The Worldcom PR Group Announces a New Partner Agency in Turkey

STAGE Communications based in Istanbul reinforces the network’s strategy of expansion into the Middle East 

Brussels, Belgium. July 19, 2006 – The Worldcom Public Relations Group, the world’s leading network of independently owned public relations counseling firms, today announced the addition of a new partner agency in Turkey, STAGE Communications (www.stagepr.com). The addition of STAGE to the roster of successful, mid-sized PR agencies in the EMEA region is aligned with the strategy of driving Worldcom’s expansion into Eastern Europe and the Middle East, announced last May by Diego Biasi, Worldcom EMEA chairman.

Founded in 1999 and based in Istanbul, STAGE’s current clients include Daimler Benz, DHL Express, Savings Deposit and Insurance Fund (TMSF), Alfa Telecommunications, and Century 21. Zehra Güngör, its founder and managing director, is an experienced communications professional with a solid background in journalism. She has won Turkish Journalists’ Association awards on three occasions and is a council member of the International Public Relations Association (IPRA) and the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA). STAGE’s excellent track record and recognized leadership in its home market make it the ideal PR partner for local companies with an international perspective, as well as for global corporations looking to gain a foothold in Turkey and facilitate their entry into the Middle East. 

“STAGE has been internationally-focused since its inception. Joining the Worldcom network not only reinforces our ability to compete with international standards but it also provides us with an ideal platform to step-up our client offering by having an integrated network of agencies to tap into where ever a client may be,” said Zehra Güngör, STAGE Communications.  “My team and I are looking forward to demonstrating that the synergies between Worldcom’s partner agencies provide significant value for clients and benefit everyone involved”. 

Commenting on STAGE’s entry into the Worldcom network Diego Biasi, Worldcom EMEA chairman said, “Turkey’s strategic geographical position and dynamic internal growth make it an important market in its own right, with major influence in the region. Finding a competent partner in Turkey was at the top of our priority list, so we’re very pleased that STAGE has now joined the Worldcom network”. 

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About Worldcom EMEA and the Worldcom PR Group

Worldcom PR Group EMEA currently consists of 22 agencies with a strong expertise in consumer goods, food & beverage, healthcare, technology, finance and public affairs. Thanks to a collaboration model that focuses on high quality and results, the Worldcom Europe/Africa regional agencies today share a number of clients including Cotton Council International, Rockwell Automation, Palm, Allied Telesis and the E.U. Anti-Tobacco Campaign.

Worldcom PR Group EMEA is part of the Worldcom Public Relations Group, the world’s leading network of independently owned public relations counseling firms, with some 100 offices in 133 cities worldwide.  Established in 1988, it was formed so that the strongest, most capable independent public relations firms could serve national, international and multi-national clients while retaining the flexibility and client-service focus inherent in independent agencies. Through Worldcom PR Group, clients have on-demand access to in-depth communications expertise from professionals who understand the language, culture and customs of the geographic arenas in which they operate. In addition to Worldcom Europe/Africa, clients have access to Worldcom Americas and Worldcom Asia Pacific agencies. Visit www.worldcomgroup.com for more information.