2009 Platinum PR Awards: Midsize PR Firm—Coyne PR

In 2008, Coyne PR grew 38% as an agency, from $8.4 million to $11.6 million, and increased profitability to 17%—a remarkable feat during a recession. Fueling this explosive growth were a number of AOR and project-based relationships the agency cultivated with high-profile brands,such as Babies “R” Us, Hasbro and General Mills brands. The agency has also boasted a very low employee attrition rate and is in the forefront of giving back to the community with numerous CSR projects, which include the N.J. Food Bank and American Foundation for Suicide Prevention.

The agency had an impressive year in 2008. Highlights include:

• The food and beverage team grew by 36%, expanding relationships with General Mills to promote brands such as Yoplait Kids and Cocoa Puffs;

• The toys team increased its existing relationships with Toys “R” Us and Graco, whose budget increased nearly 75% this year;

• Coyne Digital Studio was developed in 2008; the team has since worked for clients such as Disney Parks and Shell; and

• The pet team billings jumped more than 110%, building out its relationship with Del Monte’s Milkbone brand to celebrate its 100th anniversary. ■

Honorable Mentions:

Makovsky & Company—Posting a 25% revenue growth in 2008, the firm’s diverse practice areas include health, technology and investor relations. The firm also supported 16 nonprofits in 2008.

Peppercom—In December 2008, Peppercom became the first PR firm to work with the Ad Council in its 60-year history. The agency also maintains six blogs, which garnered 32,000+ unique visitors in 2008.

MWW Group —The firm has been the brains behind campaigns for companies like Nikon, Samsung and Boscov’s. It also incorporates environmental responsibility into the business with benefits like No Drive Workdays.

Allison & Partners—Founded just one week before the 9/11 attacks, Allison & Partners has quickly risen to prominence, becoming the 15th largest independent PR agency in the country and working with clients like The Vitamin Shoppe and YouTube.

October 26, 2009