protected] tions that can harm their brand and of our client relationships go back www.mww.com we stand with you to manage and over a decade. overcome crisis situations. MARCH Select Clients: AC Immune SA, Michael Kempner, Founder & COMMUNICATIONS CEO Bioharmony Therapeutics, Bio- Bret Werner, President technology Innovation Organiza- LOU HAMMOND Will Starace, CFO 226 Causeway St., 4th Floor tion, Carmell Therapeutics, Ge- Gina Cherwin, Chief People Boston, MA 02114 nosco, Landos Biopharma, LEO GROUP Officer 617/960-9875 Parker Ray, Chief Digital Strategist Science & Tech Hub, Life Sciences [email protected] Corridor, NewLink Genetics, Ne- 900 Third Avenue Carl Sorvino, Exec. Creative Dir. New York, NY 10022 www.marchcomms.com wron Pharmaceuticals SpA, Orige- Carreen Winters, Chief Strategy 212/308-8880 Officer nis GmbH, Pathmaker Neurosys- Martin Jones, CEO [email protected] Dawn Lauer, Tara Naughton, Cheryl Gale, President tems, Scioto Biosciences, SIRION www.louhammond.com Karen Clyne, Ryan Mucatel, Joe Biotech GmbH, Symbiotix Bio- March Communications is a Bos- Flores and Michelle Rios, Exec. therapies, Inc., Torreya Partners, Lou Rena Hammond, Founder VPs Triumvera Immunologics, Xontog- Stephen Hammond, CEO ton PR agency — with an office in eny LLC Chicago — that partners with in- 32 years young, MWWPR is an Lou Hammond Group (LHG) is novative B2B and consumer tech- independent full-service agency an award-winning firm specializ- nology companies to bring their LAZAR with nine offices across the US ing in the key industries of travel, stories to life. Our insights-first and the UK. MWWPR is a “peo- PARTNERS economic development, destina- approach fuels integrated PR pro- ple-first” agency, committed to tions, culinary/spirits, real estate, grams that influence key targets investing in best-in-class recruit- lifestyle, and technology. With and drive business value. Compa- ment, employee development and 420 Lexington Ave. offices in New York, Charleston, New York, NY 10170 nies searching for a top consumer retention, and overall agency mo- 212/867-1762 Houston, Miami and Los Angeles, tech PR agency or a firm with deep rale. MWWPR continues to devel- [email protected] the agency has 40 employees of- expertise in AI, security, health- op its proprietary research of the www.lazarpartners.com fering brand development, public care, martech or fintech should CorpSumerTM, a growing segment relations, digital strategy, social place March Communications at of the population (nearly 100 mil- At Lazar Partners, we don’t just media management and analysis, the top of their agency shortlist. deliver your message - we catalyze lion Americans — more than Mil- creative programming, and mar- Recent clients include Drift, Affec- lennials and Moms!) that exists at the connections that drive business keting strategy. tiva, Zix, Sophos, Notarize, Noo- results and enhance your reputa- the intersection of Consumer Mar- For over three decades, LHG dle.ai and many more. keting, Corporate Reputation and tion. Our clients count on us to has been an industry leader pro- It doesn’t matter if you’re a con- deliver proactive strategic recom- Public Affairs. MWWPR is driven viding superior, results-driven ser- sumer tech startup or an established by the philosophy that the Corp- mendations as well as flawless exe- vices to clients around the globe. security, robotics, AI or healthcare cution. For the last 18 years, private Sumer is the evolution of public Founded by industry trailblazer company, all programs with March relations in that these components and public companies have benefit- Lou Hammond, the agency takes Communications are rooted in sol- ed from our proven approaches to pride in remaining fiercely inde- id strategy and a commitment to _ Continued on page 78 strengthening relationships with pendent and departing from busi- achieve measurable outcomes.

76 MAY 2019 | WWW.ODWYERPR.COM | ADVERTISING SECTION

Profiles of Ranked PR Firms

MWWPR social media, influencer communi- Nikki Festa O’Brien, Senior Vice ed level of passion, creativity and cations and employee engagement. President marketing savvy to the financial _ Continued from page 76 Megan Kessler, Senior Vice and business-to-business sectors. President Our “Unboxed Communications” can no longer operate in silos, as PADILLA approach brings breakthrough CorpSumers increasingly value PAN Communications is a da- ideas and unmatched results to ev- corporate reputation to determine 1101 West River Parkway ta-driven integrated marketing & ery client engagement. Suite 400 (Headquarters) PR agency servicing B2B technol- consumer behaviors such as the Minneapolis, MN 55415 • We are a rare hybrid; a corpo- companies they purchase from, ogy and healthcare brands. With rate communications firm with a 612/455-1700 offices in Boston, San Francisco, invest in, do business with, and PadillaCo.com fully integrated, top-ranked deal work for. In 2018, MWWPR was New York and Orlando, we move shop and a comprehensive investor named as the Best PR Agency by Lynn Casey, Chair ideas by creating compelling sto- relations practice inside. NJBIZ where the firm was found- Matt Kucharski, President ries, driving intent and influencing • Through our gateway office ed, as well as the Top Independent markets across all forms of media. in London and network of partner Padilla is an independently op- Consultancy by the Internation- We currently work with several agencies, we can deliver for clients erated, globally resourced public al Communications Consultancy leading and emerging brands na- in major business and financial relations and communication com- Organization (ICCO) for the third tionally and globally including centers around the world. pany with offices across the United consecutive year. SAP, Radial, MediaMath, Cogito, • We are an “Army of Entrepre- States. The agency builds, grows Sift Science, Maestro Health and neurs™.” Our creative, entrepre- and protects brands and reputations App Annie, to name a few. neurial culture attracts and retains O’MALLEY worldwide by creating purposeful With a staff of 140+ profession- the most talented professionals. connections with the people who als, PAN offers the agility and Employees develop an “owner’s HANSEN matter most through public rela- personalized service of a mid-size mindset,” delighting clients with tions, advertising, digital and social COMMUNICATIONS agency while leveraging national top-quality service, fresh ideas and marketing, investor relations and and international relationships to flawless execution. brand strategy. Padilla includes the 180 N. Wacker Dr., Ste. 400, manage large scale communica- • In the past year, we made a brand consultancy of Joe Smith, Chicago, IL 60606 tions programs. An award-win- number of key investments in the 312/377-0630 the food and nutrition experts at ning firm experiencing impressive firm. In 2018, we opened a Bos- FoodMinds, and the research au- growth, we strive to help today’s ton, MA office (with 12 full time 6677 Delmar Blvd., Ste. 200, St. thorities at SMS Research Advi- modern marketers by integrating employees), we launched a sister/ Louis, MO 63130 sors. Clients include 3M, Barnes a combination of services to better conflict agency called Profile Ad- 314/721-8121 & Noble College, Blue Cross and engage with your audiences and visors, we renovated a second floor Blue Shield of Minnesota, Cargill 349 5th Ave., Ste. 719 move markets. in our New York office, and we Animal Nutrition, Hass Avocado New York, NY 10016 Connected Content — Creative made a historic number of key se- Board, Mayo Clinic, Prosciutto di 646/561-8508 Storytelling — Results that Matter! nior hires across the firm. Parma, Rockwell Automation, Sa- 2030 Main St., Ste. 1300 nofi Pasteur, U.S. Highbush Blue- Irvine, CA 92614 berry Council, the Virginia Lottery, PROSEK RACEPOINT 949/260-4905 Virginia Wine and Welch’s. Padilla PARTNERS is an AVENIR GLOBAL company GLOBAL [email protected] and is a founding member of the 105 Madison Ave., 7th flr. www.omalleyhansen.com 2 Center Plaza, #210 https://www.facebook.com/ Worldcom Public Relations Group, New York, NY 10016 212/279-3115 Boston, MA 02108 omalleyhansen a partnership of 132 independently 617/624-3200 https://www.linkedin.com/ owned partner offices in 115 cities Fax: 212/279-3117 [email protected] Fax: 617/624-4199 company/o’malley-hansen- on six continents. Connect with www.racepointglobal.com communications/ purpose at PadillaCo.com. www.prosek.com https://www.instagram.com/ Jennifer Prosek, Mark Kollar, Larry Weber, Chairman & CEO omalleyhansen/ Peter Shanley, Co-COO & CFO https://twitter.com/OmalleyHansen PAN Russell Sherman, Andy Merrill, Mickey Mandelbaum, Karen Karen Bouchard, Co-COO & CHRO Kelly O’Malley, Principal, kelly. COMMUNICATIONS Niovitch Davis, Caroline Gibson, Partners RJ Bardsley, Chief Strategist, [email protected] Global Technology Practice & Todd Hansen, Principal, todd. 255 State St., 8th Floor Exec. VP [email protected] Boston, MA 02109 Key senior hires in the past year: Anne Potts, Mng. Dir. & Exec. VP 617/502-4300 David Wells, Partner Dan Carter, Mng. Dir. & Exec. VP O’Malley Hansen Communica- [email protected] Neil Goklani, Managing Director Andrew Laxton, Mng. Dir. & Exec. tions infuses the high quality of big www.pancommunications.com and Head of Marketing VP firm work with the focused client Dan Hunter, Mike Geller, Karen Ginger Ludwig, VP, Global Mktg. service and cutting-edge strategy Boston | San Francisco | New York LeCannu, Managing Directors & Bus Dev. that only a nimble, independently | Orlando Nadia Damouni, Philippa Ushio, Jorge Rodriguez, Mgr., Global Trevor Gibbons, Senior Vice Mktg. & Bus. Dev. owned strategic communications Philip A. Nardone, President & Presidents agency can offer. We create dy- CEO Mike Maiello, Senior Vice namic programs that drive positive Mark Nardone, Executive Vice President, Head of Content A global communications agen- conversations to ensure our clients President Marketing cy specializing in technology and are heard clearly and consistently. Elizabeth Famiglietti, EVP, Samantha Norquist, Vice healthcare. Our approach breaks through a Human Resources President Founded in 2003, Racepoint is a noisy market with an understand- Darlene Doyle, EVP, Client global communications company ing that brand equity and reputa- Relations Prosek Partners is among the with technology thinking woven tion are built by endorsement from Gary Torpey, EVP, Finance largest independent public relations into its DNA. The agency unique- Lisa Astor, Senior Vice President firms in the U.S., and one of the ly understands how the use and a range of influencers who receive & Managing Director, North information from a variety of America few domestic, mid-size firms that “humanization” of technology im- sources. We focus on five core ex- Gene Carozza, Senior Vice offers global capabilities through pacts how audiences perceive and pertise areas: consumer marketing, President its London office and international experience brands today. Whether corporate reputation management, Dan Martin, Senior Vice President network. We deliver an unexpect- an emerging company or enterprise

78 MAY 2019 | WWW.ODWYERPR.COM | ADVERTISING SECTION Profiles of Ranked PR Firms brand, clients in the technology, including media strategy and pub- al reach across more than 100 cit- grated and creative PR, social me- healthcare, consumer, profession- lic relations, government relations, ies in 50 countries through its part- dia and internal/external communi- al services and public affairs sec- reputation management, crisis nership in PROI Worldwide, the cations programs tors partner with Racepoint for its communications and digital media. largest global network of indepen- • Proactively communicating strategic, earned-first approach The firm works with a wide array dent communications agencies. with clients to engaging constituents in a way of clients that includes Fortune 100 • Aggressively securing results, that is both authentic to the brand companies, trade associations, coa- evaluating against pre-determined and meaningful to the audience. litions, nonprofits, think tanks and ROSICA strategic objectives At a time when customer experi- foreign governments. COMMUNICATIONS • Repurposing and leveraging ence expectations have never been As an independent firm, Rasky content and PR coverage to aug- higher, Racepoint creates tech- Partners has the flexibility and re- 2-14 Fair Lawn Ave. ment SEO, sales activities, online nology-driven communications sources to address complex com- Fair Lawn, NJ 07410 reputation, tradeshow marketing, strategies that help earn attention munications challenges with a 201/843-5600 analyst relations, and direct mar- and move brands and businesses commitment to serve our clients’ [email protected] keting. forward. interests first. We are dedicated www.rosica.com Clients include: Alzheimer’s Racepoint Global is an indepen- to providing consistent, strategic www.causemarketingbook.com New Jersey, BeneCard, BioRefer- dent communications agency spe- hands-on engagement at all levels, ence Laboratories, Boys & Girls Chris Rosica, President cializing in technology, healthcare as each client team — including Clubs in New Jersey, Bridor, and innovation. Whether an enter- the senior professionals — is high- Rosica Communications is an Dynarex, Exergen, Jewish Voca- prise brand or emerging category ly engaged, from the beginning to integrated PR and online market- tional Service, National Vision disruptor, companies partner with the end of each client engagement. ing company that promotes and Administrators, Newark Public Racepoint for its strategic, earned- protects companies, brands and Library, Celsius, NJ Sharing Net- first approach to building brands RBB people. Founded in 1980, the firm work, T & M Associates, and TriS- and reputation. The agency helps serves a diverse healthcare, B2B, tar Products. clients define their authentic brand COMMUNICATIONS nonprofit, consumer products, Please visit www.rosica.com for story and builds channel agnostic food and beverage and corporate case studies and additional infor- communications strategies that 355 Alhambra Circle, Suite 800 clientele. Our PR and communi- mation. are meaningful to the audiences Miami, FL 33134 cations capabilities include posi- most important to their businesses 305/448-7450 tioning and messaging, thought THE SPI GROUP, — to own the conversations and www.rbbcommunications.com leadership, media relations, social coverage that matters. Racepoint Christine Barney, CEO & media management, influencer LLC is headquartered in Boston, Mas- Managing Partner marketing, crisis communications, sachusetts, with eight additional Lisa Ross, President content marketing, corporate com- 165 Passaic Ave., Suite 410 offices across the U.S., U.K. and rbb Communications champions munications, cause marketing, Fairfield, NJ 07004 China. More info: http://racepoint- breakout brands with integrated direct marketing, and media train- 973/244-9191 global.com/ marketing, digital and public rela- ing. Rosica’s social media services Fax: 973/244-9193 tions strategies that engages stake- www.spigroup.com include strategy, management, https://www.facebook.com/ RASKY holders. rbb’s employee-driven branding, content development thespigroup/ workplace empowers its staff to and optimization, and follower Twitter.com/spigroup PARTNERS deliver strategic insights and in- acquisition. Our online marketing Instagram.com/spigroup novative campaigns that inspire team, based in New Windsor, NY, Linkedin.com/company/the-spi- 70 Franklin Street, 3rd Floor action and deliver bottom line re- is a Google Certified Partner and group-llc Boston, MA 02110 sults. Recognized multiple times specializes in SEO, online reputa- 617/443-9933 as “Agency of the Year” and “Best tion, reviews management, online Steve Goodman, CEO www.rasky.com Agency to Work For,” rbb’s 80+ James Koppenal, Senior [email protected] advertising (PPC and social ads), Managing Director, Digital Twitter: @RaskyPartners professional and creative staff ex- website development, and Word- Communications Twitter.com/RaskyPartners cels in marketing, PR, corporate Press security. Ellen English, Senior Managing LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/ communications, branding, digital As a “thinking partner” focused Director, Communications Strategy company/rasky-partners marketing, community relations, on achieving our clients’ objec- and Editorial Facebook.com/RaskyPartners/ reputation management, influenc- tives, Rosica creates and executes Instagram: https://www.instagram. er engagement and media rela- thought leadership programs with What is SPI? SPI stands for com/raskypartners/ tions. rbb brings the right tool to clearly defined KPIs/metrics. We “Strategy, Planning and Implemen- every situation following its PESO craft compelling, authentic stories tation” — the core focus areas of 555 11th Street, NW, Suite 401 successful communications. At Washington, DC 20004 model, meaning it explores paid, and messaging then effectively dis- 202/530-7700 earned, shared and owned strate- seminate our client-partners’ good SPI, we think of ourselves as com- gies for each challenge. Specialty news while supporting their sales munication problem solvers; we Larry Rasky, Chairman & CEO practices include consumer, travel, and communications goals. are a one-stop shop for your com- Ron Walker, Chief Operating health, entertainment, education, In 2017, Rosica formed a joint munication needs. We’ll help you Officer professional services, luxury, real venture with New York City-based plan a strategy, tell a great story, George Cronin, Managing Director estate and B2B. Breakout Brand Feintuch Communications, which make it look fabulous and deliv- Justine Griffin, Managing Director clients include: Bank of Ameri- specializes in Tech PR, analyst re- er that message through the best ca, Brown & Brown Insurance, channel — traditional, digital or Rasky Partners is a nationally lations and investor relations. Cleveland Clinic Florida, Cross both. Our services include Corpo- recognized public and government Our process includes: Country Home Services, DHL Ex- rate Reputation and Branding, Em- relations firm with more than a • Strategically identifying our press, Dreams and Secrets Resorts ployee Communications, Digital decade of experience providing clients’ business and marketing & Spas, Embassy Suites by Hilton, Communications, Design, Appli- exceptional client service to orga- goals/objectives FirstService Residential, Florida cation and Database Development, nizations that operate at the inter- • Identifying target audiences, Power and Light Company, The Web Development, and beyond. section of business, politics and influencers and key opinion leaders Related Group and Virgin Voyag- We’re at our best when creating media. • Honing the positioning, story es. With a presence in Miami, Fort integrated communications strate- With offices in Boston and Wash- and key messages, tailoring mes- Lauderdale, Los Angeles and New ington, D.C., Rasky Partners offers sages to each audience York, the firm also has internation- _ Continued on page 80 a comprehensive range of services • Developing measurable, inte-

ADVERTISING SECTION | WWW.ODWYERPR.COM | MAY 2019 79 Profiles of Ranked PR Firms cations across the nation. yard, Drunken Dumpling, The 21 preneur endeavors that establish it SPI GROUP Through it all, our culture is Club, Kanon Organic Vodka, YO! as a first mover in the region with _ Continued from page 79 driven by our “No Jerks” policy, Sushi, Bareburger, Hotel Indigo, support for Atlanta Tech Village, which fosters strong agency-cli- Mellow Mushroom Pizza Bakers Atlanta Tech Angels, Tech Al- ent relationships with mutual trust and scores of other brands and pharetta, Keiretsu Forum, Launch gies that combine traditional tac- and respect and leads to greater properties. Pad2X and Raise Forum. tics and new technologies. creativity, productivity and true Client work features a mix of partnership between agency and publicly traded, middle market client. TREVELINO/KELLER and emerging companies, includ- SPM Current Clients: Boys & Girls ing Belgard, Carvana, Ciox, Dis- 981 Joseph E. Lowery Blvd., #100 COMMUNICATIONS Clubs of Greater Dallas, Bruegger’s Atlanta, GA 30318 covery Point, Interface, Monkey Bagels, Cicis, Del Frisco’s Restau- 404/214-0722 Joe’s, Pritikin Longevity Center, INC. rant Group — Dallas, Gold’s Gym, [email protected] Sakrete, Sita, SOC Telemed and Haggar Clothing Co., Kirkland’s, [email protected] Stretch Zone. 2030 Main St., 3rd Fl. Leslie’s Pool Supplies, Luna Grill www.trevelinokeller.com Dallas, TX 75201 — Texas, Nothing Bundt Cakes, www.groovy-studios.com 214/379-7000 RW Garcia, Smoothie King, Spen- W2O GROUP 24-hour media line: 817/329-3257 Dean Trevelino, Founder and www.spmcommunications.com ce Diamonds and Travis Freder- ick’s Blocking Out Hunger Principal, 404/214-0722 X106 50 Francisco St. Genna Keller, Founder and San Francisco, CA 94133 For 20 years, SPM has worked Principal, 404/214-0722 X105 415/362-5018 with packaged food, restaurant, STUNTMAN www.w2ogroup.com retail, apparel and lifestyle clients, Outcome-Driven. Beyond ser- telling their stories in a rapidly PUBLIC RELATIONS vices, industry practices and even Jim Weiss, Founder & CEO changing media landscape. We’ve results, come to us if you have a Jennifer Gottlieb, President worked with emerging brands to 285 West Broadway, Suite 280 specific outcome you’re trying to Richard Neave, Chief Financial help take them national and with New York, NY 10013 achieve. We’ll use our reputa- Officer established national brands that 212/242-0002 tion marketing suite of services Deborah Hankin, Chief People have important stories to tell to [email protected] — public relations, digital/social Officer make a deeper impact. www.stuntmanpr.com Adam Cossman, Chief Digital marketing, demand generation Officer We integrate earned media re- Neil Alumkal, President and creative services — to deliv- Gary Grates, Chief lations, influencer partnerships, David Abrams, Senior Vice er. We feature four — Thought Communications Officer events, community outreach and President Leadership, Growth, Engagement social media to create campaigns Elana Levin, Associate Vice and Valuation. And yes, there W2O is a healthcare-focused mar- that target the right audiences, in- President are nuances to each of these, but keting communications firm built crease brand awareness and meet most of our clients land on one on marketing science. W2O incor- business objectives. Some of our Stuntman is a full-service, Man- of those outcomes as part of their porates Insight Integration, a stra- work highlights include: hattan-based public relations strategic objective. Have your tegic approach based on unearthing • Brought natural, gluten-free agency that is highly specialized own outcome, great. Serve it up transformative insights from data/ niche brand Van’s Simply Deli- within food & beverage and hos- and we’ll give you our honest take analytics and integrating them — cious into the mainstream with pitality-oriented media relations. on whether we can achieve it. Be- across all marcom disciplines — intensive national media and in- The core belief of the agency is yond outcomes, we connect with to arrive at a precise solution for fluencer relations outreach that that widely accepted public re- clients whose leadership aligns clients’ business needs. W2O ap- garnered multiple food awards and lations practices are completely with one or more of our entrepre- plies proprietary analytics models, ultimately, the brand’s sale to Hill- outmoded, and based around old, neurial endeavors — Disruptive methodologies and approaches in a shire Farms. legacy media. Forces, Category Pioneers, Stealth digital world to design precise com- • Created the national Haggar However, the proliferation of Leaders and Wonder Women. So munications and marketing strat- Hall of Fame Dads contest to con- interactive, on-demand content ask yourself, what’s your story? egies to deliver sustained business nect new consumers to the 92-year- over the past decade has created a As far as experience goes, we results. The firm employs nearly old legacy brand. cluttered cultural and media land- have seven practices, six ranked 800 people in 15 offices across the • Aided in the rise of industry scape that requires a return to bold nationally — technology, health, United States and in Europe. giant and sustainable foods pio- thinking. The big-idea publicity financial services, food & -bever Holmes Report’s #1 Best Large neer Chipotle through a 17-year associated with early-century fig- age, lifestyle and environment. Agency to Work For 2019; AdAge’s partnership and landed the first ures like P.T. Barnum and Edward Franchising, the agency’s seventh Best Places to Work 2019; The national story about “Food With Bernays. One-way communica- practice, is in an unranked catego- Holmes Report’s Best Large Agen- Integrity” mission to change the tion, powered by cutting-edge ry, but it has featured brands such cy to Work for 2018; MM&M’s way people eat and think about fast methodologies. as TCBY, Johnny Rockets, Corner Best Places to Work 2018; food. Our longstanding media rela- Bakery Café and Moe’s South- MM&M and Holmes Report Large • Helped iconic fitness brand tionships with bloggers, social me- west Grill. Based in Atlanta’s ur- Agency of the Year Finalist 2018; Gold’s Gym reach a new female dia influencers, magazine & news- ban westside, the firm operates PRWeek’s Best Places to Work member base through a Nation- paper editors, television producers Groovy Studios, a creative arm 2018; PRNews’ 2018 Top Place al Best Friends Day program that and talent bookers, combined with that offers graphic design, web to Work in PR; Jim Weiss was se- brings together nationally known a keen eye for creating targeted services, content development and lected for the PharmaVOICE 100; trainers, influencers and digital and and poignant messaging, allow for brand identity. Since its inception, W2O named finalist in PRWeek traditional media. us to consistently secure headline Groovy Studios has received more Awards 2019 in the Outstanding Through our robust crisis com- news. Our coverage for hospitality than 60 creative awards. Treveli- Large Agency category; Jennifer munications practice, we’ve helped clientele have frequently become no/Keller also owns and runs the Gottlieb named to PRWeek’s Hall clients manage some 3,000 crises, the most highly cited. Winepreneurs.Club, an initiative of Femme; Jim Weiss named a fi- from foodborne illnesses and data We have launched national cam- that brings together entrepreneurs nalist in the PRWeek Awards 2019 breaches to product recalls and vi- paigns for the likes of the Parmi- and small batch winemakers to in the Outstanding Agency Profes- ral videos. SPM’s media protocol giano Reggiano Consortium, Max sip, taste and connect each quarter. sional category. is currently deployed in more than Brenner Worldwide, MealPal, Le The firm’s Start-Opia platform For more information, please a thousand restaurant and retail lo- Coq Rico, Valrhona, Francois Pa- houses its technology and entre- visit www.w2ogroup.com.

80 MAY 2019 | WWW.ODWYERPR.COM | ADVERTISING SECTION Profiles of Ranked PR Firms WEISS PR, INC.

101 North Haven Street Suite 301 Baltimore, MD 21224 410/303-5019 [email protected] www.weisspr.com @WeissPR Founded in 2008, Weiss PR, Inc. helps companies and non-profit or- ganizations to reach, engage, and influence the right audiences in order to achieve their communica- tions and business objectives. Staffing accounts exclusively with senior-level executives who have a minimum of 10 years of public relations experience, Weiss PR has developed a strong reputa- tion for getting positive results for clients by using an integrated com- munications approach that includes media and influencer relations, so- cial media, marketing services, and issues management — all anchored by strategic communications plan- ning. The Zapwater team at their annual ZapU professional development and team building event in Chicago. The Weiss PR’s clients are concen- all-day get-together covers topics from sparking creative thinking to team management. trated in five industry sectors: commercial real estate (including architecture, construction, devel- Brenda Furiga, VP, People, Policy ZAPWATER to adapt, to go broad, or to focus and Profits opment, and engineering); em- in. And our global partnerships COMMUNICATIONS and experience with international ployee benefits and healthcare; Every company has at least one non-profits; professional services; INC. clients differentiates us and add a great story to tell: its own. At Word- fresh perspective to all of our mar- and technology. In addition, the Write, we believe authentic stories firm has extensive experience in 118 North Peoria, 4th Floor ket outreach. move hearts and minds and inspire Current clients include Fin- crisis communications, including action. We uncover, develop and Chicago, IL 60601 strategy development and rapid 312/943-0333 nair, Privatefly, Skydeck Chica- share your company’s capital “S” go, Greektown Chicago, Uptown response implementation for both story to reveal why someone would corporations and individuals. 1460 4th Street, Suite 306 United, West Town Chicago, Na- want to partner with you, work for Santa Monica, CA 90401 In spite of its rapid growth and tional Tourism Office of Serbia, you or do business with you. It’s 310/396-7851 The Board of Tourism of La Paz, assignments throughout the U.S. your most powerful marketing as- and internationally (including cli- Tourisme Montréal, Travel Mani- set and is the difference between a www.zapwater.com toba, Visit Finland, Casa Kimberly, ents in New Zealand, Australia, transactional service versus secur- [email protected] Canada, Israel, and Iceland, and Coco Collection, Coco Bodu Hithi, ing a long-term mutually beneficial Coco Palm Dhuni Kolhu, Fairmont work throughout Europe and the relationship with a customer or David Zapata, CEO and Founder Middle East), Weiss PR has stayed Mayra Bacik, CFO Mayakoba, Hilton Aruba Resort & other stakeholders. Jenn Lake, Senior Vice President Casino, Mount Cinnamon Grenada true to its vision to provide clients For nearly 20 years, our ap- with ideas built on strategy — not Jennifer Barry, Managing Director Resort, Ball Horticultural Compa- proach to public relations has prov- Stephanie Poquette, Vice ny, Burpee Home Gardens, Tyson egos — from a team of senior pub- en to be unlike any other firm: it’s President, Social Media and lic relations professionals who are Innovation Lab, Wave Petunias, driven by a proprietary storytelling Influencer Programming ¡Yappah!, [yellowtail] wines, Hotel committed to providing exception- process and our unique 3P process al service, great work, and measur- Zapwater Communications, Zachary, Hyatt Regency Sonoma — a plan, a pyramid to craft and Wine Country, Kimpton Hotels able results. organize key messages, and the Inc. is an award-winning public relations agency specializing in & Restaurants, Marriott Marquis industry-leading PESO model that Chicago, Pacifica Hotels, Swissô- WORDWRITE focuses on the right mix of paid, consumer, hospitality, travel and lifestyle brands. Founded in 2005, tel Chicago, The Kinney Slo, The earned, shared and owned content. Kinney Venice Beach, Angel City COMMUNICATIONS WordWrite is a member of PR Zapwater has grown into one of the premier creative communications Brewery, Crustacean Beverly Hills, LLC Boutiques International, a world- Fisk & Co., The Revel Group, Tre wide collaborative network of bou- firms in the United States. With offices in Chicago and Los Rivali, Union League Club, Veggie 611 William Penn Place, #501 tique PR firms. Grill, Woven & Bound, Aven Tow- Our clients include Carnegie Li- Angeles, Zapwater shares a cul- Pittsburgh, PA 15219 ture that fosters creativity, quali- er, CIM Group, CMK Companies, 412/246-0340, ext. 25 brary of Pittsburgh, HornetSecurity, Gallagher Way, Hickory Street Fax: 412/246-0342 Kennametal, Koppers Inc., McClin- ty, collaboration and enthusiasm. Long-standing client relationships Development, LA Closet Design, [email protected] tock & Associates, Meyer, Unkovic Merritt Woodwork, Sterling Bay, www.wordwritepr.com & Scott, New Pig, PA Health and and the determination to lead in a dynamically evolving industry dis- Advanced Clinicals, Block Thirty Wellness, Pfizer Inc., Robert Peirce Seven, Brooklyn Boulders, Hol- Paul Furiga, President & CEO & Associates, The Waterfront, tinguishes the agency’s work. Zap- Jeremy Church, Partner & VP, water’s reach can be hyper-local, lywood & Highland, Hook & Al- Director of Results VetAdvisor, Waldron Private Wealth, bert, Kiehl’s Since 1851, Oilixia YMCA of Greater Pittsburgh and regional or national — our clients Hollie Geitner, VP, Culture & may need to connect with one, two Skincare, SmileCycle, The Perfit, Brand Ambassador YWCA of Greater Pittsburgh.  or all three markets. We know how UNIQLO and Winky Lux.

ADVERTISING SECTION | WWW.ODWYERPR.COM | MAY 2019 81 OPINION Professional Development

The oxymoron of ‘legal ethics’ ity for the mistake that clearly was made, apologize profusely for wasting everyone’s By Fraser Seitel time, and volunteer to make restitution to and his lawyers ran with it. the city that took the actor seriously and f you’ve ever wondered which party is Had a PR professional been on hand, the wasted scarce taxpayer resources accord- more “ethical,” public relations profes- question wouldn’t have been, “What hap- ingly. Isionals or lawyers, the answer can be pened?” but rather, “What did you do?” The last thing a thoughtful PR advisor summarized in two words: Jussie Smollet. Public relations people must probe more would’ve counseled Smollett was to con- The obscure ac- deeply to determine if the client is telling tinue to maintain his innocence. tor, purported- the truth. If you think your client is lying, What do you say? ly “accosted” by then you risk losing your own credibility Jussie Smollett’s statement at his press MAGA hat-wear- by defending his innocence. conference after Foxx had thrown in the ing racist homo- Accordingly, a savvy PR person would’ve towel was stunning in its audacity. phobes on the had real trouble defending Smollett’s flimsy “I have been truthful and consistent on frigid streets of claim that he had been attacked. His law- every level since day one. I would not be Chicago, is back yers, of course, suffered no such pangs of my mother’s son if I was capable of one in the news. First, guilt. After a grand jury indicted Smollett drop of what I’m accused of. This has been the city of Chica- for arranging the whole thing, the actor’s an incredibly difficult time. Honestly one go sued Smollet, lawyer said, “Like any citizen, Mr. Smollett of the worst of my entire life.” seeking to re- enjoys the presumption of innocence, par- Following his lawyers’ advice to play the Fraser P. Seitel has cover more than ticularly when there has been an investiga- been a communications “victim” to the end, the actor refused to be consultant, author and $130,000 for costs tion, like this one where information, both remorseful. teacher for more than related to the in- true and untrue, has been leaked.” What should Smollett have said? Well, 30 years. He is the au- vestigation of the What’s the worst case? he could’ve taken a cue from fellow actor thor of the Prentice-Hall actor’s dubious One essential responsibility for a PR per- Felicity Huffman, who pleaded guilty and text, The Practice of complaint. Then, Public Relations. son is to present the client with a “worst accepted full blame for participating in the Kim Foxx, the case” analysis. In other words, determine, college admissions cheating scam. embattled Cook in advance, what’s the worst thing that can Accordingly, Smollett should’ve said, County Attorney, called for the county’s happen. “What I did was stupid and a mistake. Im- inspector general to review how her office In Smollett’s case, the worst thing that plicating my two friends and taking advan- handled—or if you’re so inclined, “mishan- could happen was that he’d be found out to tage of the dedicated Chicago police force dled”—the case. be lying about the attack, thus committing and the goodwill of the public was wrong Regardless of how the lawsuit or the in- a crime, destroying his reputation and im- in every way. I am ashamed and commit- vestigation turn out, the Smollet case has periling his career. ted to repaying the city for its monetary already yielded nourishing lessons for Had a public relations advisor been con- loss and regaining the trust of the public public relations professionals, specifically sulted before Smollett’s cockamamie stunt, through my actions going forward.” highlighting the differences in the counsel the actor might’ve been talked out of risk- Instead, the harassed actor opted to stay offered by PR people compared to lawyers. ing everything on such a hare-brained true to the wrong-headed advice his law- Assume for a moment that the actor, as idea. After the fact, a PR advisor would’ve yers continued to proffer. With the “Em- the Chicago police charged, hired two Af- cautioned the actor to tell the truth and pire” star’s acting future in doubt and the rican American associates to “attack” him, show contrition, rather than continuing to false police report story refusing to go and then lied about it. Here, then, are the follow his lawyers’ advice to insist on his away, Smollett’s attorney lashed out with key questions that client Smollett faced innocence. one final tone-deaf appeal, “We will not try and how his handling of them might’ve What’s the right thing to do? this case in a court of public opinion. There been different, had he consulted savvy PR “Doing the right thing” is the ultimate is no case to try. The case was dismissed. advisors rather than ethically-challenged public relations mantra. We should all allow Mr. Smollett to move attorneys. A lawyer advises you on what you must on with his life as a free citizen.” What happened? do to stay out of jail. In Smollett’s case, his Good luck with that, Counselor.  This is the first question an attorney asks attorneys—with a head-scratching assist a client. The client then tells the lawyer from County Attorney Foxx—successful- what went on, and generally, the attorney ly got the charges dropped. In response, PR news brief leaves it at that and accepts the explana- Smollett’s lawyers continued to declare, tion. The reason a lawyer doesn’t probe is “The case is closed … Mr. Smollett, like ev- ICR works Chuck E. Cheese’s return that he or she is forbidden to tell a judge or ery citizen, is innocent until proven guilty ICR is handling the return of Chuck E. Cheese, piz- jury that the client didn’t do something the in a court of law.” za joint/playroom, to the public market via a reverse lawyer knows he did. merger of its parent, CEC Entertainment, with Leo A PR professional, on the other hand, Holdings, a blank check company. That’s why when they asked Alan Der- doesn’t tell you what you “must” do but Chuck E. Cheese Brands Inc, which also owns Peter showitz whether he thought his client, O.J. rather what you “should” do to defend Piper Pizza, will trade on the Big Board with an initial Simpson, was guilty, the Harvard lawyer yourself in the Court of Public Opinion; valuation of $1.4 billion. Apollo Global Management, famously answered, “I didn’t ask, because there’s a big difference. In Smollett’s case, which took CEC private in 2014, will own a 51 percent stake in the publicly listed company. that wasn’t my job.” the “right” thing to do, especially after the CEC franchisees operate 606 Chuck E. and 144 Peter In Smollett’s case, of course, the actor case was thrown out, would have been to Piper units in 47 states and 14 foreign countries. claimed he was attacked by two white men, admit what happened, take responsibil-

82 MAY 2019 | WWW.ODWYERPR.COM Financial Management Is your time to plan for retirement running out? By Richard Goldstein When is the time to sell? managed mergers are at least reasonably t occurred to me that many of the PR pros If you’re nearing retirement age, you may successful.” I’ve worked with over the years are now want to generate income for your interest When to think about merger Iapproaching retirement age. This could in your agency. Although selling may seem Well, it’s never too early to think about be one reason why there’s been a recent up- the simplest solution, the cash you receive merger. At the very least, you should dis- tick in merger and acquisition activity. represents only part of the value of your cuss any promising opportunities that Unfortunately, business. come your way. These talks can be very many PR agen- Let’s assume you want the business to con- educational even if they’re ultimately not cy owners are so tinue. Maybe you want to keep the business successful. Properly and professionally run, wrapped up in the in the family. There are two basic issues that it requires only a small investment of time, day-to-day affairs need to be considered. First, a family mem- money and emotion. They never should of operating their ber will need to be a PR professional with distract or disrupt agency management, companies, they the requisite experience and desire to buy and they shouldn’t be allowed to drag on give little thought your business. Second, where will the mon- inconclusively. to their own finan- ey come from to buy your agency? In my If you’ve reached the age of 55 and your cial needs. Many view, this probably isn’t the best solution. business has leveled off, you should begin of these executives A better solution would be to “shop” to consider merger. Most potential part- anticipate main- your agency. There are many professionals ners want to join forces with a dynamic Richard Goldstein is taining at least firm, and—fair or unfair— age is a factor in a partner at Buchbind- who can guide you through this process. If er Tunick & Company the same lifestyle you decide to go this route, there are many this perception. Each year that passes usu- LLP, New York, Certified during retirement questions to consider: ally reduces your firms’ attractiveness to a Public Accountants. that they enjoy to- 1. Will a buyer be available when you are merger partner. day, perhaps even a ready to retire? Don’t even consider selling and walking better one. 2. Will the buyer have the necessary funds away. At the very least, you’ll have to stay As time goes by, you’re faced with the or the ability to finance the transaction? several years —at least three—to fulfill the question: “Will I really have enough to 3. Will you be able to agree on a selling terms of the merger. According to Al Croft, live on?” And where will the money come price? numerous PR firm executives have found from? Is selling your agency the answer to 4. Will the price generate the income you that once they’ve unloaded part of the bur- this question? will need in retirement? den of top management, they can become There’s a real need to control the future At this point, it would be a good idea to an elder statesperson and do the kind of PR and not simply look forward to it! Even if pursue various planning options with your work they truly enjoy.  you’re 31 as opposed to 51 or 61! financial advisors: your CPA, attorney, fi- Pieces of the nest egg nancial planner and insurance agent. PR news brief Most business people have four basic When you do this, there are a few funda- Digitization PR’s top challenge types of assets that can be used to create mental guidelines to keep in mind: a retirement fund: Social Security; savings 1. Use realistic planning assumptions. Providing adequate services in an increasingly digi- or a retirement plan through business; in- Don’t ignore the eroding effect of inflation tal world remains one of PR firms’ greatest goals and challenges, according to a survey of member agencies vestments; and proceeds from the sale of or the growth potential of interest. by global agency network International Public Rela- a business interest. Together, these sourc- 2. Reduce or consider taxes on money go- tions Network. es should make up a hefty nest egg. But it ing into and coming out of your retirement The survey, which sought to provide insights re- takes a closer look to understand what they plan. garding how PR agencies are adapting to new trends, found that nearly three quarters of respondents (74 really provide. 3. Plan for unexpected events according percent) cited integrating digital communication as Social Security depends largely on the to their consequences, not just their likeli- the single biggest challenge they currently face. size of your pre-retirement income. Even hood. The survey also discovered that more than half (58 at higher salary levels Social Security falls 4. Use your business wherever possible to percent) believe digitalization, including the use of short, providing a fraction of the total fund benefits with business dollars. new technologies and an increase in online media, is the biggest change they see shaping the future PR amount needed. You should also be sure that adequate landscape. A pension or profit-sharing plan may provisions are made for possible ill health Nearly all (95 percent) of the agencies polled said provide a third or half of the income you’ll or accident that include disability insurance they now offer some form of digital service, be it need, and you have to depend on it being and long-term care insurance in your plan- through internal digital teams or via partner agencies. Three quarters (75 percent) of agencies said they cur- there. In addition, you may be able to take ning. rently have an in-house digital department. advantage of other tax-favored vehicles, Additional thoughts on selling (mergers) Despite the increasingly digital landscape, how- such as a 401(k) plan or an IRA to supple- According to the late Al Croft, “mergers ever, half of respondents (50 percent) said they still ment your business’ retirement plan. As for have become a normal part of the life-cycle plan to bolster their traditional PR toolkits within personal investments: have you allowed of PR firms. In addition to bolstering man- their agency, citing skills like media relations, press release writing, feature and opinion leader content enough time for your investment to achieve agement, they may provide greater oppor- and influencer relations. the desired result need to retire? The longer tunity for both parties with minimum risk. The IPRN report, “The Changing Trend of PR Glob- you delay your long-term investment plan- Nowadays, involvement in merger discus- ally – An Agency Perspective,” surveyed executives ning, the larger your regular contributions sions usually is a sign of agency strength, at more than 40 IPRN member agencies worldwide. to your investments will have to be. not weakness. Almost all professionally

WWW.ODWYERPR.COM | MARCH 2018 83 WASHINGTON REPORT NRA sues Ackerman McQueen, Mercury Group

he National Rifle Association has sued long-time ad agency Ackerman McQueen and its Mercury Group PR unit for al- Tlegedly failing to turn over its business records to justify its billings. The organization paid Ackerman McQueen more than $42 million in 2017. According to the suit filed in Virginia Circuit Court, the NRA “requested access to material, readily available records that Acker- man and Mercury are contractually obligated to provide,” but the defendants refused to provide them. The gun group claims it negotiated with AM for access to the re- cords for the better part of a year and its patience has now run out. It wants business records including “budgets purportedly ap- cess to non-opioid approaches for acute pain management, accord- proved by the NRA, copies of material contracts for which the ing to lobbying registration documents filed with Congress in April. NRA is purportedly liable, and readily available performance A five-person team manages the account, including Tyler Rob- data—all to inform the judgment of its fiduciaries.” erts, former legislative assistant to Sen. Dan Sullivan (R-AK) and AM dismissed the suit as “frivolous, inaccurate and intended to staffer to Reps Roy Blunt (R-MO), Joe Barton (R-TX) and Jeff cause harm to the reputation of our company.” Fortenberry (R-NE); Claire Badger, a former State Department The Oklahoma City-based shop said in a statement: “We will de- staffer who was later associate director to the Democratic Steering fend our position and performance aggressively and look forward and Outreach Committee; and Kelly Ferguson, former staffer to to continuing to serve the NRA’s membership.”  Reps. Hal Rogers (R-KY) and Paul Gosar (R-AZ).  Cannabis group taps HHS suspends Porter Novelli’s VS Strategies GOP-linked pacts

annabis Trade Federation Action has hired VS Strategies to he Health and Human Services Administration slates a re- promote its mission to educate DC policymakers and advo- view of subcontracting deals flowing from Porter Novelli’s Ccate for a sensible marijuana public policy. T$2.25 million contract with the Centers for Medicare and VSS will also focus on legislation impacting the operation of the Medicaid Services. state-legal cannabis industry including the SAFE Banking Act, Politico reported March 29 that money from Marijuana Revenue and Regulations Act, RE- the PR contract went to Republican consultants SPECT Resolution, Marijuana Justice Act and to burnish the image of Centers for Medicare the Responsibility Addressing the Marijuana and Medicaid Services Administrator Seema Policy Gap Act. Verma. VS is the public affairs wing of Denver-based Pam Stevens, a media adviser, coached Ver- Vicente Sederberg LLC, which Rolling Stone ma; Marcus Barlow wrote speeches and devised dubbed “the country’s first powerhouse mar- strategy; while Nahigan Strategies’s staffers ijuana law firm.” traveled with the administrator and helped or- Steve Fox, of counsel to Vicente Sederberg, chestrate announcements, according to Politico. Seema Verma spearheads the D.C. lobbying push for CTFA. Steve Fox HHS notified relevant congressional commit- In 2005, he co-founded Safer Alternative for tees on April 3 that the contracts are suspended pending the review Enjoyable Recreation group to change the mindset of Colorado and audit by the inspector general.  voters that marijuana is more harmful than alcohol. He authored Marijuana is Safer: So Why Are We Driving People to Drink.  Glover Park Co-founder forms Breakwater Venn Strategies Advocates rik Ben-Zvi, a founder of Glover Park Group, has launched Opioid Alternatives Breakwater Strategy, which will be part of WPP. From New AYork and D.C. offices, Breakwater will offer crisis manage- ddiction prevention coalition Voices for Non-Opioid ment, positioning, thought leadership and public advocacy services. Choices has retained political and public affairs shop Venn Ben-Zvi, who served on the advance team of Al Gore’s 2000 cam- AStrategies to handle health issues on Capitol Hill. paign before helping to launch GPG in 2001, formed Breakwater D.C.-based Voices for Non-Opioid Choices is dedicated to com- with the goal of “once again experimenting with new ways to be batting America’s opioid crisis by increasing awareness and access a trusted strategic advisor to companies navigating today’s ever to FDA-approved non-opioid options and therapies to help man- more chaotic and complex operating environment." age patients’ post-surgery pain. GPG alum Max Gleischman will head the NYC outpost. He Voices for Non-Opioid Choices has hired Venn Strategies to served as Communications Director to Samantha Power during communicate issues relating to increasing patient and provider ac- her tenure as U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations. 

84 MAY 2019 | WWW.ODWYERPR.COM International PR News

His firm is to arrange cultural exchanges between the two coun- Zimbabwe Bolsters Trump Ties tries and meet with American business leaders to promote invest- ment in Cambodia. imbabwe has hired Avenue Global Strategies to a $1.1 million, The U.S. established full diplomatic relations with Cambodia in one-year contract, which went into effect April 5, to foster 1993. U.S. foreign assistance to Cambodia accounted for 28 per- better relations with the U.S. Z cent of its national budget in 2016, according to the State Dept.  Barry Bennett, who was a Senior Advisor to Donald Trump’s presidential campaign, helms and co-founded AGS. He joined Team Trump after working as Presidential Campaign Manager for H+K touts Georgia’s ‘tremendous Ben Carson, now Dept. of Housing and Urban Development Sec- retary, and organizer of the 2012 Super PAC of Rick Perry, now economic opportunities’ Energy Secretary. Zimbabwe in March inked Brian Ballard’s Ballard Partners to a ill+Knowlton Strategies is building awareness of the “tremen- two-year contract valued at $1 million. Ballard led Florida’s Trump dous economic opportunities” available in the former Soviet Victory fundraising group. Hrepublic of Georgia under an agreement worth $750,000 in The firm’s job is to encourage a re-examination of Zimbabwe fees. The pact became effective April 3 and runs through the end from the State Dept. with a view of “establishing the best possible of the year. bilateral relationship with the U.S. and facilitating the restoration Georgia is a major producer of grapes, citrus fruits, hazelnuts, of Zimbabwe’s membership in the good standing with the commu- wine, gold, copper and manganese. nity of nations.”  H+K will assist the Ministry of Economy and Sustainable De- velopment of Georgia with outreach to U.S. lawmakers, business- Cambodia Signs PacRim Bridges es and selected groups as it works to attract investment and boost trade. ambodia has given a $500,000 one-year contract to PacRim Outreach may include print, TV and digital advertising. Georgia Bridges, which is fronted by two Washington state politicos, has agreed to shell out $1.1 million for paid media production and Cto improve its relations with the U.S. placement services. Sen. Doug Ericksen visited Cambodia in July to observe the The WPP unit will conduct opinion research, forge coalitions, country’s elections, which NGOs criticized as a sham and featured organize roadshows, do media relations and reach out to state gov- a government crackdown on political opponents. ernments on behalf of its client.  FARA News  NEW FOREIGN AGENTS REGISTRATION ACT FILINGS Below is a list of select companies that have registered with the U.S. Department of Justice, FARA Registration Unit, Washington, D.C., in order to comply with the Foreign Agents Registration Act of 1938, regarding their consulting and communications work on behalf of foreign principals, including governments, political parties, organizations, and individuals. For a complete list of filings, visit www.fara.gov.

Crowell & Moring International, LLC, Washington, D.C., registered Apr. 16, 2019 for Bureau of Foreign Trade, Ministry of Economic Affairs, Gov- ernment of the Republic of China, Washington, D.C., regarding comprehensive conduct of trade relations between Taiwan and the US.

BGR Government Affairs, LLC, Washington, D.C., registered Apr. 5, 2019 for Hong Kong Trade Development Council, New York, NY, regarding strategic advice and government relations assistance with respect to US foreign policies.

Brownstein Hyatt Farber Schreck, LLP, Denver, CO, registered Apr. 5, 2019 for Royal Government of the Kingdom of Cambodia, Washington, D.C., regarding government relations services and strategic counsel on matters before the US government.

Beacon Policy Advisors LLC, Washington, D.C., registered Apr. 9, 2019 for Embassy of Japan, Washington, D.C., regarding legislation in Congress and actions and policies of the US executive branch.

Lobbying News G NEW LOBBYING DISCLOSURE ACT FILINGS Below is a list of select companies that have registered with the Secretary of the Senate, Office of Public Records, and the Clerk of the House of Representatives, Legislative Resource Center, Washington, D.C., in order to comply with the Lobbying Disclosure Act of 1995. For a complete list of filings, visit www.senate.gov. Mehlman Castagnetti Rosen & Thomas, Inc., Washington, D.C., registered Apr. 25, 2019 for Tesla, Inc., Palo Alto, CA, regarding H.R. 2256, The Driving America Forward Act.

O’Keeffee Shahmoradi Strategies, Washington, D.C., registered Apr. 23, 2019 for Ford Motor Company, Washington, D.C., regarding FAST Act Reauthorization, highway trust fund, autonomous vehicles and electric vehicles.

S-3 Group, Washington, D.C., registered Apr. 25, 2019 for Third Option Foundation, Reston, VA, regarding issues related to members of the CIA’s Special Operations community and their families.

GuidePostStrategies, LLC, Washington, D.C., registered Apr. 24, 2019 for Trade Works for America, Inc., Washington, D.C., regarding the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA).

Vianovo, Washington, D.C., registered Apr. 23, 2019 for Unisyn Voting Solutions, Vista, CA, regarding election technology legislation.

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