MMGY Global is selected by Eataly North America as public relations agency of record for 10 locations across the US and Canada, including three in New York City and two in Toronto as well as outposts in Los Angeles, Silicon Valley, Chicago, Boston and Dallas. A bi-coastal team from MMGY Wagstaff, the culinary and lifestyle arm of MMGY Global, will lead strategic public relations for the Italian restaurant and retail concept, focusing on earned media, influencer relations and partnerships for the greater Eataly brand. Eataly operates in more than 50 locations across 15 countries worldwide. These include Italy, the US, Canada, the United Arab Emirates, Japan, Germany, Great Britain, France, Sweden, Brazil, Turkey, South Korea and Saudi Arabia.

Priority Partnerships, a sponsorship advisory firm based in Portland, OR, teams up with Stronger Youth Brands to represent the company in launching a partnership program for its premiere youth soccer brands, Soccer Shots and Little Kickers. The firm, founded by former Portland Trail Blazers executive Dan Scheinman, will lead efforts to develop brand partnerships that promote positive family engagement across both brands and will focus on furthering Soccer Shots’ strategic mission of positively impacting one million children and families by 2025. Soccer Shots and Little Kickers, with franchises in 44 states and 26 countries, are operated by trained coaches and available through childcare centers, pre-schools, primary schools, and public programming. “We’re thrilled to join forces with Priority Partnerships to find partners that align with our vision of creating a fun and meaningful introduction to sport and making a lasting impact on children and families long after a soccer session,” said SYB VP of marketing & communications Meg Bruton.

Apex Public Relations signs on as agency of record for Toronto-based online investment management service Wealthsimple. As of March 31, the firm held over C$38.7 billion (US$28.3 billion) in assets under management. The agency says the partnership is aimed at providing Canadians with “the tools and insights they need to navigate economic challenges with confidence.” “Their blend of corporate savvy and creative flair perfectly complements our commitment to making finance not just simple, but a key part of how Canadians live,” said Wealthsimple director of communications Sheryl So.