The Idea Grove, a strategic communications and public relations agency, today announced the availability of two tools on its Web site to help corporate executives who are either selecting a new PR agency or assessing their current agency relationship.

Scott Baradell, president and CEO of the Idea Grove, said he created the tools based on his experiences as a senior corporate communications executive, responsible for public relations campaigns of various sizes and budgets.

"I know what it's like to be the client of a public relations agency," Baradell said. "In some years, I managed major product launches for Fortune 1000 companies and spent hundreds of thousands of dollars with national public relations agencies such as Fleishman-Hillard and Burson-Marsteller. In other years, such as when I founded a technology startup, I operated on a shoestring - doing virtually all the 'dirty work' myself and using PR firms only for specific small projects.

"Some of my relationships with public relations agencies have been highly successful; in other cases, I had to pull the plug when I realized I wasn't getting what I’d paid for."

The two online tools are "Selecting a Public Relations Agency," a printable worksheet that companies can use to compare candidate firms in 25 different categories during an agency review process; and "Evaluating a Public Relations Agency's Performance," an 20-question online quiz that helps public relations clients decide whether they should keep their current firm or seek a new one. Both are available at www.ideagrove.com.

Baradell, 39, opened Idea Grove offices earlier this year at The Points at Waterview in Richardson. Baradell served from 2001 to 2004 as vice president of corporate communications for Belo, a diversified media company with revenues of more than $1.5 billion. Prior to Belo, he served as vice president of corporate communications for PageNet, a wireless communications company with 1999 revenues of $1 billion. Baradell also co-founded Brightpod, a venture-funded technology consulting company acquired by InPhonic (NASD: INPC) in 2001.

About the Idea Grove

The Idea Grove is a strategic communications and public relations agency that helps clients manage their most important communications to customers, employees and investors. From core brand development to creative marketing and media relations programs, the Idea Grove's services consistently set clients apart from their competitors. To learn more about the Idea Grove's philosophy, expertise and services, please visit the Web site at www.ideagrove.com or call the company at 972.235.3439.