Communications Pros Launch Washingtons Independent Public Relations Alliance

Sixty top public relations executives who own or operate independent practices in the DC metro area have formed a network to fill a growing need for senior-level communications expertise and white-glove service at affordable pricing.

Washington, DC (PRWEB) June 19, 2003 -- The Independent Public Relations Alliance (IPRA) has been formed to meet a growing need in the nations capital for easy access to highly experienced, independent communications professionals who deliver big-agency results and personalized client service at small-shop agency pricing.

The IPRA network, already 60 members strong, consists of senior-level public relations and marketing executives who own or operate their own practices, have three or fewer employees and belong to the worlds largest professional organization for PR practitioners, the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA). IPRA is also an active committee of PRSAs local National Capital Chapter, the countrys largest with 1,100 members. Independent PR practitioners are a fast-growing segment of our chapter," said PRSA-NCC President Steven Grant, and IPRA is an incredible network and resource for PRSA members."

The IPRA network is as deep as it is broad. A majority of members have been in business for three or more years. As a group, they average 18 years of experience and have specialized expertise across 36 industry sectors -- from financial services and high-tech to nonprofits and Fortune 500 companies. Combined, IPRA members provide more than 60 types of services to clients as diverse as corporations, small businesses, associations, nonprofits and government agencies.

We formed the IPRA network so that those who need the best possible independent PR expertise, client support and personal service in Washington have an easy way to find that talent," says Heathere Evans-Keenan, founder and chair of IPRA. At the same time, we saw a growing interest among the regions independent practitioners in collaborating on new business opportunities, sharing best practices and forming strategic partnerships. There was also a need among small and mid-size marketing and communications agencies to augment their in-house teams with outside expertise."

Despite tight budgets and shrinking full-time staffs, Evans-Keenan says many organizations still want access to quality PR help but often dont know where to find these professionals or whether they can afford senior-level expertise and top-notch service. By logging onto IPRAs web site (www.ipralliance.com), anyone -- whether its a marketing agency or a corporation -- will now be able to quickly and easily locate a senior-level counselor with the requisite skills and industry expertise to meet their unique needs," she adds. Whatever the project, whatever the deadline, theres an IPRA member with the right credentials to fit the bill."

By leveraging the networks resources and economies of scale, IPRA members are also able to ramp their operations up or down as a clients needs demand -- providing maximum project flexibility but without adding unnecessary overhead costs that a big-name PR agency would typically charge.

Our members operate under a variety of business models, although nearly half are virtual agencies -- a flexible operating structure that enables them to quickly team up with their colleagues or tap outside specialists with interdisciplinary expertise to match the needs of a specific client project or campaign," Evans-Keenan explained. If need be, virtual project teams can be formed at a moments notice, giving clients access to the most cost-effective delivery of the broadest possible range of services. Whether a client needs one press release or strategic support for a year-long project, the IPRA network allows us to easily assemble just the right team to meet any public relations challenge, large or small," she added.

A number of IPRA clients can also attest first-hand to the incomparable value, personalized levels of service, experience and results that independent practitioners deliver. Client testimonials and other information about IPRA and its members are available at www.ipralliance.com. More information about PRSA can be found at www.prsa-ncc.org.

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