Top 15 PR firms in the Midwest
15 PR firms in the Midwest that are operating today, each checked against its own site and at least one independent source. Who leads them, the work they can show, what they cost where they publish it, and the reason each one made the list. Nobody pays to be ranked.
- firms, ranked
- 15
- sources cited
- 58
- median years in business
- 36
- with a named leader
- 14/15
The list at a glance
Scroll sideways →| # | Firm | Based in | Since | Team | Led by | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 01 | PadillaProfile | Minneapolis, MN | 1961 | 51–200 | Julie Batliner | Estimated: $8,000–$15,000/mo, typical for Midwest PR retainers; not a quote. |
| 02 | Fahlgren MortineProfile | Columbus, OH | 1962 | 51–200 | Neil Mortine | Estimated: $8,000–$15,000/mo, typical for Midwest PR retainers; not a quote. |
| 03 | Dix & EatonProfile | Cleveland, OH | n/a | n/a | Chas D. Withers | Estimated: $8,000–$15,000/mo, typical for Midwest PR retainers; not a quote. |
| 04 | Public Communications Inc.Profile | Chicago, IL | 1962 | 11–50 | Jill Allread | Estimated: $8,000–$15,000/mo, typical for Midwest PR retainers; not a quote. |
| 05 | FrancoProfile | Detroit, MI | 1964 | 11–50 | Tina Kozak | Estimated: $8,000–$15,000/mo, typical for Midwest PR retainers; not a quote. |
| 06 | BorshoffProfile | Indianapolis, IN | n/a | n/a | n/a | Estimated: $8,000–$15,000/mo, typical for Midwest PR retainers; not a quote. |
| 07 | TunheimProfile | Bloomington, MN | 1990 | 11–50 | Kathy Tunheim | Estimated: $8,000–$15,000/mo, typical for Midwest PR retainers; not a quote. |
| 08 | Bellmont PartnersProfile | Minneapolis, MN | 1996 | 11–50 | Brian Bellmont | Estimated: $8,000–$15,000/mo, typical for Midwest PR retainers; not a quote. |
| 09 | LLYC (formerly Lambert)Profile | Grand Rapids, MI | 1998 | 51–200 | Mike Houston | Estimated: $8,000–$15,000/mo, typical for Midwest PR retainers; not a quote. |
| 10 | Walker SandsProfile | Chicago, IL | 2001 | 51–200 | Andrew Cross and Dave Parro | Estimated: $8,000–$15,000/mo, typical for Midwest PR retainers; not a quote. |
| 11 | Bader RutterProfile | Milwaukee, WI | n/a | n/a | David Jordan | Estimated: $8,000–$15,000/mo, typical for Midwest PR retainers; not a quote. |
| 12 | Standing PartnershipProfile | St. Louis, MO | n/a | 11–50 | Ashlyn Brewer | Estimated: $8,000–$15,000/mo, typical for Midwest PR retainers; not a quote. |
| 13 | GreentargetProfile | Chicago, IL | n/a | 11–50 | John Corey | Estimated: $8,000–$15,000/mo, typical for Midwest PR retainers; not a quote. |
| 14 | Zapwater CommunicationsProfile | Chicago, IL | n/a | 11–50 | David Zapata | Estimated: $8,000–$15,000/mo, typical for Midwest PR retainers; not a quote. |
| 15 | LS2groupProfile | Des Moines, IA | 2006 | 51–200 | Charles W. Larson Jr. | Estimated: $8,000–$15,000/mo, typical for Midwest PR retainers; not a quote. |
Where a firm has not published a price, the figure is a typical industry estimate, not a quote from any firm on this list.
- 01
Led by Julie Batliner, President
- Minneapolis, MN
- Since 1961
- 51–200 people
Padilla is a public relations and strategic communications agency headquartered in Minneapolis with offices in New York, Boston, Chicago, Richmond, Washington, D.C. and San Francisco. Founded in 1961 as Padilla Speer Beardsley, it has been part of Montreal-based AVENIR Global since 2018 and operates the Padilla, SHIFT Communications, FoodMinds and Joe Smith brands as one firm. O'Dwyer's ranks it the largest Midwest-headquartered PR firm with $44.3 million in 2025 net fees and 162 staff.
Why it’s hereRanked 18th among all US independent PR firms by O'Dwyer's on 2025 net fees, the highest of any Midwest-headquartered agency.
Best forFood, beverage and consumer brands, along with organizations that need PR and communications counsel, that want a full-service communications agency with offices in Minneapolis, New York and Boston.
UpdatePart of Montreal-based AVENIR GLOBAL; the Padilla group also includes SHIFT Communications, FoodMinds and Joe Smith.
padillaco.com · homepage on September 28, 2026 - Known for
- strategic communications · brand building and protection · food and nutrition affairs · health · agriculture
- Selected work
- Jack Link's. Staged a drone light show built around the brand's Sasquatch mascot. case study ↗
- Florida Department of Citrus. Produced an animated creative campaign pairing orange juice with golf. case study ↗
- Wedderspoon. Created marketing creative for the Manuka honey brand. case study ↗
- Estimated cost
Estimated: $8,000–$15,000/mo, typical for Midwest PR retainers; not a quote.
Typical industry estimate, not a quote from any firm on this list.
- Office
- 1101 West River Parkway, Suite 400 · Minneapolis, MN · 55415-1256 · +1-612-455-1700
Site checked live September 28, 2026Sources padillaco.com, odwyerpr.comLinkedIn ↗
- 02
Led by Neil Mortine, CEO
- Columbus, OH
- Since 1962
- 51–200 people
- Changed hands
Fahlgren Mortine is an integrated communications agency at 4030 Easton Station in Columbus, Ohio, founded in 1962 and owned by The Shipyard since May 2024. It delivers PR, marketing, digital and engagement work across B2B, consumer goods, healthcare, higher education, energy, manufacturing and tourism, and owns the travel PR agency TURNER. O'Dwyer's lists 200 staff and $40.8 million in 2025 net fees, with clients including Advanced Drainage Systems, Airstream, Kroger and Cardinal Health.
Why it’s herePRSA's 2024 Silver Anvil Agency of the Year and the top-ranked firm on O'Dwyer's 2026 Midwest PR rankings by net fees.
Best forB2B manufacturers, health care companies, universities and tourism boards that want PR, content and paid marketing planned together.
OwnershipAcquired by ad agency The Shipyard in May 2024; keeps the Fahlgren Mortine name and its Columbus headquarters.
fahlgrenmortine.com · homepage on September 28, 2026 - Known for
- public relations · integrated communications · tourism PR · healthcare · B2B and manufacturing
- Named clients
- Advanced Drainage Systems, Airstream, Bath & Body Works, The Kroger Co., Cardinal Health, Kent State University, Ohio Lottery Commission, Parkinson's Foundation
- Selected work
- Visit Myrtle Beach. Earned media campaign for its autism-friendly destination status that secured more than 400 placements. case study ↗
- Swisslog. Thought leadership and video content program that produced 76% more leads in 2020 than in 2019. case study ↗
- COSI. Multi-channel campaign for a dinosaur exhibit that lifted paid attendance 33%. case study ↗
- Recognition
- Estimated cost
Estimated: $8,000–$15,000/mo, typical for Midwest PR retainers; not a quote.
Typical industry estimate, not a quote from any firm on this list.
- Office
- 4030 Easton Station, Suite 300 · Columbus, OH · 43219 · 1.800.731.8927
Site checked live September 28, 2026Sources fahlgrenmortine.com, odwyerpr.comLinkedIn ↗
- 03
Led by Chas D. Withers, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer
- Cleveland, OH
Dix & Eaton is an employee-owned marketing, communications, risk and reputation management firm at 1501 Euclid Avenue in Cleveland, describing a legacy of more than 70 years. It organises its work into a Grow platform for insight-led and partner marketing and a Protect platform for reputation protection, and in November 2023 it acquired St. Louis-based Standing Partnership. O'Dwyer's ranks the Cleveland office 12th in the Midwest with 23 staff and $5.4 million in 2025 net fees.
Why it’s hereAn employee-owned firm with roots among the oldest in the Midwest, now combined with Standing Partnership into a two-city Ohio and Missouri operation.
Best forCompanies in regulated or complex sectors such as manufacturing, specialty chemicals, aviation, agribusiness and healthcare that need corporate communications, crisis preparedness and reputation work from a 100% employee-owned Cleveland firm with 70-plus years of history.
UpdateNow runs two brands, Dix & Eaton and St. Louis-based Standing Partnership, under one employee-owned firm.
dix-eaton.com · homepage on September 28, 2026 - Known for
- reputation management · issues and crisis · investor and financial communications · marketing · risk management
- Estimated cost
Estimated: $8,000–$15,000/mo, typical for Midwest PR retainers; not a quote.
Typical industry estimate, not a quote from any firm on this list.
- Office
- 1501 Euclid Avenue, Suite 800 · Cleveland, OH · 44115 · 216.241.0405
Site checked live September 28, 2026Sources dix-eaton.com, odwyerpr.comLinkedIn ↗
- 04
Led by Jill Allread, CEO
- Chicago, IL
- Since 1962
- 11–50 people
Public Communications Inc. (PCI) is a Chicago public relations firm at 161 N. Clark Street, founded in 1962, with about 40 team members of counselors, media specialists, writers and event staff. It focuses on healthcare, medical associations, nonprofits and cultural attractions, offering media relations, crisis and reputation management, digital, design, influencer marketing and events. O'Dwyer's directory lists clients including AARP, the Alzheimer's Association, the American Academy of Pediatrics and Brookfield Zoo Chicago.
Why it’s hereA Chicago independent in its seventh decade with a published client list of national medical and nonprofit associations, ranked 14th on O'Dwyer's Midwest list.
Best forHealthcare organizations, associations, nonprofits, park districts, destinations and conservation groups, such as the Georgia Aquarium and American Epilepsy Society, that need media relations and issue communications.
UpdateIndependent Chicago PR firm founded in 1962, certified Women's Business Enterprise and a founding partner of the Worldcom PR Group.
pcipr.com · homepage on September 28, 2026 - Known for
- media relations · crisis and reputation management · healthcare and association PR · cultural attractions · event planning
- Named clients
- AARP, Alzheimer's Association, American Academy of Pediatrics, American Society of Anesthesiologists, Brookfield Zoo Chicago, Georgia Aquarium, The Nature Conservancy (Illinois Chapter), ZooTampa at Lowry Park
- Recognition
- Estimated cost
Estimated: $8,000–$15,000/mo, typical for Midwest PR retainers; not a quote.
Typical industry estimate, not a quote from any firm on this list.
- Office
- 161 N. Clark Street, Suite 2050 · Chicago, IL · 60601 · 312.558.1770
Site checked live September 28, 2026Sources pcipr.com, odwyerpr.com
- 05
Led by Tina Kozak, Chief Executive Officer
- Detroit, MI
- Since 1964
- 11–50 people
Franco is an integrated communications agency headquartered in Detroit and founded in 1964. It combines PR, marketing, social media and design services and its site cites work for Stroh's, Buddy's Pizza, Belle Isle Park, the GMRENCEN, the North American International Auto Show and the Chevrolet Detroit Belle Isle Grand Prix, as well as steel and power-grid clients. O'Dwyer's 2022 Midwest ranking recorded 28 full-time staff.
Why it’s hereDetroit's longest-running independent PR agency, in business since 1964 with a client list of named Detroit institutions.
Best forMichigan organizations in mobility, healthcare, education, economic development and professional services that need PR, crisis communications, social and advertising from one Detroit firm, with global reach through the Public Relations Global Network.
franco.com · homepage on September 28, 2026 - Known for
- public relations · social media · marketing · design · automotive and industrial
- Named clients
- Stroh's, Buddy's Pizza, Belle Isle Park, GMRENCEN, North American International Auto Show, Chevrolet Detroit Belle Isle Grand Prix
- Estimated cost
Estimated: $8,000–$15,000/mo, typical for Midwest PR retainers; not a quote.
Typical industry estimate, not a quote from any firm on this list.
- Office
- 2111 Woodward Ave., Suite 910 · Detroit, MI · 48201 · 313-567-2300
Site checked live September 28, 2026Sources franco.com, odwyerpr.comLinkedIn ↗
- 06
- Indianapolis, IN
Borshoff is a women-owned integrated agency in Indianapolis that describes itself as roughly 40 years old and holds WBE certification. Its services include public relations and crisis management, employee engagement and internal communications, advertising, brand strategy and design, digital and web, media planning and buying, and video production. Staff credentials cited on its site include PRSA Fellows and regional Emmy awards.
Why it’s hereIndiana's best-known independent PR and crisis firm, women-owned and approaching four decades in Indianapolis with PRSA Fellows on staff.
Best forIndiana attractions, universities, banks, healthcare and utility organizations that want PR, crisis communications and advertising from one Indianapolis firm with about 40 years in business.
borshoff.biz · homepage on September 28, 2026 - Known for
- public relations and crisis management · employee engagement · brand strategy · media planning · video production
- Selected work
- Indianapolis Zoo. Summer campaign positioning a zoo visit as a can't-miss experience. case study ↗
- Trine University. Brand campaign to raise the university's profile. case study ↗
- Indiana Destination Development Corporation. State tourism campaign built around a local legend. case study ↗
- Recognition
- Estimated cost
Estimated: $8,000–$15,000/mo, typical for Midwest PR retainers; not a quote.
Typical industry estimate, not a quote from any firm on this list.
- Office
- 342 Massachusetts Ave., Suite 500 · Indianapolis, IN · 46204 · (317) 631-6400
Site checked live September 28, 2026Sources borshoff.biz, provokemedia.comLinkedIn ↗
- 07
Led by Kathy Tunheim, CEO & Principal
- Bloomington, MN
- Since 1990
- 11–50 people
Tunheim is a woman-owned public relations and public affairs firm at 2001 Killebrew Drive in Bloomington, Minnesota, founded in 1990 by CEO Kathy Tunheim. It offers public relations, digital marketing and AI, public affairs, management consulting and government services, holds a GSA contract, and is the Minnesota partner in the IPREX global network. O'Dwyer's ranks it 10th in the Midwest with 23 staff and $6.6 million in 2025 net fees.
Why it’s hereA 35-year Twin Cities firm ranked in O'Dwyer's Midwest top ten and the Minnesota member of the IPREX network.
Best forMinnesota companies, sports organizations and public agencies (it holds a GSA contract and counts the State of Minnesota as a client) that need PR, public affairs and crisis or change communications from a woman-owned firm founded in 1990.
tunheim.com · homepage on September 28, 2026 - Known for
- public relations · public affairs · digital marketing and AI · management consulting · government services
- Estimated cost
Estimated: $8,000–$15,000/mo, typical for Midwest PR retainers; not a quote.
Typical industry estimate, not a quote from any firm on this list.
- Office
- 2001 Killebrew Drive, Suite 308 · Bloomington, MN · 55425 · 952.851.1600
Site checked live September 28, 2026Sources tunheim.com, odwyerpr.comLinkedIn ↗
- 08
Led by Brian Bellmont, Owner and President
- Minneapolis, MN
- Since 1996
- 11–50 people
Bellmont Partners is a Minneapolis public relations firm at 3300 Edinborough Way, founded in 1996, working with Fortune 500 companies, startups and nonprofits in B2B and consumer sectors. Its services include media relations, thought leadership, content, trade shows, messaging, executive visibility, change management, crisis communications, influencer relations, public affairs and community relations. O'Dwyer's ranks it 17th in the Midwest with 23 staff and $3.5 million in 2025 net fees.
Why it’s hereAn O'Dwyer's-ranked Minneapolis firm since 2022, with Minnesota PRSA Classics wins and Inc. Best Workplaces recognition listed on its site.
Best forMinnesota companies in health and medtech, agriculture, manufacturing and tourism that want media relations and thought leadership from a senior PR team.
bellmontpartners.com · homepage on September 28, 2026 - Known for
- media relations · thought leadership · crisis communications · public affairs · influencer relations
- Recognition
- Estimated cost
Estimated: $8,000–$15,000/mo, typical for Midwest PR retainers; not a quote.
Typical industry estimate, not a quote from any firm on this list.
- Office
- 3300 Edinborough Way, Suite 700 · Minneapolis, MN · 55435 · 612-255-1111
Site checked live September 28, 2026Sources bellmontpartners.com, odwyerpr.comLinkedIn ↗
- 09
Led by Mike Houston, Partner and U.S. CEO, LLYC
- Grand Rapids, MI
- Since 1998
- 51–200 people
- Changed hands
Lambert is a public relations, investor relations and integrated marketing firm founded in 1998 and headquartered in Grand Rapids, Michigan, with talent hubs in Detroit, New York, St. Louis and Phoenix. Its specialties include automotive and mobility, aerospace and defence, and M&A and private equity communications. Spanish group LLYC acquired the firm in February 2024, when it reported nearly 130 professionals and about $35 million in revenue; O'Dwyer's now lists it as LLYC U.S. with 110 staff and $23.2 million in 2025 net fees.
Why it’s hereThe largest PR firm headquartered in Michigan, ranked fourth on O'Dwyer's 2026 Midwest list and named among PRovoke's best US agencies for 2025.
Best forCompanies that want corporate affairs and marketing communications from a Michigan-rooted team that is now part of the global firm LLYC.
OwnershipLLYC bought a controlling stake in Lambert in February 2024 and retired the Lambert brand on February 19, 2026; the firm now operates as LLYC in the U.S. and keeps a Grand Rapids presence.
lambert.com · homepage on September 28, 2026 - Known for
- public relations · investor relations · integrated marketing · automotive and mobility · M&A and private equity
- Estimated cost
Estimated: $8,000–$15,000/mo, typical for Midwest PR retainers; not a quote.
Typical industry estimate, not a quote from any firm on this list.
Site checked live September 28, 2026Sources lambert.com, odwyerpr.com, provokemedia.com, globenewswire.com
- 10
Led by Andrew Cross and Dave Parro, Co-CEOs
- Chicago, IL
- Since 2001
- 51–200 people
Walker Sands is a B2B integrated marketing and public relations agency headquartered in Chicago, founded in 2001, with offices in Boston, Seattle and San Francisco. It offers strategy, strategic communications, creative, content, digital marketing and revenue operations for technology and B2B clients including Sophos, Ensono, Sendbird and Entrust. O'Dwyer's ranks it second in the Midwest with 164 staff and $33.6 million in 2025 net fees.
Why it’s hereA ten-time Inc. 5000 honoree and the second-largest PR firm on O'Dwyer's Midwest ranking, with a practice devoted entirely to B2B.
Best forB2B technology, fintech, cybersecurity, healthcare and supply chain companies, such as Sophos, Ensono and Echo, that want PR and integrated marketing from an agency founded in 2001 that O'Dwyer's ranks second among Chicago PR firms by fees.
walkersands.com · homepage on September 28, 2026 - Known for
- B2B public relations · strategic communications · content · digital marketing · revenue operations
- Named clients
- Sophos, Echo, Oak Street Health, Ensono, Sendbird, Entrust, Aptos, Priority Commerce
- Recognition
- Estimated cost
Estimated: $8,000–$15,000/mo, typical for Midwest PR retainers; not a quote.
Typical industry estimate, not a quote from any firm on this list.
- Office
- 312 267 0066
Site checked live September 28, 2026Sources walkersands.com, odwyerpr.com, inc.comLinkedIn ↗
- 11
Led by David Jordan, Chief Executive Officer
- Milwaukee, WI
Bader Rutter is an integrated B2B marketing agency based in Milwaukee whose services include advertising, PR, social media, design, experiential, digital and data analytics, organised around its Mental Equity framework. Its named clients include McCain Foods, Nestlé Purina, the Milwaukee Bucks, Zoetis, Corteva and Ingredion, and it is the US partner in the BBN International B2B network. O'Dwyer's ranks its PR operation sixth in the Midwest with 38 PR staff and $12 million in 2025 net fees.
Why it’s hereThe largest agrimarketing and B2B communications shop in Wisconsin, ranked sixth on O'Dwyer's 2026 Midwest PR list.
Best forAgriculture, animal health, food and B2B brands such as Corteva, Zoetis, Purina and McCain that want advertising, PR and digital work from an independent Milwaukee agency focused on ag and B2B.
baderrutter.com · homepage on September 28, 2026 - Known for
- B2B public relations · agriculture marketing · advertising · social media · experiential
- Named clients
- McCain Foods, Nestlé Purina, Milwaukee Bucks, Zoetis, Corteva, Pioneer, Acuity, Ingredion
- Selected work
- Zoetis. Brand campaign on the bond between cattle producers and their animals, which drew over 155K impressions in two weeks. case study ↗
- McCain Foods. Launched Mini Mashers with a cross-country chef competition in place of a standard product launch. case study ↗
- Milwaukee Bucks. Direct mail piece built around a size 16 shoe. case study ↗
- Estimated cost
Estimated: $8,000–$15,000/mo, typical for Midwest PR retainers; not a quote.
Typical industry estimate, not a quote from any firm on this list.
Site checked live September 28, 2026Sources baderrutter.com, odwyerpr.com, biztimes.comLinkedIn ↗
- 12
Led by Ashlyn Brewer, Operating Group President
- St. Louis, MO
- 11–50 people
- Changed hands
Standing Partnership is a St. Louis strategic communications and marketing firm that became an operating group of Cleveland-based Dix & Eaton in November 2023. Its services cover strategy and pipeline development, partner and vertical marketing, issues and crisis management, stakeholder engagement and sustainability consulting, and it reaches 49 countries through the Worldcom Public Relations Group. O'Dwyer's ranks the St. Louis office eighth in the Midwest with 28 staff and $8.4 million in 2025 net fees.
Why it’s hereSt. Louis's highest-ranked PR firm on O'Dwyer's 2026 Midwest list and a 2025 Inspiring Workplaces Top 100 Global winner.
Best forTechnology, professional services, industrial and food and agriculture companies that need B2B growth marketing, stakeholder engagement, sustainability communications and crisis planning.
OwnershipBecame an operating group of Cleveland-based Dix & Eaton in November 2023 and still operates under the Standing Partnership name in St. Louis.
standingpartnership.com · homepage on September 28, 2026 - Known for
- issues and crisis management · stakeholder engagement · partner marketing · sustainability consulting · pipeline development
- Estimated cost
Estimated: $8,000–$15,000/mo, typical for Midwest PR retainers; not a quote.
Typical industry estimate, not a quote from any firm on this list.
- Office
- PO Box 31069 · St. Louis, MO · 63131 · 314-469-3500
Site checked live September 28, 2026Sources standingpartnership.com, odwyerpr.comLinkedIn ↗
- 13
Led by John Corey, President & Founding Partner
- Chicago, IL
- 11–50 people
Greentarget is a Chicago B2B public relations agency that works only with professional services firms in law, accounting, financial services, commercial real estate and management consulting. Its practice areas are earned media influence, research and market intelligence, content and editorial, digital strategy and special-situations crisis work, with BRG and Lathrop GPM named on its site. O'Dwyer's ranks it seventh in the Midwest with 41 staff and $11 million in 2025 net fees.
Why it’s hereA Chicago firm with a single-sector focus on professional services, ranked seventh in the Midwest by O'Dwyer's on 2025 net fees.
Best forLaw firms, accounting firms, consultancies, financial services and commercial real estate companies that want media relations, research and thought leadership content from a Chicago firm focused on professional services.
greentarget.com · homepage on September 28, 2026 - Known for
- professional services PR · earned media · research and market intelligence · content and editorial · crisis communications
- Named clients
- BRG, Lathrop GPM
- Selected work
- BRG. Content partner on BRG's ThinkSet magazine, including the Spring 2025 Antitrust Across the Atlantic issue that won a MarCom gold award. case study ↗
- Estimated cost
Estimated: $8,000–$15,000/mo, typical for Midwest PR retainers; not a quote.
Typical industry estimate, not a quote from any firm on this list.
- Office
- 312-252-4100
Site checked live September 28, 2026Sources greentarget.com, odwyerpr.comLinkedIn ↗
- 14
Led by David Zapata, CEO, Founder and Partner
- Chicago, IL
- 11–50 people
Zapwater Communications is an integrated communications agency headquartered in Chicago with additional offices in Los Angeles and Miami. It organises category teams around consumer products, design and real estate, fashion, beauty and retail, hospitality, and travel and destinations, combining PR with influencer and social media work. O'Dwyer's ranks it 18th in the Midwest with 27 staff and $2.8 million in 2025 net fees.
Why it’s hereNamed one of PRovoke Media's 80 best US agencies for 2025, one of only a handful of Midwest-headquartered firms on that list.
Best forHospitality, travel and tourism, real estate and design, and fashion and beauty brands that want PR plus social and influencer marketing from a firm with offices in Chicago, Los Angeles and Miami.
zapwater.com · homepage on September 28, 2026 - Known for
- consumer PR · hospitality and travel · design and real estate · fashion, beauty and retail · influencer marketing
- Selected work
- Skydeck Chicago. Integrated PR campaign to build interest after the attraction's renovation, which won a 2024 PRSA Chicago Best of Skyline award. case study ↗
- Visit Finland. "Find Your Inner Finn" happiness campaign that earned a 2024 PRSA Chicago Award of Excellence for media relations. case study ↗
- Recognition
- Estimated cost
Estimated: $8,000–$15,000/mo, typical for Midwest PR retainers; not a quote.
Typical industry estimate, not a quote from any firm on this list.
- Office
- 118 N. Peoria Street, Floor 4 · Chicago, IL · 60607 · 1-312-943-0333
Site checked live September 28, 2026Sources zapwater.com, provokemedia.com, odwyerpr.comLinkedIn ↗
- 15
Led by Charles W. Larson Jr., Founding Partner
- Des Moines, IA
- Since 2006
- 51–200 people
LS2group is a bipartisan public relations, public affairs and government affairs firm headquartered in Des Moines, founded in 2006, with more than 50 team members spread across Iowa, Washington, D.C. and roughly ten other states. Its services cover media relations, crisis communications, marketing, international counsel, event planning and media training, and its site carries case studies for Holmes Murphy and the Global Insurance Symposium. Clutch lists it with 50-249 staff.
Why it’s hereNamed Best PR Firm by the Des Moines Business Record every year from 2020 to 2025 and an Inc. 5000 honoree in 2016, per its own site.
Best forCompanies, trade groups and insurers that need government affairs and lobbying alongside PR and crisis communications, from a bipartisan Des Moines firm with 50+ staff and people in a dozen states plus D.C.
ls2group.com · homepage on September 28, 2026 - Known for
- public relations · public affairs · government affairs · crisis communications · event management
- Named clients
- Holmes Murphy, Global Insurance Symposium
- Recognition
- Estimated cost
Estimated: $8,000–$15,000/mo, typical for Midwest PR retainers; not a quote.
Typical industry estimate, not a quote from any firm on this list.
Site checked live September 28, 2026Sources ls2group.com, expertise.com, clutch.co, inc.comLinkedIn ↗
478,200 advertising, public relations and related services jobs in the United States, September 2026 (preliminary).
Every firm here was checked twice.
- 01Find
Firms come from industry directories, business press, award lists and the client rosters of firms already known to do the work.
- 02Verify
A firm's own site has to be live and describe the work. A second, independent source has to agree that it exists and does it.
- 03Record
Leaders, addresses, founding years, awards and case studies are copied from a page we loaded, and each carries its link. A field stays blank until a source states it.
- 04Rank
The order is editorial: longevity, named clients, scale and a clear specialism, in roughly that weight. Firms cannot buy a position.
- 05Re-check
Every entry was re-checked on September 28, 2026, homepage captured, ownership confirmed. Firms that closed, stopped doing this work or changed hands are removed or noted in the change log below.
The featured card is paid placement for Fracs, which shares this list’s publisher. It sits outside the ranking. Read the full editorial standards, or write to lists@primortul.com with a correction or a firm we missed.
What changed at the September 2026 check
- Ownership · Fahlgren Mortine
Acquired by ad agency The Shipyard in May 2024; keeps the Fahlgren Mortine name and its Columbus headquarters.
- Corrected · Lambert (LLYC U.S.)
Renamed Lambert to LLYC. LLYC retired the Lambert brand in February 2026.
- Ownership · Standing Partnership
Became an operating group of Cleveland-based Dix & Eaton in November 2023 and still operates under the Standing Partnership name in St. Louis.
Questions before you hire a PR firm in the Midwest
- How many PR firms in the Midwest are on this list, and where are they?
- 15. The 15 firms are spread across Minneapolis, Columbus, Cleveland, Chicago, Detroit, Indianapolis and 5 other cities. Each was checked against its own site and at least one independent source. Nobody pays to be ranked.
- How do I choose between PR firms in the Midwest?
- Write down what done looks like. Read why each firm is on the list and keep the two or three whose reason matches your job. Ask each for one piece of work like yours, and the name of the person who would do it. 7 of the 15 here are under 50 people, so the people you meet are usually the people who do the work.
- Did any of these firms pay to be listed?
- No. Nobody pays to be ranked. The order weighs how long a firm has done the work, clients it can name, its size, and how clear its specialism is. This list has no paid card.
- How long have these PR firms been around?
- The oldest firm on this list states 1961 as its founding year. A year is shown only when the firm states one.
- What should I bring to a first call with a PR firm?
- What you sell, what is not working, what done looks like, a budget range, and when you want to start. The form on this page asks for those. Asking is free. You do not have to hire anyone.
- How is this list kept current?
- Re-checked September 28, 2026. Dead sites come off. Mergers and renames are updated. Firms that belong are added. Send a correction to lists@primortul.com. If you are the firm, use the For partners form.
What the trade press is writing about PR firms.
Headlines, the source, the date, and a link. The article stays on the site that published it. If a feed is down, it is left off.
On PR firms
Google News. Headline and link only.
- PR News | PR Firm News: Allison Worldwide Teams with American University - Fri., Oct. 30, 2026O'Dwyer's PR News · today
- New ranking of Dallas-Fort Worth PR firms releasedThe Business Journals · today
- Newlin to Exit PYR to Start PR Firm, Marshall to Oversee PYR PublicityPublishers Weekly · today
- LLYC Named Top 5 PR Firm in The Deal’s Q3 2026 Private Equity League TablesLLYC · 2d ago
O'Dwyer's
National trade feed. Headline and link only.
How to choose, what it costs, and where these firms are based.
Describe the job. One PR firm writes back.
Tell us what you sell, what is not working, and what done looks like. We read it and ask one provider — from this list, or from the publisher’s bench — to contact you within a business day. Asking is free. You do not have to hire them. Nobody else gets what you wrote.