RALEIGH, N.C. (April 3, 2007) – French/West/Vaughan (FWV), one of the nation’s largest independent public relations, public affairs and brand communications agencies, is ranked among the nation’s top agencies in seven major specialty practice areas, including three placements in the top 10, according to the 2006-07 O’Dwyer’s Ranking of PR Firms.
The rankings come on the heels of FWV being named both the largest independent PR agency headquartered in the Southeast region for the third year in a row, and the nation’s 19th largest independently-owned PR firm.
FWV placed third in the country for PR firms specializing in Beauty and Fashion, moving up one spot from last year’s rankings. Additionally, FWV ranked seventh in both Sports/Leisure and Food and Beverage, 13th in Travel/Hospitality, 20th in Healthcare, 21st in Environmental/Public Affairs and 34th in Financial PR/Investor Relations. Firms are ranked by audited net fees generated in each practice area.
“The continued growth of multiple practice areas and our consistent placement at the top of national rankings is a testament to the talent of our staff and unsurpassed commitment to client service,” said FWV President & CEO Rick French.
Jack O’Dwyer started the O’Dwyer Company 39 years ago and has become one of the most respected people in the public relations industry through his newsletter commentary, Web site and PR Report magazine. O’Dwyer’s annual rankings are among the most watched and anticipated by the PR industry each year.
About French/West/Vaughan
French/West/Vaughan, celebrating its 10th anniversary this month, is the Southeast’s largest independent public relations, public affairs and brand communications agency. The agency was named a 2006 finalist for PR Week magazine’s “Midsize PR Agency of the Year” award, and was named the Holmes Report’s 2004 National Consumer Agency of the Year. National and international clients represented by the agency include the Global Water Foundation, Minute Maid, Ford Motor Company, Wrangler, Nestea, the Justin Boot Company, Canada Post, Speedo, Diageo (Bulleit Bourbon), Pfizer, ASTROTURF and bioMérieux. Regional public relations clients include North Carolina State University and Tweetsie Railroad, among many others. The agency is headquartered in Raleigh and has offices in both New York City and Tampa.
