Kellen News
For Immediate Release
Cara Clinton 212-297-2109
Sumner Rider & Associates Renamed Kellen Communications
Name Change Reflects Firm’s Increased Capabilities
ATLANTA (June 21, 2004) —Sumner Rider & Associates, a public relations firm founded in 1945, has been renamed Kellen Communications to reflect the increased range and scope of the agency. Kellen Communications offers services to corporations and associations in a wide range of industries. With offices in New York, Washington, Brussels, Atlanta and Tucson, Kellen Communications is establishing itself as a major independent presence in public relations.
"This is an opportunity for Sumner Rider to re-launch itself into the public relations community while leveraging the Kellen Company, and its longstanding expertise in the areas of association communications, crisis management, generic promotion and government affairs," said Peter Rush, President of Kellen Company. "While Sumner Rider is a vintage name in the public relations field, the change is important to reflect who the company is today and the services we can provide our clients."
In addition to public relations, crisis communications and promotional services, Kellen Communications offers complete video and television production and placement, regulatory affairs, EU lobbying, interactive communications including Web design, marketing, optimization as well as consulting. Kellen Communications can offer complete special event capabilities such as seminars, media events, meetings and conventions anywhere in the world.
"Focusing on one corporate brand will enable us to move to the next level as the premier professional services company," said Bob Gelardi, Chairman of Kellen Company. "It will cause less confusion, create a more integrated feel and lead to greater opportunities for future growth."
A recognized leader in product marketing, business-to-business communications, association relations, crisis management and public affairs, Sumner Rider has been implementing award-winning campaigns. Among its dozens of clients are the International Copper Association, Lennox Hearth Products, Unilever Bestfoods, National Candle Association, Infant Formula Council, Greeting Card Association, Window Covering Safety Council and the Distinguished Restaurants of North America.
This year alone, Sumner Rider has produced stellar results for several of its clients, including national media coverage for the Calorie Control Council in an AP wire story, USA Today, Washington Post and on The Today Show; exposure on national broadcast news outlets (more than 10 million viewers) for the Apple Products Research & Education Council; and a full-page ad in New York Times and a CBS Early Show feature for the New York Women in Communications.
Along with the name change comes a revamped look for the Kellen Communications Web site, now located at www.kellenpr.com.