As streaming and digital video advertising continue to grow, brands and agencies are looking for more effective ways to plan, buy, and manage local campaigns. Enter LocalX, the newest innovation from Locality, a leading provider of local video advertising solutions. LocalX is an AI-powered, all-in-one media planning and buying platform built to streamline the entire lifecycle of local video advertising—offering both scale and precision through a seamless user experience. Drawing on real-world insights from over 32,000 campaigns and 24 billion local streaming impressions, LocalX brings automation, optimization, and expert support into one centralized solution.

Features of LocalX: What Sets It Apart

1. Direct Access to Premium Streaming Inventory

• Advertisers gain direct and flexible access to premium publisher inventory.

• Ensures high-quality ad placements at scale across trusted streaming environments.

• Optimized for both performance and brand safety.

2. Unified Campaign Management

• Combines budgeting, targeting, creative management, and reporting into one interface.

• Supports both self-service and managed service workflows.

• Reduces reliance on disconnected tools and minimizes manual effort.

• Enhances campaign execution speed from planning to launch.

3. Real-Time Performance Tracking

• Dynamic dashboard offers a live view of campaign data, revenue, and sales metrics.

• Enables faster, data-informed decisions to optimize outcomes on the fly.

• Helps advertisers stay agile in a constantly evolving media landscape.

4. Local Market Expertise Built-In

• Backed by Locality’s consultative teams with deep knowledge of regional market dynamics.

• Human expertise complements automation to fine-tune campaigns for local relevance.

• Ideal for navigating the complexities of local markets across the U.S.

5. Flexible and Customizable for Modern Media Buying

• Designed for use across direct IOs, programmatic buys, or hybrid models.

• Includes AI-powered ad tools and advanced audience targeting.

• Adapts to the unique needs of agencies, brands, and broadcast partners.

Supporting Broadcasters and Advertisers Alike

Broadcasters Benefit from Enhanced Digital Capabilities

• LocalX helps broadcast partners grow their digital footprint and monetize more efficiently.

• Enables broadcasters to offer advertisers enhanced value propositions with better tools and deeper reach.

Advertisers Achieve Stronger Local Impact

• Brands of all sizes—from local to national—can connect more meaningfully with regional audiences.

• The combination of smart tech + human guidance ensures campaigns resonate at the local level while scaling with precision.

Executive Perspective: A Platform Built by Experience

“LocalX will provide direct access to premium streaming inventory through an intuitive, AI-powered platform that streamlines local media buying,”
– Keith Kazerman, President of Streaming at Locality

“It simplifies fragmented workflows and puts buyers in control—whether they’re working with direct IOs, programmatic inventory, or both,”

– Zach Mullins, Chief Strategy Officer at Locality

“It gives advertisers smarter tools to run local campaigns, while helping our partners grow their digital business,”

– Ann Hailer, President of Broadcast at Locality

These leaders underscore that LocalX is more than just a tool—it's a strategic evolution in how local media is bought and sold in today’s increasingly digital-first world.

LocalX marks a new chapter in local advertising. By unifying planning, buying, creative, and reporting into one powerful platform, it delivers faster execution, better insights, and smarter results for both advertisers and broadcasters. With automation and AI complementing Locality’s proven hands-on approach, LocalX empowers brands to navigate the complexities of local video advertising with precision, speed, and scale. As local media continues to prove its unmatched power in building brand connection, LocalX ensures marketers can harness that power with confidence.

In a meaningful alignment of purpose and impact, Next PR, an award-winning integrated public relations firm, has announced a strategic pro bono partnership with the Assistance League of Colorado Springs (ALCS). As part of its 2025 Conscious Capitalism program, this partnership runs from April to September 2025, offering public relations support to help ALCS enhance its visibility and deepen its impact in the Colorado Springs community. This collaboration underscores Next PR’s broader mission of using storytelling to drive social change and elevate community voices.

Assistance League of Colorado Springs (ALCS)

A Trusted Nonprofit Rooted in Local Service

• Founded in 1968, ALCS is a volunteer-powered nonprofit committed to supporting children, families, veterans, and individuals in crisis.

• Operates key community initiatives to meet essential needs in Colorado Springs and surrounding areas.

Signature Programs Making a Lasting Impact

• Operation School Bell®: Supplies qualified students with new clothing, shoes, and hygiene kits, boosting confidence and school readiness.

• Assault Survivor Kits®: Offers clothing and personal care items to survivors of assault to support dignity and recovery.

• Sweet Dreams: Provides new beds and bedding for young people transitioning out of foster care or homelessness into subsidized housing.

Next PR's Pro Bono Support: Strategic Communications for Social Impact

Core Services Offered During the Partnership

• Social Media Audit: A thorough analysis of ALCS’s digital presence to identify strengths and areas for improvement.

• Best Practices Guide: Tailored recommendations to optimize ALCS’s social media strategy for engagement and awareness.

• Targeted Media Relations Program: Outreach to local media and influencers to amplify ALCS’s stories and mission-driven work.

• Messaging Workshop: Collaborative sessions to refine ALCS’s brand narrative.

• Messaging Document: A comprehensive tool ALCS can use for consistent, impactful storytelling across all platforms.

Voices Behind the Partnership

"Partnering with Assistance League of Colorado Springs this year is an honor. I've seen firsthand the incredible impact ALCS has..."

– Heather Kelly, CEO, Next PR

Kelly emphasized her personal connection to ALCS through volunteer work, including time spent at their Bargain Box thrift store, reinforcing the company’s genuine investment in this collaboration.

"The support they're offering will help us connect with even more people in the community..."

– Suzanne Discenza, President, ALCS

Discenza expressed optimism about how this partnership will empower ALCS to scale their mission and reach broader audiences.

Conscious Capitalism in Action: Why This Matters

Next PR’s partnership with ALCS is part of a broader initiative under its Conscious Capitalism program, which supports nonprofits making a meaningful difference. The collaboration serves as a model for how strategic PR and storytelling can elevate the voices of community-focused organizations and expand their ability to create change.

This partnership highlights the role that communications agencies can play beyond business, contributing directly to social good through expertise, purpose-driven alignment, and advocacy.

The partnership between Next PR and ALCS represents more than a professional collaboration—it's a shared commitment to empowering underserved communities through effective communication and authentic storytelling. By combining ALCS’s life-changing programs with Next PR’s strategic communications expertise, the partnership is set to drive awareness, foster engagement, and amplify social impact throughout Colorado Springs.

This is storytelling with purpose—where PR meets community transformation.

As digital and addressable TV advertising rapidly evolve, ITV, the UK’s largest commercial broadcaster, is reaffirming its commitment to modernization. With over 34 million weekly viewers, ITV announced an extension of its strategic partnership with Placements.io, the industry-leading advertising operations platform. This renewed collaboration will help streamline ITV’s cross-platform ad operations, enhance financial processes, and future-proof the broadcaster’s advertising infrastructure.

A Long-Term Partnership Built for Innovation

Building on a Successful 2021 Foundation

• ITV first partnered with Placements.io in 2021, implementing the AdSalesOS platform to unify its ad sales ecosystem.

• The partnership was key in driving automation and integration across sales, operations, and finance.

Strategic Renewal for Continued Efficiency

• The renewed deal ensures ITV will continue leveraging AdSalesOS to manage complex advertising across linear TV, digital, and addressable formats.

• Supports ITV's strategic push towards scalable, data-driven ad operations.

Outcomes from the Partnership

Operational Efficiency

• AdSalesOS enables ITV to automate workflows, reducing manual effort across departments.

• Sales, finance, and ad operations teams benefit from streamlined processes and increased productivity.

Seamless System Integration

• The partnership supports three core integrations that consolidate ITV’s systems and processes.

• Unified ad data improves real-time insights and decision-making, aligning with ITV’s business goals.

Financial Accuracy & Automation

• Enhances ITV’s ability to manage billing and revenue with precision.

• AdSalesOS automates financial processes, reducing reconciliation time and ensuring compliance and control.

Industry Perspectives

“Our partnership with Placements.io has been instrumental in streamlining our advertising operations.”

– Alex Maison, Head of Digital Ad Platforms, ITV

Maison emphasized how the platform’s integration capabilities have boosted efficiency across ITV’s internal teams.

“ITV is setting the standard for modernizing TV ad sales.”

– Evan Bowen, Chief Business Officer, Placements.io

Bowen highlighted ITV’s leadership and how its investment in Placements.io reflects a focus on adaptability, efficiency, and revenue optimization.

Strategic Context: The Evolving Ad Tech Landscape

Responding to Media Industry Trends

• As broadcasters face rising demand for addressable TV and digital ads, automation becomes critical.

• Broadcasters need platforms that unify data, optimize resources, and scale effectively — ITV’s move underscores this shift.

Future-Proofing Ad Operations

• The partnership sets the stage for ITV to continue innovating while maintaining agility in a fragmented advertising environment.

• AdSalesOS provides the framework to expand capabilities as the ad landscape evolves.

ITV’s renewed partnership with Placements.io signals a clear commitment to future-ready advertising operations. By doubling down on automation, data unification, and platform consolidation, ITV is not only enhancing current performance but also building resilience and adaptability for what’s next in broadcasting. As media companies embrace tech-driven transformation, ITV continues to lead by example — proving that strategic investment in ad tech infrastructure delivers measurable and lasting value.

In a bold move that merges societal impact with enterprise strategy, Culture+ Group has unveiled CIEN+ Health, a dedicated strategic and creative consultancy. Rooted in over a decade of market-leading work in Cultural Intelligence®, CIEN+ Health introduces a new way of thinking: that inclusion and health equity are not just moral imperatives—but powerful levers for business growth.

This launch arrives at a time when health disparities persist despite record-high U.S. healthcare spending. CIEN+ Health aims to challenge the status quo with its proprietary framework, Impact Healthonomics™, which fuses data, behavioral science, and cultural insight to drive real-world change.

A Sobering Call for Change

“The U.S. spends more on healthcare than any other nation, yet ranks last in outcomes among G7 countries.”

– Lili Gil Valletta, CEO & Co-founder, Culture+ Group

Gil Valletta, a former Johnson & Johnson executive, calls attention to the paradox at the heart of American healthcare. As chronic diseases rise in fast-growing communities like Hispanics and African Americans, the system’s failure to serve equitably is both a moral and economic crisis.

CIEN+ Health is designed to address this through evidence-based, empathetic, and inclusive solutions—turning underserved populations into engines of growth.

Introducing Impact Healthonomics™: Equity as Strategy

CIEN+ Health’s Impact Healthonomics™ is a transformational model that integrates:

• Cultural Intelligence®

• Behavioral science

• Economic insights

This data-driven approach reframes health equity from a cost center into a growth driver. It enables organizations to design inclusive solutions that improve outcomes while unlocking new market opportunities.

What Impact Healthonomics™ Enables:

• Moving from CSR-focused equity to enterprise-wide inclusion strategies

• Tapping into high-growth segments to drive market expansion

• Aligning brand and mission with community impact using Cultural Intelligence®

• Creating full-funnel, integrated marketing campaigns across media, content, and community channels

CIEN+ Health Launchpad™: Accelerating Health Innovators

To support emerging players in the health and wellness sector, CIEN+ Health is launching the CIEN+ Health Launchpad™—a focused offering to help startups and disruptors gain traction with:

• Strategic clarity

• Purpose-led brand positioning

• Enterprise alignment

This initiative aims to help VCs, mid-sized innovators, and breakout brands scale faster and smarter in today’s evolving health ecosystem.

“We’re reimagining how health, equity, and growth intersect,”

– Roberto Ramos, President, Culture+ Group

A Visionary Leadership Team

Raj Iyer at the Helm

Raj Iyer, a seasoned strategist in healthcare commercialization, leads CIEN+ Health. With a philosophy that “most health systems are built on averages, yet people live at the edges,” Iyer brings a bold, outside-in approach to inclusion and innovation.

Under his leadership, CIEN+ Health operationalizes Cultural Intelligence® into every strategic layer—making inclusion core to business success, not just a compliance checkbox.

Core Offerings that Drive Business & Societal Impact

1. Cultural Intelligence® Accelerator

A proven, award-winning methodology that embeds inclusion into the DNA of organizations—from R&D to marketing—driving better business outcomes through mindset transformation.

2. Strategic Consulting for Inclusive Growth

CIEN+ Health advises C-suites with size-of-prize analysis, impact roadmaps, and inclusive strategy development. Here, equity becomes an enterprise-level driver of value.

3. Culturally Intelligent Brand Engagement

Beyond representation, CIEN+ Health helps brands create meaningful connections with underserved communities, building long-term trust and relevance.

4. AI-Powered Research & Human Insights

Through its proprietary platform, Human Dot Plus, CIEN+ Health merges AI and ethnographic research to uncover real-time behavioral insights—an approach that bridges tech and empathy.

Built for the Future by Those Who Understand the Past

Founded by former corporate leaders Enrique Arbelaez and Lili Gil Valletta, CIEN+ Health was designed to be the firm they once wished existed—one that blends data, culture, empathy, and strategy. Staffed by MDs, PhDs, and industry veterans, it offers a rare combination of subject matter depth and cultural fluency.

Backed by accolades from MM+M, PRWeek, and global health institutions, CIEN+ Health is poised to shape a new era of inclusive innovation in healthcare.

With the launch of CIEN+ Health, Culture+ Group is redefining how businesses approach health equity—not as a siloed initiative but as a strategic growth imperative. As demographics shift and societal expectations evolve, organizations that embrace Impact Healthonomics™ will not only serve better—they will lead smarter and grow stronger.

Metric Marketing, a purpose-driven digital agency based in Michigan, has earned a coveted spot on Inc. Magazine’s 2025 Inc. Regionals: Midwest list—ranking No. 65 among the fastest-growing private companies across 12 Midwest states. Up 12 positions from the previous year, this achievement highlights not just growth, but growth with purpose.

The Inc. Regionals spotlight companies that aren’t just scaling—they're reshaping the business landscape through innovation, intention, and values-based leadership.

Growth Rooted in Purpose, Not Profit

Since its founding in 2014, Metric Marketing has stood out by rejecting the status quo of transactional marketing. Instead, the agency focuses on partnering with clients who share its commitment to authenticity, integrity, and impact.

“Authenticity isn't just our differentiator—it's our foundation,”

– Hannah McNaughton, Founder and CEO, Metric Marketing

McNaughton credits the agency’s growth to a culture that values meaningful work over empty metrics. For Metric, every strategy, every campaign, and every relationship is shaped by the belief that honest marketing delivers sustainable growth—for brands and communities alike.

What Sets Metric Apart

Metric Marketing exclusively partners with brands that lead with purpose. This selective, values-aligned model ensures every engagement is built on trust, shared vision, and long-term impact.

Core Capabilities:

• Digital Strategy Development

• Website Design & Development

• SEO & Search Visibility Optimization

• Content Marketing with Heart

What makes Metric truly unique is the balance of performance and principle—delivering measurable results while maintaining a human-centered, purpose-first approach.

The Inc. Regionals: Midwest Impact

The 2025 Inc. Regionals: Midwest list honors 139 companies across 12 states, from North Dakota to Kansas to Ohio. Together, these honorees generated nearly 8,000 new jobs and added $13.2 billion to the region’s economy between 2021 and 2023.

Metric Marketing’s move from No. 77 to No. 65 underscores its steady, values-led trajectory in a highly competitive landscape.

Looking Ahead: Growth Fueled by Authenticity

For Metric Marketing, this recognition isn’t a finish line—it’s fuel for the next chapter. The team remains focused on serving like-minded brands and deepening its mission to bring humanity back to marketing.

“This recognition is more than a milestone—it's momentum,” McNaughton shared.

“And as we continue to champion authenticity in marketing, business, and beyond, we know the best is yet to come.”

Metric Marketing’s rise in the 2025 Inc. Regionals: Midwest rankings is a testament to what happens when businesses put values at the center of strategy. In a world where marketing often chases attention, Metric continues to build with intention—creating lasting growth for clients who stand for something real.

Jack Morton, the global brand experience agency, has announced a series of strategic leadership promotions across its U.S. operations. These include the elevation of John Howard to President, US, and Ashley Brantman to SVP, Head of Growth US and Co-Head of Jack 39, marking a pivotal shift in the agency’s continued push for innovation, operational excellence, and business growth.

These leadership moves build on the momentum set by the appointment of Patrick Bennett as Global Chief Creative Officer last year and reflect the agency’s commitment to strengthening talent and enhancing its U.S. presence.

Promotions and Expanded Leadership Roles

John Howard: President, US

John Howard steps into the role of President, US, overseeing all U.S. operations from Detroit and reporting directly to CEO Craig Millon. A 25-year veteran of the agency, Howard has shaped high-impact campaigns for major brands like General Motors and championed creative innovation across teams.

"My focus will be to enable greater talent-sharing across our offices... while providing greater growth opportunities for all of our people." – John Howard

Ashley Brantman: SVP, Head of Growth US & Co-Head, Jack 39

Based in Chicago, Brantman will lead U.S. business development efforts and continue her co-leadership of Jack 39, Jack Morton’s sponsorship consultancy. With 15+ years of experience in sports and entertainment strategy, she has already driven major growth with clients such as Jim Beam and Southwest Airlines.

“Ashley has been a great partner for growth... she’s only scratched the surface,” said CEO Craig Millon.

Strengthening Creative and Client Service Leadership

Jack Morton is reinforcing its creative bench and client service strength with the following promotions and hires:

Creative Leadership

• Mary Trybus and Rob Parker have been promoted to SVPs, Executive Creative Directors (Detroit), bringing decades of experience leading large-scale, culturally significant brand experiences.

• Jeff Erin joins as SVP, Executive Creative Director for Jack Health (LA), bringing dynamic creative storytelling across industries including healthcare, sports, and tech.

Client Experience and Operational Excellence

• Souad Saied returns as SVP, Client Experience (San Francisco) after global roles at McCann Sydney and HERO Sydney, adding depth in integrated marketing strategy and client leadership.

• Erica Fram has been promoted to SVP, General Manager (East Coast), with a focus on operational oversight, growth strategy, and client success across major U.S. markets.

A Strategic Focus on Culture and Growth

CEO Craig Millon emphasized the strategic importance of these moves:

“We are laser-focused on growth this year... The dynamos we've elevated and added to the agency will play a key role in the future and how we manifest culture.”

This leadership wave is designed to further integrate creative talent, client solutions, and strategic growth across the agency’s U.S. footprint—driving long-term value for clients and stakeholders.

With a new wave of leadership guiding its U.S. strategy, Jack Morton is reinforcing its reputation as a bold, culture-driven agency prepared to lead the next era of brand experience. The promotions of John Howard, Ashley Brantman, and other seasoned professionals reflect a sharpened focus on innovation, inclusion, and operational agility—ensuring Jack Morton remains at the forefront of experience marketing.

Popsycle, a full-service, data-driven marketing agency known for its creative services and media buying solutions, has officially rebranded as TARA Media. This new identity aligns the agency with its parent company, TARA Group, and its sister companies Statara and TargetSmart. The rebrand reflects the agency’s continued expansion, with a remarkable 240% growth over the past six months, fueled by increased demand for its proprietary media platform and data-driven digital campaign solutions.

Why the Rebrand? Strategic Alignment with TARA Group

Founded in 2017 by Jeff Kaplan, the agency has operated under the Popsycle name until now. Since joining TARA Group in 2022, the agency has delivered full-service media and creative support across the holding company’s portfolio. The rebranding to TARA Media creates a unified identity and emphasizes its collaborative, integrated role within the group.

“The new TARA Media brand identity strengthens the foundation on which we can help our clients navigate today’s complex advertising ecosystem for maximum reach and impact.”

– Jeffrey Kaplan, CEO, TARA Media

Fueling Growth Through Technology and Data

The shift to TARA Media comes at a time of significant momentum. The agency’s growth has been driven by an expanding client base and increased adoption of its all-in-one proprietary media buying platform, enabling seamless programmatic execution for digital advertising.

Drivers of Growth

• 240% growth in six months, attributed to programmatic ad execution and new client wins

• Strong alignment with Statara and TargetSmart, enabling data-informed, multi-channel campaign strategies

• Scalable proprietary platform for CTV, OTT, video, display, audio, and native media

TARA Media’s Full-Service Marketing Capabilities

As TARA Media, the agency continues to deliver a broad spectrum of digital marketing services designed to drive real outcomes. These services include:

Strategic and Creative Services

• Campaign Strategy & Planning

• Creative Design, Video, and Animation

• Identity Resolution and Audience Targeting

• Attribution and Performance Measurement

Digital and Traditional Media Execution

• Programmatic Media Buying across CTV, OTT, video, display, audio, and native formats

• Managed Services for direct mail, DOOH, social media, and email marketing

• Data-driven Ad Tech Integration tailored for agencies, nonprofits, and brands of all sizes

TARA Media’s blend of technology, creativity, and analytics positions it as a high-impact agency capable of executing at scale across industries and verticals.

The transformation from Popsycle to TARA Media marks more than a name change—it represents a strategic evolution for a rapidly growing agency. By integrating deeper with TARA Group and expanding its service portfolio, TARA Media is uniquely positioned to help clients meet the challenges of today’s fragmented advertising landscape with smart, scalable, and data-driven marketing solutions.

With an ambitious growth trajectory and a passion for delivering meaningful impact, TARA Media is set to redefine what modern full-service marketing can look like.

Bond Brand Loyalty, a leading global customer engagement and brand experience agency, has named Morana Bakula as its new President and Chief Executive Officer. This appointment marks a pivotal moment for the company, with Bakula becoming the first female executive to hold the dual roles of President and CEO. She succeeds Bob Macdonald, who transitions to Founder & Chairman of the Board, continuing to provide strategic guidance as Bond charts its next phase of expansion.

A Proven Leader Rising Through the Ranks

Bakula joined Bond in 2012 as a Customer Experience Strategist, steadily rising through leadership roles thanks to her impactful contributions across sectors such as financial services, retail, automotive, and pharmaceuticals. Her appointment as President in 2023 was a natural progression, having already shaped Bond’s strategic priorities and reinforced its client-first approach.

Career Highlights

• Led major client transformations across industries

• Named one of Loyalty Magazine’s Top 30 Under 40 (2022)

• Served on the Board of Directors at Waypoint Centre for Mental Health Care

• Held prior roles at State Farm, Fifth P Solutions, and KPMG

Strategic Vision Aligned with Bond’s Growth Trajectory

Bakula steps into the CEO role at a time of accelerated momentum for Bond. The agency has seen substantial growth, driven in part by a strategic investment from Mountaingate Capital in 2023 and the expansion of its leadership team in 2024.

“Morana’s vision, expertise, and leadership will be instrumental in driving continued growth for our company,”

– Bob Macdonald, Founder & Chairman, Bond Brand Loyalty

Her leadership is poised to deepen Bond’s mission of creating enduring relationships that fuel business growth, leveraging data, technology, and strategic advisory to reimagine how brands connect with customers and employees alike.

Championing Diversity and Purpose in Leadership

Morana Bakula’s appointment also represents a cultural milestone. As a first-generation immigrant and working mother, she embodies the modern, multifaceted leadership that reflects the evolving needs of both the marketing industry and society at large.

“I'm honored to lead this incredibly talented team of experts as we continue to push the boundaries of customer experience, deliver meaningful value to clients, and build the future of loyalty together.”

– Morana Bakula, President & CEO, Bond Brand Loyalty

Bond’s Expanding Role in Customer Engagement

With Bakula at the helm, Bond will continue expanding its full spectrum of loyalty-focused services, including:

• Strategic Advisory and Brand Experience Design

• Digital Marketing and Personalization

• Loyalty Program Management

• Customer and Employee Engagement Platforms

• Advanced Analytics and Technology Solutions

The company’s focus remains on turning known connections into lasting loyalty, a vision now being led by one of the most dynamic leaders in the industry.

Bond Brand Loyalty’s appointment of Morana Bakula as CEO is more than a change in leadership—it’s a bold step forward in the company’s mission to transform customer experience and loyalty through innovation, empathy, and strategic execution. With her leadership, Bond is well-positioned to deliver greater value to clients and deepen its impact across industries worldwide.