Tools: "The Red Book" Hits the Streets
The Public Relations Society of America has released "The Red Book - A Directory of the PRSA Counselors Academy," a 122-page resource that offers an alphabetical listing of PR agencies and academy members. Counselor's Academy officers and executive committee members are the vanguards leading an initiative to create a trade association to promote and lobby on behalf of PR firms as well as standardize professional practices.
In addition to the listings, the book's a guide on nailing down what companies should pay attention to when they are outsourcing PR projects to consultants and firms (there are even definitions on the difference between a retainer and an hourly or project fee). The book will be mailed to PRSA's more than 18,000 members, but if you're not a member, you can still get a free copy. (PRSA, 212/995-2230).
Scoop Inc. and Zacks Team Up
A recent joint partnership between Scoop Inc. and Zacks Investment Research Inc. provides Scoop's corporate users with access to timely financial news such as company reports, portfolio alerts and closing price information. The content is developed and managed by Zacks. (Scoop, 714/453-8383 or http://www.scoop.com; Zacks Investment Research Inc., http://www.zacks.com)
Business Moves
Ogilvy Adams & Rinehart, a PR house owned by conglomerate WPP, London, has changed it name to Ogilvy Public Relations Worldwide. The change is just one in a series of new titles the company has had: In 1985, Ogilvy & Mather bought Adams and Rinehart and in 1989, WPP bought O&M and its PR constituent groups. In 1992, the company was spun off as Ogilvy Adams and Rinehart. The recent name change reflects the firm's repositioning to compete in the global market. The company's 1997 revenues were $55 million and it has a workforce of about 410. (Paul Jacoby, 212/880-5330)
As part of its growth program, San Diego-based marcom agency Media Dimensions opened its first branch office in Orange County, Calif., on Jan. 5. A new staff of three people will join the office, in addition to Pat Dwight, who will serve as managing director of client services, and will handle all new business in the county. She previously worked at GreenLight Communications in Orange County as the PR manager. The group is also looking to expand into the Bay area. (Media Dimensions, 619/485-7425)
Medialink Links With ABC
An exclusive agreement between Medialink Worldwide Incorporated and ABC Radio International will result in the distribution of recorded interview material from Medialink-produced radio media tours to the radio's audience in 140 countries.
Medialink's celebrity-based interviews will provide content for ABC's entertainment programming. Some notable artists who have publicized their films via Medialink tours are Pam Grier and Director Quentin Tarantino for "Jackie Brown," Sylvester Stallone for "Cop Land" and Jeff Goldblum for "Independence Day." (Medialink, 212/682-8300)
- As of tomorrow, J. Roy Pottle will take over as executive VP and CFO at Arch Communications Group, Inc., Westborough, Mass. He replaces Bill Wilson and will report to C. Edward Baker Jr., chairman and CEO. Pottle previously served as VP and treasurer of Jones Intercable, Inc., Denver. (Arch Communications, 508/870-6700)
Industry Kudos: Lou Hammond & Associates Rings In With 20 Awards
Last month, the Hospitality Sales & Marketing Association International recognized Lou Hammond & Associates 20 times for its annual Golden Bell Awards, a travel competition for the PR industry.
The agency received four Golden Bells (the maximum received by any entrant), eight silver bells (the most achieved in the category by any individual or company) and eight bronze (the most wins in the category).
Winners were selected from more than 1,650 entries in 55 countries worldwide. (Lou Hammond & Associates, 212/308-8880)
Headline Group Makes Headlines for Alvin Ailey Tour
The Alvin Ailey American Dance Theatre, which hired Atlanta-based The Headline Group to be in charge of the PR for its upcoming Atlanta tour which begins this week, racked up some coverage by "Good Morning Atlanta," "Peachtree Morning" and CNN.
THG began the campaign in October when it sent FYI flyers to local newspapers, radio stations and TV stations.
Other PR promotions included arranging interviews with the dance troupe's artistic director, Judith Jamison, with local newspaper staffs who highlighted the tour in their arts roundups. (The Headline Group, 404/262-3000)