Nelson Communications Group

Fast-Track PR: Nelson Communications Group in Irvine is the fastest-growing public relations agency in the Western United States and third-fastest in the nation, according to a 1994 survey by O'Dwyer's PR Services Report. Robert E. Nelson, chairman and chief executive, credited the company's growth to the experience of his staff. They include former TV and newspaper journalists, corporate communications executives, local elected officials and former political press officers.

Nelson Communications Group founder Robert Nelson has sold majority interest in the public relations agency to five senior partners and stepped down as president and chief executive of the 19-year-old firm. Nelson Communications, with 60 employees in three offices and $7.3 million in billings, is one of the largest independent agencies in the country, according to the industry's leading trade journal.

Nelson Communications Group founder Robert Nelson has sold majority interest in the public relations agency to five senior partners and stepped down as president and chief executive of the 19-year-old firm. Nelson Communications, with 60 employees in three offices and $7.3 million in billings, is one of the largest independent agencies in the country, according to the industry's leading trade journal.

Nelson Communications Group, one of the largest independent public relations agencies in the nation, has acquired Thomas Wilck Associates, which boasts such clients as the Irvine Co. and the Disney Development Co. Wilck, 62, the owner and founder, will join Nelson Communications next month as an executive vice president and a member of the company's board of directors. Terms of the deal between the Irvine companies were not disclosed.

Nelson Communications Group, one of the largest independent public relations agencies in the nation, has acquired Thomas Wilck Associates, which boasts such clients as the Irvine Co. and the Disney Development Co. Wilck, 62, the owner and founder, will join Nelson Communications next month as an executive vice president and a member of the company's board of directors. Terms of the deal between the Irvine companies were not disclosed.

Larry Tenney has been promoted to senior vice president and general manager of Nelson Communications Group in the Irvine office. Tenney first joined the public relations and public affairs agency in 1986 as an account executive. He took a leave of absence in 1991 to head Southern California field operations for U.S. Sen. John Seymour, then returned to help open Nelson's Sacramento division.

Orange County residents are more likely to have computers, and far more likely to use online services for business purposes, than most state residents, according to a survey recently conducted by Nelson Communications Group in Irvine. The survey of 800 adults statewide found that San Francisco has the highest concentration of computer owners, 65%, compared to 53% in Orange County.

Larry Tenney has been promoted to senior vice president and general manager of Nelson Communications Group in the Irvine office. Tenney first joined the public relations and public affairs agency in 1986 as an account executive. He took a leave of absence in 1991 to head Southern California field operations for U.S. Sen. John Seymour, then returned to help open Nelson's Sacramento division.

Fast-Track PR: Nelson Communications Group in Irvine is the fastest-growing public relations agency in the Western United States and third-fastest in the nation, according to a 1994 survey by O'Dwyer's PR Services Report. Robert E. Nelson, chairman and chief executive, credited the company's growth to the experience of his staff. They include former TV and newspaper journalists, corporate communications executives, local elected officials and former political press officers.

John McWilliams has joined Aon Consulting as a consultant in its employee benefits division in Costa Mesa. McWilliams has five years' consulting experience with a focus on competitive benefit analysis, financial plan review and reporting and plan design and implementation. * Michael E. Smith has been appointed vice president, worldwide marketing, for Emulex Corp. in Costa Mesa.

* Jan Johnson has joined Shafer Public Relations in Irvine as senior group supervisor. She had been vice president of marketing and corporate communications at Cubic Memory Inc. Before that, she was at Roberts, Mealer & Co. as vice president, public relations. Johnson also held management positions at Galusha & Associates, Ducommon Electronics and LeAnce/Herbert/Bowers. * Shannon Darknight has joined Nelson Communications Group in Irvine as an associate.