(Annual Income of Less Than $10 Million)
Winner: Linhart Public Relations
As the result of innovative public relations campaigns for big companies like Southwest Airlines and top-notch client and employee engagement programs, Linhart Public Relations achieved a 34% growth in revenue in 2010. The agency successfully marketed Southwest Airlines in the Denver area through an experiential PR program that included a Southwest Porch, an outdoor lounge for visitors. Furthermore, Linhart PR complements these creative campaigns with strong client relationship efforts that include delivering treats to clients on their birthdays and an annual client appreciation event.
The Denver-based firm emphasizes building strong employee relationships. And it is not all talk, as the agency funds an incremental year-end profit sharing program for every employee’s 401(k) account. It even invested $2,125 per full-time employee on a professional development training program. It’s no surprise then that the agency added 10 new professionals and boasted a 100% retention rate. —SP
Fast Fact: The agency awards quarterly cash bonuses to employees based on 20% of net income. In fact, in 2010 the firm awarded $130,000 in bonuses—three times the previous year's bonus pool.
Honorable Mentions:
Alpaytac Inc.: Combining a social media campaign with aggressive media outreach, Alpaytac helped client Bellator (a mixed martial arts company) secure a three-year deal with MTV Networks. The agency has also achieved a growth rate of 150% since 2009.
Henson Consulting: In 2010 and 2011, the agency achieved 38 new client wins versus only six losses, and increased client revenues by almost 50%.
INK Public Relations: Successful PR campaigns in the tech sector include positioning Bluetooth SIG executive director Mike Foley as a thought leader on the topic of headset/Bluetooth safety. In addition, the agency increased revenue by 25% and staff by 14% in 2010 versus 2009.
Lambert, Edwards & Associates: Further boosted by the acquisition of John Bailey & Associates in the previous year, LE&A’s revenue grew by 15% in 2010. It also established itself as a green-conscious company as the firm's new offices achieved LEED certification.
Warschawski: The firm boasts a staff of 18 high-level employees, half of whom are at the director level or above. That leadership helped the agency grow net earnings by 10% in 2010 vs. 2009.