| ::Strategic Partners Boost Cleveland Synergy Foundation’s Bid for Gay Games IX :: |
Cleveland Synergy Foundation
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| Synergy: The interaction of two or more agents or forces so that their combined effect is greater than the sum of their individual effects. |
Addition of Development Director and Communications Partner
Strengthen Initiative
CLEVELAND, Ohio, December 16, 2008 – Enhancing its effort to bring Gay
Games IX to Cleveland, Cleveland Synergy Foundation today announced an expansion of
its staff and retention of a communications firm. New Development Director, Patrick
Bindis, and global public relations firm Fleishman-Hillard International Communications
are the newest team members of the organization’s initiative.
Mr. Bindis will focus on fundraising programming and building support with key
organizations in the community. “I am very pleased to be a part of this important
community and economic development initiative for Cleveland,” Bindis explained. “We
have a unique opportunity to showcase Cleveland to a relatively untapped international
audience and support the LGBT community.”
Fleishman-Hillard’s Cleveland office will provide public relations strategy and support to
Cleveland Synergy Foundation, both locally and through its global gay and lesbian
communications practice group, FH Out Front.
Fleishman-Hillard was the official communications firm for Gay Games VII, held in
Chicago in 2006, and provided pro bono outreach and support for the Games from more
than one dozen offices worldwide. “We are pleased to support our community and
Cleveland Synergy Foundation through this collaborative effort,” stated Greg Connel,
senior vice president, partner and general manager of Fleishman-Hillard Cleveland. “FH
Out Front includes practitioners who combine a real passion and expertise in gay and
lesbian communications with a solid record of results in promoting Gay Games VII to
diverse audiences around the world.”
“Patrick and Fleishman-Hillard provide us an unparalleled advantage in our bid to host
the Gay Games in Cleveland in 2014,” W. Doug Anderson, co-founder of Cleveland
Synergy Foundation, commented. “We look forward to continuing to expand our base of
supporters in this endeavor, both locally and around the world.” Gay Games IX will be
held in 2014 and will include more than thirty sporting and cultural events. More than
12,000 participants and tens of thousands of family, friends, fans, and spectators are
anticipated to travel to the host city for the event.
Past Gay Games have yielded a significant economic impact to host cities, with estimates
ranging up to $80 million from the Chicago event. Gay Games VIII will be held in
Cologne, Germany, in 2010.
About Cleveland Synergy Foundation Cleveland Synergy Foundation is a public benefit
corporation organized and operated to measurably enhance the economy, image and
quality of life in the greater Cleveland LGBT and Straight communities by attracting and
creating significant cultural, athletic and benevolent events and festivals. Please visit
www.clevelandsynergyfoundation.org for more information.
About Fleishman-Hillard, Inc. Fleishman-Hillard Inc., one of the world's leading public
relations firms, has built its reputation by using strategic communications to deliver what
its clients value most: meaningful, positive, and measurable impact on the performance of
their organizations. The firm is widely recognized for excellent client service and a strong
company culture founded on teamwork, integrity, and personal commitment.
Based in St. Louis, the firm operates throughout North America, Europe, Asia, Latin
America, Australia, and South Africa through its 80 owned offices. With 20 full-time
public relations and digital professionals in Cleveland and Columbus, Fleishman-Hillard
Cleveland has served the global public relations agency’s local and national clients since
1999. For more information, visit the Fleishman-Hillard Web site at www.fleishman.com.
Fleishman-Hillard is a part of Omnicom Group Inc. (NYSE: OMC). Omnicom is a leading
global advertising, marketing and corporate communications company. Omnicom's
branded networks and numerous specialty firms provide advertising, strategic media
planning and buying, direct and promotional marketing, public relations, and other
specialty communications services to over 5,000 clients in more than 100 countries.
Contact:
Cleveland Synergy Foundation
W. Doug Anderson
216.440.7411
Fleishman-Hillard, Inc.:
Michael Murphy
216.928.3485
