Local marketing agency changes hands

Aqua Marketing & Communications, a destination marketing firm founded in St. Petersburg, has announced a transition in ownership and leadership. Larry Aldrich, a business development professional from Washington, D.C. with more than 20 years in the public and private sectors, has been named the new owner, President and CEO.

Established in 2010, Aqua Marketing & Communications is a tourism and travel marketing agency with offices in Ft. Lauderdale, downtown St. Pete and Charleston, South Carolina. The company’s expansion into South Florida was seen as a strategic move to cement its position in the region and serve clients in Palm Beach and Broward Counties, the latter of which awarded Aqua a three-year, $31.9 million contract, with an option to extend for an additional two years.

Under Aldrich’s leadership, Aqua plans to continue expanding its services and clientele from local and regional agencies to nationally known clients in the destination, travel, tourism and hospitality sectors. Dave Di Maggio, Aqua’s founder and former president, will continue with the company in the role of Director of Client Development.

“After almost 15 years of building Aqua, I am thrilled to see the company evolve under Larry’s leadership,” said Di Maggio in a prepared statement. “His vision aligns perfectly with our legacy and future goals.”

The Aqua Marketing & Communications team offers a broad range of services, including video production and marketing for clients like Visit Lauderdale. Photo: Aqua Marketing & Communications’ Facebook page.

In addition to joining Aqua as President and CEO, Aldrich is bringing in a team from his company, BrennSys Technology, a marketing firm that offers advertising, technology and professional services to government agencies. Aldrich will now oversee all aspects of Aqua and BrennSys’ day-to-day operations.

“We are excited about the future of Aqua Marketing & Communications and are committed to delivering even greater value to our clients,” said Aldrich. “Our goal is to leverage our combined expertise to push the boundaries of what’s possible in destination marketing.”

Aqua was recently selected for full-service marketing communications by Pensacola International Airport and secured its position as Agency of Record for Palm Coast and the Flagler Beaches Convention and Visitors Bureau.

Aqua has worked on marketing campaigns for the Bradenton Area Convention & Visitors Bureau, West Palm Beach Office of Economic Development, Cooper’s Hawk Winery and Restaurants, IMG Academy, regional airports and hotels in Tampa. According to Aqua leadership, the firm anticipates announcing additional “high-profile” clients before the end of the year.

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