Duffey Communications, Atlanta, has launched a new in-house design and creative services division: Studio D. Diane Kerr, formerly a senior designer at The Vanguard Group, Valley Forge, Pa., will serve as creative director of the division.
The new venture will provide services in production; print marketing collateral and advertising pieces; online graphics; business presentations; and video. (Duffey, 404/266-2600)
On the Scene Productions, New York, is debuting video news releases on its Web site at http://www.onthescene.com. Reporters and producers can preview VNRs on the site. Users can read the script, view the story and hyperlink to the client's Web site. (On the Scene, 212/715-0800)
Shandwick's Detroit office has partnered with automotive industry analyst David Cole to provide global reputation management counsel and communication services for automotive clients and prospects. Cole is the director of the Office for the Study of Automotive Transportation at The University of Michigan. (Shandwick, 248/262-8100)
Levenson Public Relations, Dallas, last month formed a communications group that will target the telecommunications and high-tech industries. Joe McNamara, former executive VP and GM of Edelman PR Worldwide, will head the new endeavor. (LPR, 214/880-0200)
Kratz & Co. Inc., New York, has been chosen by tony magazine Elle Decor to create a PR camaign to foster communications between Editor-in-Chief Marian McEvoy and the media on issues pertaining to architecture, home furnishing and the art of decorating. (Kratz & Co., 212/979-2700)
Riverwalk Software of Naperville, Ill., has created a database, called MediaContact of more than 100 high tech publications. It is available at the Virtual Software Store online for $24.95.
The database was developed out of the company's own frustration in trying to build a list of press contacts, says Tracy Wilson, director of marketing for Riverwalk. The work was time-consuming and hiring outside sources was beyond the company's budget, she adds.
MediaContact: Computer Industry Edition includes editors, Web sites, snailmail addresses, phone, fax and email addresses of where press releases should be forwarded. Many of the publication summaries include detailed editor responsibility for targeting releases, Riverwalk says.
Users can add notes to the database to reflect correspondence, providing a history of PR efforts for a particular company, or a particular client if used by a PR firm. (Riverwalk, Tracy Wilson, 630/203 0963; http://www.riverwalksoftware.com, http://www.virtualsoftware.com/riverwalk/mediacontact.)
The Goldman Group, Inc. and Goldman + Bell, LLC, sister companies specializing in executive search, temporary placement services and corporate communications, have moved to new offices at Suite 1520, 381 Park Avenue South, New York, N.Y. 10016; ph: 212/685-9311; fax:212/532-2740.
Business communications and PR consulting firm McGrath Buckley Consulting Group has relocated to the 44th floor of the IDS Center in downtown Minneapolis. The business was formed last year by Dennis McGrath and Betsy Buckley. (McGrath Buckley, 612/330-9876)
