Dewey Square Group (DSG) will join forces with Hill+Knowlton Strategies and become a Hill+Knowlton Strategies company. Both firms are within the WPP family of companies, and Dewey Square Group will maintain its own distinct brand and operating independence. Chuck Campion, chairman of the Dewey Square Group, said his company has been teaming with H+K Strategies on a number of different projects and found there is a natural synergy between the two firms.
Waggener Edstrom Worldwide (WE) announced that Ben Finzel joined the agency as senior vice president, public affairs and general manager of the D.C., office. Finzel brings more than 20 years of communications and public affairs experience to the agency, including a presidential appointment during the Clinton administration and nearly six years as a press and legislative staffer for two members of Congress. Finzel joins WE from Widmeyer Communications, where he managed the public affairs practice and focused on key issues including the economy, energy and the environment. Finzel worked with clients including the American Energy Innovation Council, the National Association for the Self-Employed and the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission
Spurrier Media Group, a creative media shop with offices in the Richmond and Metro DC markets, has been selected as the media agency of record for Colonial Shooting Academy in Richmond. Working in partnership with BAYONET (formerly studioSavvy) for branding and creative execution, SMG is developing marketing and media strategies for the shooting club, which opened its doors earlier this year. Media outlets in Central and Eastern Virginia will be targeted, along with media located in Fredericksburg and west of Charlottesville.