Winner: Carmichael Lynch Spong
Doug Spong, founder of Carmichael Lynch Spong, often reminds his staff of 200+ that the sun never sets on “Spong Nation.” Even in a tough economy, the Minneapolis-based PR firm (with offices in New York, Boston, Chicago, San Francisco and Denver) reached a number of milestones in 2009, including adding $1.5 million worth of new business and being named a leader in corporate social responsibility.
On the eve of its 20th anniversary, CLS has achieved impressive consistency over the years, with an 18% compounded annual growth rate, regular inclusion on best places to work lists and an impressive list of blue-chip clients. The agency focuses on three practice areas: brand marketing for top U.S. brands; corporate reputation for mid- to large-cap public companies; and B2B initiatives for category leading organizations. Prominent clients within these areas include American Standard, Cargill, Martek Biosciences, Sherwin-Williams and Therma-Tru, among others.
Last year the CLS distinguished itself as an environmental leader among agencies nationwide. A CLS Green Team has helped establish recycling programs and environmentally friendly work spaces. Its Midwest agency was the first to move to 100% wind-sourced power.
Makovsky + Company:
The NYC-based agency credits its 29 client wins and 80% retention rate in 2009 in large part to a number of employee programs that promote workplace values.
Peppercom:
Its new Message in Motion strategy integrated all the agency’s service offerings with target audience needs, resulting in more compelling content for clients and more business for Peppercom.
MWW Group:
The agency had more than 100 new client wins in 2009 and into 2010, including BMW, Volkswagen of America and Pfizer.
Qorvis Communications:
The agency launched Qorvis Fellowship program in 2009, which encourages employees to take academic courses that will further their communications careers.