Raleigh, NC, August 25, 2008 – Strategic communications and branding firm Howard, Merrell & Partners, today announces the appointment of Ebony Brooks as account coordinator in the public relations department.

In her role as account coordinator, Brooks will conduct national media relations efforts and event management support for a few of the agency’s newest clients.  Prior to joining Howard, Merrell & Partners, Brooks held a position with CBS “The Early Show”  here in Raleigh and internships at a number of local businesses.

“The PR department continues to grow and look for young professionals with energy, enthusiasm and drive,” explains Stephanie Styons, senior vice president, public relations.  “Ebony fits that profile perfectly.  She is a great addition to the team.”

Brooks holds a bachelors degree in communication studies from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

About Howard, Merrell & Partners
Raleigh, NC-based Howard, Merrell & Partners, Inc., specializes in linking business and communications strategies to yield higher levels of financial performance for its clients. Founded by Jack Howard in 1945 and later reorganized as Howard, Merrell & Partners under Mac Merrell’s leadership, the agency is a pioneer in understanding and applying the power of emotions to develop more effective business and communications strategies. Agency service offerings include brand development, creative development and production, consumer insight research, public relations, media asset services, event planning and management and strategic account management.

Recent clients include BB&T Bank, Bellezza Products, Butterball, Canvas on Demand, Central Aquatics, CHD Meridian Healthcare, CHILL International, Cisco, Colonial Bank, Doctors Vision Center, Hewlett-Packard, Interton, Invista, MED-EL Corporation, NC Beautiful, ReSound, Shawl Shop, THOR•LO, UltraPet, Vaco and Zilla. The agency’s work has been recently honored by, the Telly Awards, the Addys, Graphis, The London International Advertising Awards, The Communicator Awards, and the North American Precise Syndicate.