October 5, 2017—Oak Brook Terrace, Ill.-based David James Group has acquired Bradenton, Fla.,-based Blue Water Communications, a leading boutique communications agency serving museum, architecture, performing arts and destination clients.
The David James Group is an integrated marketing communications agency that specializes in associations and non-profit organizations.
Why planning is important
“In 2016, we embarked on a strategic planning process that targeted acquisition opportunities in the nonprofit area and this process led us to Blue Water, one of the best public relations and communications agencies in the museum, architecture and arts space,” said David Laurenzo, president and founder of the David James Group.
Starting a boutique PR firm
Blue Water Communications President Lynnette Werning founded the firm in 2006. Prior to starting Blue Water, Werning wore many hats as vice president and account supervisor for several public relations and marketing firms in Toledo, Ohio, her hometown. Werning then hired Amber Hendrickson, Sara Stacy and Stephanie Miller, each bringing more than 10 years of experience in public relations and communications to Blue Water.
“From my first conversations with the leadership at David James Group it became clear that our standards, cultures and goals were remarkably aligned,” said Lynnette Werning, president, Blue Water Communications. “As a strategic communications firm dedicated to serving clients in the arts and architecture fields, Blue Water Communications celebrated its 10th anniversary last year. I can’t imagine a more auspicious partnership to launch this exciting new chapter for the firm.”
Because Blue Water Communications has such a strong brand in the arts, culture and museum space, they will continue doing business under the Blue Water Communications brand, Laurenzo said.
The David James Group was founded in 2002 by Laurenzo and his brother. The firm started in Naperville before moving to Oak Brook Terrace in 2007. The firm specializes in association branding and marketing and won the American Society of Association Executives 2016 Gold Circle Award for the Society of Women Engineer’s global rebranding program and integrated brand launch.
About Blue Water Communications
Founded in 2006, Blue Water Communications specializes in public relations and marketing for museums, architecture, performing arts and destinations. Their offices are in Florida, but clients are located throughout the U.S. Blue Water’s team of experienced museum professionals has established and nurtured significant relationships with arts media in North America and around the world. Through creative thinking and strategic campaigns, they produce results that reinforce clients’ key messages and institutional goals. Blue Water Communications is a member of PR Boutiques International (PRBI), a global network of boutique public relations firms. To learn more about Blue Water Communications visit their website.
About David James Group
David James Group is a full-service marketing agency that focuses on the business of integrated marketing—both online and off. For the past 15 years, DJG has developed measurable marketing and advertising programs that help companies connect with their customers and increase sales. For more information, visit davidjamesgroup.com or on Facebook.
