Amongst the numerous Public Relations firms that call Portland, Oregon home, a handful stand out. Beyond larger, omnipresent firms the following have a reputation for excellence:
Weinstein PR
Founded in 2007 by Lee Weinstein, Weinstein PR has a reputation and focus of putting clients first. A member of S.N.O.B. (the Society of Native Oregon Born), Lee Weinstein, began his career as director of corporate communications at NIKE Inc., and he spent 15 years in this position before opening his PR company in his home-state of Portland.
Weinstein PR is a member of Public Relations Boutiques International, an organization who shares the firm’s interest in making clients the priority. That is not to say that clients are their only concern. A percentage of yearly profits are donated in an effort for the company to remain ethical and conscientious. As a boutique agency, they have done stellar work for diverse local clients as the Oregon Wave Energy Trust, Pacific Northwest College of Art, and the Portland Plastic Surgery Group.
AM:PM PR
AM:PR is a family owned PR firm which was co-founded in 2010 by Pat and Allison McCormick. With a combined 60 years of industry experience, the McCormick’s have loads of experience to bring to any campaign. Creativity practically bristles from this agency, located in the progressive Cyrk Building, designed and built using sustainable materials. Pat was honored with a lifetime achievement award from the Public Relations Society of America, and is also very active within the community.
With a diverse client list that boasts 7-11, Motorola, lyft, to name a few, AM:PM relies on both experience and even more importantly strategy in all their campaigns. That is likely why they are very proud of strategic partners such as 7/Apps as well as a number of other copywriting, marketing and creative companies who each excel in their field of expertise.
Little Green Pickle
Founded in 2010 by Carrie Welch and Jannie Huang, Little Green Pickle is a firm which specializes in the Food and Drink industry, as well as national chefs and brands. Extremely knowledgeable and passionate about the industry, Carrie also began Feast Portland, which has been named one of North America’s 15 best food festivals by Fodor’s (the world’s largest publisher of English language travel guides) and The Best Food Festival in the Country by Thrillist.
Being the consummate foodies that they are, they boast experience with celebs such as Rachael Ray, Le Cirque, the food network, and their client list includes some of the best restaurants and artisans in Portland. Most recently the firm is working with Cameron Healy, Shawn Bavaresco and winemaker Ian Burch on revitalizing the Oregon brand of Scott Paul Wines.
A.wordsmith
A.wordsmith, the Portland based boutique firm was founded in 2009 by Ann Smith. Well experienced in PR, prior to opening the firm Ann worked at Weber Shandwick Worldwide and Standing Partnership, managing accounts. Her manager Gretchen Hoffman also brings 15 years of experience with her, having worked as an internal marketing manager for GreenRoad.
The relationship they build with their clients seems equal parts rapport and trust. As client ProKarma put it, “ProKarma engaged with A.wordsmith in 2013 to lead a wide range of communication and marketing initiatives that impact the company’s sales operations in the U.S. as well as delivery efforts in both India and Argentina. ProKarma views A.wordsmith as our strategic and support partner to help us execute on a series of client and employee-focused programs. From thought leadership articles and client case study development to positioning and public relations outreach, A.wordsmith’s ability to effectively and efficiently produce high-quality output with minimal direction is bar none.”
Maxwell PR + Engagement
Founded in 1997 by Jennifer Maxwell-Muir, Maxwell PR + Engagement is an independently owned firm works with leaders in the natural and organics industry and premier tourism destinations and attractions. She has been mentioned in both the Portland Business Journal 40 under 40 as well as the Oregon Business Magazine Leaders to Follow for her work. In the decade since founding Maxwell, she grew from managing key accounts to leading efforts to establish processes for efficiency and organization, and has been lauded by those within her organizations as an “all-around strategic thinker.”
Boasting top brands such as Kettle Brand Potato Chips, La Terra Fina, Pacific, Whole Foods Market, and more, Maxwell is an agency that is passionate about their work and their clients. Most recently the Tillamook County Creamery Association has selected Maxwell PR as its agency of record. Having been in business since 1909, this staple of the natural selling cheese industry is one of the largest brands in the West, and is known for its internationally award-winning Tillamook cheddar cheese.