Kurman opens Portland PR Office Servicing West Coast

Chicago-based Kurman Communications Inc. announced today the opening of Kurman Communications West in Portland to provide the Pacific Northwest and beyond with integrated public relations, brand marketing, strategic communications planning, and social media networking, plus a wide variety of related services for the restaurant, hospitality, and entertainment industries.
  

"Portland's vibrant restaurateurs are in the forefront of the culinary arts both domestically and abroad, and Kurman Communications West is uniquely positioned to assist those well-known establishments, and especially the rising ones," President Cindy Kurman Barrie said (photo, left). "28 years of outstanding service to the restaurant industry, as well as our work in the hospitality, entertainment, technology, automotive and business fields, makes now a perfect and exciting time for expansion into Portland, and the entire western states region."

"Today, we're creating Kurman Communications West to offer clients in Portland, throughout Oregon, Washington State, California, and Nevada our full complement of services, including maximum capabilities in social networking, social media and internet-based word of mouth marketing to create buzz, solidify the public’s perception, and build excitement and loyalty for the brand," Kurman Barrie remarked. "Our agency blog at www.gotbuzzatkurman.com keeps the media and consumers up to date and blissfully aware of our client highlights."

Kurman Communications West will be managed by seasoned veteran and Portland resident Lawrence J. Maushard (photo, right). "Lawrence spent several years at the Chicago office of Kurman in its formative days. He's an outstanding public relations consultant with the breadth and depth of experience and passion for this business that will help make our clients succeed. He's a delight to work with. I know that under his direction, clients will be in skillful hands."

Kurman Barrie's agency has represented an wide array of restaurant, hospitality, entertainment, philanthropic and business clients, many of which have been nationally recognized under Kurman's artful direction. They have represented many well-known brands from automotive giant Chrysler and General Motors to business start-ups, independent and franchise businesses and entrepreneurs.

Known for their successful marketing of restaurants and hospitality venues, Kurman has represented national brands such as Fleming's Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar, Quiznos, Houlihan's, Einstein Bros, Devon Seafood Grill, and Gordon Biersch, they are equally accomplished in marketing independent ventures such as Coco Pazzo, erwin, Kit Kat Lounge and Supper Club, Nick’s Fishmarket, and Tru, offering the Pacific Northwest a proven track in establishing and building brands. 

Kurman is equally respected in the hospitality industry arena. The company has opened and marketed many national brands including Crowne Plaza Hotels, Hilton Hotels, Le Meridien Chicago, Omni Chicago Hotel, Sheraton Chicago Hotel & Towers, Westin Hotels, Whitehall Hotel, and Wyndham International.

The company has a long history in automotive marketing and public relations stemming from Kurman's background with Crain Communication's Automotive News. As the creator and organizer of the first three Automotive News World Congresses and European Motor Conference, Kurman Barrie brought her expertise to the agency. The company has represented such highly respected projects as the Chicago Auto Show, World of Wheels, and served as the Midwest public relations director of Chrysler Corp. for 10 years under Lee A. Iacocca. 

About Kurman Communications West Manager Lawrence J. Maushard

Heading up the operations at Kurman Communications West in Portland is Lawrence J. Maushard, a writer and communications specialist with more than 10 years experience in the Rose City. "It's an incredible opportunity for the local restaurant, hospitality, entertainment and business community as we launch Kurman Communications West," Maushard offered. 

"Cindy Kurman Barrie's leadership, expertise and absolute dedication to her clients speak for themselves. What we're doing is bringing all that talent and skill to Portland and the West to deliver a face-to-face presence for our clients in the region."

Maushard has lived and worked in Portland since 1999 as a writer, journalist, public relations, communications, and media relations specialist. Prior to his move to Portland, Maushard worked for Kurman Communications in Chicago. His work locally has appeared in The Oregonian, Willamette Week, The Portland Mercury, BlueOregon, The Portland Alliance, and El Hispanic News Portland. Placements for his local clients have included CNN, The New York Times, Washington Post, The Oregonian, Portland Business Journal, San Francisco Chronicle, St. Louis Post-Dispatch, Entrepreneur, Fitness, Health, Prevention, and Men's Health.

Maushard's past and present area clients include the Oregon Chapter of the Scleroderma Foundation, Therapeutic Associates Physical Therapy, MysticMaid Microfiber, Fullerton & Co. Insurance, Oregon Blueberry Commission, Papa Murphy’s, and the Portland Golf Show.

"Lawrence and I have known and worked with each other for years," Kurman Barrie said. "He always delivers full value with an absolute dedication to his clients and his craft. This is truly an exciting time for Portland and Kurman Communications West." 

For more information about Kurman Communications West, please contact Lawrence J. Maushard by e-mail at lawrence@kurman.com or by telephone at (971) 998-8222. Visit the Kurman website at www.kurman.com and the Kurman blog, www.gotbuzzatkurman.com.