Case Histories

Technology
Financial Services
Professional Services
Consumer Products
Retail Services
Food Service/Restaurant
Real Estate
Healthcare
Issues Management
Crisis Management

Technology

Columbia Capital Corporation
Initiated a program of national business and trade media relations to build unprecedented awareness and understanding of this very closely held provider of turn key financial services for the wireless telecommunications industry.

Columbia Spectrum Management
Utilized nationwide trade and business media to educate the industry on the complexities relocating microwave system operators as part of the PCS licensing agreement, thereby helping to build a market for the company that introduced this innovative service.

Fortress Technologies, Inc.
Orchestrated the launch and ongoing marketing support services for this provider of advanced IT infrastructure management solutions. Our program quickly generated national attention for both Fortress Technologies and the emerging infrastructure management industry.

Gateway Computers, Inc.
Provided regional public relations support to this leading international computer manufacturer and its Gateway Country Stores, educating the public on the benefits of utilizing Gateway's retail outlets for technology purchases and information.

GO Communications Corporation
Created industry and media relations strategy that helped launch this company, attract strategic partners and raise more than $700 million for the acquisition of PCS licenses and the development and operation of nationwide PCS systems. At the time of the FCC's PCS license auctions, GO Communications was widely regarded within the industry as one of three U.S. Designated Entities likely to prosper as a PCS network operator.

Motorola Inc., Derivative Technologies Division
Provided strategic positioning, media relations trade show coordination and additional marketing support for the introduction of this division's SiteCall call completion system.

Motorola Inc., Land Mobile Products Sector
Successfully introduced the Land Mobile Products Sector's SMR-based nationwide vehicle tracking and communications system, contributing to sales that exceeded company projections. Also provided strategic support for this sector's Emergency 911 products, Olympic sponsorships, and other community relations programs.

Motorola Inc., Multimedia Group
Introduced this new Motorola business unit and its cable-based multimedia technologies to the industry through a diverse strategy of business and trade media relations, trade show support and other program elements. Our program helped move this fledgling organization from an unknown latecomer to the leader of the emerging broadband marketplace.

Motorola Inc., Paging and Wireless Data Group
Supported new marketing efforts for ALERT CENTRAL wireless monitoring system and MINITOR line of alert pagers. National media relations campaigns significantly increased sales lead generation for both products.

NEC America, Inc., Public Networks Group
Coordinated nationwide communications and marketing support strategies for this leading developer of telecommunications technologies for the public network, including WDM, xDSL, SONET, and switching, routing products.

PCS Licensing Equity Alliance
Coordinated nationwide trade and business media relations for this coalition, which sought to influence the FCC so as to ensure PCS licensing opportunities for small businesses, businesses owned by women and minorities, and rural telephone companies.

SkyTel
Increased consumer demand for this satellite-based nationwide paging service, helping to generate record sales, maintain dominant market position over competitors, and create the ideal environment for a successful Initial Public Offering.

Skywire Corporation
Created an aggressive industry awareness campaign that successfully introduced this company's wireless data communications technologies and products to prospective buyers. Our strategy contributed to Skywire's rapid completion of long-term supply agreements with Coca-Cola, FedEx and other targeted Fortune 500 corporations.

Telular Corporation
Utilized aggressive media and industry relations to help build a market for emerging fixed wireless technology and generate worldwide awareness for this exclusive manufacturer of fixed wireless products. This multi-faceted program created a market in which to attract industry leaders as strategic partners, stimulate sales and facilitate a highly successful Initial Public Offering.

US ONE Communications Corporation
Helped penetrate the existing retail telephone markets for this competitive local exchange carrier through national media relations, trade show support and the creation of various promotions for both industry and consumer audiences.

U.S. Robotics/3Com Corporation x2 Technology
Coordinated the widely acclaimed introduction of the company's breakthrough 56 Kbps analog modem technology. This international launch included a satellite news briefing for U.S. and European markets, followed by an aggressive, ongoing media relations program. The program resulted in coverage from top national business, trade and consumer media, and contributed to a series of key contracts for the new technology.

U.S. Robotics/3Com Corporation Cable Access Business Unit
Coordinated the company's highly successful launch of a consumer cable modem and related cable-based technologies. An ongoing campaign of industry and media relations significantly increased awareness of this product offering and directly contributed to numerous commitments for system trials by leading cable operators.

U.S. Robotics/3Com Corporation Network Systems Division
Provided public relations support for various initiatives, including a national seminar series on high performance Internet/intranet access and remote access management.

U.S. Robotics/3Com Corporation Personal Communications Division
Introduced Bigpicture, a complete video communications package of hardware and software created to bring real, live video and phone communication directly to home PC users. Media relations efforts resulted in broadcast opportunities and positive product reviews in virtually all targeted trade and consumer publications. Additional support included a program to promote Bigpicture in Internet Cafes throughout the U.S.

Western Multiplex Corporation
Developed and initiated a highly successful national media relations program to increase awareness and understanding of the products and services offered by this publicly traded provider of fixed-wireless Internet services.

YAFO Networks
Developed a comprehensive media relations program to facilitate the launch of this optical networking start-up's first product. Program elements included national business and trade media relations, as well as on-site tradeshow support.

Financial Services

Citicorp Diners Club
Initiated business and trade media relations campaign to increase awareness of Diners Club services and cooperatives incentives among corporate travelers and consumer audiences. Also assisted with development of internal publications.

Columbia Capital Corp.
Generated nationwide awareness of this venture capital/financial services firm dedicated to the wireless telecommunications industry. Media campaign resulted in feature coverage by leading national business and trade publications.

Cragin Federal Bank
Elevated consumer awareness of innovative services and products, and generated positive attention for one of the country's most profitable savings and loan institutions during a time of industry turmoil.

Harris Trust and Savings Bank
Enhanced marketing efforts of personal trust department by drawing attention to an investment education program designed for affluent women.

Independent Community Banks in Illinois
Significantly increased public awareness of the issues surrounding interstate bank ownership, drawing particular attention to the lobbying efforts of this group through national media coverage grass roots campaign strategies.

Mesirow Financial, Inc.
Provide ongoing consultation to the chairman's office of this diversified financial services company regarding issues of corporate and divisional communications.

Smith Barney Shearson
Generated new business for investment counselors specializing in fixed income investments through repeated national print and broadcast financial media exposure. Also provided editorial support for development of client newsletters.

Professional Services

15 Letters, Inc.
Successfully raised the visibility of this award-winning interactive design firm and contributed to its growth through an aggressive program of online and traditional media relations.

Beveridge Business Systems Inc.
Raised profile of this sales and sales management-training firm, successfully attracting new corporate clients.

BHI Design
Initiated an aggressive program designed to increase industry awareness for this highly successful graphic design firm utilizing media relations, industry awards and other strategic tactics.

Chicago Title and Trust
Provided issues management support that helped the country's leading title insurance company maintain a positive corporate image during a time of industry controversy and criticism.

Donaldson, Lufkin & Jenrette
Introduced the firm's new office to the Chicago business community and facilitated meetings between local investment banking specialists and Chicago's most respected corporate leaders.

The Equitable Life Assurance Society
Raised the visibility of The Equitable among target audiences and supported the aggressive selling efforts of its agencies.

Gray’s Travel Management
Created national business and trade media relations strategy to raise awareness of this corporate travel management firm and strengthen its business development efforts.

Handler & Associates
Supported the business development efforts of this Chicago-based law firm by generating nationwide business and trade media coverage that highlighted specific practice groups.

Lipson, Alport, Glass & Associates
Generated industry recognition and heightened market visibility for one of the country's leading corporate identity and package design firms.

Otherwise, Incorporated
Successfully raised the positive visibility of this leading visual communications firm through an aggressive program of trade and business media relations.

Price Waterhouse
Supported the new business efforts and various practice groups of this leading accounting firm in a particularly competitive market and amidst constantly changing accounting regulations and issues.

Consumer Products

Cleavage Creek Wineries
Our diverse program of consumer and online promotions, sponsorships and media relations helped this start-up winery achieve widespread positive reviews and distribution in multiple new markets.

Terrain Natural Solutions
Developed and implemented a comprehensive regional and nation media relations plan for this leading high-end provider of women's personal care services and products, positioning Terrain's staff as experts in the personal care industry.

Adolph Coors Company
Introduced the company and its products to the country's most competitive beer market, and contributed to market share growth through national and regional programs of product marketing, community relations, government relations and corporate awareness.

Baskin-Robbins Inc.
Introduced the first sugar free frozen dairy dessert available in ice cream stores, drawing national media attention and stimulating sales that required the company to increase production; and strengthened overall product and corporate awareness on a regional basis.

Churny Company Inc.
Helped create a successful market for Churny Lite, a new line of reduced fat deli cheese introduced by this subsidiary of Kraft General Foods Group, and provided ongoing consumer awareness support for the brand.

Kraft General Foods Group
Coordinated a test market introduction of media relations and special events that measurably impacted sales and led to ongoing programs to support the nationwide roll-out of Kraft Light Naturals reduced fat cheese.

Retail Services

ShopperTrak RCT
Implemented a national media relations and tradeshow support program to successfully position the company as the clear leader in the retail traffic intelligence industry. This program bolstered the ShopperTrak brand and directly contributed to record growth.

Simplified Workforce Solutions
Employed a strategic campaign to educate the retail industry on the company’s advanced suite of workforce management solutions, helping raise it’s profile within the industry.

Spencer Technologies
Supported the business development efforts of this provider of turnkey implementation and support services to retailers by coordinating the launch of the company’s new brand and website. Corresponding media campaign resulted in increased Spencer awareness throughout the retail industry.

Food Service/Restaurant

Baskin-Robbins Ice Cream
Developed campaigns to increase traffic in company owned and franchised stores, including community relations and promotional strategies.

Checkers Drive-Through Restaurants
Introduced this fast food chain to the Chicago metropolitan market, helping the regional franchisee to immediately exceed national performance standards. Also increased awareness of the franchise organization among the business community, thereby attracting additional investors.

Garcia's of Scottsdale Inc.
Increased consumer traffic through media relations and promotions, and coordinated financial relations for stockholders.

Ponderosa Inc.
Helped franchise division of this international company attract new franchisees through the company's first strategic industry relations program. In addition, provided traffic-building support to existing franchisees.

S&A Restaurant Corp. (Pillsbury)
Introduce the Bay Street seafood restaurant concept to the Midwest, contributing to record traffic and sales in the first three Chicago-area stores. Effectively sustained consumer traffic through an ongoing program of special events, promotions and media relations.

Southland Corporation
Coordinated all community relations, promotional support, industry relations and issues management on a regional basis for the world's largest convenience store operator.

Real Estate

Collins Tuttle & Co. Inc.
Coordinated grand opening and subsequent promotional efforts to attract tenants to the highly acclaimed Associates Center building on Michigan Ave.

Holy Spirit Missionary Sisters
Initiated a complex program of government and community relations to deflect criticism and rally support for the highly controversial development of one of the Midwest's largest, most valuable piece of privately owned property.

Sudler Marling Inc.
Focused industry attention on record growth in sales of high-end residential properties, reinforcing the company's expertise during a period of market instability.

Healthcare

American Association of Medical Assistants
Raised national visibility of the medical assistant profession to attract new professionals and increase membership.

American Osteopathic Association
Utilized national media relations to educate the public on osteopathy and increase the stature of this medical branch within the entire health care community.

Clintec International
Increased industry awareness of this provider of clinical nutrition products, technology and services, and announced it reformation as a joint venture of Baxter Healthcare corporation and Nestle S.A. of Switzerland.

Day SurgiCenters Inc.
Created and implemented a multi-faceted program for this operator of outpatient surgical facilities, which attracted new physicians, HMO operators, and patients; and increased overall positive awareness of this growing segment of the healthcare industry.

Issues Management

Adolph Coors Company
Provided support for a broad range of issues programs -- from literacy and preservation of the ecology to veteran affairs and product advertising.

Chicago Title & Trust
Created government, industry and employee relations strategies to overturn negative perceptions of the industry and establish an opinion leadership position for the largest U.S. title company.

Cragin Federal Bank for Savings
Positioned executives of this successful savings & loan as credible industry spokesmen and information sources to Federal legislators during analysis of the "S&L Crisis." Maintained high consumer trust in the institution while many thrifts experienced significant business reductions.

Holy Spirit Missionary Sisters
Created strategies that provided informational balance to highly controversial public issues of open space legislation and property development.

Independent Community Banks in Illinois
Established this lobbying group as the voice of independent bankers and the general public during controversial debates over interstate banking legislation.

Laidlaw Waste Systems Inc.
Raised public awareness of new state laws governing the disposal of yard waste and generated strong media coverage of the area's first state-of-the-art composting facility.

PCS Licensing Equity Alliance
Helped this industry coalition uphold the rights of small and minority businesses during the process of awarding Personal Communication Services (PCS) licenses.

Crisis Management

Product Tampering
Organized regional efforts following a highly visible incident of product tampering and assisted in the development of a comprehensive crisis plan for a well-known consumer products company.

Labor Strikes
Created a successful labor relations strategy to help a consumer products company manage its first employee strike, and deflect criticism of the company and its industry.

Plant/Institution Closings
Helped a food product company avoid criticism when, following a decade of growth by acquisition, it closed several U.S. plants as part of its subsequent consolidation strategy. As a result, government leaders in markets where plants were closed praised the company for its responsible actions.

Employee Crime
Orchestrated an intensive, long-term crisis plan for a healthcare institution in which medical staff faced criminal prosecution, severely threatening the institution's credibility and reputation.

Real Estate Development
Consulted with a major international company to create responsible media and tenant relations strategies during a lengthy public controversy surrounding its corporate headquarters building.

Mergers and Acquisitions
Initiated strategies to maintain balanced media coverage during the controversial merger and subsequent dissolution of two national law firms.