CSRwire - KANSAS CITY, MO. - June 10, 2009 - Following an initial survey of several agencies, Barkley has been named public relations agency of record for Giving Tree LLC. Scope of services includes strategic planning, media relations and social media. A national communications outreach is set to launch in late 2009.

Giving Tree provides prepaid gift cards of which 10 percent of the value is donated to a cause of the recipient's choice. Consumers order gift cards at www.GivingTreeLife.com, where they can personalize the card with the recipient's name, and send immediately to chosen individuals. Recipients then log on to www.GivingTreeLife.com, choose the charity they wish to donate to, and have the remainder of the balance to spend at stores where Visa and MasterCard prepaid debit cards are accepted.

"We are so pleased to partner with Giving Tree," said Mike Swenson, founder, Barkley Public Relations. "Their concept represents a powerful message that both companies and consumers can combine efforts to support worthy nonprofits. Barkley looks forward to helping them spread their message and break new ground."

"Giving Tree is committed to providing an approachable way for consumers to add even more meaning to gift giving," said Clayton "Nick" Nicholas, CEO and founding partner, Giving Tree. "We have no doubt that Barkley's extensive communications and cause branding expertise will help us grow our community of microphilanthropists."

About Barkley:
Barkley is the largest employee-owned agency of its kind. Founded in 1964, the company has 325 partners offering a full range of marketing communications services including advertising, public relations, cause branding, sponsorships and events, relationship marketing, social media, design, media planning and buying, motion graphics, research and interactive marketing. Barkley has offices in Kansas City, Pittsburgh and Philadelphia, with additional field offices across the nation. More info: www.barkleyus.com and www.barkleyREI.com.

About Giving Tree LLC:
Giving Tree LCC is a privately held for-profit social enterprise based in Nashville, Tenn. The company develops and sells socially responsible prepaid card solutions. More info: www.GivingTreeLife.com

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When was the last time you really thought about your brand’s reputation and how it impacts your business? Crossroads knows in today’s world it’s not just what you say about your brand that matters, it’s the stories others tell about you that really matter. As a transparent, purpose-driven communication company, Crossroads exists to help brands discover their purpose, determine the most creative ways to authentically communicate their brand stories and proactively build and protect their reputations.

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