Walker Sands Communications, a top public relations agency for technology companies ranging from startups to enterprise-level software providers, announced today its expansion to the west coast of the United States. The opening of a new office in San Francisco marks the company’s first move since it was founded in 2001. Walker Sands will retain its main headquarters in Chicago.

Walker Sands’ rapid growth in the past few years fueled the strategic decision to expand to the west coast. The opening of a San Francisco location marks its first step in scaling the business, placing the company in the heart of technology innovation and allowing for continued growth in this specialty area. Walker Sands will use the new office to better service current clients in the Bay Area, as well as pursue new business opportunities in this market.

“Because we have a deep understanding of technology and the modern PR landscape, we hope we will be able to make our mark in the Bay Area,” said Mike Santoro, president of Walker Sands Communications. “As a company that’s still on a continuous growth path, we know what it takes to both launch and keep a company growing. We believe that those assets, combined with our commitment to deliver real business results beyond ‘vanity metrics,’ will allow us to drive innovation and help great companies tell their stories and make their footprint on the world.”

Walker Sands will be based out of SOMA, with a goal of building a self-standing west coast office that combines the successful PR approach developed in Chicago with the unique culture in San Francisco. The company plans to hire a dozen employees locally by the end of 2013.

“We’re excited to be part of a new scene where we can learn from and collaborate with some of the brightest minds at the forefront of tech innovation,” added Santoro. “We believe the most creative minds are the ones that never stop learning from the people around them, which is why we truly look forward to expanding our knowledge base and bringing our fresh perspective to this landscape.”

Walker Sands develops strategic public relations programs focused on the integration of traditional and data-driven media relations, social media and search. Industry specialty areas include business-to-business and business-to-consumer technology companies, with a particular focus on startups, e-commerce and retail technology, marketing solutions, enterprise software, mobile apps and consumer electronics.

In 2012 Walker Sands was named a finalist for the PR News and Bulldog Reporter Small Agency of the Year. Walker Sands has also been recognized for a number of campaigns by the PRSA, PCC, BMA, PR Daily, and other renowned marketing organizations.

To mark its launch in San Francisco, Walker Sands has partnered with SF New Tech, the Bay Area’s largest, longest-running, and most-loved monthly technology event and networking organization, to host an event on September 19 at Wish Bar and Lounge. Tickets are available at http://sfntwelcomeswalkersands.eventbrite.com/

For more information, visit http://www.walkersands.com.

About Walker Sands

Walker Sands Communications is a full-service marketing and public relations firm specializing in media relations for technology companies ranging from startups to enterprise-level software providers. With offices in Chicago and San Francisco, Walker Sands was founded in 2001 to provide marketing support for a wide array of companies, from tech startups to large Fortune 500 brands. In 2012 Walker Sands was named a PR News and Bulldog Reporter finalist for Small Agency of the Year. To learn more, visit http://www.walkersands.com.