University of Illinois and Edelman officially part ways
In April 2015, the U of I hired Edelman to develop a branding plan for their main campus, but without any fanfare, Chancellor Barbara Wilson ended the contract a few months later in August, turning the job over to an in-house committee. Though the original contract with Edelman included a payment for $550K, ultimately they only received $382K.
When a number of people on campus felt the work should be done by people already employed by the school, and facing reduced funding while the state has financial problems, this seemed the best resolution to the matter. The branding now in process is the lead part of a fundraising campaign to begin in 2017.
MWWPR becomes AOR for Omron Healthcare
Omron Healthcare, leading maker of blood pressure monitors, personal wellness products, and electrotherapy devices, signed MWWPR to help them build a deeper dialogue on heart health issues with consumers and the medical community through a national campaign. Media tours, speaking engagement, physician outreach, and social influencer engagement will all be parts of the campaign. MWW will continue their work in preparation for the Consumer Electronics Show in January and presenting the new “Project Zero” BP Monitors
Supermodel Naomi Campbell Hires PMK*BNC for PR
In recent years, the supermodel has been adding to her repertoire with acting in shows like “Empire” and “American Horror Story.” Taschen’s book about her was released in April – titled, “Naomi Campbell,” and early in June, she is scheduled to be honored at the 2016 amfAR Inspiration Gala. She now hired PMK*BNC, one of the best-known PR/publicist firms representing celebrities and the various industries such as television, film, music, and lifestyle.
NY REIT and The JBG Companies hired Sard Verbinnen & Co as outside PR Counsel
The JBG Companies and New York REIT have brought in Sard Verbinnen & Co. to offer advice on an $8.4 billion deal combining NYC and DC real estate into a new trust. Sard’s Managing director and general counsel, Hugh Burns, and managing director, Bob Rendine will lead the efforts representing JBG.
NYRT will bring Jonathan Keehner, partner and Mahmoud Siddig, managing director at Joele Frank to offer PR advice from their side of the table.
All of JBG’s properties and management business will be acquired in the deal and become JBG Realty Trust with their headquarters in Chevy Chase, MD and a satellite office in NYC. JBG’s existing management team will continue to run the business.
rbb Communications Acquires Full-service Advertising and Marketing Company
OutOfTheBlue Advertising, a full-service marketing and advertising company was recently acquired by rbb Communications, which in April also acquired SpiderBoost Interactive, an independent PR firm.
OutOfTheBlue works with clients in the financial, healthcare, retail, hospitality, and restaurant industries to develop branding strategies and ad campaigns. Some of the clients they bring with them include Ford Motor Corp., Pacific National Bank, Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd., Univision, and Apollo Bank.