Beth Binger, founder and president of BCIpr, a San Diego public relations agency, will serve as 2025 president of Lambda Alpha International’s San Diego chapter.
LAI is an honorary global organization comprised of top professionals working in land use.
Binger, who has represented developer, designer, general contractor, and civil engineering clients, has worked on numerous iconic and landscape-shaping real estate developments since founding her firm in 1996.
A statement said she has been responsible for public relations efforts for projects totaling more than $10 billion throughout California and globally. It added that Binger has helped to cement San Diego’s status as a national destination for real estate innovation and investment.
“Beth Binger is widely respected for her real estate development expertise and thoughtfulness in addressing today’s most challenging land use issues,” said Tim Hutter, partner with Allen Matkins and outgoing LAI San Diego chapter president.
“We welcome her leadership as LAI’s accomplished members seek the best use for real estate assets in our region.”
LAI is an invitation-only global organization that facilitates the exchange of ideas surrounding land use and development. Members include multi-disciplinary professionals who have distinguished themselves in a wide variety of fields related to the use and reuse of land.
“LAI will continue to focus on education, highlighting policy and legal land use issues with a goal of influencing and advocating for best practices,” said Binger. “I’m honored to serve LAI as it addresses subjects critical to the region’s quality of life. Land use touches every individual in cities, the county and the state.”
LAI San Diego holds monthly luncheons with guest speakers on topics critical to land use, as well as regular social events and tours of notable properties. The international organization also sponsors twice-annual Land Economics Weekends, giving members an opportunity to meet and learn about land economic issues in other cities throughout the world.
In 2025, the weekends will be held in Montreal, Canada.
Crowe PR Celebrates 10th Anniversary
San Diego-based public relations firm Crowe PR, also operating an office in New York City, is celebrating its 10th anniversary.
Anna Crowe founded her firm in 2015.
“Celebrating 10 years in business is a testament to our team’s relentless innovation, unwavering client dedication and staying true to our core values,” Crowe said in a statement.
“Looking back, our success has been fueled by the trust of our clients, the passion of our incredible team and a shared commitment to constant growth and evolution. As we embark on the next chapter, we remain focused on delivering bold, cutting-edge strategies that empower purpose-driven brands to lead, inspire and create meaningful impact.”
A statement said the agency has evolved from a solo endeavor to an award-winning, nationally recognized firm, establishing itself as a partner for hundreds of global brands shaping the future across the healthcare technology, consumer goods and hospitality industries.
“Over the past decade, Crowe PR has emerged as a leader in integrated public relations, delivering innovative campaigns that elevate brands through media relations, thought leadership, influencer marketing and social media,” the statement said.
Client include AT&T, Razer, Skrewball Whiskey, Kimpton Hotels & Restaurants, Jamba Juice, Sun Genomics, Sanuk, and Valor Hospitality.
Meruelo Media Replacing President and CEO Otto Padron
Los Angeles-based Meruelo Media, one of California’s largest minority-owned and veteran-operated media companies, is making a change at the top as Otto Padron, president and chief executive officer, resigned after 13 years with the company.
Tomas Trujillo, previously senior VP of finance and operations, has succeeded Padron.
In a note to staff, Padron said, “It is with a heart full of mixed emotions, I share my decision to turn the page and step down as President and CEO of Meruelo Media. I will pass the company torch to Tomas, whom I am confident will continue to light the way with the same bright intensity and passion he has always displayed.”
Padron, who left Meruelo Media last week, started with the company in 2013 after a 38-year career in the U.S. Army. He has overseen its expansion, including the purchase of classic rock KLOS Los Angeles from Cumulus Media and KXOS from Group Radio Cento in 2019.
Meruelo Media properties include rhythmic KPWR-FM Power 106,” classic hip-hop KDAY/KDEY (93.5), Spanish-language Cali 93.9 KLLI (formerly KXOS) and KWHY-TV, Channel 63, an affiliate of Canal de la Fe, a Spanish-language religious network.
“Almost 14 years ago, we set out to make our organization the premier minority-owned media company in the U.S. I’m proud to have dedicated my name, soul, skill, and reputation to turn that vision into reality,” Padron’s statement said.
“Through hard work, trust, and accountability, we grew every aspect of our organization, reshaping our beloved village, pivoting purposefully and creating a long-term strategic plan for success.”
Trujillo has been with Meruleo Media for 14 years, serving in roles that have included VP of operations, acting general manager at KDDAY and VP of operations of Meruelo’s radio and TV stations.
After serving as an analyst for Meruelo Capital Partners, he joined KWHY-TV as assistant GM and operations director in July 2011.
Rick Griffin is a San Diego-based public relations and marketing consultant. His MarketInk column appears weekly on Mondays in Times of San Diego.
