Veteran Chicago public relations executive Louise Edwards has exited the Korshak and Associates public relations firm to start her own shop -- Louise Edwards Public Relations. Edwards said she will officially open her new firm's doors on Jan. 15, after she and her husband take a vacation in Dubai. Louise Edwards Public Relations will be housed in loft office space at 210 N. Racine in the west loop, not far from Oprah Winfrey's Harpo Studios.

Edwards was a lead honcho in Korshak's corporate division, which has been winding down in recent years. Korshak agency founder and legendary publicist Margie Korshak and her staff will continue to focus on the Broadway in Chicago account, which includes most of the major productions playing in loop theaters. "Theater is Margie's passion," said Edwards, who came to the Korshak firm nearly 30 years ago after a stint with the Edelman public relations firm.

Edwards said she hopes to bring in clients ranging from sporting events to real estate and animal-related services. She already has several accounts, including the Chicago Triathlon.