Waggener Edstrom Communications and Environics Communications Forge New Partnership

RELATIONSHIP GIVES CLIENTS ACCESS TO ADDITIONAL NORTH AMERICAN MARKETS AND EXPANDED SET OF SERVICES

SEATTLE and TORONTO, June 2, 2015 /CNW/ - As part of its global expansion strategy to tell powerful and transformative stories for clients across more channels and markets, Waggener Edstrom Communications (WE) and Canadian-based independent agency Environics Communications Inc. (ECI) today announced a new partnership that will enhance their capabilities to engage audiences and customers around the world.

With the tenth largest economy in the world, Canada is an important market for many global brands. With a similar approach to strategic communications based on innovation and insights, WE and Environics Communications will offer mutual clients greater access to key metro markets across North America.

"As strong believers in the power of independence, Waggener Edstrom is very pleased to welcome Environics Communications to our growing set of like-minded companies that share our values and standards in the way we serve our clients," said Melissa Waggener Zorkin, CEO, president and founder of Waggener Edstrom. "Our shared experience in traditional and emerging influence combined with deep understanding in the areas of technology, healthcare, consumer and social innovation will provide a strong foundation to do our best work."

Environics Communications specializes in technology, corporate and finance, consumer, health sciences, digital and creative services, not-for-profit, and government relations serving clients such as Netflix, Nestlé Purina PetCare Canada, Panasonic, Boehringer Ingelheim, and FRHI Hotels & Resorts (Fairmont, Raffles, Swissôtel). With offices in Toronto, Montreal and Ottawa, Environics has served the Canadian market for over 20 years. Known for top-notch client service, creative ideas, value and generating on-strategy results, Environics draws on its deep sector experience and knowledge-driven philosophy to meet clients' needs. Sister company Free for All Marketing adds a powerful experiential marketing capability and the Environics Research Group provides insights and consumer profiles.

"Our shared independent ownership and entrepreneurial cultures make WE and ECI a perfect match to deliver borderless service wherever needed by our clients," said Environics Communications Chairman and CEO Bruce MacLellan. "We have paired the largest wholly independent Canadian PR firm with the second-largest independent U.S. firm. It will be great for our clients and our people."

WE recently expanded its Global Alliance Network into 18 African markets with the addition of six new partners in the region. With 17 offices and a network of affiliates servicing more than 100 markets around the world, WE's global expansion strategy is strong and active. Its multipronged approach to expansion ensures clients experience the same level of gold-standard quality, creative storytelling and global integrated communications, regardless of location.

More information on Environics Communications can be found at http://environicspr.com/ca/.

More information on WE is available at http://www.waggeneredstrom.com.

About Environics Communications

With 235+ awards for client work, over 120 staff in Canada and the United States and annual fee income of more than $15 million, Environics Communications offers modern communications solutions for the trust marketing era. Content champions and brand stewards to some of North America's most respected and well-known brands, Environics Communications' strategic approach is guided by data-driven research, deep subject expertise and smart creative. Named IABC/Toronto's Large Agency of the Year in both 2014 and 2015, ranking #4 on the Great Place to Work® 2014 list of Canada's 50 Best Workplaces, and carbon neutral since June 2008, the firm has offices in Washington, Toronto, Montréal and Ottawa, as well as affiliates throughout Europe, the Middle East and Asia.

About Waggener Edstrom Communications

Waggener Edstrom Communications (WE) is a global independent communications agency. For more than 30 years, the independently owned firm has developed strategic communications programs for innovative and world-changing clients, working to influence markets, inspire people and improve lives. In the past few years, the agency was honored with numerous awards for creative and strategic work, among them recognition as Integrated Communications Agency of the Year, Digital Firm of the Year, Best Large Agency to Work For, Communications Agency of the Year and Technology Agency of the Decade. The agency has 17 offices around the world, and its Global Alliance Network expands the agency's reach to more than 100 additional international markets. WE has four key sectors: Social Innovation, Technology, Healthcare and Consumer, as well as expertise in Creative, Digital, Content, and Insight & Analytics. To learn more, visit http://www.WaggenerEdstrom.com.

SOURCE Environics Communications, Inc.

press only: Kirsten Forsberg, Waggener Edstrom Communications, [phone], [email protected]; Lorna Freeman, Environics Communications, [phone], [email protected]