CarterTodd’s pro bono PR program invests in future

COLUMBIA, SC: Hi-tech agency CarterTodd & Associates is attempting to get in on the ground floor with Internet start-ups by offering a pro bono program for companies that cannot initially afford to pay for PR services.

COLUMBIA, SC: Hi-tech agency CarterTodd & Associates is attempting

to get in on the ground floor with Internet start-ups by offering a pro

bono program for companies that cannot initially afford to pay for PR

services.

According to CarterTodd partner Lorri-Ann Carter, the agency is hoping

to promote technology growth in the region by working with two local

hi-tech start-ups on a pro bono basis each year. Project work for these

clients may last three to six months, at which point the agency will

look at continuing programs at a reduced rate, depending on the client’s

current financial status.

’We hope that in the future, when they grow, that they’ll want to use

us,’ Carter said. She added that the agency is also considering taking

payment in stock.

CarterTodd recently began working with its first pro bono hi-tech

client, a company that provides technology to the medical industry. One

of the first orders of business for the agency is to help the company,

which has only received private funding, develop a name and logo.

’We wanted to make sure that we started this right,’ said Ronald

Higuera, president and CEO of the yet-unnamed medical technology

company. ’We could have developed some of our own materials, but anytime

you’re struggling and are new at something, it’s nice to have people to

lean on.’

Higuera said he intends to continue working with CarterTodd once his

company receives additional funding. ’Businesses are built on

relationships, and anytime someone is willing to take a risk and help

develop trust, we’ll remember that,’ said Higuera.

CarterTodd will start looking for its second pro bono client, which must

be located in South Carolina, through an application process in

February.

Formed approximately a year and a half ago, Carter-Todd & Associates is

a full-service hi-tech PR and marketing agency. Among its clients are

Web-based procurement software company Verian Technologies and

healthcare tech provider ObjectRealm Consulting Group.