Public Relations Global Network Marks 20th Anniversary
Gala Celebration to be Held in Cape Town, South Africa, in a few days.
The Public Relations Global Network (PRGN), the world’s fourth largest network of independent public relations firms, will commemorate its 20th anniversary this year with a year-long series of events, including the underwriting and building of a house for an impoverished family inCape Town,South Africa.
Partnering with the Niall Mellon Township Trust, PRGN members from around the world will gather inCape Town on April 18 to complete and present “The PRGN House” to a needy family. The build will occur the day before the Network’s semi-annual business meeting begins. The Network’s 41 member agencies have pledged more than $7,000 and will volunteer their “handyman services” for a day in order to present a township family with a new home.
“When we considered how to mark our 20th anniversary, our members were unanimous in wanting to create something of lasting value,” said Francine Robbens, president of the Network and head of PRP inBrussels. “What better way to give back than to donate our time and talent in the city in which we have chosen to celebrate our anniversary.” The Niall Mellon Township Trust is a house-building charity started by Irish philanthropist Niall Mellon. While on a visit toSouth Africa, he was so moved by the poverty he saw that he used his own funds to establish the charity.
The day after they complete the house Network members will begin their three-day business meeting in Cape Town. The Network will be addressed by Premier
Helen Zille, leader of the opposition party; Ferial Haffajee, Editor of the City Press, one of South Africa’s major newspapers; and Tim Hughes, managing director of ReadDillon International.
PRGN was formed in 1992 when Edelman Public Relations decided to disband its affiliate network. Some of those affiliates chose to continue their partnership by forming a new organization. Started inPhoenix,Ariz., the group adopted the name The Phoenix Network, as a nod to its rebirth from the ashes of a disbanded group and the city of its founding.
When the Network reached its 10-year mark in 2002, it began recruiting members internationally and changed its name to the Public Relations Global Network to better reflect the strategic growth of the Network.
Five of the original founding member agencies – HMA Public Relations (Phoenix), Stevens Strategic Communications, Inc. (Cleveland), Buchanan Public Relations LLC (Philadelphia), The Fearey Group (Seattle) and DVL Public Relations & Advertising (Nashville) – still remain active in the organization.
The mission of the Network is to serve as a resource to one another, openly sharing knowledge and contacts, in order to promote best practices and to provide global support for clients.
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