Public Communications Inc. Earns Women's Business Enterprise Designation

Among the largest WBE-certified public relations firms in the country

CHICAGO (October 10, 2006) - Public Communications Inc. (PCI) has received certification as a Women's Business Enterprise (WBE) making it one of the 10 largest public relations firms in the nation to earn the designation, the owners announced today. PCI is a 43-year-old Chicago-based firm with a national practice that is heavy in health/medical, conservation, cultural/sports/ entertainment and education clients.

"PCI already works with many clients that highly value the WBE including Fortune 500 companies and firms with government contracts looking to subcontract the PR work," said Dorothy Oliver Pirovano, APR, president and CEO of PCI. "One of the first business strategies we pursued when PCI became women-owned in March was to apply for the WBE and we intend to use it to differentiate our firm from others."

In March 2006, Richard Barry retired from PCI, triggering a succession plan that turned the firm over to Pirovano, 61, Ruth Mugalian, 54, and Jill Allread, APR, 47. Pirovano has been an owner of the firm for 16 years, while Mugalian and Allread each have been part of the ownership team for 11 years.

"The WBE seal of certification further defines our firm and expands the number and type of contracts and RFPs we can pursue," said Pirovano. "We've worked hard to build a reputation for creativity, outstanding service and being able to deliver complex programs that meet and exceed client expectations on time and within budget. We now want to be known as a WBE firm that delivers on that reputation."

PCI has an eclectic practice that ranges from managing product launches for global pharmaceutical and device firms and smaller biotech companies, to national medical and conservation professional associations. The firm has worked with hospitals and health systems, educational institutions and allied organizations, and social service agencies on marketing, public affairs and public relations programs for more than 25 years, and has a significant practice working with zoos, aquariums, cultural institutions and professional sports teams. More than a third of PCI's business involves issues management, crisis communications, branding and image.

PCI was a founding member of the Worldcom Public Relations Group, www.worldcomgroup.com, the world’s largest network of independently owned public relations counseling firms with more than 100 offices in 133 markets on six continents.
PCI is located at 35 E. Wacker Dr. in downtown Chicago. For more information, visit www.pcipr.com.

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