Facebook on Thursday announced a higher new level of “strategic” partners within its Preferred Marketing Developer program that helps companies and brands find consultants to build their presence and run ad campaigns on Facebook.

Facebook named a dozen social media marketing firms as “Strategic Preferred Marketing Developers:” Adobe, AdParlor, Alchemy Social, Brand Networks, Glow, GraphEffect, Kenshoo, Nanigans, Salesforce.com, SocialCode, Spruce Media and 77 Agency.

“Each Strategic PMD earned the distinction through a rigorous selection process that among other considerations, is based on shared values, strategic alignment, and growth potential with Facebook,” stated the company in a post on its developer blog today.

These partners will get access to Facebook alpha and beta products, improved business support and priority access to Facebook product and engineering teams and in-depth training on Facebook products, among other benefits.

At the same time, Facebook’s expectations of Strategic PMDs include active participation in quarterly product and business planning, measured success related to jointly established KPIs and rapid adoption of new Facebook marketing products.

The broader PDM program was launched in April with 232 partners across 35 countries. That total has since increased to 311 companies.