Cone Recognized as Leader in Sustainability Communications

(3BLMedia/theCSRfeed) Boston, MA - September 8, 2010 - Cone is pleased to be recognized as a leader among sustainability communications providers in “Green Quadrant: Sustainability Communications Agencies,”conducted by independent research firm Verdantix. This is the second commendation for Cone’s Corporate Responsibility (CR) discipline this year, as it was earlier named a top five corporate responsibility agency by CR Magazine. Cone formally launched its CR discipline in 2006.

The Green Quadrant report evaluated 18 PR and marketing agencies that offer CR and sustainability communications, and notes Cone is one of only two that “have market-leading approaches that provide their clients with breakthrough sustainability communications strategies.” The report goes on to explain that although most firms focus on a company’s existing initiatives and past accomplishments, Cone goes further and creates brand platforms that specifically engage consumers to partner with companies to solve social and environmental issues.   “Expectations regarding a company’s responsibility on various issues are on the rise,” says Jonathan Yohannan, senior vice president of Cone’s CR discipline. “Stakeholders are demanding greater transparency and information, and consumers want to know not just about company’s operations but their efforts to address today’s pressing issues.”   Cone’s current roster of CR clients includes, among others, CVS Caremark, PayPal, Nestlé Waters, Timberland and Sambazon. ”In working with clients, our primary objective is to identify the best way for brands to communicate to and engage with their stakeholders, especially consumers and employees, while promoting a sense of shared responsibility for the pressing issues that impact all of us,” says Liz Gorman, Cone’s vice president of Corporate Responsibility. “In doing so, Cone’s approach often involves comprehensive issues or materiality assessment, stakeholder mapping and engagement, partnership development, communications and transparency.”     About Cone Cone LLC (www.coneinc.com) is a strategy and communications agency engaged in building brand trust. Cone creates stakeholder loyalty and long-term relationships through the development and execution of Cause Branding, Brand Marketing, Corporate Responsibility, Nonprofit Marketing and Crisis Prevention and Management initiatives. Cone is a part of the Omnicom Group (NYSE: OMC) (www.omnicomgroup.com).   About Verdantix Verdantix Ltd (www.Verdantix.com) is an independent research firm located in the United Kingdom, providing independent and objective strategic, financial and business advice based on rigorous research.   CONE8814