It’s nearly public relations halftime for 2013, and a good time to say thank you to all public relations, public affairs, political consulting and crisis communications clients and the great team we have here on a fun, effective first half of the year. Without your support and confidence 2012 would not have been the second best year in our PR company’s history, and helped us launch into 2013 with momentum. Indeed, we want to thank the Arizona Capitol Times for recognizing our team, hard work and results with three “Best of the Capitol” nominations this year for Best PR Person, Best Public Relations Company and Best Twitterer.
Here are just a few examples in which we have played a public relations role that has made for an eventful first couple of quarters.
- Defending Arizona’s voter-approved medical marijuana regime with aggressive public relations and public affairs: Faced with an onslaught of legislation designed to undermine the program, the Regulated Dispensaries of Arizona Association was formed. Assembling a great team. Aggressively articulating its political and policy positions. Rightfully working to defeat bills when our efforts at compromise were rejected. And gratefully working with former United States Attorney and Reagan appointee Mel McDonald who courageously stepped forward to tell the powerful story of how medical marijuana has improved the life of his suffering son after we organized a press conference to raise awareness.
- Scottsdale Beat The Heat 2013: The “Hottest Race on Earth.” We provide innovative public relations on behalf of clients. And more recently have become more entrepreneurial too, practicing what we preach. In addition to what has now become America’s largest polo event, we have inaugurated a new special event for the summer. Commencing at 2:47pm (the exact time it hit a record 122 degrees in Phoenix) on June 22nd, the 11.22k and 5k race is attracting elite and recreational runners from around the state and country. It’s a dynamic course with some exciting elements that could grow into one of Arizona’s more recognizable events. For more details check out www.scottsdalebeattheat.com.
- All City Towing: Local First! Arizona’s largest locally-owned towing company, we were grateful to have provided public relations support for their successful bid to earn a part of the City of Phoenix’s contract, supplanting a Chicago-based company.
- Redflex: As support has ebbed and flowed in other cities Arizona’s first town to engage photo enforcement is poised to renew its contract with Redflex.
- Vestar: A now decade-long client of our firm’s they set the standard for commercial development in Arizona, making several key acquisitions and announcements during the first part of the year.
- Mountain Shadows: The most perplexing problem in Arizona’s toniest town. A beloved resort property closed since 2005. With brutally difficult legal and political issues. For the past year we have provided public relations and public affairs support to help dislodge the situation and create justifiable momentum for the property owner’s revitalization plans. The Paradise Valley Town Council unanimously approved their application April 18th, and major hotel brands are knocking on the door.
- Turf Paradise Kentucky Derby: Having just concluded its 56th year of horse racing in the Valley the General Manager called the media coverage surrounding their Kentucky Derby Day in early May unprecedented.
- Michael Pollack Real Estate Investments: We’ve been in business for 17 years. Few Arizona public relations clients have been more enjoyable to work with that this real estate magnate who keeps life interesting, moving and meaningful.
- Something Old is Something New: When Michael Monti approached city officials in late 2010 about transforming the Hayden Flour Mill, across from his landmark Monti’s La Casa Vieja, few could have thought that less than 3 years later Mill Avenue’s gateway to Tempe could be as impressive as it now is. Thanks for efforts by the city, former Mayor Hugh Hallman and private sector ingenuity the historical preservation and celebration that is that gateway is spectacular. Monti’s did its part over this past year opening truly one of the great patios in Arizona, Tempe’s Front Porch, just across from Tempe Beach Park. It was a pleasure and privilege for our public relations company to play a roll with these efforts over the past several years, including grand opening activities in May.
- Scottsdale Ferrari Maserati: As in the new title sponsor for America’s largest polo event, an event we created and produce. Don’t miss the spectacle November 1st and 2nd as The Scottsdale Ferrari Maserati Polo Championships: Horses & Horsepower returns with some 15,000 people on hand with its unique atmosphere, amazing players and teams and sneak preview elements for the Barrett-Jackson Collector Car Auction, Scottsdale Arabian Horse Show and Phoenix International Raceway. Fox Sports Arizona captured the excitement last year and will be on hand this year too. Automotive enthusiasts will enjoy the Arizona Porsche Concours d’Elegance that will be taking place on site. For tickets, tables, tailgating and corporation sponsorship opportunities please visit www.thepoloparty.com. Thank you to all of the blue chip brands like Neiman Marcus, Molina Fine Jewelers, Scottsdale Healthcare, Heineken and so many others that continue to make the event’s rapid growth possible.
- The Yard: Restaurant impresario Sam Fox’s joint venture with WDP Partners on 7th Street. What a place. What an opening. What business it has been generating. It was a provilege to work with Fox Restaurant Concepts’ team on some very creative executions for their opening. If you ever get a chance to work with their top notch marketing team, jump at it.
- Barrett Jackson: One of Arizona’s most important and impactful special events, we have worked for years to provide public relations and public affairs support for their most important local goal: a permanent new home at WestWorld. That goal is now being realized and is currently scheduled to be open to welcome Barrett-Jackson as an anchor tenant for its 2014 event in January. www.barrett-jackson.com.
- Brian Terry Foundation: As other national scandals emerge the Terry family will never be able to forget the “Fast & Furious” disgrace that cost them their son Brian. The family’s second annual dinner will take place this September in Tucson, with a bi-partisan slate of major media and elected officials from around the country and state in attendance.
- Amy’s Baking Company. Two words: wild ride. Adam Sandler’s “Hanukkah” song speaks to “eight crazy nights.” While we could speak to one thrilling week, before wishing them well. Their opportunities despite the turmoil for a major reality television show are real. It will be fascinating to watch how it all develops.
- Arizona’s thriving rooftop solar industry: Saying one thing to the public in Arizona and another to its investors on Wall Street, Arizona Public Service (APS) is working to kill the independent rooftop solar market in Arizona. We are working with a great team, including Barry Goldwater, Jr., to try and stop them from convincing the all-Republican Arizona Corporation Commission from squashing one of Arizona’s great business success stories of the recessions. So successful that rooftop solar now employs more people than APS itself, generating significant environmental benefits as well as economic ones that are, according to the utility monopoly itself, costing their shareholders too much.
Finally, we’d also like to welcome great new clients such as Solar City, Dominick’s Steakhouse, My Sister’s Closet, Sunrun, San Diego Polo Club, AZ Organix and the return of some older ones like the Goldwater Institute. Thank you again and to all for allowing us to aid your pursuits.
