Portland PR Firm Wave Rock Communications sets itself apart

With the first year of operations behind it, Wave Rock Communications is looking to set itself apart from local marketing firms.

The Portland-based marketing and public relations company, which opened last year with six employees, met its 1999 goal of $1.9 million in revenue. It now has a staff of 29 and represents more than 20 clients throughout North America and Europe.

Jennifer Young, vice president of communications strategies, said the firm expects to hire 15 more employees and to double its 1999 revenues by the end of the year.

Young said Wave Rock hopes to tap four new areas of e-business for clients this year: online travel, entertainment companies, e-tailers and health care organizations.

Highlighting the current client roster, Young said, "We have a deep skill set to bring to those companies with a vertical focus."

Recently, Wave Rock signed contracts to provide public relations services for Chili!Soft Inc., which was previously represented by KVO Public Relations, VirtualRelocation.com, Quantum Leap Communications and eTelesales Inc. The firm also announced plans to provide online promotion services for Crown Pacific Partners LP investor relations Web site.

Chili!Soft's account will be represented by Karla Nutt; Jennifer Shanks will represent VirtualRelocation.com; Torie Zinsmeister will represent Quantum Leap; Elizabeth Layton will represent eTelesales Inc.; and Ben Lloyd will represent Crown Pacific Partners.