Innovation

Two Pittsburgh companies, Pipitone Group on the North Side and MarketSpace Communications in Cranberry, are expanding.

A three-person acquisition from Barton Denmarsh & Esteban (BD&E) has brought Pipitone to 28 employees and united longtime friends Jeff Piatt and Scott Pipitone. Piatt was formerly president and creative director at BD&E. He is joined at Pipitone by Ed Macko, formerly director of educational marketing/creative director and Mark Kinger, former senior account exec at BD&E.

"This was a perfect fit that will allow us to evolve," says Pipitone of the move to bring the three on board. The strategy is to integrate strategic marketing, public relations and interactive marketing under one roof along with the company's commitment to "channel marketing," helping clients talk to people through those that speak directly to the customer.

MarketSpace Communications has added five new positions to its staff since January, bringing the total to 13: Maureen Rooney, Kevin Hilliker, Lindsay Polito, Clint Horner and Kaitlyn Larkin.

The company also plans to expand its office into an adjacent area on the same floor. This marks the second time in less than three years the company has expanded.

MarketSpace prides itself on its integrated marketing programs and development of Web 2.0 marketing plans, including social networking platforms, blogging and micro-blogging, viral marketing campaigns and mobile marketing. It considers eco-marketing a specialty niche. In March, the company introduced the green website WorldofGreen.com.

"We are always seeking out new business opportunities," says Pam Peters, president and CEO. "We don't wait for people to come knocking on our door, although lately, they have! We get out there, prospect, and have a lot of fun with it. It's a wonderful way for us to showcase our creative abilities."

Earlier this week another Pittsburgh agency, prworks, announced it will split. Kelley Denny has formed KDenny and Partners: Strategic Communications and Lynn Seay has launched Seay PR.


Writer: Deb Smit
Source: Scott Pipitone, Pipitone Group; Pam Peters, MarketSpace Communications

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Image of Jeff Piatt and Ed Macko courtesy of Pipitone Group