Rasky Baerlein And Prism Public Affairs Merging

BOSTON and WASHINGTON, Jan. 30, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Rasky Baerlein Strategic Communications, Inc. (RBSC) and Prism Public Affairs today announced that they are merging two of the leading, independent public affairs firms in the country.  

(Logo:  http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20140130/NE56183LOGO-a )

(Logo:  http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20140130/NE56183LOGO-b )

The new firm will offer an expanded suite of services combining RBSC's reputation management, corporate communications and bipartisan government relations capabilities with Prism's experience in public affairs, crisis and litigation communications.  RBSC and Prism's senior strategists boast subject matter expertise in financial services, energy, healthcare, life sciences, higher education, defense, technology and telecommunications, which is matched with knowledge of an ever-changing political, legislative and regulatory landscape. 

"Today's rapidly changing world requires experienced communicators and strategists who understand messaging and know what it takes to achieve results for their clients," said Larry Rasky, CEO and chairman of RBSC.  "From running winning coalitions to managing high-stakes public policy debates, Prism has a longstanding reputation for delivering meaningful results on behalf of its clients.  By combining Rasky Baerlein and Prism, we are creating an exceptional team with the experience and insight into how government, business and the media interact in Washington and beyond." 

"We are very excited to join Rasky Baerlein," said Dale Leibach, principal and co-founder of Prism Public Affairs.  "Both firms place a high value on client service and we are well-positioned as an independent company to provide exceptional value and flexibility that meets our client objectives. Whether we are driving communications around a policy debate, managing a crisis or enhancing a client's public positioning, we have the depth of experience to get the job done right." 

The firms will also combine their leading-edge digital public affairs and communications services. "Both firms have built sophisticated digital communications programs for Fortune 500 companies, trade associations and non-profit organizations," stated Rasky Baerlein President Joe Baerlein. Baerlein also added that the firm's undefeated record in initiative and referendum campaigns over a 20 year period, combined with the bipartisan public affairs expertise of the Prism team, "will make the new firm a force in national advocacy campaigns."

The combined entity will include operations in both Boston and Washington, D.C., with a team of 55 professionals and will ultimately be known as Rasky Baerlein Strategic Communications.  During the transition period, it will operate in Washington, D.C. as Rasky Baerlein|Prism and will be managed by the senior team of Mr. Leibach, Prism's Co-Founder and Managing Director Amanda Deaver, and David Tamasi, senior vice president of Rasky Baerlein.

Combined revenue for 2013 stands at approximately $15 million, making RBSC one of the top 25 independent public relations firms in the country by revenue.  Prism's current partners – Dale Leibach, Amanda Deaver and Rex Granum – will join the Rasky Baerlein partnership, which recently announced the addition of George Cronin, Justine Griffin and Jim Cabot to the long-time RBSC partnership of Joe Baerlein, Ann Carter and Larry Rasky.

Rasky and Leibach enjoy a long history, having worked together on presidential and congressional campaigns. "Dale and I have been friends for many years. While this is not the first time we have talked about getting together, it is definitely the right time," Rasky said. "Both firms are built around a strong work ethic and seriously smart people doing challenging work for our clients.  Those are the qualities today's public affairs marketplace is demanding." 

About Rasky Baerlein Strategic Communications
Rasky Baerlein Strategic Communications is a nationally recognized communications and public affairs firm with more than two decades of experience providing exceptional client service to organizations that operate at the intersection of business, politics and media. With offices in Washington, D.C. and Boston, the firm offers a comprehensive range of services, including public affairs, government relations, public relations, corporate and marketing communications, reputation management, international representation, digital public affairs, ballot campaign management, media and presentation training and public sector business development. The firm represents a broad range of businesses, non-profit organizations and trade associations. For more information, please visit www.rasky.com.

About Prism Public Affairs
Prism Public Affairs, founded in 2003, is a strategic communications firm that operates at the intersection of complex public policy issues and the media.  We protect and build reputations by helping clients manage tough communications issues when it matters most. Prism guides clients through high-profile communications challenges including legislative and regulatory battles, litigation, congressional hearings, repositioning campaigns, and more.  www.prismpublicaffairs.com

SOURCE Rasky Baerlein Strategic Communications, Inc.