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Local Tech Wire

RALEIGH, N.C. – Public relations firm is expanding its footprint in Florida, acquiring Tampa-based Relations PR & Marketing.

Raleigh-based FWV already has an office in Tampa. Robin Adkins Vosler, founder and CEO of Relations, will join the Tampa operation as the No. 2 exec in support of FWV principal Jack Glasure.

The full press release follows:

TAMPA, Fla. – French/West/Vaughan (FWV), one of the nation’s largest independently-owned public relations firms, has reached an agreement in principle to acquire Tampa-based Relations PR & Marketing (Relations), whose founder and CEO Robin Adkins Vosler has built an impressive local and national client roster over the agency’s short four-year history.

Effective September 1, 2009, Relations PR & Marketing’s accounts, staff and assets will be merged with FWV’s existing Tampa office. The Tampa office of FWV, located on historic 7th Avenue in Ybor City, will have 10 employees and a number of independent contractors and will be managed by FWV Executive Vice President and agency principal Jack Glasure. Vosler will assume the #2 post in FWV’s Tampa office.

Relations clients include a number of local and national real estate and hospitality industry clients including the Baywalk Shopping Center in nearby St. Petersburg, Fla. In recent months the firm has completed projects for Athletes in Action and DeBartolo Development, among others. FWV’s locally-based clients include Melitta USA, Security Point Media and the 13 Ugly Men Foundation. National clients supported by FWV’s Tampa office include Nfinity Athletic Shoes, Out the Box records and Teen Fitness Magazine.

“We are thrilled that Robin and her accomplished team are joining us,” said FWV Chairman & CEO Rick French. “Through the due diligence process I’ve developed a great admiration for how she has run her firm and the caliber of people and clients she has been able to attract.”

Vosler was recently named one of the Tampa Bay area’s 100 most influential business leaders and in 2007 was named one of the area’s 30 Under 30 up and comers. She is well-known locally for her charitable and philanthropic work.

About French/West/Vaughan

French/West/Vaughan (FWV) is the Southeast’s largest independent public relations, public affairs and brand communications agency.