NEW YORK—Porter Novelli has launched AIM Sports Reputation Management, a specialty service dedicated to providing college and professional athletic programs with assistance in leadership, ethics and brand management. Porter Novelli has teamed with Curry Wellborn & Battcher, a professional development and communications firm led by former NFL player, NCAA coach and ESPN analyst Bill Curry. The new venture is designed to help sports organizations avoid reputational harm, monitor for potential issues and manage through crisis situations.

COSTA RICA—The Map Communications, based in Costa Rica and with operations in Central America, has become part of PROI Worldwide, a leading partnership of independent communications firms. The Map Communications is a full service consultancy based in San Jose, Costa Rica, and operating in all the countries of Central America.  Current clients include DHL, Unilever, Telefónica-Movistar, Diageo, Davivienda Bank, and Coca Cola.

CHARLOTTE, NC—Carolina Public Relations, a Charlotte-based public relations and marketing communications firm, has merged with Chernoff Newman, a leading integrated marketing communications agency. With the merger, Chernoff Newman, headquartered in Columbia, S.C., will have offices in Charlotte, Charleston, SC, and Orlando, Fla. Carolina PR’s principals Adam Bernstein and Louise Dixon will become part of the ownership group of the combined firm. Carolina PR will continue to operate under its current name.