The Republik Ends 2011 on a High Note

DURHAM, NC, December 22, 2011 (Press-News.org) The Republik, a Durham-based advertising and marketing agency, and Rubberneck, its full-service PR division, have plenty to celebrate this holiday season: The agency has recently added several new pieces of business to its portfolio, including the YMCA and Giorgios Hospitality Group (GHG). The agency also hired two full-time associates to support its recent growth. Work for the YMCA debuted earlier this month, while work for GHG is scheduled to roll out in the first quarter of 2012.

"We've always put our clients at the center of everything we do - we believe more success for them leads to more success for us," said Robert Shaw West, CEO of The Republik. "We're continuing to see the payoff of that philosophy with our recent wins and new hires."

The Republik's first project for the YMCA is for relaunch of the Lakewood YMCA. The initial work features a series of testimonial videos that speaks to the importance of the Lakewood YMCA to the community. The renovated facility, which was an integral part of the downtown Durham community for more than 40 years, is scheduled to reopen in early 2012. The Republik is handling all advertising, marketing and event planning duties for the account, while Rubberneck is driving PR efforts. The Lakewood YMCA is a branch of the YMCA of the Triangle.

The agency is pleased to announce the addition of GHG and renowned owner Giorgios Bakatsias to its growing list of clients. Bakatsias is behind several well-known restaurants in the area including Parizade, Vin Rouge, Bin 54 and Nasher Museum Cafe. The agency's first work for its newest client will be the relaunch of Spice Street Restaurant in Chapel Hill. The Republik and Rubberneck will oversee the development of a new restaurant concept, including launch events and long-term strategic communications planning, as well as advertising, marketing and public relations.

"Our core strength as an agency lies in developing strategic-based marketing, so in the end we have a unified message that we can then execute across any medium we choose," added West. "We're looking forward to showing our newest clients what we can do for them by using this finely-tuned approach."

Rachel Wells joined The Republik's team in October of this year, taking on the position of Strategic Director. Wells, who graduated from Peace College with a bachelor's degree in English, has more than six years of marketing experience and has worked with clients ranging from start-ups to Fortune 500 corporations. Prior to joining The Republik, Wells served as an Account Executive with Crossroads Public Relations in Raleigh. Her primary focus at The Republik will be on the agency's tourism client, the Fayetteville Area Convention & Visitors Bureau.

Lyndie Benson came on board as Project Coordinator for The Republik in September. Benson graduated from North Carolina State University with a degree in Communications and has previously worked for Howard, Merrell and Partners in Raleigh. In addition to her responsibilities as Project Coordinator, she will also help manage several public relations accounts for Rubberneck.

"We're seeing a demand for close collaboration between marketing/advertising and public relations like never before," said Melissa Rivera, Public Relations Director for Rubberneck. "We believe the sweet spot for success lies in the ability to successfully blend the two, which is exactly what we're able to do for our clients."

About The Republik and Rubberneck
Founded in 2001, The Republik is a full-service strategic communications agency. Its multi-disciplinary team is made up of strategists, creatives, analysts and project managers. The agency's philosophy is that the basis of all great creativity is an equally great strategy. Rubberneck, founded in 2002, is the full-service PR division of The Republik. Rubberneck focuses on generating results by any means necessary and on creating impossible to ignore stories and news. The Republik is employee-owned and is based in Durham, North Carolina. To find out more, visit http://www.therepublik.net or http://www.rubberneckmedia.com.