Brand Communications, Inc., Expands Staff

Furniture World News

Brand Communications, Inc. the North Carolina-based public relations agency specializing in the home industries, announced that it is growing its business with two new hires and two staff promotions. Jane Kitchen has joined the company as senior copywriter. Kitchen is an experienced journalist and communications specialist whose career spans more than ten years in the furniture, textile, home accessory and infant products industries. She was most recently editor of the trade publication Kids Today, a position she held for four years. In her new role, Kitchen is responsible for written communications and strategic editorial planning. She will contribute to press releases, feature articles, Web content and other clients-specific materials. “Jane knows how to produce quality content for editorial consideration,” said Leslie Newby, president. “She brings a wealth of experience and insight into her PR writing and it’s to our great advantage that she has worked on the other side of the copy desk.” NaKenya Jackson has joined Brand Communications as editorial assistant. Jackson is a recent graduate from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro, where she majored in Communication Studies. Jackson is now responsible for editorial support, including product submissions, tracking and database management. “We are excited to have NaKenya join our staff,” said Newby. “As a recent graduate she comes to us with fresh ideas, and we look forward to her growing with the company.” Cherie Myers has been promoted from Project Coordinator to Operations Manager of Brand Communications. Myers joined the company in March 2006 following a successful 15-year career in hospitality management. As Operations Manager Myers will oversee all staff; coordinate client planning and scheduling; and is responsible for financial reporting. “Cherie’s contributions over the last 24 months have been critical to our growth,” said Newby. “She has brought a level of organization, professionalism and enthusiasm to Brand Communications which translates directly to the work we do for our clients.” Nina Licketto has been promoted from Editorial Assistant to Editorial Coordinator. Licketto joined Brand Communications part-time in 2006 while she was still a political science and marketing student at High Point University, and has grown with the company over the past two years. In her new role, Licketto will be responsible for research and database building, as well as at-market support. Brand Communications was started in 2005 by Leslie Newby, a former editor at HFN and InFurniture magazines. The company works with and promotes brands and companies which market, manufacture, retail or supply products and services within the residential home furnishings segment. PR efforts result in compelling editorial content, targeted trade and consumer media coverage, and effective tradeshow marketing.