MONTCLAIR, NJ: Bender Hammerling Group has rebranded as Bender Group PR after 18 years as it expands its services and practice areas.
Robert Hammerling, former partner and financial manager at the agency, has stepped down from his role, leaving CEO Stacey Bender to transform the firm into Bender Group PR. Her brother, Barry Bender, a certified public accountant, was named CFO.
While the boutique is staying in its Montclair, NJ, office, it has relaunched its website and created a logo to reflect the rebranding, said Bender.
The agency has retained all of its clients through the transition, including Frank's RedHot Sauce, French's Mustard, French's French Fried Onion, and Manischewitz. French's food division and Manischewitz have been clients since Bender's inception in 1995.
“We've been very successful in traditional public relations, including print, TV, and the Web, and we're looking to really grow our social media capabilities in terms of Facebook, Twitter, and all the areas where we can reach the blogger universe,” explained Bender.
With seven staffers, the firm has expanded its expertise from only consumer to include technology products such as apps, as well as b-to-b efforts.
Bender Group also offers programs and support for branding initiatives, media training, company or product launches, crisis management, and pre-IPO strategy.
Earlier this year, the firm promoted the 2013 “Man-O-Manischewitz Cook-Off” contest to showcase how Manischewitz kosher products are appropriate for all consumers.
