Blount Street Commons is a great example of a brand ‘on’ public relations. This redevelopment of 21 acres of historic property in downtown Raleigh had a sky-high profile while working with us in 2007-2008. The story goes like this: a respected international development firm cooperates with the State of North Carolina to save and revitalize a historic district. Our comprehensive effort raised awareness of the project in the two years leading up construction.

Work included unique brand building initiatives such as the “Blount Street Blend” of coffee in partnership with a local grocery, as well as huge amounts of TV and print news coverage. All momentum was lost when the real estate market collapse forced the developer to shift its focus. Lesson: public relations is not a tap to turn on/off. Commit to it or fade away.