PR Week (US) articles from October 2003

PR Week (US) archives from October 2003

FitzGerald splits from Brodeur to protect 'brand independence'.(Brief Article)
October 6, 2003... BOSTON: Technology-focused PR firms FitzGerald Communications and Brodeur Worldwide have parted ways less than two years after Omnicom-owned Brodeur acquired the independent FitzGerald. FitzGerald will remain an Omnicom agency, but will no...

Report on US image efforts flags lack of measurement.(US image in Muslim world)
October 6, 2003... WASHINGTON: A severe lack of funding, convoluted bureaucracy, and a near-total absence of research and measurability are badly undermining US attempts to bolster its image via public diplomacy in Muslim countries, according to a report released...

MPAA anti-piracy move forces rethink in marketing to awards judges.(Brief Article)
October 6, 2003... LOS ANGELES: In a move that has film marketers and film publicists seriously rethinking their strategies for the upcoming awards season, the MPAA and major studios announced an agreement last week that prevents advance copies of movies from...

PRWeek presents second healthcare conference in NYC.(Brief Article)
October 6, 2003... NEW YORK: PRWeek's second healthcare conference, Pharma PR: The Real Direct-to-Consumer, will focus on the role of PR in the healthcare marketing mix. The one-day conference will be held on November 12 at the Waldorf Astoria in New York...

VeriSign taking heat over problems with Site Finder.(Brief Article)
October 6, 2003... MOUNTAIN VIEW, CA: VeriSign has raised the ire of the internet community with its Site Finder service. The service redirects web users if they type in an incorrect web address - ending in .com or .biz - to a VeriSign site that helps them find...

WS considers breach-of-contract suit.(Weber Shandwick)(Brief Article)
October 6, 2003... BRUSSELS: Weber Shandwick is considering legal action against Paul Adamson, the former chairman of its Brussels office, who left the agency last week. Adamson declined comment as PRWeek UK went to press, but a spokesman for his former...

Burson builds on regional plan with Arkatov addition.(Alan Arkatov joins Burson-Marsteller)(Brief Article)
October 6, 2003... LOS ANGELES: As part of an ongoing plan to create a stronger regional management structure, Burson-Marsteller has hired another high-profile 'market leader' for some of its West Coast operations. Alan Arkatov takes the title of president...

Trudel joins H&K's consumer group in newly created role.(Hill & Knowlton has appointed Mary Trudel SVP and executive director of its New York office's consumer marketing and consumer tech businesses)(Brief Article)
October 6, 2003... NEW YORK: Hill & Knowlton has created a new position for Mary Trudel, most recently Ruder Finn's EVP and MD of the strategic communications group, as well as the consumer and consumer-healthcare groups. At H&K, she will serve as SVP and...

NEWS BRIEF: IW Group names Lee VP.(Jimmy Lee)(Brief Article)
October 6, 2003... LOS ANGELES: IW Group has named Jimmy Lee VP and group director. Prior to joining IW Group, Lee worked in State Farm Insurance's public affairs division.

NEWS BRIEF: Rubenstein adds clients.(Rubenstein Public Relations adds Swig Burris Equities, Manhattan Center for Kitchen & Bath, and behavioral economist Woody Dorsey)(Brief Article)
October 6, 2003... NEW YORK: Rubenstein Public Relations has added several new clients to its roster, including Swig Burris Equities, the Manhattan Center for Kitchen & Bath, and behavioral economist Woody Dorsey.

NEWS BRIEF: Heekin named president.(James Heekin appointed president and COO of Euro RSCG Worldwide)(Brief Article)
October 6, 2003... NEW YORK: James Heekin has been named president and COO of Euro RSCG Worldwide, where he will report to chairman and CEO Bob Schmetterer. Heekin is the former chairman and CEO of McCann-Erickson WorldGroup and McCann-Erickson Worldwide.

NEWS BRIEF: Deats as EVP.(Gerbig Snell/Weisheimer & Associates has hired John Deats as EVP)(Brief Article)
October 6, 2003... COLUMBUS, OH: Gerbig Snell/Weisheimer & Associates has hired John Deats as EVP to head the agency's public relations practice. Deats was most recently MD of the US healthcare practice at PR21.

NEWS BRIEF: Capital Strategies appoints Warden.(appointed Billy Warden account director and Deborah Reed as CFO)(Brief Article)
October 6, 2003... RALEIGH, NC: Capital Strategies has named Billy Warden account director and Deborah Reed as CFO of the firm. Most recently, Warden designed and implemented a communications plan that successfully influenced healthcare and civil-justice...

NEWS BRIEF: Snyder and Workman merge.(Snyder Consulting and The Workman Company have merged to form Snyder & Workman Communications)(Brief Article)
October 6, 2003... ST. LOUIS: Pete Snyder of Snyder Consulting and Craig Workman of The Workman Company have merged their firms to create Snyder & Workman Communications.

NEWS BRIEF: Teletrax available to PR.(television tracking service from Medialink)(Brief Article)
October 6, 2003... NEW YORK: Teletrax, the world's first global television tracking offered exclusively by Medialink, is now available to the public relations industry. Teletrax can provide PR professionals information about the extent of news coverage in the US...

NEWS BRIEF: Regan hires VP.(Regan Communications hired David Nathan as VP)(Brief Article)
October 6, 2003... BOSTON: Regan Communications has hired David Nathan as VP. Most recently, he served as editor of The Jewish Advocate.

NEWS BRIEF: Meyer SVP.(DS Simon Productions promoted Kenneth Meyer to SVP of media relations and broadcast services)(Brief Article)
October 6, 2003... NEW YORK: DS Simon Productions has promoted Kenneth Meyer to SVP of media relations and broadcast services. Prior to joining DS Simon, Meyer worked as the PR manager and director of community relations for arena football's New Jersey Red Dogs...

NEWS BRIEF: MWW promotes Tauberman.(The MWW Group promoted Richard Tauberman to SVP)(Brief Article)
October 6, 2003... EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ: The MWW Group has promoted Richard Tauberman to SVP. Prior to joining MWW, Tauberman served as VP, global financial markets for Westpac Banking Corporation in New Zealand, Australia, and New York.

NEWS BRIEF: Ziff Davis promotes Zane.(Randy Zane named director of corporate communications)(Brief Article)
October 6, 2003... NEW YORK: Ziff Davis has promoted Randy Zane to director of corporate communications. He previously served as PR manager for PC Expo.

NEWS BRIEF: Sterling to promote.(Sterling Communications hired to promote Wave Three Software and its products)(Brief Article)
October 6, 2003... SAN DIEGO: Wave Three Software has tapped Sterling Communications to help promote the company and its products. Wave Three develops desktop communication software for voice-video-data communications via any IP network. Sterling's San Francisco...

NEWS BRIEF: Hilton director.(Peppercom has promoted Andy Hilton to director of its San Francisco office)(Brief Article)
October 6, 2003... SAN FRANCISCO: Peppercom has promoted Andy Hilton from management supervisor to director of its San Francisco office.

NEWS BRIEF: Hartford appoints King.(Hartford Financial Services Group appointed Joshua King as VP of media relations)(Brief Article)
October 6, 2003... HARTFORD, CT: The Hartford financial services group has appointed Joshua King as VP of media relations. Prior to joining The Hartford, King was a consultant at Washington, DC-based polling firm Penn, Schoen & Berland, which is owned by WPP.

NEWS BRIEF: Edelman adds Smart Start Georgia.(Brief Article)
October 6, 2003... ATLANTA: Edelman has added Smart Start Georgia to its client roster. Smart Start was created to develop and implement a long-term plan to increase school readiness in Georgia.

MS&L hires Kamer as its new head of crisis comms in US.(Larry Kamer )(Brief Article)
October 6, 2003... SAN FRANCISCO: Larry Kamer has joined MS&L, filling a new post as US director of crisis and issues management. He'll report to North American presidents Jill Farwell and Joe Gleason. 'Working with (MS&L) will expose us to a greater slate of...

3Com introduces its new corporate branding director.(Catherine Derr)(Brief Article)
October 6, 2003... MARLBOROUGH, MA: Catherine Derr has joined 3Com as VP of corporate branding and communications. She replaces Jeanne Cox, who decided to leave 3Com after its May announcement that it was moving from Santa Clara, CA to the East Coast. Derr will...

Grey puts stake in APCO Worldwide up for bid.(Grey Global Group )(Brief Article)
October 6, 2003... WASHINGTON: Grey Global Group announced last week that it was shopping its stake in APCO Worldwide, one of the holding company's two PR properties. The announcement was reported last week on PRWeek.com. GCI Group is the other PR agency...

AOL Time Warner stresses name-change practicality.(AOL Time Warner is rebanding itself with a name change)
October 6, 2003... NEW YORK: The rebranding of AOL Time Warner, the embattled media goliath, is being done in part for communications purposes, said Edward Adler, SVP for corporate communications for the soon-to-be Time Warner. The company's board voted last...

JetBlue copes with its first comms crisis.(JetBlue faces a public relations crisis)(Brief Article)
October 6, 2003... FOREST HILLS, NY: JetBlue's PR team found themselves faced with the low-fare airline's first corporate-reputation crisis late last month, after it was revealed that company had violated its own privacy policy. The three-year-old carrier...

Jenny Craig picks Magnet as its new agency of record.(Magnet Communications)(Brief Article)
October 6, 2003... LOS ANGELES: Weight-loss company Jenny Craig, which operates 646 outlets globally, has selected Magnet Communications its new AOR. The account will be based in the Pittsburgh office. Magnet was chosen after a competitive pitch which...

Global PR EVP opts to leave Visa after near five-year run.(David Demarest has resigned as Visa International's EVP of global corporate relations and communications)(Brief Article)
October 6, 2003... FOSTER CITY, CA: David Demarest, Visa International's EVP of global corporate relations and communications, has left to pursue other interests. After nearly five years at Visa, Demarest decided to move on after Malcolm Williamson's June...

Press scorn forces Blaine's publicists to ponder more PR.(negative press coverage surrounds Daivd Blaine's fast in the U.K.)(Brief Article)
October 6, 2003... LONDON: The Anglo-US PR team behind illusionist David Blaine's much-publicized 44-day fast is considering bringing in further UK PR aid in a bid to stem negative press coverage. Following ongoing media reports pouring scorn on Blaine, who...

H&K selects local comms vet as new Chicago office GM.(Hill & Knowlton has hired Steve Singerman)(Brief Article)(Illustration)
October 6, 2003... CHICAGO: Hill & Knowlton has hired Chicago PR veteran Steve Singerman from rival Edelman to become the new GM of its Chicago office, and also head of its US marketing practice. 'He fills two needs for us,' said Harlan Teller, chief client...

Dolby brings in Hoffman for consumer division PR.(Dolby Laboratories selected The Hoffman Agency to represent its US consumer division)(Brief Article)
October 6, 2003... SAN FRANCISCO: Dolby Laboratories has selected The Hoffman Agency to represent its US consumer division. Dolby launched its review in July, looking for a firm to develop PR strategies for the consumer division, which focuses on PCs, consumer...

US automakers' image hurt by discounts, finds survey.
October 6, 2003... SAN DIEGO: The domestic automakers' reliance in recent years on discounts has not been helping their reputations, according to a new survey by Strategic Vision, a consumer research company. In its 2003 Total Vision Index survey of 63,000...

RF Binder adds two pharma clients to bolster health arm.(RF Binder Partners adds both Ranbaxy Pharmaceuticals and Innozen to its client roster)(Brief Article)
October 6, 2003... NEW YORK: RF Binder Partners, the offshoot of Ruder Finn, has added both Ranbaxy Pharmaceuticals and Innozen to its client roster. The moves expand RF Binder's one-year-old healthcare practice to 30% of its total business, according to the...

Levi ups PR efforts amid plant closings.(Levi Strauss is launching public relations efforts as it closes its last five North American manufacturing plants)(Brief Article)
October 6, 2003... SAN FRANCISCO: Levi Strauss will implement a series of community and employee relations efforts as the company closes its last five North American manufacturing plants. Three of those plants are in Canada, and two are in San Antonio. The plant...

Ketchum layoffs mark end of an era for Pittsburgh PR.
October 6, 2003... PITTSBURGH: Ketchum's recent decision to downsize its office here is sending shock waves through the Pittsburgh PR community. 'It's clearly the end of an era. It's a sad day for the entire public relations community,' said Jeffrey Cohen, a...

PN drops Goddard Claussen name as part of rebranding.(Porter Novelli reorganizes its public affairs practice)(Brief Article)
October 6, 2003... WASHINGTON: Porter Novelli has once again reorganized its public affairs practice, retiring its Goddard Claussen brand in favor of a new unit called Issue Advocacy. PN originally acquired Goddard Claussen, an upstart public-policy group,...

Stryker education effort to focus on joint diseases.(Brief Article)
October 6, 2003... KALAMAZOO, MI: The orthopedic-implant division of medical-device manufacturer Stryker and its AOR, Euro RSCG Middleberg, have begun a PR push to inform patients about joint diseases and the technologies available to treat them. The PR...

Anaheim lacrosse team begins push to hike awareness.(Brief Article)
October 6, 2003... LOS ANGELES: The Anaheim Storm, a National Lacrosse League team new to Southern California, is working on a media outreach campaign to build awareness of both the sport and its presence in the area. The team, only the second professional...

Kyocera hires Formula and Bock for Americas PR work.(Formula PR and Bock Communications to handle public relations tasks for Kyocera Wireless)(Brief Article)
October 6, 2003... SAN DIEGO: Cell-phone maker Kyocera Wireless has hired two new agencies. Formula PR will handle the handset producer's US PR, while Bock Communications will be responsible for its Latin America PR. In the US, Formula PR is charged with...

PR Coalition releases white paper on recovering trust.(the Public Relations Coaltion)
October 6, 2003... NEW YORK: A coalition of 19 US-based business-communications trade groups and several other communications organizations have published a so-called 'white paper' that outlines the ways in which corporate America can improve its credibility...

Argentina wineries try to raise profile in US market.(Wines of Argentina has hired HG Marketing to handle public relations and event management for wine trade tour)(Brief Article)
October 6, 2003... NEW YORK: An Argentine wine association is planning a major US media and wine trade tour to raise the profile of Argentine wines in the US. Buenos Aires-based Wines of Argentina has hired New York-based HG Marketing to handle PR and event...

Joele Frank assembles PR team for under-fire NY high school.(a discussion of the public relations issues for the Harvey Milk High School)
October 6, 2003... NEW YORK: An impromptu group of PR professionals led by members of financial and crisis PR firm Joele Frank Wilkinson Brimmer Katcher came together to work with special-interest organizations this summer, as the public debated the opening New...

EDITORIAL: McKinsey's role in AA's branding effort raises concerns about the general perception of PR.(a discussion of McKinsey & Co.'s role in the development of the Aluminum Association's new branding campaign)
October 6, 2003... Last week we reported that McKinsey & Co. is playing a major role in the development of the Aluminum Association's (AA) new branding campaign. The AA has hired Hill & Knowlton to lead the integrated effort, but will initially work with the...

OP-ED: Corporations must get serious about crisis planning.
October 6, 2003... Why hasn't the rat-a-tat of crises over the past two years caused a mad scramble to dust off crisis plans, refine and test them, and finally get serious about crisis planning? September 11, anthrax, corporate scandals, the NYSE scandal, and a...

ANALYSIS: Measurement - Firms put emphasis on ROI amid competitive climate.(public relations departments and firms are using sophisticated metrics programs to prove value)
October 6, 2003... With companies scrutinizing every penny, PR departments and firms are now implementing increasingly sophisticated metrics programs to prove value. The concept of ROI is like a gold standard when it comes to measuring how each of an...

PAUL HOLMES: White House's response to leak allegations prompts a flood of criticism from the media.(a discussion of the coverage of the White House's reaction to allegations that it leaked the identity of a CIA operative)
October 6, 2003... The best way to keep a troubling story alive is to stonewall, which makes the White House reaction to allegations that it leaked the identity of an undercover CIA operative all the more puzzling. By steadfastly refusing to launch its own...

ORGANIZATION CASE STUDY: Komen uses business savvy in breast-cancer fight.(the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation's Susan Carter discusses the firm's battle against breast cancer)(Company Profile)
October 6, 2003... The Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation started with a small promise, but became a giant in the battle against breast cancer with a corporate approach to PR. If an organization ever had a heart-warming, tear-jerking story to tell, it's...

THE AGENCY BUSINESS: Large firms set global standards with cross-border training.
October 6, 2003... Gaining a competitive advantage in the large-agency world is essential. And for the past few years, many firms have been trying to gain an edge from the inside out, investing in training. It is difficult to imagine trying to compete in...

MEDIA ROUNDUP: Seattle remains a hot media locale.
October 6, 2003... Though its economy has been hit like other US cities, a bevy of solid companies and news outlets is helping Seattle maintain its media and PR relevance. Boasting the headquarters of some of US' most dynamic and interesting companies,...

MEDIA: Journalist Q & A.(Interview)
October 6, 2003... Name: Walter Jacobson Station: WFLD-TV Chicago Title: Co-anchor, Fox News at 9 Preferred contact method: 312-565-5525 Website: www.foxchicago.com Walter Jacobson is a dean of Chicago broadcast journalism, having spent...

MEDIA WATCH: 'Obesity' finds a top spot on press menu.(Brief Article)
October 6, 2003... The possible link between increased obesity in the US and the tantalizing drinks, meals, and desserts marketed by fast-food chains has gripped the media's attention over the last six months and has led to significant coverage of the companies'...

MEDIA BRANDS: Glamour proves to be a legitimate advocate for readers by adding substance to its style.
October 6, 2003... In October 1992, the cover of Self featured the simple, stark image of a pink ribbon. By now, it's common knowledge that the symbol of the ribbon was part of an effort to raise awareness of a little-known killer. Not only did that campaign...

PROFILE: Shirley helps right-wing ideals reach new heights.(a profile of Republican Craig Shirley)
October 6, 2003... Craig Shirley has toed the Republican line since he was eight years old. And now he promotes the party's major mouthpieces, bringing attention to the books of prime-time pundits. There's something very patriotic about being in Craig...

Life beyond the clip book.(a discussion of the benefits of public relations over advertising)
October 6, 2003... Measuring business outcomes is far easier than most companies think. Miller Brewing Co., the world's second-largest beer-maker, spends an enormous amount of money each year, and uses a broad array of marketing means to tie its brands to...

REGIONAL FOCUS - NORTHWEST: The road to recovery.(the Northwest's economy should improve over time)
October 6, 2003... As the Northwest recovers, the migration of talent there bodes well for a brighter future. The Northwest has certainly seen sunnier days. 'The economy is still bad,' asserts Katie Kemp, an EVP in Waggener Edstrom's Portland, OR office....

PR TECHNIQUE CEO SPEAKING OPPORTUNITIES: Speaking terms: Picking a CEO's platform.
October 6, 2003... When it comes to CEO speaking opportunities, it's not just what's said; it's how it's said, what's said afterwards, and who's listening. Anyone savvy and experienced enough to earn the CEO title likely has good stories to tell. The PR...

CAMPAIGNS: Habitat builds up press awareness via Global Village.(Habitat for Humanity Intenrational launches a public relations initiative)
October 6, 2003... PR Team: Habitat for Humanity International (Americus, GA) Campaign: Global Village & Discovery Center opening Time Frame: December 2002 - June 2003 Budget: dollars 15,000 This summer, his vision was realized when Habitat's Global...

CAMPAIGNS: NTCAC calls upon the community to help clear the air.(the North Texas Clean Air Coalition)
October 6, 2003... PR Team: North Texas Clean Air Coalition (Dallas) and Tuerff-Davis EnviroMedia (Austin, TX) Campaign: Commute Solutions Challenge Time Frame: Summer 2003 Budget: dollars 80,000 (not including media buys) 'There is a misperception...

CAMPAIGNS: Watergate Plus 30 gains viewers with PBS' revealing ANR.
October 6, 2003... PR Team: PBS media relations (Alexandria, VA), Kelly & Salerno Communications (Greenwich, CT) and News Generation (Washington, DC and Atlanta) Campaign: 'Watergate Plus 30' ANR release Time frame: July 23-30, 2003 Budget: dollars 3,000...

THE PUBLICIST: Inebriated actors can turn film PR into a sobering experience.
October 6, 2003... Once in a while - when there's no football on TV and I'm out of beer - I meet with a fellow publicist to share an adult beverage and lament the fact we never went to law school. We swap shop horror stories and talk about going straight, knowing...

PR PLAY OF THE WEEK: P. Diddy takes good idea and runs with it.(Brief Article)
October 6, 2003... NEW YORK: As one of the few celebrities whose every move sparks a torrent of media interest, P. Diddy is a permanent fixture in the spotlight. Last week's announcement that the music and fashion mogul will run in the New York City Marathon to...

TOY BOX: Xyron 150 has definite sticking power.
October 6, 2003... Xyron's 150 create-a-sticker machine turns photos, labels, and other small decorative items into stickers, up to 1.5 inches wide. (Other consumer models that make stickers as large as 12 inches wide are also available through Xyron.) You drop...

BOOK REVIEW: Turn the page on The DaVinci Factor.(Book Review)
October 6, 2003... On pages 207, 209, and 211, (the text skips every other page), Budd tells how to decide if a book is worth buying. He says, 'Read/scan the last two chapters. This is where the meat is' and 'Don't be seduced by provocative cover art.' If he...

Former Clinton lawyer Davis moves operation from Patton to Orrick.(Lanny Davis, former counsel to President Bill Clinton)(Patton Boggs)(Orrick, Herington & Sutcliffe)(Brief Article)
October 13, 2003... WASHINGTON: Former counsel to President Bill Clinton Lanny Davis is moving his unique brand of crisis communications from lobbying powerhouse Patton Boggs over to lesser-known law firm Orrick, Herington & Sutcliffe. Davis rose to...

FEMA asks WPP firms to sell America on flood insurance.(United States Federal Emergency Management Agency)
October 13, 2003... WASHINGTON: Last week, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) awarded an dollars 80 million contract to a pair of WPP shops for a campaign that will seek to aggressively increase sales of government flood-insurance policies over the...

Joele Frank to lead comms efforts for Motorola spin-off.(Joele Frank, Wilkinson Brimmer Katcher to handle financial communications)(Brief Article)
October 13, 2003... SCHAUMBURG, IL: Motorola has hired Joele Frank, Wilkinson Brimmer Katcher to handle financial communications for its multibillion-dollar spin-off of its semiconductor operations. The New York-based agency has handled other assignments for...

Savitt parts ways with MWW for top PR job at Amazon.(Kathy Savitt)(MWW Group)(MWW/Savitt)(Amazon.com)(Brief Article)
October 13, 2003... SEATTLE: Kathy Savitt is leaving her position as president of MWW/Savitt to join with Amazon.com as VP of strate-gic communications, the highest-ranking PR position at the online retailer. The MWW Group has promoted Rosanne Marks to GM of...

TLC taps Magnet for 'Trading Spaces' PR.(Learning Channel Inc.)(Magnet Communications)(Brief Article)
October 13, 2003... LOS ANGELES: Cable network TLC has selected Magnet Communications to manage PR for its popular TV series Trading Spaces and Trading Spaces: Family. Magnet is also expected to ink a one-year agency-of-record contract for TLC itself. Magnet...

CEOs take responsibility for corporate rep, survey says.(most chief executive officers feel responsible for their companies' reputations)
October 13, 2003... NEW YORK: A new survey of CEOs and top executives shows that most corporate chieftains believe the buck stops with them when it comes to their companies' reputation. Those findings come via a survey conducted by market-research firm ORC...

Film boutique mPRm to shutter NY office.(Brief Article)
October 13, 2003... LOS ANGELES: Boutique agency mPRm has decided to close its New York office by the end of the year, citing a slowdown in East Coast film business. 'The economics and competitive climate in New York are quite different than they are in LA,'...

Dell bets on brand power for move into electronics.(Brief Article)
October 13, 2003... ROUND ROCK, TX: Dell is hoping its strong brand equity in the PC market will help make its entry into the highly competitive consumer-electronics market a smooth one. Dell recently announced it would start selling digital entertainment...

Burrelle's and Luce finalize their long-anticipated union.(Burrelle's Information Services and Luce Information Services)(Brief Article)
October 13, 2003... LIVINGSTON, NJ: Last week, the long-expected merger between Burrelle's Information Services and Luce Information Services was made official, creating a 1,400-person media-monitoring company, Burrelle's/Luce. Burrelle's CEO Robert Waggoner...

NEWS BRIEF: Media Compass launched.(Delahaye)(Brief Article)
October 13, 2003... NORWALK, CT: Delahaye has launched Media Compass, a web-based portal that provides real-time media analysis to communications and marketing professionals.

NEWS BRIEF: Vocus introduces software.(Brief Article)
October 13, 2003... LANHAM, MD: Vocus has introduced a mid-range version of its PR software designed for smaller PR operations. Called Vocus Public Relations Professional Edition, the software offers media contact databases, creates media lists, and distributes...

NEWS BRIEF: Brown Lloyd James appointed.(Brief Article)
October 13, 2003... NEW YORK: Brown Lloyd James has been appointed by the Embassy of the State of Qatar to the US to handle media relations for the launch of 'Education City' in Doha, which is comprised of several US-based academic institutions, including Weill...

NEWS BRIEF: Russell joins Quell.(Scott Russell has joined Quell Communications as executive director of PR services)(Brief Article)
October 13, 2003... TROY, MI: Scott Russell has joined the staff of Quell Communications as executive director of PR services. Prior to joining Quell, Russell served as director of marketing and new business for AutoLign Manufacturing Group.

NEWS BRIEF: Strategic Objectives joins.(Brief Article)
October 13, 2003... TORONTO: Strategic Objectives is joining Pinnacle Worldwide, an international network of 60 top-tier, independent PR agencies in 30 countries.

NEWS BRIEF: Easy Rider Tours campaign.(Easy Rider Tours)(Brief Article)
October 13, 2003... NEWBURYPORT, MA: Easy Rider Tours will launch a national media relations campaign to promote its international walking and cycling vacation tours. The company has selected Louis Karno & Company Communications of Concord, NH, to implement the...

NEWS BRIEF: Alta names AOR.(agency of record for American Education Services)(Brief Article)
October 13, 2003... PHILADELPHIA: Alta Communications has been named AOR for American Education Services' student-loan default- prevention campaign.

NEWS BRIEF: HealthSTAR PR makes White EVP.(Erinn White)(Brief Article)
October 13, 2003... NEW YORK: HealthSTAR PR, a division of HealthSTAR Communications, has made Erinn White EVP and GM. White was previously a VP at Ketchum.

NEWS BRIEF: CDW appoints Klimstra.(Cindy Klimstra named as director of investor relations)(Brief Article)
October 13, 2003... VERNON HILLS, IL: CDW has appointed Cindy Klimstra as director of IR. Klimstra will manage all IR activities at CDW, which sells other technology companies' products and services. Klimstra, who was assistant VP of IR at Cobalt, will report to...

NEWS BRIEF: Burson-Marsteller names Kahrl.(Bill Kahrl appointed to lead agency's Sacramento office and its national water-policy and land-use group)(Brief Article)
October 13, 2003... SACRAMENTO, CA: Burson-Marsteller has named Bill Kahrl to lead its Sacramento office and the agency's national water-policy and land-use group. Prior to joining Burson in 1997, Kahrl was the opinion-page editor of The Sacramento Bee.