PRWeek US News

HACKENSACK, NJ: Beckerman added two new financial services clients: Madison Strategic Partners NY and Quantum Life Settlements.

NEW YORK: First Solar, a solar energy company, hired Ted Meyer as VP of global corporate communications, effective September 13.

General David Petraeus put his superstar, celebrity-like reputation on the line when he made the media rounds last week touting the message that the US is making significant progress in Afghanistan.

DETROIT: GM's Buick brand is debuting its first social media activity to promote the 2011 rollout of its Regal product among a younger, 30-something consumer.

NEW ORLEANS: The US Army Corps of Engineers in New Orleans plans to hire a firm to support its public affairs and community outreach efforts, according to a federal filing.

WASHINGTON: Republicist, a strategic communications firm in Washington, announced its launch.

WASHINGTON: The US General Services Administration awarded Jones Public Affairs its advertising and integrated marketing certification, according to a federal filing.

WASHINGTON: The Urban Land Institute named Rebecca Senhauser to the new position of EVP of strategic communications.

NEW YORK: VisitDenmark, the official travel guide to Denmark, launched a campaign targeting the LGBT community and promoting the gay-friendly scene in Denmark and Copenhagen.

CHICAGO: Kraft Foods kicked off its largest ever communications effort aimed at reducing hunger within the US.

WASHINGTON: APCO Worldwide hired Francesca Tedesco as a VP in the firm's healthcare practice.

LOS ANGELES: Englander Knabe & Allen and The PR Consulting Group are forming a crisis consulting partnership, bringing together two firms based in Los Angeles and New York, respectively.

SEATTLE: Bill the Butcher, a retailer of grass-fed meats, hired The Wall Street Group as its financial PR adviser.

PHILADELPHIA: GlaxoSmithKline launched a new website, www.refusetheflu.com, to support its seasonal flu effort.

SAN DIEGO: Gable PR has been hired by employment law firm Fisher & Phillips.

NEW YORK: Rubenstein PR is set to work with independent broadcaster New Tang Dynasty Television.

LONDON: PR and health communications group Huntsworth said like-for-like revenues rose less than 1% in the first half of 2010, although three of the company's four brands grew more than 4% in the period.

SAN FRANCISCO: Tech PR consultancy Bite Communications has hired former Waggener Edstrom executive Michelle Herman to head the Next Fifteen agency's North America business.

VENTURA, CA: Outdoor sports brand Patagonia is planning a traditional PR campaign as it continues to push into the surf market with the launch of a new fall wetsuit, slated for August 26.

SAN FRANCISCO: Audio technology powerhouse Dolby Laboratories has appointed Hill & Knowlton as its new AOR to lead an integrated global PR campaign promoting the company's products.