SACRAMENTO—Energy Upgrade California, an energy management brand and marketing initiative co-owned by the California Public Utility Commission and the California Energy Commission, has appointed Ogilvy PR West as its agency partner. Ogilvy will provide public relations services to Energy Upgrade California for a re-branding assignment. Led by Ogilvy Sacramento's public affairs group, the agency effort also includes support from the Sacramento social marketing and creative groups as well as the region's Social@Ogilvy and OgilvyEarth teams.

NEW YORK—PadillaCRT been chosen to develop and implement a communications program for two brands for Van Gogh Imports, a leading spirit importer in the US. Padilla will be working with Van Gogh to build brand awareness among consumer and trade audiences and to develop and execute social media campaigns for Van Gogh Vodka and Tap Whisky spirits.

NASHUA, NH—SMTP, a global provider of email delivery services, has retained KCSA Strategic Communications to lead a new investor relations program. According to Jon Strimling, chief executive officer of SMTP, “We believe that it is crucial to take proactive measures to reach out to the investment community and articulate our value proposition.”

BOSTON—PAN Communications has added several new clients, including CloudSense, a UK-based company that specializes in end-to-end business transformation for cloud computing IT environments. This client is part of PAN’s partnership with the Whiteoaks International Network of technology-focused PR firms. Other new business includes Integrate, LoopPay, Panzura, Pneuron Corporation, Qvidian, Signiant, and Cambridge Healthtech Institute.

BRIDGEWATER, NJ—Manfrotto Distribution, a leading global distributor of premium photo and video support products and accessories, has selected R&J Public Relations as its public relations agency of record.  Manfrotto is partnering with R&J to create a comprehensive public relations and media relations program to enhance and elevate its brand position as a premium manufacturer and marketer of a wide range of camera and lighting support equipment.

LOS ANGELES—Olmstead Williams Communications, a business-to-business public relations firm specializing in technology, healthcare and professional services, has signed contracts with six new clients: Bruin Biometrics, Creative Care, Cynvenio Biosystems, T+ink, TRUCKAST and the USC Marshall School of Business.

ATLANTA—Arketi Group has been selected by XINNIX, a leading provider of mortgage sales and leadership training, to create a new brand identity