Pinnacle Worldwide News

Pinnacle Forges Alliance with 27&More

15 June 2010

Pinnacle Worldwide, a global network of independent public relations agencies with more than 50 offices worldwide, has formed a strategic alliance with 27&More, an international public relations network covering 44 countries.

Established in September 2007 in Frankfurt, 27&More began as a partnership of prominent European PR agencies which all had one main focus � to provide strategic communication services with flexibility, effectiveness and an integrated approach to worldwide clients.

Individual members of both Pinnacle Worldwide and 27&More have long-standing business relationships. Ruud Bijl, President of Bijl partners in public relations in the Netherlands, and President and Co-founder of 27&More said, �The strength of our new alliance lies in the fact that we have hand-picked the best consultancies in each country rather than relying on �outposts� of a big brand to deliver. That means quality consulting delivered by experts wherever the need, and for brands seeking sound strategic support and quality delivery regardless of location. That�s a very strong offer indeed.�

�With our combined strength providing access to highly-respected offices around the world, this partnership expands the reach for our clients and members alike,� said Donna Vandiver, President and CEO of The Vandiver Group, Inc., in St. Louis, Mo., and President of Pinnacle Worldwide.

For more information on 27&More, please visit www.27andMore.com. For more information on Pinnacle Worldwide, please visit www.pinnacleww.com.

Pinnacle Mobilizing to Aid Philippines Flood Victims

28 September 2009

The worst flooding in 42 years has devastated sections of the Philippines, killing at least 140 people. Tropical storm Ketsana dumped a record amount of rainfall on the Manila metropolitan area, submerging parts of the city and affecting more than 400,000 people. Among those affected were long time Pinnacle members Romeo and Lulu Virtusio, whose home was inundated by chest-high waters for over four hours. Virtually everything they owned was damaged or destroyed.

In response to the tragedy, Pinnacle Worldwide is asking members, colleagues and friends to donate to relief efforts in the Philippines. Pinnacle has set up a special account on PayPal, the secure Internet payment system used by millions, to collect contributions that will be turned over to appropriate relief agencies working on helping those affected.

To make a donation, click here.

Carr Creates Identity for Falls Program

9 September 2008

Pinnacle member Carr Marketing Communications Inc. recently created a graphic identity for the Western New York Falls Prevention initiative, and facilitated group sessions with the WNY Falls Prevention Consortium to develop the slogan �Step Up To Stop Falls.�

The WNY Falls Prevention initiative is a community-wide effort to improve the quality of life and limit the loss of independence in seniors. The program includes education on factors that contribute to falls, tips to prevent falling, and a community-wide understanding about falls and fall prevention.

Carr Marketing Communications Inc. is an independent strategic planning, public relations, and marketing firm based in Amherst (near Buffalo).

For more information on Carr Marketing Communications, visit www.carrmarketing.com.

Pinnacle Releases Global Sustainability Study

11 June 2008

Results of a global survey of corporations on sustainability show that one-half of businesses polled lack a sustainability strategy. Those with a strategy are more likely to be focused on improving perceptions and responding to increasing regulations, rather than meeting social needs or generating revenue opportunities.

CEOs made up the majority of survey respondents, and although less than half have a strategy today, 55 percent said sustainability will grow in importance and require increased resources and attention.

The survey was developed by The Vandiver Group, Inc. (TVG), and sponsored by Pinnacle Worldwide (PWW), a global organization of independent public relations firms. The results represent companies on six continents, 25 countries and 40 industries. Of those who provided annual revenues, 18 percent had revenues from $10 million to $100 million; 9 percent were at $100 million to $1 billion and 13 percent were at $1 billion or more. The results also show that companies are more focused on perception (7.1 on a 10-point scale) than revenue growth (rated 6 on the same scale). Meanwhile, companies rated reducing consumption and increasing pollution control as more important (7.1 and 6.6 out of 10, respectively) than meeting social needs (5.28 out of 10 points) as drivers of their sustainability strategies.

The study found that nearly one-third of businesses are developing a sustainability strategy, and just less than one-half already have an existing strategy. Six percent of respondents characterized their company as a �recognized leader� in sustainability. The survey found that larger companies were slightly more likely than smaller companies to have strategies and staff dedicated to the area of sustainability. An overwhelming 75 percent of respondents said sustainability is either �an important part of our organization�s corporate strategy,� or said they expect the topic �to become increasingly important in the future.�

Read the complete news release (including a link to a comprehensive report of the survey results) at www.pinnacleww.com/whatsnew/20080605-Sustainability_Press_Release.pdf.

de La Garza Writes For Energy Industry Newsletter

5 June 2008

Henry A. de La Garza, president of Pinnacle member de La Garza Public Relations, of Houston, has been named Contributing Editor for Public Relations and Advertising by Natural Gas & Electricity, a highly influential and award winning industry newsletter.

Mr. de La Garza�s first column appears in the June edition and is entitled �Well Planned Crisis Communications Can Help Weather Any Storm.� It is timed to coincide with the arrival of hurricane season which always poses a risk to energy facilities in and around the Gulf of Mexico.

�We are delighted to have someone of Henry�s professional caliber and worldwide reputation in the communications business as a regular columnist,� said Robert E. Willett, managing director of Financial Communications Company, of Houston, co-publisher of the periodical.

de La Garza Public Relations, Inc. specializes in providing crisis communications to the energy and marine industry. The firm is the Texas gulf coast representative for the MTI Network of crisis communications firms which represent some 6,500 ships navigating the seas. Mr. de La Garza�s professional career spans nearly four decades as a former spokesman for two Texas Mayors and AT&T, an award winning television news journalist, and the founder of one of Houston top corporate communications firms. He is Accredited in Public Relations by the Public Relations Society of America. de La Garza is a former Chairman and President of Pinnacle Worldwide.

Strategic Objectives Awash in Awards

29 May 2008

Pinnacle member Strategic Objectives, Canada�s leading independent public relations agency which is now celebrating its 25th year, has earned more than a dozen top PR awards this spring. Recognition has come from the International Hermes Creative Awards, the Communicator Awards, the Canadian Public Relations Society (CPRS) and the International Association of Business Communicators (IABC) Ovation Awards for outstanding public and media relations, community relations, special events and PR campaign photography.

Strategic Objectives scored three Hermes Creative Platinum Awards for M&M Meat Shops National Family Dinner Night (Best Community Relations) and Trident Splash National Cannonball Championship (in the Special Event and Publicity categories). The Cadbury Chocolate Couture Collection Fashion Show won a Gold Award for Photography. This international competition that recognizes outstanding work in traditional and emerging media, received more than 4000 entries.

The Trident Splash National Cannonball Championship also won the Communicator Gold Award of Excellence, alongside programs from many of North America�s most innovative marketers.

Additionally, Strategic Objectives took Gold, Silver and Bronze awards at the recent CPRS ACE Awards. Trident Splash National Cannonball Championship, which invited any Canuck who can tuck to compete, won Gold for Best Use of Media Relations and Bronze for Best Use of Special Events. The Silver went to M&M Meat Shops National Family Dinner Night, an annual online fundraising event and PR program created by Strategic Objectives for M&M Meat Shops. National Family Dinner Night has been embraced by hundreds of communities from coast-to-coast. This annual program will also be recognized with a top award at the CPRS National Awards on June 10, 2008 in Halifax.

On May 29, IABC Toronto honoured Strategic Objectives with three Ovation Awards of Excellence at its Toronto Gala. The agency�s campaigns for Trident Splash National Cannonball Championship and the Launch of Panago Pizza in Toronto each won an Ovation Award of Excellence in separate Media Relations categories. Strategic Objectives also won an Ovation Award of Excellence in Photography for its Cadbury Chocolate Couture Collection, celebrating the two things women love most: chocolate and fashion.

Headquartered in Toronto and founded in 1983 by sisters Deborah Weinstein and Judy Lewis, Strategic Objectives is recognized as one of Canada�s most creative, successful and celebrated public relations agencies. The firm provides Smart Ideas and Better Solutions to many of Canada and the world�s leading brands. Strategic Objectives is the only Canadian firm ever to be honoured with the United Nations Grand Award for Outstanding Achievement in Public Relations. A member of Pinnacle Worldwide, the Strategic Objectives team includes more than 50 PR professionals including representatives in Montreal, Calgary and Vancouver. For more information, visit www.strategicobjectives.com .

Vandiver Adds VP

25 Mar 2008

Pinnacle member The Vandiver Group, Inc. (TVG), in St. Louis, welcomes Lawrence J. Cox as Vice President. He also becomes a member of the Executive Leadership Team of the company.

Larry brings more than 25 years of experience in strategic communications and public affairs. He joins TVG from DRS Technologies, headquartered in New Jersey, where he served as director of public affairs. He was senior manager of corporate communications for Engineered Support Systems, Inc. (ESSI) in St. Louis before the company merged with DRS Technologies.

Prior to his work at DRS and ESSI, he managed the public affairs staff for the U.S. Air Force Air Mobility Command headquartered at Scott Air Force Base, overseeing the operations of over 75 public relations professionals at 15 subordinate offices worldwide. He was Press Desk Chief of the Coalition Press Information Center for Operation Iraqi Freedom in Kuwait City; Public Affairs Operations Chief for the Office of the Chairman, Joint Chiefs of Staff and Public Affairs Director for the Air Force�s Stealth Fighter unit in Alamogordo, NM.

He has a B.S. in Public Relations from Kent State University and an M.S. in Management Science from Troy State University. He has an M.A. in Applied Military Science from the Air Command and Staff College.

The Vandiver Group, Inc. is a full-service, award-winning strategic communications firm helping clients strategize, visualize, articulate and navigate communications issues by providing strategic counsel, market research, public relations, graphic/web design and executive/employee training. For more information, visit www.vandivergroup.com.

Gordon Biersch Taps Allison & Partners

25 Feb 2008

For the first time, Gordon Biersch Brewing Company and Gordon Biersch Brewery Restaurant Group have joined marketing resources and hired Allison & Partners as the company�s public relations agency of record. Allison & Partners, a leading national independent communications firm headquartered in San Francisco, will promote the brand�s 20-year anniversary while raising visibility for the Gordon Biersch brand during a year-long campaign.

�The experience that the Allison & Partners team has shown with lifestyle, food and wine clients such as Michelin Guide and Best Western is very impressive,� said Dan Gordon, co-founder of Gordon Biersch Brewery. We look forward to implementing their creative ideas for this campaign, especially surrounding the area of traditional media relations as well as their understanding of the value of social media outlets.�

Founded in 2001, Allison & Partners operates from six offices nationwide and works with customers ranging from tech, non-profit and consumer companies to those in the hospitality and food industries. With over 75 team members nationally, Allison & Partners was recently named one of the top fifty independent firms nationwide, and has become widely recognized for its standout work in the hospitality space, highlighted by work for Michelin Guide, Best Western and Hard Rock Hotel. Other practice areas include technology, social impact and professional services.

Allison & Partners is also a member of Pinnacle Worldwide (www.pinnacleww.com), one of the leading and oldest networks of independent public relations firms with members located in major markets around the globe. Its affiliation with Pinnacle Worldwide will give Allison & Partners the ability to pull in fellow members on an as needed basis around the nation to assist in achieving Gordon Biersch�s strategic objectives.

Allison and Partner�s won the business in a competitive review against more than 40 firms in December, 2008. The multi-faceted campaign will incorporate media relations, social networking, special events and viral video/word-of-mouth marketing. More information about Allison & Partners is available at www.allisonpr.com.

New Book on PR Careers

21 Nov 2007

Nine "battle-scarred" public relations practitioners recall highlights of their careers in a new book entitled "How To Make It in PR (PR Veterans Tell Their Stories)." Edited by Pinnacle member Romeo P. Virtusio of Manila, the Philippines, and published by Context Communications International, Inc., this collection of memoirs takes the reader from the period covering the late 1950s and early 1960s (which was when most of them started their careers) up to the present. This period has seen PR practice in the Philippines grow from basic product-support publicity services to corporate and public affairs, marketing communication, corporate social responsibility, issues and crisis management, government and community relations and a far wider field covering health, lifestyle, tourism, information technology. entertainment, environment, international PR and many others.

All nine practitioners recollect their early careers (four were topnotch journalists and editors, one was briefly a wire service correspondent), the major influences in their lives, and reveal some of their "secrets" through career tips, case studies and brief stories of some of their memorable PR campaigns. Each of the writers is introduced through original pieces written for the book by their children, all of them accomplished in their own right.

The writers attribute their success to hard work, strategic planning and communication skills, imaginativeness, commitment to ethics, endurance, people skills and common sense. "We work very long hours," one says. "If you do not enjoy working and interacting with different kinds of people, PR is not for you" another says. One offers this piece of advice - "when you lose clients, be sorry for a moment, then go on and find others. Stick to your principles and maintain your integrity," says another.

All nine writers are current or former members of the Philippine chapter of the International Public Relations Association (IPRA). "How To Make It in PR" carries a Foreword by J.J. Calero, former chairman of J.Walter Thompson Co. Philippines, and the acknowledged elder statesman of Philippine advertising.

To order copies of the book, email Romeo Virtusio at rpv@virtusio.com.

Anne Klein Honored by NAWBO

20 Nov 2007

Anne Klein, president and founder of Anne Klein Communications Group, LLC (Pinnacle's member in Philadelphia) has been named Woman Business Owner of the Year by the South Jersey chapter of the National Association of Women Business Owners (NAWBO). The award will be presented on Nov. 29 at NAWBO�s 5th Annual "Beyond the Glass Ceiling" Awards Dinner in Voorhees, N.J.

The NAWBO awards honor extraordinary individuals and organizations for their contributions to women and women business owners. Other honorees will include New Jersey's Public Service Electric & Gas as Company of the Year.

Anne Klein Communications Group, LLC, founded in 1982 as Anne Klein & Associates, Inc., provides strategic counseling and communications programs to Fortune 500 companies and other national and regional businesses and organizations. For more information, visit www.annekleincg.com .

More Awards for Strategic Objectives

19 Nov 2007

Fresh off their trip to London, England, to accept the coveted IPRA (International Public Relations Association) Golden World Award for Excellence in Media Relations, Toronto-based Pinnacle member and PR powerhouse Strategic Objectives has won three prestigious new awards for its breakthrough work with Kruger Products.

On Friday November 16, their campaign, Luxury on a Roll � The Fashion Positioning of Cashmere Bathroom Tissue, took Gold for Public Relations at the Canadian Marketing Association Awards Gala in Toronto; and won two Silver Leaf Awards of Excellence � in Marketing and Photography � at the IABC (International Association of Business Communicators) National Awards on November 18, in St. John�s, Newfoundland.

"It�s truly an honour to be recognized for excellence in Public Relations by our peers here in Canada and around the world," says Strategic Objectives president and partner Deborah Weinstein. "We take great pride in creating breakthrough programming that contributes to our clients� bottom lines. Our Cashmere program elevated an everyday commodity to the height of fashion, and helped increase Cashmere�s marketshare."

Headquartered in Toronto and founded in 1983, Strategic Objectives is Canada�s leading, independent, full-service public relations agency. The firm provides Smart Ideas and Better Solutions to many of Canada and the world�s leading brands. Strategic Objectives is the only Canadian firm ever to be honoured with the United Nations Grand Award for Outstanding Achievement in Public Relations. A member of Pinnacle Worldwide, the Strategic Objectives team includes more than 40 PR professionals including representatives in Montreal, Calgary and Vancouver. For more information, visit www.strategicobjectives.com .

Coles Wins Two New National Accounts

19 Oct 2007

Pinnacle member Coles Marketing Communications, an Indianapolis-based full-service marketing and public relations firm, has added two major new clients to its roster.

Obeo, a national company based in Salt Lake City, is the largest supplier of full-service residential real estate online marketing products in the United States and Canada. The Latin word for "to go to" or "to encompass," Obeo provides Realtors®, homebuilders, land developers and property managers with customized online marketing solutions and offline sales tools.

The Stratford Companies is a developer, marketer and operator of senior housing campuses and communities with its corporate headquarters located in Indianapolis. The company and its principals have developed, marketed and operated 17 senior campuses throughout the country valued at more than $1 billion. Currently, The Stratford Companies has projects under development in Cincinnati, Indianapolis and Kansas City with a total investment value in excess of $200 million.

Coles Marketing Communications has been a leading marketing and public relations firm for more than 22 years, balancing traditional practices with new, cutting-edge concepts. For more information, please visit, visit www.colesmarketing.com.

Carr Creates Tourism Campaign

17 Oct 2007

Carr Marketing Communications (Buffalo, NY) recently created a strategic advertising and marketing campaign for the launch of Allegany County�s new tourism Web site, DiscoverAlleganyCounty.com.

The campaign targets key regional markets in Buffalo, Rochester and Syracuse through television and online advertising. Advertisements prominently feature the Web site�s address and act as links directly to the DiscoverAlleganyCounty.com site.

DiscoverAlleganyCounty.com is the first stand-alone tourism Web site for Allegany County. It contains updated information relating to the festivals, events, and outdoor activities available in Allegany County along with details about restaurants, accommodations and shopping opportunities. Advertisements are featured on the "What 2 Do" segments on WGRZ-TV in Buffalo and WGRZ.com; Buffalo.com and BuffaloNews.com; News10NBC.com in Rochester; Syracuse.com; and WNYFamilyMagazine.com.

�Carr Marketing Communications was pleased to lend our considerable experience and expertise in tourism and destination marketing to help Allegany County launch its tourism Web site,� said Robert Carr, president of Carr Marketing Communications.

The Web site is a collaborative effort of the county�s Office of Tourism, Office of Development and the Tourism Advisory Board. Matching grant funds provided through the �I Love NY� tourism promotion program were used to help launch the campaign.

Carr Marketing Communications is an independent strategic planning and marketing communications firm, providing services to companies in the cultural arts, health care, financial services and environmental risk management fields.

For more information on Carr Marketing Communications, visit www.carrmarketing.com.

New Member in London

14 Oct 2007

Gabrielle Shaw Communications, a lifestyle public relations agency based in the UK, has joined Pinnacle Worldwide, a global network of independent public relations agencies.

Offering services ranging from media relations and publicity to experiential marketing and new product development, Gabrielle Shaw Communications works with a variety of lifestyle sectors, such as restaurant clients as well as those specializing in luxury, charity and retail. The company strives for big agency thinking combined with a hands-on approach.

"Our mission is to use the accountability typically found in larger agencies and still retain the ability to be nimble, pro-active and creative," said Gabrielle Shaw, managing director of GSC. "I know that Pinnacle�s structure will allow us to seize the best opportunities available and truly make a difference for our clients."

"Gabrielle Shaw Communications has a wide-ranging expertise and meets our highest standards for quality, performance and accountability," said David Marriott, CEO of Gogerty Stark Marriott, Inc. in Seattle, Wash. and new president of Pinnacle Worldwide. "The company will allow members to have the added value of its international reach and I am pleased to have them join Pinnacle.�

For more information on Gabrielle Shaw Communications, please visit, visit www.gabrielleshaw.com.

New Member in Frankfurt and Munich

14 Oct 2007

Panthere GmbH Consulting, a public relations consulting firm based in Germany, has joined Pinnacle Worldwide, a global network of independent public relations agencies.

With locations in Frankfurt and Munich, Panthere Consulting offers marketing consulting, brand and company communication, brand development and design and crises management. The company has been in operation for 10 years and has a special expertise in corporate social responsibility and sustainability.

"The demand for consulting is increasing now, especially in Germany," said Klaus Fasold, owner and managing partner of Panthere Consulting. "Panthere has the capacity and knowledge to meet this new request. By joining Pinnacle, we gain an international scope while staying focused on our mission of intelligent and multi-cultural communication."

"We are looking forward to all that Panthere has to offer Pinnacle," said David Marriott, CEO of Gogerty Stark Marriott, Inc. in Seattle, Wash. and new president of Pinnacle Worldwide. "The company will help grow our international reach and give our clients an even broader range of public relations expertise from around the globe.�

For more information on Panthere Consulting, please visit, visit www.panthere.de.

Morrissey Promotes Safer Teen Driving

12 Oct 2007

Morrissey & Company, a Boston-based reputation management firm and member of Pinnacle Worldwide, has partnered with Synectics, a leading global consulting firm specializing in innovation and creativity, to help Safe Roads Alliance (SRA) further its mission of promoting safer driving among teens in Massachusetts. The project is intended to help the Newburyport-based non-profit investigate teen behavior and craft its messages and programs concerning safer driving to resonate with high school audiences.

Synectics, based in Cambridge, Mass., recently hosted a focus group during which teens expressed themselves creatively and shared their thoughts about common means of teen-to-teen communication, such as MySpace and Facebook. Morrissey & Company is helping Safe Roads Alliance integrate the focus group findings into promotional materials and presentations for SRA's High School Outreach Program which encourages teens to take driving seriously by participating in hands-on driver skills development courses.

SRA's High School Outreach Program includes free presentations to students, teachers and parent groups in Massachusetts schools and other organizations interested in preventing teen automobile crashes. Presentations include crash statistics, safer driving tips, and advice as to how teens can best improve behind-the-wheel skills and driving behaviors.

Morrissey & Company is an award-winning agency specializing in reputation management and a member of Pinnacle Worldwide, a leading international corporation of independently owned communications agencies with more than 60 offices worldwide. Through Pinnacle, members such as Morrissey & Company form strategic partnerships across the globe and gain access to top-of-the-line market research worldwide trends. For more information, visit www.morrisseyco.com.