NEW YORK—The Mexico City Tourism Promotion Fund has appointed Weber Shandwick's travel and lifestyle practice as North American public relations agency of record. The firm will bring Mexico City's art, food and cultural scene to US and Canadian residents. The assignment will include strategy, research, branding, social and content development.

DETROIT—Japanese automotive supplier Takata has hired Sard Verbinnen as it deals with the fallout from a recall related to defective air bag inflators that allegedly can spray vehicle occupants with metal shrapnel. More than 20 million vehicles have been recalled globally because of the inflators, which have been linked to five deaths. Reuters reports that Takata spokesman Alby Berman is retiring at the end of the year, but will remain as a consultant to the company.

PARSIPPANY, NJ—Hennion & Walsh, a provider of investment services and an advocate for individual investors, has retained Prosek Partners as its public relations agency of record. Prosek will support ongoing media relations and social media efforts and will focus on building brand awareness and demonstrating how Hennion & Walsh's diverse set of investment and wealth management services benefit individual investors.

NEW YORK—Fishburn has been appointed global agency of record for Texthelp, the Boston and Northern Ireland-based leader in assistive and language learning technology. Fishburn will be responsible for both traditional and social media PR, following an initial social media audit that the firm conducted earlier this year.

DALLAS—Property Damage Appraisers has selected integrated marketing communications firm M/C/C as its agency of record to help it penetrate new markets such as heavy equipment and property and to grow existing auto markets. The Dallas-based agency will take the Fort Worth-based damage appraising company through a brand development process as well as implement a comprehensive, integrated marketing communications program.

DENVER—Interpublic agency Creation has been appointed public relations agency of record for Boulder-based Newton Running, a leader in performance running shoes. The Newton Running account will be run out of Creation's Denver office.

RALEIGH, NC—MMI, a strategic communications firm based in North Carolina’s Research Triangle region, has been appointed agency of record by Park West Barber School, a leading operator of barber schools. MMI will deliver integrated marketing services, which will include broadcast and digital advertising, social media, public relations and video services, to build awareness for the Park West Barber School brand and drive student enrollment.

WASHINGTON, DC—zcomm has added new business including a marketing video and PSAs for the American Academy of Orthotists & Prosthetists, an animated video for the North American Insulation Manufacturers Association, and radio tours for Junior Achievement, Wells Fargo and TransUnion. zcomm was also tapped to book interviews and secure blog posts for the American Veterinary Medical Association and for Matrix Medical Network.