Top Independent PR Firms - Odwyerpr.com

O’Dwyer’sProfiles ofTop Independent PR FirmsMembers of APCO Worldwide’s International AdvisoryCouncil and executive management team meet inWashington, D.C.Affect Strategies team members pictured left to right:Courtney Chauvin and Yasmin Ben-Dror (seated); CJMoore, Walter Ocner, Sandra Fathi, Katie Safrey andLeslie Campisi (standing).APCOWorldwide Headquarters700 12th Street, N.W., Suite 800Washington, D.C. 20005202/778-1000www.apcoworldwide.comFounded in 1984, APCOWorldwide is an independent,majority employee- and womenownedglobal communication consultancywith offices in majorcities throughout the Americas,Europe, the Middle East, Africaand Asia. APCO employs innovative,customized strategies forclients to tackle issues or capitalizeon business opportunities throughintegrated communication solutions.Clients include corporations,governments, industry associationsand nonprofit organizations.Headquartered in Washington,D.C., APCO includes among itsclients seven of the top 10 companieson Fortune’s Global 500. Coreservices include antitrust and competition;business diplomacy;coalition building; corporate,financial, internal, investor, litigationand online communication;corporate responsibility; creativeservices; crisis management; issuemanagement; global trade; governmentrelations; market entry;media relations; opinion research;and positioning.AFFECTSTRATEGIES60 W. 38th St.New York, NY 10018212/398-9680www.affectstrategies.comSandra Fathi, PresidentAffect Strategies is a compactpublic relations and marketingfirm specializing in strategiccommunications programs fortechnology clients. Establishedin 2002, the firm focuses oncombining strategy, creativityand intelligent program development,impeccable execution andexemplary customer service tocreate tailor-made public relationsand marketing campaignsto enable customers to achievespecific business goals.Client services for public relationsinclude strategic planning,brand building and messagedevelopment, media and analystrelations, media training,thought leadership, platformdevelopment and byline articlewriting. Combined with marketingservices, Affect Strategiesoffers integrated marketingcommunications programs forcollateral development, leadgenerationcampaigns, salestools, interactive marketing andtradeshow and event management.Affect leverages newmedia technologies, such aswebcasts, podcasts, videoconferencing,social media (blogs,wikis, and social networks), tohelp its clients increase awarenessand drive demand for theirproducts and services.Clients engage AffectStrategies for the intimacy ofworking with a boutique agencywith ‘large agency’ expertise. Inaddition, the firm’s nimble andflexible programming, unparalleledtechnical comprehensionand cross-discipline expertiseengender results-driven programsfor measurable ROI.Affect Strategies also applies itsmarketing prowess to consumergoods and professional services.The agency’s communicationsteam mixes a potent blend ofindustry experience, insight,proprietary methodologies, creativityand hard work to provideeffective services to theirclients. As year-round publicrelations counsel, or a singleproject resource, Affect leveragesits business acumen andservice excellence to achieve theprecise results that its clientsseek.AIRFOIL1000 Town Center Drive, #600Southfield, MI 48075248/304-1400Fax: 248/304-1401vallee-smith@airfoilpr.comwww.airfoilpr.comLisa Vallee-Smith, CEOOne of America’s top ten techPR firms, Airfoil PublicRelations represents some threedozen powerhouse companiesin the arenas of business-tobusinesstechnology, business-26MAY 2007 • WWW.ODWYERPR.COM • ADVERTISING SECTION

to-consumer products and services,automotive and manufacturingtechnology, and healthcare.Airfoil is helping buildbrands for Microsoft, Best Buyfor Business and eBay, alongwith a host of start ups andemerging companies thatinclude CareTech Solutions,Wireless Toyz and Next Energy.In addition, Airfoil has earnedacclaim for applying its HigherThinking and its understandingof “fast companies” to suchwide-ranging national brands asStarbucks, QVC and TrinityHealth.ASHTON PARTNERS33 N Lasalle St., #1800Chicago, IL 60602312/553-6700Fax: 312/553-6740www.ashtonpartners.comElizabeth Saunders, Co-foundingPartnerChris Hodges, Co-founding PartnerBryan Armstrong, PartnerAshton Partners is a strategicadvisory firm specializing ininvestor relations and corporatecommunications. We work inpartnership with corporate executivesto manage and positionthe information that impacts acompany’s credibility, reputationand ultimately, its valuation.We deliver a full range ofinvestor and public relationsservices- strategic and tacticaltogive you a decisive advantageat that critical crossroads wherefinance and communicationsmeet.Our integrated approach tomessaging, positioning and targetingcombined with our deeprelationships in the investmentcommunity enables us to leveragea client’s messages withtheir key constituents: investors,media, industry and financialanalysts, employees, customersand suppliers.Clients include: AnixterInternational, Inc., Belden CDT,Constellation Energy, ChiquitaBrands International, Inc.,eHealth, Equity OfficeProperties Trust, Federal SignalCorp., FTD, Inc., Gevity HR,Hercules Technology, JohnsonOutdoors, Juniper Networks,OptionsXpress, Owens Illinois,,Inc., SPSS Inc., Symantec,Thermo Electron, Tellabs, UAPHoldings.Profiles of Top Independent PR FirmsTHE BATEMANGROUP1550 Bryant Street, Suite 420San Francisco, CA 94103415/503-1818Fax: 415/503-1880www.bateman-group.comFred Bateman, Pres. & FounderFounded in 2004 and based in SanFrancisco, The Bateman Group is ahighly specialized, full-service publicrelations firm focused exclusivelyon the technology industry.Differentiated by proven technicalexpertise, exceptional writing and anall senior-level staff, The BatemanGroup’s objective is to make a biggermarket impact for a smaller,more select group of companies.The Bateman Group focuses onthe following four technologydomains: 1) Software, for enterpriseand industries including businessapplications, infrastructure and tools;2) Systems, spanning telecommunications,storage, security and consumerelectronics; 3) Services, typicallyon the Internet, for businessesand consumers; and 4) Components,based on silicon, nanotechnology oroptics.Sample clients include: AspectSoftware, ATC-Onlane, Baynote,ClearApp, CITTIO, Enkata,InQuira, Motorola, The Open Groupand TIBCO Software.BLISS, GOUVERNEUR& ASSOCIATES500 Fifth AvenueNew York, NY 10110212/840-1661Fax: 212/840-1663www.blisspr.comBliss, Gouverneur &Associates is a specialist firmknown for its focus. We providestrategic media relations andmarketing communications forknowledge-based businesses —specifically in the financial, professionaland healthcare sectors.Clients award us very highmarks for our commitment toquality service and the results weachieve for strategic programs.The proof? The number of longterm relationships we’ve held,many for decades. Not to mention23% growth in 2006.We believe that client satisfactionis a direct result of our commitmentto our people. We haveearned awards as a “best place towork” for multiple years.Airfoil’s creativity colors its ‘Higher Thinking’ brand ofpublic relations.BRIDGE GLOBALSTRATEGIES575 Lexington Ave., 15th Flr.New York, NY 10022212/583-1043Fax: 646/390-8555lsiegel@bridgeny.comwww.bridgeny.comLucy B. Siegel, Pres. & CEOBridge Global Strategies LLC isa boutique New York firm knownfor quality service and experiencedprofessionals. Our services include:PR to help launch and re-positioncompanies and products; programsto build and manage corporate reputations;development of strategiesand programs to build brand visibility;and an arsenal of communicationstools, from media relations toevents to marketing materials, tocarry out these strategies and programs.We have a special flair forbridges across borders and cultures,and offer cross-cultural communicationsand public relations servicesfor foreign multinational companiesin the American market. Our clientsinclude JETRO, Mabel’s Labels,New York Pharma Forum, NikkoHotels International and StrategicInvestment Management.BOARDROOMCOMMUNICATIONS1776 N Pine Island Road, Ste 320Plantation, FL 33322sueh@boardroompr.com954/370-8999Fax: 954/370-8892Sue Heck, Office ManagerBoardroom Communications isone of Florida’s fastest growingpublic relations agencies. With aspecialty in national media coverageand a dedication to client servicesthat is unsurpassed, companiesare delighted with Boardroom’srepresentation and top-level executivesare eager to work here. Astaff of fifteen including five formerjournalists provides the finestpublic relations counsel in the area.Our agency’s motto is “BoardroomDelivers the Media,” and we do.CAPSTRAT1201 Edwards Mill Rd., #102Raleigh, NC 27607919/828-0806Fax: 919/834-7959www.capstrat.comCapstrat was founded onstrong public relations and publicaffairs backgrounds, and hasadded branding, marketingcommunications, advertising,media planning and buying,interactive communicationsand dynamic media.Prospective clients approachCapstrat for three reasons.They face a serious problemthat they believe communicationswill help solve; they havean opportunity to makeadvancements by communicatinga powerful story; and theycome to us because they needan agency that knows NorthCarolina inside-out. In all threecases, Capstrat must meet thechallenge through our corecompetencies, experience,knowledge of our region andour passion for the success ofour clients.MAY 2007 • WWW.ODWYERPR.COM • ADVERTISING SECTION 27

Devine & Powers Communications Group LLC CofoundersJay Devine and Vince Powers created a firmthat offers a senior executive as the direct contact foreach client. Headquartered in Philadelphia, D&P has 9employees and represents a prestigious group of clients.CERRELL & ASSOCS.320 No. Larchmont Bldv., 2nd Flr.Los Angeles, CA 90004323/466-3445Fax: 323/466-8653www.cerrell.comWith 43 percent growth duringthe last two years and a dynamic,expanded leadership team in place,Cerrell Associates assists clientsthroughout California and nationwidewith all their public affairsneeds. Founded 40 years ago,Cerrell Associates Inc. remains dedicatedto three core principles:Strategy, Communication andResults. Our firm’s five practiceareas: Local Government;Campaigns and Issues Management;Land Use and Planning;Environment and Energy PublicAffairs; and Public Relations allowus to help clients ranging from governmentagencies to large trade associations,from Fortune 500 companiesto candidates for elected office.For more information, visitwww.cerrell.com.CLIFFORD PUBLICRELATIONS286 Fifth Avenue, 11th FloorNew York, NY 10001Tel 212/358-0800Fax: 212/358-0615info@cliffordpr.comwww.cliffordpr.comMike Clifford, CEO & PresidentFounded in 1997, Clifford PublicRelations is an innovative, full-servicepublic relations firm. Since itsinception, the agency has handledProfiles of Top Independent PR Firmsevery aspect of the launching, growingand sustaining of numerousbusinesses and organizations thatrepresent a wide gamut of interests.With offices in New York and LosAngeles, a diverse team of 20+skilled professionals and a demonstratedability to generate exceptionalresults for our clients, Clifford PRhas won the respect of such distinguishedclients as Jaguar, LigneRoset, Visit London, Nike, andMetropolitan Home Magazine,among many others. Whether it’sbecause of our track record of creatingmedia relations programs thatget results, our ability to provideknowledgeable counsel, or ourunwavering dedication to the successand profitability of every campaign,our clients find us to beproactive, thoughtful, and highlyeffective partners. Beyond that, wehave created a culture of creativity,meritocracy, and respect thatinspires employees and clients alike.COONEY/WATERS90 Fifth Avenue, Suite 800New York, NY 10011-2052www.cooneywaters.comLenore Cooney, PrincipalTim Bird, Executive VPFred Lake, Executive VPSherri Michelstein, Executive VPLisa Weiss, Executive VPCooney/Waters Group provides afull range of public relations andpublic affairs services to healthcare,pharmaceutical and biotechnologyenterprises. As we enter our 15thyear in business, we remain committedto pursuing communicationinitiatives that advance our clients’goals and creativity based uponstrategic value of the ideas we putforth. We stay ahead of the curve forour clients by identifying potentialopportunities and issues, along withspeedy and cogent analysis andpractical recommendations in anenvironment prone to rapid changeand myriad challenges.The agency specializes in solvingcomplex problems ranging fromproduct marketing support to sensitiveissues.We service clients of all sizes,geographies and therapeutic categoriesfrom our New York headquartersand a network of overseasaffiliates.Clients include The Abbott Fund,American Lung Association,Cephalon Inc., National Foundationfor Infectious Diseases, NUVOResearch, sanofi pasteur,3M/Nexcare, and beverage healthassignments for Anheuser-Buschand The Coca-Cola Company.COOPERKATZ & CO.708 Third Ave., 34th Flr.New York, NY 10017212/455-8030Fax: 212/972-7875www.cooperkatz.comCooperKatz & Company is astrategic, creative, results-drivenfirm that specializes in marketingpublic relations and public affairs.The firm designs/executes campaignsthat generate credible, message-drivenearned media placementsin direct support of a widearray of marketing objectives.Capabilities include brand positioning,media relations, editorial services,new product introductions, meeting/conferenceplanning and execution,special events, exhibits, advertising,video production and collateralmaterials design.Through its Cogence(SM) (consumer-generatedintelligence) practice,the firm has particular expertisein the emerging area of citizen journalism,helping corporations bothmonitor and capitalize on the vastopportunities presented by blogs,wikis, podcasts, and other socialmedia channels.COYNE PR14 Walsh DriveParsippany, NJ 07054973/316-1665www.coynepr.com1540 BroadwaySuite 1602New York, NY 10036212/938-0166Thomas F. Coyne, President & CEORich Lukis, Executive VPLisa Farynyk, John Gogarty,Kevin Lamb & Tim Schramm, VPsCoyne Public Relations is one ofthe nation’s leading independentpublic relations agencies, representingcategory leaders in healthcare,travel, sports & entertainment, food& beverage, fashion & beauty, petproducts, technology, Internet &new media, automotive, and financialproducts & services. Coyne PRprovides clients with an honestassessment of their objectives and iscited by many as a breath of fresh air– one of the agency’s greatest pointsof differentiation – allowing Coyneto compete for blue-chip clients withthe world’s most respected multinationalagencies.Coyne PR is also recognized asone of the premier employers in theindustry and was recognized in 2005as the Best Small Agency inAmerica to Work For in The HolmesReport.DAVIES808 State StreetSanta Barbara, CA 93101805/963-5929www.DaviesPublicAffairs.comJohn Davies, Chairman, CEOBrandon Edwards, President,COOFor clients who are driven to win,DAVIES is the agency of choice.Our clients are faced with defining,high stakes controversial issues -and they count on us to win and protecthard earned reputations.We’re experts in highly targeted,motivational outreach to get thirdparties to play an active role intough, complex issues. Nothing istoo complicated, too political, toocontroversial, or too difficult. Weuse real grassroots programs todeliver real results.Expertise across multiple industries,and three dedicated industrypractice areas - Real Estate,Healthcare, and Energy & NaturalResources.DEVINE & POWERSCOMMS. GROUP1880 John F. Kennedy Blvd., Ste 600Philadelphia, PA 19103215/568-2525www.devinepowers.comDevine & PowersCommunications Group, LLC isone of the Mid-Atlantic’s fastestgrowing PR firms, a result of itsphilosophy to provide a seniorexecutive with a minimum of 1530MAY 2007 • WWW.ODWYERPR.COM • ADVERTISING SECTION

years experience as the directcontact for every client assignment.D&P specializes in corporate,business-to-business, association/not-for-profit,consumerproduct and issues managementcommunications. The firm alsohas a specialized Investor /Financial group and Travel,Hospitality & Events division.Clients include: PhiladelphiaMedia Holdings (owners of TheInquirer, Daily News andPhilly.com), Firstrust Bank,Maaco, Penn State, KimmelCenter, Sunoco Chemicals, andThe Westin Hotel. With vastindustry experience combinedwith senior counselors invested ineach account, D&P assuresexpertise, every time.DKC386 Park Ave. So. 10th Flr.New York, NY 10016212/685-4300www.dkcnews.comDan Klores, Chairman/CEOSean Cassidy, PresidentJohn Marino, Managing PartnerDan Klores Communicationsprides itself on being a smart,aggressive and inventive teamwith a wide range of PR and marketingtalent and experience servinga diverse array of clients.The agency offers a range ofstrategic communications capabilitiesin the areas of media properties,not-for-profit, government,labor, corporate, education,healthcare, hospitality, lifestyle,entertainment/music/fashion,consumer products, sports andfilm.Founded in 1991, the agencyhas grown to nearly 120+employees with U.S. headquartersin New York City.Clientsinclude:Sprint/Nextel, Delta Air Lines,Grand Central Terminal, FAOSchwarz, Sirius Satellite Radio,GM, Hard Rock Hotel &Casinos, Foxwoods ResortCasino, Dylan’s Candy Bar,Reuters, US Weekly, Esquiremagazine, Wall Street Journal,Continuum Health Partners,Children’s Hospital atMontefiore, New BalanceAthletic Shoe, Inc., ESPNZone, USTA/US Open,Showtime, 4 KidsEntertainment, Donny Deutsch,Jessica Simpson, AshleeSimpson, Alicia Keys, JayLeno, Sean “Diddy” Combs andHoward Stern.Profiles of Top Independent PR FirmsDYE, VAN MOL& LAWRENCE209 7th Avenue NorthNashville, Tenn. 37219615/244-1818www.dvl.comJohn Van Mol, Tom Lawrence,Jerry Southwood, RonaldRoberts, Nelson Eddy, JimmyChaffin, PartnersDye, Van Mol & Lawrence isone of the largest full-servicepublic relations and advertisingagencies in the Southeast.Founded in 1980, the firm countsamong its clients nationallyknown brands such as JackDaniels, Bridgestone/Firestone,Johnston & Murphy, CaterpillarInsurance, Nestle Waters, TractorSupply Co. and Martha Whitefoods. DVL has proven expertisein all areas of communications,including corporate communications,news media relations, internalcommunications, crisis andissues management, specialevents, advertising, marketing,broadcast production, interactiveservices and strategic planning.EDGECOMMUNICATIONS17328 Ventura Blvd., Suite 324Encino, CA 91316818/990-5001Fax: 818/990-5016info@edgecommunicationsinc.comwww.edgecommunicationsinc.comKenneth Greenberg, Pres.Sara Flint, VPFounded in 1996, EdgeCommunications is an innovativeall-star team of communicationsprofessionals, unified by a no-nonsenseapproach that gets results.Through “better thinking andrelentless execution,” we expressour work ethic and our core valuesof quality and premium, personalservice.We’re a hybrid organization —virtual for professional services, traditionalfor administrative support.We think, we write, we pitch — andwe use the news media strategicallyto help our clients grow.Ranked by O’Dwyer’s amongthe top 50 technology PR firmsnationally, Edge consists of 20+VP-level strategists, writers andmedia relations experts, each ofwhom brings a minimum of 10years’ experience and industry segmentacross a range of communicationsdisciplines. Our team is alsopeppered with senior editorial professionals,alumni of notable businessand trade publications.Agency experience encompassesB2C, B2B and corporatework. Our clients have rangedfrom pre-IPO startups to membersof the Fortune 500 - intechnology, new media, consumerproducts, e-business,healthcare/life sciences, andprofessional services; KaiserPermanente, United Online,Intermec Technologies,CarsDirect.com, Pacific Bell,The Los Angeles Times,PrimeGen Biotech, Casio,Imation, Ebates.com,Userplane/AOL and many more.EDELMAN1500 BroadwayNew York, NY 10036www.edelman.comDaniel J. Edelman, Founder/ChairmanRichard Edelman, President & CEOPam Talbot, U.S. President & CEOEdelman is the world’s largestindependent public relations firm,with 2,700 employees in 48 officesworldwide. The firm was namedPRWeek’s Large Agency of theYear for 2006. Advertising Agenamed Edelman as one of ten marketingfirms to watch in 2007 in its“Best Agencies” issue. Edelmanwas also named 2006 Large Agencyof the Year and 2005 InternationalAgency of the Year by The HolmesGroup.Edelman’s PR-centric approachbrings together expertise from awide range of business practicesand industries. The Edelman networkalso includes five specialtyfirms – Blue (advertising),First&42nd (management consulting),MATTER (full-service brandedentertainment, content developmentand entertainment marketing)StrategyOne (research) andBioScience Communications (medicaleducation and publishing) – toprovide clients with a comprehensiveoffering of communicationsservices. Edelman is among the PRindustry’s leaders in developingclient programs that integrate newmedia platforms and user-generatedcontent such as blogs, podcasts andsocial networking sites. Key clientsinclude AstraZeneca, Burger King,Charles Schwab, Johnson &Johnson, Kraft, Microsoft, Nissan,Pfizer, Samsung, Unilever,Schering-Plough, UPS, Wal-Martand Wyeth.THE EDISON GROUP1708 Peachtree Street, Suite 100Atlanta, GA 30309404/885-9596Fax: 404/885-9558www.edisongroup.comThe Edison Group is anational consulting firm dedicatedto providing communicationsstrategies for corporations,organizations, nonprofits,educational institutions andtrade groups. We provideissues-based public affairs andpublic relations services, andwe are a recognized leader incampaign management, grassrootsadvocacy, crisis communications,e-communicationsand media relations. TheEdison Group’s relentless teamof media gurus, campaignorganizers, creative and designgeniuses, compulsiveresearchers and storytellersprides itself on having onething on their to-do list: makingtheir clients shine. The EdisonGroup, founded in 1996, hasoffices in Atlanta, Los Angeles,Chicago, Concord, OklahomaCity, Minneapolis, SanFrancisco and Washington D.C.5W PUBLICRELATIONS45 W. 45th St., 5th Flr.New York, NY 10036212/999-5585Fax: 646/328-1711info@5wpr.comwww.5wpr.comHeadquartered in New York,with an office in Los Angeles,the agency boasts a diversifiedclient portfolio second to none,including: Evian Natural SpringWater, Anheuser Busch, NICESystems, VeriSign, PatinaRestaurant Group, The Ice Rinkat Rockefeller Center, UnitedRetail Group/Avenue Stores,Seagram’s Coolers, Benny HinnMinistries, Zone Chefs, ThePritikin Longevity Center &Spa, celebrities includingPamela Anderson, Snoop Dogg,Ice Cube, and a plethora ofpublicly traded technologycompanies, and a variety ofother global interests, nationalcorporations, high-profile individuals,regional businesses,government agencies and academicinstitutions.MAY 2007 • WWW.ODWYERPR.COM • ADVERTISING SECTION31

The Gibbs & Soell flood company team arranged foreditors from Family Circle, Country Living, Domino,and Better Homes and Gardens Special InterestPublications (SIPs) among others to attend the client’s“Wood School” in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. Thishands-on activity gave the editors an opportunity toengage with Flood product, learn about exterior woodcare and maintenance and redo a deck.FRENCH / WEST /VAUGHAN112 E. Hargett St.Raleigh, NC 27601919/832-6300www.fwv-us.comRick French, President/CEOLauren Taylor, Executive VP, PartnerDavid Gwyn, Executive VP, PartnerJack Glasure, Chief Marketing OfficerProfiles of Top Independent PR FirmsFrench/West/Vaughan is theSoutheast’s largest independentpublic relations, public affairsand brand communicationsagency, and is the nation’s 19thlargest independently-owned PRfirm. Headquartered in Raleigh,N.C., the agency also has officesin both New York City andTampa. Founded in 1997, FWVcelebrates its 10th anniversarythis year.The GYMR team (L to R): Sharon Reis, PatrickMcCabe, and Pattie Yu.FWV is repeatedly recognizedas a leader on industry lists, andwas named a 2006 finalist for PRWeek magazine’s “Midsize PRAgency of the Year” award, aswell as the Holmes Report’s 2004National Consumer Agency ofthe Year.Focused practice areas includepublic relations, public affairs,research, advertising, and both e-merging and word-of-mouthmedia.FWV boasts a diversified clientroster, working with many of theworld’s leading companies andbrands. National and internationalclients include the Global WaterFoundation, the Coca-ColaCompany (Nestea, Gold Peak,Minute Maid), Ford MotorCompany, Wrangler, the JustinBoot Company, Canada Post,Speedo, Diageo (BulleitBourbon), Pfizer, United StatesPlaying Cards, Gemstar-TVGuide, ASTROTURF andbioMérieux. Regional public relationsclients include NorthCarolina State University andTweetsie Railroad, among manyothers.GIBBS & SOELL600 Third Avenue, Sixth FloorNew York, NY 10016212/697-2600Fax: 212/697-2646www.gibbs-soell.comcmallozzi@gibbs-soell.comCos Mallozzi, Pres. & CEOLuke Lambert, Sr. VP &Managing Director, New YorkJeff Altheide, Sr. VP & ManagingDirector, ChicagoFounded in 1971, Gibbs & SoellPublic Relations (G&S) is a midsized,full-service, global independentpublic relations firm withoperations in New York, Chicago,Raleigh, San Francisco, Zurich,Beijing, Tokyo and Latin America.The company’s philosophy is prettysimple: “Provide the best possibleservice, deliver outstandingresults and stay true to our clients,”says Cos Mallozzi, president/CEOof G&S. “With this philosophy asour guide, we have been blazingour own trail for more than 35years. It is the secret of our successand why so many Fortune 500,emerging leaders and Blue Chipcompanies value Gibbs & Soell asa dedicated partner in helping growtheir brands and business. And, it iswhy many of them have stayedwith us for 10 … 15 … 20-plusyears.”While the company has broadexperience in a number of industries,it focuses its expertise in coremarkets to deliver effective, valuedrivencommunications programsthat build on its experience, knowledgeand leadership. Those marketsinclude agriculture and food, buildingproducts, consumer lifestyle,financial services, industrial,healthcare, and technology. “Weunderstand the issues and challengesclients face in conductingbusiness in these industries, as wellas the critical importance of customerrelationships and the rapidlychanging dynamics of the marketplace,”says Mallozzi.G&S’ service portfolio includescorporate communications, marketingcommunications, event marketing/management, employeecommunications, leadership positioning,e-communications, andcommunications training.Clients include ActiveInternational, Alstom, AmericanWoodmark, Amtico, Cargill,Carrier Corporation, Delta FaucetCompany, CraftmasterManufacturing, Draka Marine Oil& Gas, Firestone BuildingProducts, GE Rail, GE Nuclear,Georgia-Pacific, Honeywell,Million Dollar Round Table,NatureWorks, Puronics, RSCEquipment Rental, Sage Software,Schindler Elevator, Stryker,Syngenta, The Dow ChemicalCompany, The Flood Co., The HotTub Council, RTI International,and Molex.GYMR1825 Connecticut Ave., N.W. Ste 300Washington, DC 20009-5708202/745-5100Fax: 202/234-6159www.gymr.comGYMR is a Washington, D.C.based public relations agency thatprovides health/healthcare clientswith strategic communications thatcapitalize on the dynamics unique toWashington. GYMR’s uniquestrength is the background of itsteam - government, advocacy, associations,foundations, corporationsand nonprofit organizations - whoexecute strategies that include imageand alliance building, public educationcampaigns or media relations toharness the formidable forces ofWashington and produce successfulresults for clients. The agency hascounseled a wide range of clients,including trade associations, healthvoluntary organizations, coalitions,foundations, corporations, federaland state agencies and nonprofitgroups.32MAY 2007 • WWW.ODWYERPR.COM • ADVERTISING SECTION

HAGER SHARP1090 Vermont Ave., N.W.Washington, D.C. 20005202/842-3600Fax: 202/842-4032Susan Hager, Chair & CEOFounded in 1973 and based inWashington, D.C., Hager Sharp isan award-winning, independent,woman-owned firm, with a broadrange of experience in education,health, safety, economic developmentand small business issues.The firm’s strengths include:national public awareness campaignsand social marketing programsthat make a difference inpeople’s lives, partnerships thatleverage our clients’ audiencereach and engagement, mediarelations - from crisis managementto targeting messages tojust-the-right audiences throughmedia placements and multiculturaloutreach, including partnershipdevelopment and media relations.THE HOFFMANAGENCY70 North Second StreetSan Jose, CA 95113408/286-2611www.hoffman.comLou Hoffman, CEOThe Hoffman Agency is anindependent PR firm that specializesin working with technology,telecom, and consumer electroniccompanies.With a client roster thatincludes Sony, PlantronicsNovellus, SonicWALL, andGoogle, the agency takes pride inimplementing PR campaignsdesigned to generate measurableresults.For companies seeking communicationsacross the globe, thefirm offers a collaborativeapproach to implementing PR inmultiple countries. This isdesigned to reduce the coordinationtime on the part of the clientwhile leveraging both contentand “thinking” across geographies.Headquartered in SiliconValley, the agency has an office inDenver and international officesin Asia (Beijing, Hong Kong,Singapore, Shanghai, Seoul,Taipei, and Tokyo) and Europe(London, Munich and Paris).Profiles of Top Independent PR FirmsHOPE-BECKHAM13 Corporate Square, Suite 100,Atlanta, GA 30329404/636-8200fax: 404/646-0530info@hopebeckham.comwww.hopebeckham.comHope-Beckham Inc. is a publicrelations firm with additionalstrength in event marketing andbusiness consulting. Hope-Beckham creates proprietaryplans and programs with imaginationand follow-through. Hope-Beckham’s experienced staff hasthe capability of providing strategybehind complex marketingand public relations projectswhile maintaining the ability toprofessionally execute virtuallyany complex logistical program.The firm creates proprietary plansand programs with imagination,creativity, sound experience andsolid execution. If you can dreamit, Hope-Beckham can get itdone.Clients include; Arcapita;Atlanta Spirit LLC; BugabooCreek Steakhouse; CaribouCoffee; Central Atlanta Progress;Comcast Communications;Flagstar Bank; Gray CapitalPartners; Greenberg, TraurigLLC; General Motors; Help AChild Smile; JCB ConstructionEquipment; Southern Company;The Sporting News; UnitedCommunity Bank; and othersHUNTER PR41 Madison Ave., 5th FloorNew York, NY 10010-2202www.hunterpr.comGrace Leong, PresidentCombine unmatched creativityand enthusiasm with strategiccounsel and outstanding mediacontacts and you have HunterPublic Relations, one of the mostrecognized mid-sized firms specializingin marketing communications.The independently-owned firmhandles all facets of strategicmarketing public relations fornational consumer brands andservices. Revitalizing maturebrands, creating buzz around newproducts and building awarenessamong key influencers groups areamong the firm’s specific areas ofaward-winning expertise. Amongthe firm’s clients are some of themost respected brand names inAmerica, including Kraft Foods,Wrigley, Kellogg’s, Campbell’s,Hasbro, E&J Gallo Winery,Diageo and 3M.IMRECOMMUNICATIONS305 Washington Ave.,Towson, MD 21204Baltimore: 410/821-8220Washington: 202/547-0500Fax: 410/821-5619info@imrecommunications.com;www.imrecommunications.comIt’s all about the Aha! Thatmoment of inspiration and creativitythat turns mere ideas intobreak-through strategy.While we believe strongly inthe power of PR, ImreCommunications is focused on aintegrated communicationsapproach that turns Aha!s intoresults for clients in Home &Building (Home Depot,Milwaukee electric tools, JohnDeere), Insurance (Travelers,MetLife) and Associations(American Institute of Architects,CoreNet Global and the NationalAlliance on Mental Illness).We’re all about the Aha!moment and the people who havethem. See what makes us goAha! at www.imrecommunications.com/ahaINTEGRATEDCORP. RELATIONS450 Post Rd. East, 2nd Flr.Westport, CT 06880203/682-8200Fax: 203/682-8201www.icrinc.comIntegrated CorporateRelations, Inc. is a leading financialcommunications firm specializingin investor relations and corporatecommunications. ICR hasset a new standard for financialcommunications with a businessmodel driven by deep capital-marketsexpertise provided by a teamof former Wall Street and corporateprofessionals, including seniorsell-side analysts, portfoliomanagers, chief financial officersand investment bankers. Their perspectiveis combined with that ofsenior PR, media and corporatecommunications professionals toprovide an integrated serviceoffering rooted in industry knowledgeand first-hand capital marketsexperience. The firm servicesall major market sectors fromoffices across the U.S. and inChina.JASCULA/TERMAN& ASSOCIATES730 N. Franklin Street, Suite 510Chicago, IL 60610312/337-7400www.jtpr.comRick Jasculca, Chairman & CEOJim Terman, President & CFOJasculca / Terman andAssociates (JT) is an independentpublic affairs and strategic communicationsfirm serving clientsin markets across the UnitedStates and abroad. We offer youthe strategic synergy, convenienceand efficiency of comprehensiveservices under one roof:public affairs and issues management,event management, visualcommunications and onlinestrategies.Clients include AMA,America’s Second Harvest,AT&T, BP, the Carter Center,Chicago 2016, DeVry University,Illinois Department of Commerceand Economic Opportunity,Midwest Generation andWellcareJ2 SCOMMUNICATIONS661 N. Harper Ave., Suite 208Los Angeles, CA 90048323/866-0880Fax: 323/866-0882www.js2comm.comJeff Smith, CEOJill Sandin, PresidentChris Bess, GM LA/VPAlissa Pinck, GM NYC/VPJS 2 Communications is a bicoastalpublic relations agencydedicated to providing clientswith strategic solutions, candidcounsel and tangible results.Comprised of a dynamic group ofseasoned professionals, the JS 2team is passionate about its relationshipswith niche-definingbrands and its partnerships withthe teams that build them. Basedin Los Angeles since 2001, theagency’s New York office openedin early 2005.JS 2 Communications’ entertainmentpractice includes BuenaVista Worldwide HomeEntertainment, Outfest 2007,Pacific Theatres and ArcLightCinemas Hollywood. The agencyis AOR for non-profits includingUNICEF and The Wonder ofReading. Corporate clients34MAY 2007 • WWW.ODWYERPR.COM • ADVERTISING SECTION

include Segway, Papyrus, KraikoDiamonds, MBT Shoes andIngenuity.JS 2 ’s F&B clients include: LaBrea Bakery, Leblon Cachaça;Bradley Ogden, Guy Savoy, andRao’s restaurants at CaesarsPalace in Las Vegas; in LosAngeles, Neal Fraser and hisGrace and bld restaurants, BenFord and Ford’s Filling Station,and Salvatore Marino’s Il Grano;also SunMilk and Hadaka Sushi.KAPLOW19 West 44th St., #601New York, NY 10036212/221-1713Fax: 212/768-1960www.kaplowpr.comLiz Kaplow, Pres. & CEOEvan Jacobs, CFODavid Herrick, General ManagerTina Haskins Chadha,Margie Cader, EVPsBonnie Rothman Morris, CreativeDir./SVPJill Christian, SVPLeah Schmerl, SVPKaplow is an award-winning,full service public relations agencywith extensive expertise in consumermarketing.What distinguishes Kaplow?Our unparalleled access to media.Our unsurpassed connections toopinion formers and influencers.And our deftness in cross-pollinatingpeople, ideas, and strategiesacross industries and across borders.We help world-class marketersturn business benchmarksinto industry-defining news. Byconnecting the right business to theright media, we create partnershipsthat produce measurable results.Our client service model bringsa significant amount of seniorlevelattention to our clients’ programs.Each team member is fullyimmersed in our clients’ business,industry and media environment.As a result, the agency sustainslong-term relationships with itsbest-in-class clients.As fluent in the language of theboardroom as we are in the lingo ofthe blogosphere, our public relationsexperts offer new ways toreach key consumers across therapidly shifting media landscape.By intimately connecting clients tothe people, industries, and opinioninfluencers who count, we’re notjust sparking conversations, we’rechanging them.Headquartered in NYC, Kaplowalso has an office in Toronto.Clients include: AmericanExpress, Avon/mark, Blue PlanetProfiles of Top Independent PR FirmsRun Foundation, CosmeticExecutive Women Beauty Awards,CVS, eBay, LeapFrog,Lawyers.com, Nexxus, RobertMondavi Lifestyle Brands,Shiseido Cosmetics America,Skype, St. Ives, Target and Timex.KCSA WORLDWIDE800 Second Ave.New York, NY 10017212/682-6300Herbert Corbin, ChairmanJeffrey Corbin, CEOHenry Feintuch, Managing PartnerTodd Fromer, Managing PartnerKCSA Worldwide is one of thenation’s leading independent corporatecommunications firms specializingin the integration of IR, PRand marketing services. The firm’scustomized programs and strategiccounsel create communicationssolutions for public and privatecompanies, allowing them to reachtheir desired audiences and achievetheir business marketing goals.Client service and accountabilityis paramount to the 38-year-oldfirm, which specializes in businessto business programs for its clientsthat run the gamut from start-upsand privately held firms to smallcap, mid cap and Fortune 1000firms.Areas of specialization includefinancial services, technology,advertising, marketing, media servicesand market research. Clientsinclude the American StockExchange’s IR Alliance; DeloitteFinancial Advisory Services;LaBranche & Company; Needham& Company; AdSpace Networks;IEEE Spectrum; JumpTV;Arbitron; Japan Tobacco; CompassDiversified Trust and thePennsylvania Real Estate Trust.KCSA is headquartered in NewYork and has an office in Tel Aviv.KOHNSTAMMCOMMUNICATIONS400 N. Robert St., 14th FloorSt. Paul, MN 55101651/228-9141www.kohnstamm.comjosh@kohnstamm.comKohnstamm Communicationsbuilds brands and generatessales through PR with greatconsistency and a sense ofurgency. Just ask any of itsclients: The Holmes Report didfor its “PR Report Card” andgave the agency its “Client Sealof Approval” rating, rare amongKohnstamm successfully approached Smithsoniancurators for Bundt cake-pan client Nordic Ware,resulting in a feature exhibit that focused on thecompany as an iconic brand of kitchenwareAmericana.small firms. Two vets of Hilland Knowlton and WeberShandwick have come togetherto form a gem of a PR machinethat, since 1991, has used PR tohelp create iconic nationalbrands — from Honest Tea,Naked Juice and Nordic Ware tothe U of MN’s Carlson Schoolof Management andLeaderSource: A Korn/Ferry.LAMBERT EDWARDS& ASSOCS.171 Monroe NW, #400, GrandRapids, MI 49503616/233-0500Fax: 616/233-0600www.lambert-edwards.comJeffrey T. Lambert, Mng. PartnerLambert, Edwards &Associates is one of the fastestgrowingcommunications firmsin the Midwest. Based in GrandRapids, Michigan - a stone’sthrow from the Chicago andDetroit metropolitan markets -LE&A has assembled a team ofnational agency, in-house andWall Street veterans whoseexpertise is delivering winningresults for more than 80 companiesin 19 states nationwide.Our specialized practice areasinclude: consumer products;investor relations and strategicanalytics; business and financialservices; healthcare; technology;faith-based productsand services; entertainment andmedia; and manufacturingClients Include: Beaner’sCoffee, Denali Flavors, LaSalle Bank, Mattress Firm,National Heritage Academies,Old Orchard Brands, OutbackSteakhouse/Fleming’s, SpartanMotors, Spectrum Health,Strongtower Financial, TechLighting, United AmericanHealthcare, Wolverine WorldWide, and ZondervanLANDISCOMMUNICATIONS1388 Sutter St., #901San Francisco, CA 94109www.landispr.comDavid Landis, President/CEOLandis Communications,Inc. (LCI) is a mid-sized,award-winning communicationsagency based in SanFrancisco. Known as “the BayArea’s consumer PR experts,”the independent agency formedin 1990. LCI is a member ofPublic Relations GlobalNetwork (www.prgn.org), aninternational network withnearly 40 affiliate agenciesworldwide.LCI’s experienced staff servicesnational and regionalclients in the consumer, nonprofit,arts/entertainment andconsumer technology categories.Clients include WholeFoods Market, Old Navy, NBCUniversal, Hilton Hotels,Stanford, Tiffany & Co., Sony,Cold Stone Creamery,California State ParksFoundation, SF Ballet, Xerox,Match.com and more. LCIoffers its clients a broad rangeof services, including public,community and media relations,public affairs, crisis communications,messaging, mediatraining, special events andmore.MAY 2007 • WWW.ODWYERPR.COM • ADVERTISING SECTION 35

L.C. WILLIAMS &ASSOCIATES150 N. Michigan Avenue, Ste. 3800Chicago, IL 60601312/565-3900Fax: 312/565-1770info@lcwa.comwww.lcwa.comLouis C. Williams, Jr., ChairmanKim Blazek Dahlborn, PresidentGary Goodfriend, Executive VPAllison Kurtz, Senior VPMary Moster, Senior VPL.C. Williams & Associates(LCWA) is a full-service publicrelations and research counselingfirm headquartered in downtownChicago with a service office inNew York City. Louis C. Williamsstarted the company in 1985 withthe vision of creating an agencythat provides the strategic thinkingand capabilities of a large firm withthe dedication and service of asmall specialty shop.Today, LCWA is a mid-size,independent agency employing 30professionals whose specialtiesinclude marketing communications,media relations, corporaterelations, employee/labor communications,public affairs, crisiscommunications, special events,community relations, media trainingand more. In addition, the firmoffers an in-house, full-serviceresearch capability. LCWA servesclients representing a wide rangeof industries and also is ranked asone of the foremost experts in thehome products and furnishings category.Among current clients: ATCPanels, Electrolux Home CareProducts, Fabricators &Manufacturers Association,Glidden, Graber, Grohe, IllinoisInstitute of Technology, ITW RedHead, Kincaid Furniture, La-Z-Boy, Medline Industries, Munters,National Concrete MasonryAssociation, Pergo, National PTA,ShopLocal.com, Tiffany & Co.,UnitedHealthcare of Illinois andU.S. Cellular.LEE & ASSOCIATES145 So. Fairfax Avenue, Suite 301Los Angeles, CA 90036323/938-3300www.leeassociates.comHoward Pearlstein, PrincipalProfiles of Top Independent PR FirmsLee & Associates offers strategicplanning, program evaluation,media relations, product launches,consumer education, specialevents, crisis management andcorporate PR services to itsclients.In addition to promoting packagedconsumer products andhealthcare/pharmaceuticals, theaward-winning agency has beenconsistently recognized as one ofthe leading independent food &beverage promotion agencies inthe country.Founded in 1950, its WesternResearch Kitchens division, featureshome economists, nutritionists,dietitians, chefs and medicaldoctors.The full-service firm has affiliateoffices in key cities throughoutthe U.S. and is often givenprojects by east coast and midwestcompanies to help with promotionin the western states.LIPPERT /HEILSHORN800 Third AvenueNew York, NY 10022212/838-3777Fax: 212/838-4568info@lhai.comwww.lhai.comLippert / Heilshorn &Associates, Inc. (LHA), foundedin 1984, is a leading independentinvestor relations firm. LHA specializesin designing and implementingstrategic business communicationsprograms for a selectportfolio of emerging growthcompanies, with a special focuson healthcare and technologycompanies.Headquartered in New York,with offices in Los Angeles andSan Francisco, LHA offers anintegrated business communicationsplatform fusing four disciplines:investor relations, publicrelations, corporate communications,and interactive communications.These practice areas areoften combined to deliver consistentmessages about clients thatresult in heightened awarenessamong targeted constituencies.For over 20 years, the LHAteam has embraced its responsibilityto be informed, educated,appropriate, and responsive in allinterrelationships with clients,Wall Street and the media. As oneof the pioneers in the practice offinancial communications, wecontinue to lead the way in thisevolving discipline, providing ourclients with broad-reaching perspectiveand multiple strategiesfor goal achievement.LOU HAMMOND& ASSOCIATES39 East 51st StreetNew York, NY 10022212/308-8880Fax: 212/891-0200lha@lhammond.comwww.louhammond.comFor 22 years, Lou Hammond &Associates has dedicated itsresources, energies and talents toserving travel and lifestyle entitiesworldwide with strategic programsfor clients who set the standard intheir industries. The agency hasearned the respect of clients andmedia alike, establishing a reputationfor service, integrity,unmatched style – and results thatimpact the bottom line.Founded by industry icon, LouHammond, the company is headquarteredin Manhattan with officesin Miami and Charleston and a staffof 40.LUCKIESTRATEGIC PR600 Luckie Dr., Suite 150Birmingham, Alabama 35223205/877-9870brian.pia@luckie.comwww.luckie.com/prBrian Pia, SVP & DirectorLuckie Strategic Public Relationsis a nationally ranked PR operationthat delivers over-the-top results onnational consumer campaigns.Luckie PR team members haveexperience working on consumerbrands such as Bayer Advanced,CedarSafe cedar closets, Fuji Film,Little Debbie Snacks, LouAnaPeanut Oil, Lowe’s HomeImprovement, Microsoft, Nike andSunbelt Snacks, among others.We’ve launched dozens of newconsumer products each year.We’ve generated national coveragefor Bayer Advanced in the RoseParade. We launched the LittleDebbie Ford Nextel Cup car. We’vealso spearheaded the training of20,000 Home Depot associatesabout the benefits of CedarSafecedar closets.We generate coverage for ourclients’ brands in USA Today, BetterHomes & Gardens, Newsweek,Time, NBC’s Today show, CBSEarly Show, CNN, FOX , and inlocal media all across the country.If you’re looking for ways toincrease awareness among your keyaudiences and totally raise the bar,then you need Luckie PR on yourconsumer brand team.MALONEY & FOX89 Fifth Ave., 4th Flr.New York, NY 10003212/243-2000Fax: 212/243-5500info@maloneyfox.comwww.maloneyfox.comMaloney & Fox, a WaggenerEdstrom company, develops campaignsthat go beyond PR, using amix of marketing techniques tohelp clients build their brands.The agency is obsessed withclient satisfaction; believes that afun, dynamic workplace leads tosuperior creative thinking andresults; and offers a dynamic mixtureof seasoned practitioners andenthusiastic young pros to generatefresh, strategic thinking.M&F has developed a formidabletrack record of programs thatincrease awareness, influenceaudience opinions and behavior,get consumers to take action, andhave a positive impact on sales.How? By combining unexpectedcreative ideas with a solid strategicfoundation tied to marketinggoals and by translating mediaand pop culture trends into programsthat create broad mediaexposure and resonate with thetarget.MARX LAYNE & CO.31420 Northwestern Hwy., #100,Farmington Hills, MI 48334248/855-6777, x105www.marxlayne.commlayne@marxlayne.comMichael Layne, Frederick Marx, MattFriedman, Mike Szudarek, PartnersFounded in 1987, FarmingtonHills, Michigan-based MarxLayne & Company is among theMidwest’s leading independentlyowned public relations firms.The 40 person agency providesresults-focused integrated marketingand public relations serviceson a local, regional, nationaland global basis to clients in theautomotive, manufacturing,retail, restaurant and beverage,environmental, real estate development,financial, hospitality,healthcare, pharmaceutical andprofessional service sectors, aswell as nonprofit organizationsand municipalities. Media relations,Public Affairs, Crisis Continued on page 3836MAY 2007 • WWW.ODWYERPR.COM • ADVERTISING SECTION

Marx LayneContinued from page 36Management, Special Eventsand Branding are some of theagency’s areas of expertise.Some sample clients include,Abitibi Consolidated, BuildingIndustry Association ofSoutheastern Michigan, Comcast,McDonald's Restaurants ofSoutheast Michigan, PhilipMorris, Verizon Wireless, Wal-Mart.M. BOOTH &ASSOCIATES300 Park Ave South, 12th FloorNew York, NY 10010212/481-7000Fax: 212/481-9440info@mbooth.comwww.mbooth.comMargaret Booth, PresidentBradford D Rodney, ManagingPartnerM Booth & Associates is amid-sized public relations firmthat lives and breathes brand. Wehelp leading corporations andinstitutions build brands withfresh, innovative programs thatcreate competitive advantage,leverage third party recognition,and support marketing and salesefforts. We partner with clients todeliver their brand’s promise andmessage to consumer, businessand trade audiences through avariety of channels includingmedia relations, special events,industry relations, sponsorships,third-party spokespersons andonline. Our work is focused insix practice areas: consumerproducts, travel/lifestyle, corporate,healthcare, fashion/retail,and not for profit. With a staff of60, M Booth & Associates hasaffiliate agencies worldwide.MCGRATH/POWERPUBLIC RELATIONS3945 Freedom Circle, Suite 690Santa Clara, CA 95054408/727-0351info@mcgrathpower.comwww.mcgrathpower.comMcGrath / Power PublicRelations has been building communicationsprograms for adiverse group of companiesnationally and locally for nearly30 years. Headquartered inSilicon Valley, our full-serviceProfiles of Top Independent PR Firmspublic relations firm boasts abroad array of services tailored tothe business objectives of itsclients, including: positioning andmessage development, mediatraining, crisis management andinvestor relations. We haveworked in partnership with someof the nation’s best-knownbrands, building leaders such asTiVo, Reebok, RSA Security andEarthLink. In addition, we are theSilicon Valley partner of theWorldcom Public RelationsGroup, the world’s largest consortiumof independent publicrelations firms.MOORE CONSULTINGGROUP2011 Delta BoulevardTallahassee, FL 32303850/224-0174Fax: 850/224-9286www.moore-pr.comOne word describes MooreConsulting Group: RESULTS.This integrated communicationsfirm is comprised of a creativeand talented staff experienced inall facets of public relations, marketing,crisis communications,creative, research and advertisingthat has excelled at deliveringresults for more than 15 years.With a reputation for award-winning,high-impact execution, theirsuccess is driven by a relentlesscommitment to implement thefundamentals, while staying onthe cutting edge. The firm hassteadily built a reputation for successand a portfolio of awardwinningwork, having been recognizedwith more than 250 stateand national communicationsawards.THE MORRIS +KING COMPANY101 Fifth Ave.New York, NY 10003212/561-7450www.morris-king.comAndy Morris, Co-PrincipalJudith R. King, Co-PrincipalThe Morris + King Company(MKC) is a New York-based publicrelations and marketingagency with a national reputationfor results-driven campaigns andinventive messaging strategies.Founded in 2001 by co-principalsAndy Morris and Judith R. King,MKC generates attention-getting,buzz-building campaigns formore than 25 clients, including:Abyssinian Development Corp;Beliefnet; Actus Lend Lease;Stardoll; Marquis Jet; Ritz-Carlton Club; AOL; CNBC: PilotPen; Classic Media; Stardoll;Music Choice; Heavy.com;Special Ops Media; ChocolatMichel Cluizel; NatronaFurniture; AdBrite; TitanWorldwide and Pfizer.PADILLA SPEERBEARDSLEY1101 West River Pkwy.,Minneapolis, MN 55415612/455-1700Fax: 612/455-1060New York:950 Third Ave., 16th floorNew York, NY 10022212/752-8338Fax: 212/752-6082www.psbpr.com;www.psbblog.comLynn Casey, Chair & CEORated highly by our clients forthe level of service we provide andby our staff as a best place towork, Padilla Speer Beardsley isknown for experienced, strategiccounsel built on a research-basedplanning methodology,Communicating for ActionSM.More than 100 employee-ownersbring expertise incorporate/investor relations, marketing,crisis and critical issuesmanagement, and online/offlinestrategies to our clients in: foodand home products, healthcare/medical devices, high technology,manufacturing, and professionaland financial services.Global reach through WorldcomPublic Relations Group.Clients include: Arctic Cat,BASF, Entegris, Ernst & Young,General Mills, Genesys, Gfk,Global Ethanol, H.B. Fuller,Macy’s North, MetropolitanAirports Commission, OshkoshTruck Corp., RockwellAutomation, Tennant, Toro,Transamerica RetirementManagement, Valspar, VitalImages.PEPPERCOM470 Park Ave. South, 5th FloorNew York, NY 10016212/931-6100www.peppercom.comSteven Cody, Edward Moed,Managing PartnersPeppercom, founded in 1995,has 52 employees in New York,San Francisco, Chicago andLondon. Peppercom is a midsizedcommunications agencythat specializes in developingstrategic and creative PR programsfor a variety of Fortune500, mid-sized and small companies.In addition to PR campaigns,services include a positioningprogram to differentiatea client from its competitiveset, a crisis management programcalled CrisisRx, Pain-Based Selling, to identify thegap between what client salesforces think customers arethinking and what they actuallyare, and innovative ways toleverage existing partnershipsor develop new ones.Peppercom’s PepperDigitalprogram effectively integratestraditional public relationsactivities with emerging digitalinitiatives (blogs, podcasts,etc.). Peppercommotions, thefirm’s special events and sponsorshipsdivision, helps majorcorporations maximize theirsponsorships. Clients includePanasonic, ITT, Honeywell,Ricoh, Fireman’s Fund, Unisys,KPMG, Valspar, Whirlpoolbrand, and Steelcase amongmany others.PERRY COMMS.GROUP925 L Street, Suite 1200Sacramento, CA 95814916/658-0144www.perrycom.comKassy Perry, President/CEOPerry CommunicationsGroup, Defining Tomorrow’sIssues TodaySM, is rankedamong the top firms specializingin healthcare PR byO’Dwyer’s. Perry Comms.Group is an independent, fullservicepublic relations andpublic affairs firm specializingin issues management, mediarelations and coalition building.Since 1996, Kassy Perry andher award winning team havehad a profound impact on societyand their clients’ bottomline with nationally recognizedcampaigns tackling pressingissues facing society includingMedicare, public health, housing,the environment, access toprescription medicines, cancerand mental health.Call us today. See what wecan do for you.38MAY 2007 • WWW.ODWYERPR.COM • ADVERTISING SECTION

From left: Benihana Master Chef Tomonari “Tomo”Mitsunobu; William “The Refrigerator” Perry; JoelSchwartz, President & CEO, Benihana; Stacy Keibler,and Benihana Master Chef Katsutoshi Aono. PiersonGrant facilitated a Super Bowl promotion for Benihanathat featured the former Chicago Bears defensivelineman.Photo by Joshua PrezantPIERSON GRANT6301 NW 5th Way, #2600Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33309954/776-1999Fax: 954/776-0290info@piersongrant.comwww.piersongrant.comMaria Pierson, CEOJane Grant, PresidentPierson Grant is a full-servicefirm specializing in publicity, mediarelations, community relations, creativepromotions and marketingcommunications. All services alsoare offered in Spanish.Providing highly personalizedservice, one company principaltakes the lead on each account andboth Pierson and Grant stay fullyinvolved in all client matters.The firm represents clientsnationwide in the restaurant, hospitality,real estate, arts, financial andhealthcare industries.Clients include: Dairy Queen,Benihana,WoolbrightDevelopment Corp., StarwoodHotels, GL Homes, The AltmanCompanies, Sunbeam Properties,Colonial Bank, AmericanIntercontinental University,Broward Center for the PerformingArts.Profiles of Top Independent PR FirmsPUBLIC COMMS.INC.Partner in The WorldcomPublic Relations Group35 E. Wacker Dr.,Chicago, IL 60601312/558-1770Fax: 312/558-5425ideas@pcipr.comwww.pcipr.comPublic Communications Inc.(PCI) is widely recognized forproviding measurable, resultsorientedservices, consistentlyranking among the largest independentpublic relations organizationsin the United States.PCI is large enough to provideall the communications servicesa national or local client mightrequire yet small enough thatthe firm’s officers are directlyinvolved in each program.PCI serves an eclectic and loyalclient base, with a concentrationof business in healthcare,conservation, education, andculture/entertainment/sports.PCI principals provide strategiccounsel and issues/crisis managementfor corporate and nonprofitclients.A certified Women’sThe June issue of O’Dwyer’s PR Report will showcaseinternational PR firms.For more info about this issue, please contact Associate Editor Jon Gingerichat 646/843-2080 or jon.gingerich@odwyerpr.comBusiness Enterprise, PCI is afounding partner of theWORLDCOM Public RelationsGroup, the world’s largest networkof independently ownedfirms.QORVISCOMMUNICATIONS1201 Connecticut Ave., N.W., #300Washington, DC 20036202/496-1000Fax: 202/496-1300info@qorvis.comMichael Petruzzello, CurtisRobinson, Kelley McCormick,Maura Corbett, Don Goldberg, RichMasters, Susan Murphy, PartnersQorvis Communications isone of the nation’s largest independentcommunications firms.Formed in 2000, Qorvis hasoffices in Washington, DC, andMcLean, VA. Clients facingdifficult communications challengesrely on the proven judgmentand experience of QorvisCommunications. We focusrelentlessly on helping ourclients solve their critical communicationsneeds. We prideourselves on providing legendaryclient service led bysenior communications professionalsin a collegial atmospherethat fosters breakthroughwork and gets results.Clients include: Adobe, TheAmerican Institute of CertifiedPublic Accountants (AICPA),Albritton, Amazon.com, AOL ,Beam Global Spirits & Wine,Inc., Brabeion, ComputerElectronics Association,DynCorp, Earth ConservationCorps, Feld, Entertainment,Halifax Corporation,Halliburton, Horatio AlgerAssociation,LunaTechnologies, NelNet, NationalItalian American Foundation(NIAF), North AmericanInsulation ManufacturersAssociation (NAIMA),Northern Virginia TechnologyCouncil, The PharmaceuticalResearch and Manufacturers ofAmerica (PhRMA), Pratt &Whitney, Pulte Homes,Pulver.com, SafeNet,Techbooks, Trafigura, TheSugar Association, TheKingdom of Saudi Arabia,United TechnologiesCorporation (UTC), Virginia'sCenter for InnovativeTechnology, Virginia Lottery,VidiTalk, and YouthAIDS.RASKY BAERLEINSTRATEGIC COMMS.70 Franklin St., 3rd Flr.Boston, MA 02110617/443-9933 Fax: 617/443-9944www.rasky.comJoseph Baerlein, PresidentAnn Carter, CEOLarry Rasky, ChairmanWith offices in Boston andWashington, D.C., RaskyBaerleinStrategicCommunications specializes indeveloping and executing integratedcommunications programsthat yield desired results forclients - whether enhancing brandidentity, defeating a referendum,quelling an emerging crisis in themedia or stopping harmful legislation.Rasky Baerlein’s specialtyareas include: Energy &Environment; Real Estate;Financial Services; Non-Profit;Healthcare, Technology, Sports,Entertainment & Media; CrisisCommunications & ReputationManagement; Lobbying,Grassroots Organizing, IssuesManagement, and Initiative &Referendum ballot campaigns.RF | BINDER950 Third Avenue, 7th FloorNew York, NY 10022212/994-7600www.rfbinder.comAmy Binder, CEOFrank Walton, PresidentGeorge Drucker, CMORF|Binder provides clients withcommunications strategies andservices well grounded inresearch. Our emphasis on knowledge-baseddecision-makingensures we understand the contextsaffecting clients’ needs, createeffective messages, and choosethe right, contemporary communicationschannels and tactics. Weserve clients in corporate communications,brand building, andissues management. Our managementteam brings diverse perspectivesfrom business, media, andacademia to addressing clientissues. Our senior staff staysactively involved with the day-todayservice of every client relationship.We form our teamsaround our clients’ needs, bringingin professionals with the rightexpertise to meet the communicationschallenges.40MAY 2007 • WWW.ODWYERPR.COM • ADVERTISING SECTION

The Schneider Team (L to R): Schneider Associates’VP of Consumer Group Julie Hall, President JoanSchneider and the VP of Corporate and Public AffairsPhil Pennellatore.RHEA & KAISERMARKETING COMMS.400 East Diehl Road, #301Naperville, IL 60563630/505-1100www.rkconnect.comStephen L. Rhea, Pres./CEODeron Johnson, Dir., PRThe 15-person Rhea & Kaiserpublic relations group deliverssuperlative results and outstandingstrategic thinking to clients,whether the PR campaign is partof a fully integrated program ora stand-alone offering. We alsooffer a unique approach to PRresults measurement, includinga proprietary tool for assessingthe quality of media coverage.As part of our comprehensiveservice offering, the Rhea &Kaiser public relations team hassignificant experience in issuesand crisis management.RON SACHSCOMMUNICATIONS114 S. Duval St.Tallahassee, FL 32301850/222-1996Fax: 850/224-2882www.ronsachs.comRon Sachs, PresidentProfiles of Top Independent PR FirmsRon Sachs Communicationsis an integrated public relationsfirm providing public relations,video and multi-media production,public affairs, advertising,media buying and design, publiceducation initiatives and causemarketing. Founded in 1996,this 12-year-old Tallahasseebasedfirm with offices inOrlando, Jacksonville and SouthFlorida has sustained growthevery year and is nationally recognizedas a leader in the developmentof innovative marketingcampaigns, graphic and productiondesign and has establishedits reputation for building brandawareness for its clients.ROSICASTRATEGIC PR95 Route 17 South, #109Paramus, NJ 07652201/843-5600Fax: 201/843-5680pr@rosica.comwww.rosica.comNow in its 27th year, RosicaStrategic Public Relations is anational consumer and business-to-businesspublic relationsand marketing firm. Theagency’s strategic servicesinclude: media relations, causerelatedmarketing, mediaevents, corporate PR, crisismanagement, new productintroductions and public affairs.Rosica develops goal-orientedpublic relations programs forconsumer and business-to-businessproducts and measurestheir results, making PR moretangible. With our proprietarySales Smart PR methodology,which tracks and values programresults, Rosica StrategicPublic Relations maximizes anycampaign. We are alwaysaccountable to sales and consistentlywork to improve visibilityand brand equity. Our strategicprocess includes: defininggoals and target audiences; creatinga strategic plan; developinga story in a compellingfashion; disseminating positivenews; increasing revenues andachieving clients’ goals; andmeasuring campaign results.Through this process, weensure a solid return on ourclients’ PR and marketinginvestments.Visit www.rosica.com forcase studies and additionalinformation.Clients include: NourisonRug Company, Boys & GirlsClubs of NJ, Caring Institute,Independent JewelersOrganization, The RascalCompany (Electric MobilityInc.), National Association ofHome Care & Hospice, Nice-Pak (food, medical & consumerproducts), Rollerblade, Sadlier-Oxford Publishing Company,United Way, J. R. Watkins Inc.(flavors and apothecary products),Yule Tree Farms (designerChristmas trees) and UncleWally’s Muffin Company.RUDER FINN301 East 57th StreetNew York, NY 10022212/593-6400www.ruderfinn.comDavid Finn, ChairmanKathy Bloomgarden & PeterFinn, Co-CEOsRuder Finn is an independentPR agency employing over 650professionals. Practice areasunder the core business categoriesof Health & Wellness,Corporate & Public Trust andGlobal Connectivity, include:healthcare, technology, corporatestrategy and branding, consumermarketing, public affairsas well as cultural and socialissues.Clients include: GE, Audi,Citibank, Infonet, Sony, NEC,Jamaica Tourism Board, AirFrance, Embassy Suites,Kellogg’s, The North Face,Perdue Chicken, Gerber,Johnson & Johnson, Novartis,Pfizer, Trust for Public Lands,and The Museum of ModernArt.Offices are located in NewYork, Chicago, Los Angeles,San Francisco, Washington,DC, London, Paris, Basel,Jerusalem, Beijing, HongKong, Guangzhou, Shanghai,Singapore and Sydney. RuderFinn has affiliate agencies inmajor cities in the US, Europe,Latin America and Asia-Pacific.SCHNEIDERASSOCIATES2 Oliver Street, Suite 901Boston, MA 02109617/536-3300Fax: 617/536-3180launch@schneiderpr.comwww.schneiderpr.comJoan Schneider, President &Creative DirectorJulie Hall & Phil Pennellatore,VPs.Schneider Associates is afull-service PR agency that successfullylaunches products,services, companies and communitiesfor a wide range ofconsumer, corporate, real estate,and public affairs clients. Theagency’s services includelaunch strategy planning, mediarelations, ideation sessions,guerilla marketing, media tours,special events, crisis communications,and spokesperson training.President Joan Schneiderauthored “New Product Launch:10 Proven Strategies,” a comprehensivebook that draws uponextensive consumer research.Joan is currently working on astudy with the BabsonInnovation and CorporateEntrepreneurship ResearchCenter to understand best practicesin B2B product and servicelaunch.Types of PR handled: consumerproducts, launch publicrelations, food & beverage,retail, public affairs, corporatecommunications, real estate,financial and professional services.Clients: Baskin-Robbins,Hannaford Bros. Co., HighStreet Equity Advisors,Bertucci’s Brick OvenRistorante, Cabot, Cabot &Forbes, National Development,New England Confectionery Co.(NECCO), Reckitt Benckiser/d-CON, Walker RestorationConsultants, and ConnecticutSchool of BroadcastingThe agency, which was foundedin 1980, has 28 employees.42MAY 2007 • WWW.ODWYERPR.COM

At Taylor, every account team like the MasterCard oneabove is managed by an agency principal (average tenure:15 years). Each person on the team, including a dedicatedresearcher, has been selected for their insight and intensityand because they reflect the brand’s target audience.SCHWARTZCOMMUNICATIONSProspect Place230 Third Ave.Waltham, MA 02451781/684-0770Fax: 781/684-6500www.schwartz-pr.comFounded in 1990 by the husbandand wife team of Steve andPaula Mae Schwartz, SchwartzCommunications is one of thenation’s leading public relationsagencies focused on high-tech,medical technology and biotechnologycompanies. The agencyhas more than 200 employees inits Boston, San Francisco andStockholm offices. SchwartzCommunications has garneredmany honors and was namedthree times to the Inc. 500 list ofthe fastest-growing private companies.Schwartz offers itsroughly 190 clients a full spectrumof services, including PRstrategy and branding, mediarelations, analyst relations, speaking,crisis communications, governmentrelations and podcasting.Profiles of Top Independent PR FirmsSHELTON GROUPThree Lincoln Center5430 LBJ Freeway, Suite 280Dallas, TX 75240972/239-5119Fax: 972/239-2292pr@sheltongroup.comwww.sheltongroup.comShelton Group is a full-service,strategic IR and PR agency providingcustomized programs and servicesto public and private companiesacross multiple industries. Foundedin 1994, Shelton Group offers a teamof professionals with diverse backgroundsthat uniquely blend businessacumen with creativity to deliver thehighest quality of service. Applyingan integrated approach to corporatecommunications, Shelton Groupdelivers a company’s unified story toall targeted audiences. Due to a dedicationto value-added service andthrough a national network of keystrategic relationships, SheltonGroup has built a trusted reputationwith the media, industry experts andthe financial community that producesimmediate results for emergingand established companies. Withoffices in Texas, California andTaiwan, Shelton Group is also a partnerfirm of Public RelationsOrganization International (PROI),which provides access to more than50 offices worldwide.SLOANE AND CO.7 Times Square, 17th FloorNew York, NY 10036www.sloanepr.comElliot Sloane, CEODarren Brandt, Whit Clay &Anton Nicholas, MDsSloane & Co. is a financial PRfirm located at Times Square Towerin Manhattan.With a specialization in corporateand financial media relations, IR,and crisis counseling, Sloane representssome of the most respectedpublic and private financial institutionsand trade associations in NewYork and across the globe.Leveraging skills nurtured at theworld’s biggest agencies, Sloaneoffers its clients hands-on seniormanagement attention in an entrepreneurialenvironment.Sloane prides itself on learning itsclients’ businesses from the insideout, forming strong, meaningfulpartnerships with management helpingto sharp clients’ core positioningto key constituencies that includethe investment community, financialmedia, trade, consumer, andemployees.Sloane’s client list includes AIGFinancial Products, BearingPoint,Cablevision, LG Philips, Medtronic,New York Life, and TiVO.SPECTRUM SCIENCECOMMUNICATIONS2000 K. St., N.W., 2nd Flr.,Washington, D.C. 20006202/955-6222www.spectrumscience.comSpectrum Science Comms. specializesin communications forhealthcare products, issues and missions.Founded 11 years ago andindependently owned, Spectrum’sservices include product marketing,advocacy relations, PA, interactivecommunications and creative services.Spectrum achieves consumer andtrade communications goals fasterby quickly understanding and translatingcomplex medical issues andworking more efficiently with advocacygroups and consumer and tradehealth media.Spectrum conducts programs on aregional, national and internationalscale and is a founding partner inGLOBALHealthPR, an internationalgroup of independently ownedagencies.Clients include Genentech,Organon, Pfizer, KingPharmaceuticals, American DiabetesAssn. and the Kennedy KriegerInstitute.SPRING, O’BRIEN& COMPANY50 W. 23rd St., Floor 11New York, New York 10010212/620-7100Fax: 212/620-7166flair@spring-obrien.comwww.spring-obrien.comSpring, O’Brien has consistentlyachieved success for its clientsthrough strategic communications.International in scope, grassroots inorientation, the agency has a flair forcreating business opportunities forits clients, leveraging integratedmarketing plans, enhancing brandimage and building long-term partnerrelationships. Its work is distinguishedby senior-level accountservice, extensive experience bothin journalism and marketing, plusin-depth knowledge of its core serviceareas: travel & destination marketingand business-to-business(real estate, economic development,technology and financial services).S&S | PR100 Village Green, #200Lincolnshire, IL 60069800/287-2279Fax: 847/955-7720www.sspr.comFrom Business Week to Brides,Progressive Grocer to PC Magazine,the New York Times to the NapaValley Register, CNN to CNBC,SS|PR gets oceans of ink for itsclients. Since 1978, SS|PR has beena leader in media and investor relations,trade show support, analysttours, writing services, crisis management—allthe disciplines youneed to stay visible and favorablypositioned. Our uniquely targetedapproach, combined with our extensivemedia relationships, generatesmaximum exposure and bankableresults. SS|PR specializes in hightechand franchise clients of all kindsplus general business, consumergoods, food, financial and healthcarefirms.TAYLOR14 Penn Plaza, Suite # 610New York, NY 10122212/714-1280Fax: 212/ 695-5685info@taylorpr.comwww.taylorpr.comTony Signore, CEO & Mng. PartnerBryan Harris, Mark Beal, John44MAY 2007 • WWW.ODWYERPR.COM

Profiles of Top Independent PR FirmsLiporace, Erin Weinberg, Mng. PartnersBrett Jewkes, Frank Hernandez, TedFragulis, Exec. VPsRyan Mucatel, SVPStacey Gomoljak, Bill Holtz, VPTaylor, founded in 1984 andrecognized as the leadinglifestyle and sports public relationsagency, has more than 100employees with headquarters inNew York and offices in LosAngeles, Charlotte and London.The firm partners exclusivelywith category-leading consumerbrands that utilize sports,entertainment, and lifestyleplatforms to achieve their business-buildinggoals.Taylor’s unique businessmodel calls for an agency principal(average tenure: 15years), as well as a dedicatedresearcher, to be activelyinvolved in every account. Theagency provides a full array ofpublic relations services including:proprietary research andcompetitive analysis; programplanning and development;strategic media relations; eventproduction; spokesperson procurementand training;Hispanic/multicultural marketingcommunications; socialmedia programming; and measurementand evaluation.Taylor’s portfolio of clientpartners includes: MasterCard,Diageo, Gillette, Microsoft,Allstate, DHL, Staples, AlltelWireless, Abbott Laboratories,NASCAR and Levi StraussSignature.PR news is tooimportant to getonce a day.That’s why we createdodwyerpr.comThe #1 site for PR news,according to Google.Clients include:AbbottNutrition (EAS), Allstate,Alltel,BombardierRecreational Products (BRP),Callaway, DHL, Diageo(Baileys, Crown Royal,Guinness, Johnny Walker, JoseCuervo, Smirnoff), Dockers,Gillette Company, LevisStrauss Signature, MasterCardInternational, Microsoft Xbox,NASCAR, Staples.TREVELINO/KELLERCOMMUNICATIONS949 W. Marietta Street, X-106King Plow Arts CenterAtlanta, Georgia 30318404/214-0722www.trevelinokeller.comDean Trevelino, PrincipalGenna Keller, PrincipalThink Forward. We believethe most important quality we canbring to our clients is the commitmentto be forward thinking, tolook at everything with a freshperspective even if it rides theedge of risk, to break ground onnew territory, but not be afraid tolook backwards, say, to re-inventsomething that was once classic.In that spirit, the agency launchedthe Atlas Alliance in 2005, a consortiumof boutique firms withdistinct geographic, industry andcultural expertise. In 2006, theagency launched the Start-UpCouncil, a partnership of servicefirms supporting the start-upcommunity. In 2007,Trevelino/Keller formallylaunched a presence inCharleston as part of its missionto be the first point of considerationfor companies based in theSoutheast who have a national orinternational focus. Theagency’s practices include:Advanced Technologies,Consumer Lifestyle, Vertical B2Band GreenWorks.TRYLON SMR274 Madison AvenueNew York 10016212/7215-2295www.trylonSMR.cominfo@trylonSMR.comTrylon SMR has exclusivelyserved clients in the technology,media and telecommunicationsindustries since 1990. As oneof the first agencies to implementInternet media relations,both representing online clientsand reaching online media sinceThe Vandiver Group’s Executive Lead Team, (l to r),Mack Bradley, SVP; Kelly Ferrara, SVP; DonnaVandiver, CEO and Amy Crump, CFO.1994, we’ve also been at theforefront of web log-basedmedia relations since 2002. Asdedicated media & technologyspecialists Trylon SMR is thoroughlyknowledgeable of thesector and provides informedstrategic counsel and followthroughwith efficient tacticalexecution. Our personal andscalable account service processis built on a total commitment toconsistently deliver successfulmedia placement results forclients.THE VANDIVERGROUP10411 Clayton Rd.,St. Louis, MO 63131314/991-4641Fax: 314/991-4651TVG@vandivergroup.comwww.vandivergroup.comThe Vandiver Group Inc.(TVG) is a full-service, awardwinningstrategic communicationsfirm helping clients strategize,visualize, articulate andnavigate communicationsissues. Founded in 1993, TVGis one of the largest independentlyowned public relationsfirms based in St. Louis, with aglobal client base. We have 4TVG satellite offices and 60offices worldwide, via our membershipin Pinnacle Worldwide.Our services include strategiccommunications, issues and crisismanagement, word of mouth,market research, media relations,executive/employee training,employee communicationsand public relations using newand traditional media. Ourclients include Fortune 50 corporations,not-for-profits, governmentagencies and serviceproviders.V-FLUENCE7770 Regents Rd., #113-576San Diego, CA 92122-1937877/835-8362Fax: 877/568-4848info@v-fluence.comwww.v-fluence.comv-Fluence’s ascendancy toO’Dwyer’s Top 100 PR firms for2007 is no accident. The company’sfounding philosophy— Itstarts online®—has becomemore than just our own visionarystatement: It’s now essential toany successful PR and marketingstrategy. Our rapid growth andcurrent ranking is a reflection ofthe company’s leadership in providingbest-practice, standardsettinganalysis, counsel andexecution of Internet strategiesto companies that want to influenceopinion, optimize onlinespaces that truly matter andprove ROI. For more informationon how v-Fluence can assistyou in meeting your corporateand client goals, visit www.vfluence.com.MAY 2007 • WWW.ODWYERPR.COM 45

Profiles of Top Independent PR FirmsWaggener Edstrom’s Melissa Waggener Zorkin.WAGGENEREDSTROM225 108th Ave., N.E., #700Bellevue, WA 98004425/638-7000Fax: 425/638-7001WaggenerEdstrom.comWaggener EdstromWorldwide provides public relationsservices using itsInnovation Communicationsmethodology optimized forglobal organizations impactedby innovation and change. Theagency’s approach facilitates theacceptance of new ideas andhelps clients tell the stories thatalter the way people think, actand buy around the world.Founded in 1983, the agency hasnearly 700 employees with U.S.headquarters in Seattle,European headquarters inLondon and Asian headquartersin Hong Kong. WaggenerEdstrom Worldwide partnerswith pioneering and creativeclients, including AdvancedMicro Devices (AMD),MasterCard International,Microsoft Corp. and T-MobileUSA.WILLIAM MILLSAGENCY300 W. Wieuca Rd., Bldg. One, #300Atlanta, GA 30342678/781-7219Fax: 678/781-7239www.williammills.comMeredith Boyd, Dir. CommunicationAtlanta-based William MillsAgency is the largest publicrelations firm serving the financialindustry and ranked by theAtlanta Business Chronicle asthe 5th largest independent publicrelations firm in the metroarea. Since 1977, the agency hashelped hundreds of firms growtheir businesses through consistentpress coverage in the media.From startups to publicly heldmultinationals, we’ve helpedcompanies sell virtually everyproduct or service used by commercialbanks, mortgagelenders, credit unions and otherfinancial solution providers. Theagency represents more than 70companies throughout NorthAmerica. Visit our Web site atwww.williammills.com.WRAGG & CASASPUBLIC RELATIONS1000 Brickell Ave., Suite 400Miami, FL 33131305/372-1234Fax: 305/372-8565www.wraggcasas.comFounded in 1991, Wragg &Casas Public Relations isFlorida’s leading full-service publicrelations firm, maintainingoffices in Miami, Naples/FortMyers and Orlando.Wragg & Casas specializes instrategic counseling, reputationmanagement, crisis management,media relations, public affairs,community relations, marketingcommunications, branding,graphic design, Web design, eventmanagement and multiculturalcommunications.The company is known forinnovative, results-oriented messagedevelopment and delivery.What sets Wragg & Casas apartfrom other agencies is a staff ofstrategic thinkers who get the jobdone.Wragg & Casas is a proudmember of Pinnacle Worldwideand the Council of PR Firms. PR’s#1 Websitewww.odwyerpr.com46 MAY 2007 • WWW.ODWYERPR.COM