Aster Agency in the News
Recent press coverage, industry recognition and company announcements.
Agency Elite Top 100
20+ Years
Retail technology focus
Top Places to Work (3 consecutive years)
5+ Years
Average client relationship
Boutique Agency List
Company Announcements
Hawke Media Acquires Aster Agency, Formerly Ketner Group
by Ketner Group
November 10, 2026
Hawke Media has acquired Ketner Group, the 35-year-old B2B technology communications agency now rebranding as Aster Agency. Read the full announcement: what the acquisition means for clients and the expanded capabilities now behind the team.
Meet Aster Agency: Same Roots, New Bloom
by Catherine Seeds
November 10, 2026
Ketner Group is now Aster Agency, a Hawke Media company — same team, same retail tech expertise, now with SEO, GEO, paid search, web and more. Catherine Seeds shares the story behind the name and what the move means for clients.
Introducing “The PR Agency Readiness Checklist” With Three Important Takeaways
by Catherine Seeds
May 14, 2024
As a PR agency that specializes in helping retail technology companies gain exposure in their areas of expertise and […]
Ketner Group Names Catherine Seeds CEO As Jeff Ketner Assumes the Role of Senior Advisor
by Ketner Group
May 2, 2023
A proven leader with more than 24 years of experience in B2B PR, Seeds will expand on the success […]
Ketner Group Solidifies Its Communications Leadership in Retail Technology PR
by Ketner Group
February 2, 2023
The agency promotes Kirsty Goodlett to VP of marketing and announces key 2022 successes AUSTIN, Texas – Feb. 2, […]
20 Years at Ketner Group! An Interview with Catherine Seeds
by Jeff Ketner
November 29, 2022
I’m usually not nervous about interviewing someone, but this blog post is a bit different. After all, it’s about […]
Ketner Group Communications Earns 2023 PRNEWS Agency Elite Top 100 Honors
by Ketner Group
October 12, 2022
AUSTIN, Texas – Oct. 12, 2022 – Ketner Group Communications, the leading public relations agency for innovative retail technology […]
Announcing the Retail Tech PR Handbook: 3 Key Takeaways
by Jeff Ketner
September 27, 2022
Retail technology is evolving at at an increasingly rapid pace, and that's good news for retail tech companies. According […]
In the Press
Maximizing Retail Trade Shows: A Masterclass
by Ketner Group
June 27, 2024
Ready to hire a PR agency? 5 steps to prepare for a true partnership
by Ketner Group
June 4, 2024
Retail Tech Stories to Tell in 2024
by Ketner Group
February 6, 2024
Understanding Retail in a Post-COVID World with Catherine Seeds
by Ketner Group
November 22, 2023
20 Smart Ways Agency Newcomers Can Hone Their Storytelling Abilities
by Ketner Group
August 24, 2023
Winning With PR Clients: Tips For Hosting Great Client Calls
by Ketner Group
July 28, 2023
Award Wins
Recognized as a Top Agency
by Ketner Group
May 8, 2023
Included in PR Daily's 2023 list of the most outstanding agencies in its Boutique Agency category.
Recognized as a Top Place to Work
by Ketner Group
May 1, 2023
Recognized, for the third year in a row in 2023, as one of Ragan’s Top Places to Work.
Included in the Top 100 List
by Ketner Group
September 21, 2022
Again named an Agency Elite Top 100 by PRNEWS, which spotlights the nation’s most innovative and strategic PR firms […]
Recognized as a Top Place to Work
by Ketner Group
March 17, 2022
Recognized, for the second year in a row, as one of Ragan’s Top Places to Work. Ragan Communications is […]
Named one of the top PR professionals
by Ketner Group
January 13, 2022
Ketner Group director of media relations Mariana Fischbach was included in the 'Qwoted 100’, a live quarterly ranking of […]
Recognized as a Top Place to Work
by Ketner Group
March 31, 2021
Recognized as one of Ragan’s Top Places to Work: Class of 2021 as part of the inaugural class. Ragan […]
Included in the Regionals Texas List
by Ketner Group
March 17, 2021
Named to the 2021 Inc. 5000 Regionals Texas list, which recognizes the fastest-growing companies in the state of Texas […]
Included in the Top 100 List
by Ketner Group
August 17, 2020
Named an Agency Elite Top 100 by PRNEWS, which spotlights the nation’s most innovative and strategic PR firms of the […]
For Media and Analysts
Looking for expert sources or company contacts in the retail technology ecosystem?
We work with leading companies across product development and production, supply chain, merchandising, marketing/advertising, payments and post-purchase engagement. Our clients are often available for media interviews and expert commentary on modern commerce trends.
Need a source or background on the future of retail? Contact us for source referrals or to speak with Catherine Seeds or Kirsty Goodlett about industry trends.
Media contact: press.inquiry@aster-agency.com