Genuine Article Earns National Agency of the Year Award

Texas-based firm secures honor as Ad Age's PR Agency of the Year

DALLAS, July 24, 2025 -- Genuine Article, an independent communications firm with offices in Dallas-Fort Worth and Austin, has been named PR Agency of the Year, Silver, at the Ad Age Small Agency Awards. Among the more than 50 agencies honored at Ad Age's ceremony in Toronto, Ontario, only two PR firms were recognized.

Founded four years ago, Genuine Article has grown to include more than 20 communications professionals from a variety of disciplines.

The Ad Age Small Agency Awards honor independently owned firms with less than 150 employees whose work contributes to meaningful dialogue and impact — both through their creative approach to storytelling and ability to help brands connect with their audiences. The awards also celebrate firms modeling sustainable business practices and thriving workplace culture.

Formed in 2021 and headquartered in North Texas, Genuine Article develops authentic message and communication platforms that bring attention and engagement to the topics and communities that move the needle for brands on a mission.

"Genuine Article is honored to be named PR Agency of the Year. Since our founding four years ago, we have doubled in size to a team of more than 20 talented communicators committed to sparking meaningful conversations," said Stacie Barnett, founder and principal at Genuine Article. "Recognition for our work is testament to not only our team's relentless dedication but also to our clients' faith in us and the importance of giving voice to the impact of their work."

Barnett and fellow founders Elizabeth Clayton and Greg Miller, who formed the company after working together for more than a decade at a large independent advertising agency, have led staff development and client growth at Genuine Article to be intentional, inclusive, and rooted in impact.

Today, the firm represents clients in a wide variety of industries with brand strategy, media relations, cause branding, and issues management support, as well as expertise in consumer and donor research, nonprofit branding, and creative platform development. Longtime clients include The Salvation Army, Chi Omega, Discount Tire, and JLL. Clients also include Mark Cuban AI Bootcamps, Come Near, Forest Forward, Walsh Companies, Texans Credit Union, and YMCA of Metropolitan Dallas.

About Genuine Article

Genuine Article is an independent communications firm that partners with brands and agencies to authentically bring companies, societal issues, and nonprofits the attention they deserve. Founded in 2021 by a trio of PR and cause branding pros with 50+ years of combined experience, Genuine Article serves clients throughout North America. Recognition for its team's work includes Ad Age PR Agency of the Year, Fortune Best PR Firms, Academy of Interactive and Visual Arts W3 Award, PRSA Bronze Anvil, Bulldog Digital/Social Award of Excellence, and Engage for Good's Gold Halo Award. Genuine Article is headquartered in North Texas with offices and specialists in Austin and Phoenix. For more information, visit genuinearticlecomms.com.

Contact: [email protected]

SOURCE Genuine Article Brand Communications