Public Relations - Top 5 Firms Maryland

Nicolazzo & Associates

Nicolazzo & Associates is a Boston-based firm widely recognized for comprehensive strategic communications programs and crisis management expertise. Established in 1975, N&A has distinguished itself as one of the most prestigious counseling operations in the U.S. and abroad, providing senior management with advice that addresses communications needs and builds enterprise value. Representative clients include: Babson College, Ericsson, Inc., Boston University, Houghton Mifflin, General Motors, Ropes & Gray, Fidelity Investments, Reebok, Weil, Gotshal & Manges, Williams & Connolly, Bain Capital, Sun Life of Canada, MetLife Healthcare, and John Hancock. . For more information on Nicolazzo & Associates, call 800-853-6872 or visit www.nicolazzo.com

To contact Nicolazzo & Associates, call 800-853-6872

fama PR
fama PR is the East Coast's premier boutique PR firm for technology companies across North America. Unlike larger firms, fama PR’s account teams are comprised solely of experienced PR practitioners who apply a common sense, hands-on approach to both strategy development and tactical program execution. This staffing model has proven to deliver superior results and unmatched client service. Working closely with clients, fama PR creates customized communications programs that are directly aligned with business objectives to help increase brand awareness and drive revenue. fama PR is also the only PR firm named to the Boston Business Journal’s “Best Places to Work” in both 2007 and 2008.

To contact Fama PR, call 888-495-5081

HiTechPR
HiTechPR is a knowledgeable, creative and performance-oriented organization specializing in high tech public relations. Our extensive expertise in business to business marketing communications for the electronics, telecommunications and computer industries has set us apart from other companies since our inception in 1968. Our business to consumer division also has a long history of promotional success stories.

To contact HiTechPR, call 1-800-913-8950 ext.200

Fleishman-Hillard Inc.
Communication is everything at Fleishman-Hillard. One of the leading public relations firms in the US, the company offers services ranging from public relations to marketing to reputation management. Its expertise includes graphic design, media training, market research, and story placement. Fleishman-Hillard, which is a division of advertising conglomerate Omnicom, has about 80 offices across the globe. The firm's clients include Procter & Gamble, Dell, Nortel, and Wal-Mart. Fleishman-Hillard was founded in 1946 by Al Fleishman and Bob Hillard; it was acquired by Omnicom in 1997.

Hill & Knowlton Inc.
Public relations firm Hill & Knowlton has ridden its reputation as a straight-shooter straight to the top. The company (whose founder John W. Hill emphasized the importance of dealing honestly and openly with the press) is one of the largest PR firms in the US and a part of advertising conglomerate WPP Group. Hill & Knowlton's services range from marketing communications to corporate reputation management to political lobbying. It caters to the technology and health industries; clients have included Microsoft and Intel. Lobbying firm Wexler & Walker Public Policy Associates and Finnish unit Hill and Knowlton Finland Oy act as subsidiaries for Hill & Knowlton.

This list represents an opinion by Interaction Media Group staff and in no way is meant to imply actual quality and rank of the company in this industry.

An organization’s reputation, profitability, and even its continued existence can depend on the degree to which its targeted “publics” support its goals and policies. Public relations specialists—also referred to as communications specialists and media specialists, among other titles—serve as advocates for businesses, nonprofit associations, universities, hospitals, and other organizations, and build and maintain positive relationships with the public. As managers recognize the importance of good public relations to the success of their organizations, they increasingly rely on public relations specialists for advice on the strategy and policy of such programs.

Public relations specialists handle organizational functions such as media, community, consumer, industry, and governmental relations; political campaigns; interest-group representation; conflict mediation; and employee and investor relations. They do more than “tell the organization’s story.” They must understand the attitudes and concerns of community, consumer, employee, and public interest groups and establish and maintain cooperative relationships with them and with representatives from print and broadcast journalism.

Public relations specialists draft press releases and contact people in the media who might print or broadcast their material. Many radio or television special reports, newspaper stories, and magazine articles start at the desks of public relations specialists. Sometimes the subject is an organization and its policies toward its employees or its role in the community. Often the subject is a public issue, such as health, energy, or the environment, and what an organization does to advance that issue.

Public relations specialists also arrange and conduct programs to keep up contact between organization representatives and the public. For example, they set up speaking engagements and often prepare speeches for company officials. These media specialists represent employers at community projects; make film, slide, or other visual presentations at meetings and school assemblies; and plan conventions. In addition, they are responsible for preparing annual reports and writing proposals for various projects.

In government, public relations specialists—who may be called press secretaries, information officers, public affairs specialists, or communication specialists—keep the public informed about the activities of agencies and officials. For example, public affairs specialists in the U.S. Department of State keep the public informed of travel advisories and of U.S. positions on foreign issues. A press secretary for a member of Congress keeps constituents aware of the representative’s accomplishments.

In large organizations, the key public relations executive, who often is a vice president, may develop overall plans and policies with other executives. In addition, public relations departments employ public relations specialists to write, research, prepare materials, maintain contacts, and respond to inquiries.

People who handle publicity for an individual or who direct public relations for a small organization may deal with all aspects of the job. They contact people, plan and research, and prepare materials for distribution. They also may handle advertising or sales promotion work to support marketing efforts.