NEW YORK—Southard Communications has added new accounts including School Zone Publishing, a leader in children's educational publishing for which the agency will launch a new Little Scholar kids tablet; eCarrot, a Reno-based kids technology and software company and Maverix USA, which after significant success in Europe, is launching a new line of electric skateboards in the United States.

BOSTON—360 Public Relations has been selected by WellPet to promote its premium natural pet food brands, including Wellness, Old Mother Hubbard, Holistic Select and Eagle Pack. The agency will also help WellPet communicate the company's efforts to support pets in need.

NEW YORK—Lou Hammond & Associates has added several new clients for public relations, digital marketing and positioning: 3rd Home, a private club for luxury second homeowners; Elbow Beach, Bermuda, a luxury resort with 98 guestrooms and suites; Charleston Hospitality Group, which operates nine restaurant concepts; JW Marriott Guanacaste Resort & Spa, Costa Rica; Pink Sands Resort on Harbour Island in the Bahamas; and The High Concepts of the High Lonesome Ranch in Colorado.

NEW YORK—Lazar Partners, a strategic communications firm for companies in the biopharma and medical device space, has been named public relations agency of record for Intercept Pharmaceuticals, a biopharmaceutical company focused on the development of novel therapeutics to treat liver and intestinal diseases. Lazar will leverage its experience in rare diseases, gastroenterology/hepatology and patient-to-patient communications to advance awareness of Intercept's various indications.

WASHINGTON, DC—The Northern Virginia Technology Council, one of the largest technology councils in the nation serving approximately 1,000 companies, has named Environics Communications as its new public relations agency. Environics will work with NVTC’s in-house communications staff to promote regional and national awareness of the council, its numerous programs and services, public policy efforts, workforce, educational and entrepreneurship initiatives, and charitable activities.

NEW YORK—Child's Play Communications, a public relations agency specializing in connecting companies with moms, has added Monster 500, a unique line of collectible monster characters driving vehicles, developed by Creata, a brand activation company that harnesses the power of play.  The Child's Play team will handle media relations and manage blogger programs for the brand.