San Diego public affairs agency Southwest Strategies Group reports it has acquired Phoenix-based Kiterocket, one of the nation’s leading public relations agencies for emerging technologies, semiconductors, renewable energy and sustainability.
Terms of the deal were not disclosed. The combined company will have more than 120 employees working in six offices spread across three states.
Southwest Strategies, founded in 2000, operates offices in Los Angeles, San Francisco and Fresno, in addition to the San Diego headquarters.
Kiterocket, founded in 2005, with a second office in Seattle, will maintain its brand name for the foreseeable future, according to Chris Wahl, CEO of Southwest Strategies Group.
“We’ve known each other for some time and we believe strongly that we can work together on projects moving forward,” Wahl told Times of San Diego.
A statement said the addition of Kiterocket extends Southwest Strategies Group’s reach throughout the western U.S. and greatly increases the firm’s ability to service new markets and offer a more diverse set of services to clients.
Martijn PierikAs a result of the acquisition, Southwest Strategies said it will add two new lines of business, including technology, led by Kiterocket co-founder and chairman Martijn Pierik, and sustainable living, led by co-founder Amanda Foley, a statement said. Southwest’s existing client roster includes energy, transportation, water and land use.
“Kiterocket’s client-centric philosophy and commitment to investing in their team align with our core values,” said Wahl. “Semiconductors are the lifeblood of modern American infrastructure, and this partnership positions Southwest Strategies Group to be on the leading edge of communications on the West Coast.”
Pierik said in a statement, “Kiterocket has worked for decades to become an industry leader in its field, and I’m incredibly proud of the organization we built. By joining Southwest Strategies Group, we are combining our collective experience, expertise and resources to be able to supercharge our services and capabilities, which will present many new opportunities for all of our team members and clients. I can’t wait to see what we accomplish together going forward.”
Southwest Strategies has been part of other acquisition deals. In 2023, Southwest acquired Katz & Associates, which created one of the state’s largest public outreach firms focusing on infrastructure communications, specifically in the areas of energy, transportation and water. In 2022, Palladium Equity Partners and its affiliate Palladium Heritage of New York announced it had acquired an ownership interest in Southwest Strategies, a partnership which still exists today, Wahl confirmed.
GDX creates fan experience for CB&T at SDFC home games
California Bank & Trust is partnering with San Diego FC, one of the 30 Major League Soccer professional teams, with two interactive experiences during home games this season at Snapdragon Stadium.
The two experiences, Speed Kick Challenge and 360 Fan Spotlight Cam, were created by San Diego-based experiential marketing firm GDX Studios on behalf of CB&T.
The Speed Kick Challenge invites fans to test their skills by kicking a soccer ball into the goal with their speed being measured and displayed on a leader board alongside other fans.The 360 Fan Spotlight Cam offers opportunities for fans to showcase their soccer pride and skills. Fans can step onto the platform to juggle a soccer ball or join friends to show off their excitement for SDFC.
With a win-loss record that is one of the best in the Western Conference standings, SDFC’s debut MLS season has been historic with one of the best starts by an expansion team in MLS history. The SDFC home season concludes in September.
San Diego Wave announces partnership with Athletic Brewing
San Diego Wave Fútbol Club, one of 14 National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) teams, has announced a multi-year sponsorship with Athletic Brewing Co., a non-alcoholic brewer, to become the club’s first official non-alcoholic beer partner.
Athletic Brewing is available at concession stands and premium spaces during Wave home games at Snapdragon Stadium. The beverage will also be present at several future fan and community events including Wave FC’s upcoming Community Golf Classic, to be held Aug. 11 at Lomas Santa Fe Country Club in Solana Beach.
In addition, Athletic Brewing’s logo will be donned on the front of the Club’s scrimmage vest. The Wave will also include Athletic Brewing’s brand across digital channels and collaborate to produce social content with players.
“Athletic Brewing has quickly become a standout in the beverage space, and we’re proud to join forces,” said Alyssa Haynes, senior director of corporate partnerships, San Diego Wave. “As a brand rooted in innovation and community, Athletic Brewing is a perfect fit for our club and our incredible fanbase here in San Diego. Whether you’re at Snapdragon Stadium or tuning in from home, we’re excited to bring fans a refreshing option that complements the inclusive lifestyle and vibrant spirit of our city.”
Athletic Brewing Co., headquartered in Milford, Conn., operates a brewing facility in San Diego.
“We’re excited to be named the official non-alcoholic beer partner of San Diego Wave FC,” said Andrew Katz, chief marketing officer, Athletic Brewing Company. “As a hometown brand, we’ve witnessed firsthand the energy that pulsates through the stadium on matchday. We’re proud to add our award-winning brews to that experience, offering a refreshing way for supporters to savor every thrilling moment. We can’t wait to cheer alongside this incredible community for many victories to come.”
Since its inception in December 2021, the San Diego Wave has been one of the most successful NWSL expansion teams. Wave FC has broken every major single-game attendance record (home opener, regular season, and playoff), won the NWSL Shield (given to the team with the best regular-season record) and became the first expansion team to make and win a playoff game.
At its Sept. 7 home game, the team will retire Alex Morgan’s No. 13 jersey. Morgan is the Wave’s all-time leading scorer, recording 23 goals and nine assists in 50 matches with the club. The jersey retirement is the first in the history of San Diego’s National Women’s Soccer League Club.
Rick Griffin is a San Diego-based public relations and marketing consultant. His MarketInk column appears weekly on Mondays in Times of San Diego.
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