MIAMI, Fla. – (March 22, 2006) – rbb Public Relations announced today the addition of account executive Maite Vélez-Couto and account coordinator Alisha Forbes to the firm’s expanding consumer practice, which includes Starbucks Coffee, FELD Entertainment and Puerto Costa Maya. Vélez-Couto and Forbes will work on the firm’s luxury travel and leisure, and food and beverage accounts.

Vélez-Couto honed her media relations and client management skills during her two-year tenure at TARA, Ink public relations where she worked with a variety of hospitality, entertainment and travel clients including HOTEL VICTOR, Acqualina, A Rosewood Resort, Condé Nast Publications, SUSHISAMBA dromo, Boost Mobile and Möet & Chandon. Vélez-Couto graduated from the University of Miami with a bachelor’s degree in Literature and from Florida International University with a bachelor’s degree in Humanities and a master’s degree in Spanish Language Journalism. She currently resides in Coral Gables.

Prior to joining rbb, Forbes lived in Madrid, Spain for two years where she worked as a freelance writer and taught English and communications etiquette to business executives. She expanded her media relations skills at Miami-based Crowther & Company Communications & Consulting where she worked as a public relations associate. Forbes studied journalism and public relations at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. She resides in Miami.

“As our practice areas grow we look to add executives with skill sets that will further strengthen the team,” said Christine Barney, CEO and managing partner of rbb Public Relations.

About rbb Public Relations Founded in 1975, rbb Public Relations, named 2005 "Boutique PR Agency of the Year" by PR WEEK, is based in Miami. The firm has gained a statewide and national reputation for strategic, results-oriented PR, with expertise in media relations, corporate communications, crisis counseling, product launches and special events. The firm’s capabilities encompass a variety of practice areas, including professional services, consumer products, crisis communications, travel & leisure, healthcare and real estate. For more information, call (305) 448-7450 or visit www.rbbpr.com.

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Media Contact: rbb Public Relations/ Tracy Belcher Work: 305-445-7043/ Mobile: 786-877-7130 rbb Public Relations/ 355 Alhambra Circle/ Suite 800 Coral Gables, FL/ 33134