AR|PR, the Atlanta-based public relations company that targets the tech startup community, has expanded to New Orleans after noting the city as an emerging tech hub. The firm has chosen to work out of local coworking space Launch Pad, solidifying the move after a New Orleans launch party last week.
“Soon after founding AR|PR in August of 2012, I quickly realized that early stage companies were attracted to the culture, value and services that we offered,” said Anna Ruth Williams, Founder and CEO of AR|PR. “We were the recipient of some great timing in the Atlanta market and felt New Orleans is an emerging tech hub where we can replicate our success.”
Williams has hired Louisiana native Blair Broussard as Vice President to head up the New Orleans expansion.
Broussard told Silicon Bayou News that AR|PR hopes to capitalize on the fact that New Orleans has the 19th highest density of tech start ups in the country, and IT jobs are up 28% in the market. “Clearly NOLA’s tech ecosystem is growing and we fill a niche – helping companies #makenews,” said Broussard.
AR|PR has also renewed the relationship with client Cellcontrol, a high growth tech company located in the Louisiana Tech Park. The firm’s move to the Big Easy build on the already existing relationship. “At the heart of AR|PR is the firm’s mission to showcase and support the Southeast’s technology industry,” said Broussard. “I’m excited to join a purpose-driven PR firm with a strong track record of results having landed clients in top tier national media outlets and achieved impactful social media successes.”
“With both agency and in-house communications and marketing experience, Blair was the perfect talent to lead our Louisiana expansion,” said Williams. “Blair will lead the firm’s key accounts as well as local business development efforts. With her enthusiasm, I’m confident we’ll accelerate our aggressive growth plans and innovative service delivery models.”