Happy 35th NATIONAL Public Relations, Here Is To Another 35 More

September 23, 2011


We’ve written about their success over the last few years, but this is a major milestone as NATIONAL Public Relations celebrates its 35th anniversary. Originally Founded by Luc Beauregard, the public relations agency has grown to become one of the top in Canada.

“When I started, public relations was a relatively new business in Canada,” said Luc Beauregard, Executive Chairman, RES PUBLICA Consulting Group, the holding management company that owns NATIONAL. “Over the years, our Firm has contributed to advancing this discipline. Many public relations professionals are now significant members of senior executive teams and key business decision-makers.”

Luc has also be an asset to the Canadian communications industry and was awarded the Order of Canada in 1996 for his contribution to communications and society and was also honoured by his peers with the Award of Attainment, the highest recognition of the Canadian Public Relations Society (CPRS). Luc is also a APR and Fellow CPRS.
Over the last 35 years, NATIONAL has grown from offices in a number of major cities in Canada, to a global presence with offices in New York and London, UK – and works in many other countries as well.
To commemorate this 35-year milestone, Jean-Pierre Vasseur, President and Chief Executive Officer of RES PUBLICA Consulting Group, parent company of NATIONAL, announced the creation of the Order of NATIONAL. This award, which will be given out every five years, will honour the leaders who have made substantial contributions to both the Firm and the profession. Award recipients must have extensively contributed to the Firm’s growth, exhibit exceptional leadership skills and have helped champion the practice of public relations in Canada. The 2011 inaugural winners represent the builders of the Firm and they are:

  • Luc Beauregard: Founder of NATIONAL Public Relations, business and community leader and champion of the public relations profession. He also celebrates this year 50 years in the field of communications, having joined La Presse as a journalist in 1961.
  • Edward Gould: Founder of the Toronto office in 1986 and serving as its Managing Partner until retiring in 2005, Ed’s skills and leadership helped establish NATIONAL as the preeminent public relations firm in the country.
  • Francine La Haye: Over the past 20 years, Francine has held top executive positions with the Firm, including Managing Partner of its Montreal office and chair of the National Policy Committee. Her knowledge of public issues has made her instrumental in building business in both the public and private sectors.
  • Robert McCoy: One of the first partners of NATIONAL whose last name used to be in the Firm’s denomination when it was called Beauregard, Hutchinson, McCoy, Capistran, Lamarre, Tremblay and Partners Inc., Robert helped build specialized practice areas in the Montreal office such as crisis communications and healthcare. He retired in 2002.
  • Daniel Lamarre: During his time at NATIONAL from 1984 to 1997, Daniel Lamarre played a key role, becoming Executive Vice-president and then President. Daniel’s marketing savvy, leadership skills and business acumen helped the Firm grow to a cross-Canada communications powerhouse. Daniel is now the President and CEO of Cirque du Soleil.

“The Order of NATIONAL is a reflection of what this Firm is built on – its people – and we want to honour the people who helped build the Firm and move it into the future,” said Jean-Pierre Vasseur. “Bringing together the best people in the industry with deep knowledge of local communities and markets is what has made NATIONAL a success and is what the Firm continues to build upon today. With our strong talent, our future has never been brighter.”


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Dave Forde


Dave “The Connector” Forde has been involved in the marketing, public relations and technology industry across Canada for over 15 years in various sales and marketing roles, he launched The Connected One network of business sites which connects buyers to the right sellers. Profectio and PR In Canada covers news about the marketing and public relations industry each day helping professionals advance their career and businesses.
He also serves as an advisor to a number of businesses across the country. Find Dave on LinkedIn and Twitter.

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