How PRGN Got Started
This was recently posted on the Public Relations Global Network (PRGN) blog.
In 1992, a small group of independent public relations agency owners met in Phoenix to discuss how to better network and partner with industry peers. They were trying to pick up the pieces of what was the Edelman Public Relations Network, which had been abruptly disbanded by Edelman.
Those at that initial meeting were Anne Buchanan, LevLane, Philadelphia; Scott Hanson, HMA Public Relations, Phoenix; Ed Stevens, Dix & Eaton, Cleveland; Pat Fearey, The Fearey Group, Seattle; John Van Mol, Dye, Van Mol & Lawrence, Nashville; Robert Deen and Christi Black, Deen & Black, Sacramento; Melissa Sturges, Sturges +Word, Kansas City; Dale Zabriskie, Zabriskie & Associates, Salt Lake City; Charles Pizzo, PRPR, New Orleans; Mary Ann Miller, DDF&M, Pittsburgh; Sally Jackson, Jackson & Co., Boston; Ed Neuger, Ed Neuger & Associates, Minneapolis; and Janet Maizner, Maizner PR, Miami.
The group decided on the name “The Phoenix Network” In part because the meeting was held in Phoenix and in part because it was “rising from the ashes” like a Phoenix bird. Little did they know at the time that the informal organization they were starting would one day grow to become the Public Relations Global Network (PRGN), one of the world’s top international networks of leading independent public relations agencies.
The Phoenix Network marked its 10th anniversary in 2002 by expanding its geographic reach to include international markets and by changing its name to reflect its growing worldwide presence. The network adopted its current name: Public Relations Global Network.
With 50 members across six continents, the agencies post revenue of more than $87 million (US) and employ 1,000 communications professionals.
Four of the original founding member agencies – HMA Public Relations (Phoenix), Stevens Strategic Communications, Inc. (Cleveland), Buchanan Public Relations (Philadelphia) and The Fearey Group (Seattle) – still remain active in the organization.
Although the size and reach of the organization has changed through the years, its original purpose remains constant, to be an organization comprised of independent agency owners committed to openly sharing knowledge, contacts and resources to fellow members and to serve and promote global clients successfully.
For further information, please visit PRGN online at: www.prgn.com.
