LRCC Focus Magazine: Marketing firm celebrates 41st anniversary by helping others
FOCUS Magazine, Lansing Regional Chamber of Commerce
A marketing communications firm in Greater Lansing is giving back in a big way as it enters its 41st year. Publicom, Inc. is offering a grant of 40 free hours of marketing communication services plus one year of mentoring to help a business or organization – for profit or not-for-profit – thrive beyond the pandemic.
The Publicom 40+1 Grant is offered in partnership with the Lansing Regional Chamber of Commerce and Lansing Economic Area Partnership (LEAP).
“Publicom is fortunate to have enjoyed many decades of prosperity,” said Lisa O’Connor, Publicom president and owner. “Over the past 41 years, many people have contributed to that success, including clients, employees, interns and vendor-partners. We wanted to create a meaningful way to help the community that has been so good to us.”
Founded by Richard Cole and David Hayhow, Publicom got its start in 1979 as the first public relations firm in Lansing. The name was derived from “public” and “communications.” While the name still fits, the offering greatly expanded after Jim Wardlaw purchased the company in 1995, and when O’Connor joined mid-1996. Publicom has been a fully integrated marketing communications company for 25 years.
“When LEAP was established 12 years ago, Publicom designed our logo, which remains a piece of LEAP’s brand as we know it today,” said Bob Trezise, president and CEO of LEAP. “We are excited to share this grant opportunity with businesses and organizations who need the assistance of professional marketing communications counsel.”
The grant includes 40 free hours of Publicom’s in-house services, which include:
- marketing research
- strategy and planning
- creative services
- public relations
- internal engagement
- communications
- social media/digital marketing
- media planning and buying
In addition to the 40 free hours, the Publicom 40+1 Grant provides ongoing support of two hours a month for one year to mentor or consult with the chosen company. The grant is valued at $9,000.
O’Connor attributes Publicom’s longevity to offering a wide array of in-house services and building long-term relationships with clients.
“It’s practically unheard of in our industry, but we’ve worked with several clients for more than 20 years,” she said. “We place a high priority on integrity and our ability to listen. Through listening, we are better able to identify the problem to be solved.”
The firm has produced award-winning results for local, regional, national and international clients with budgets of all sizes. It was named a Cool Place to Work by Crain’s Detroit Business.
“This is a great opportunity for any business looking to develop their marketing skills,” said Tim Daman, LRCC president and CEO. “Publicom has been an active member of the Chamber, and we’re happy to partner on this initiative to help businesses learn how to effectively grow and promote their brands.”
For more information and to apply for the grant, visit www.Publicom.com/41. The application includes just four questions. The deadline to submit is June 15, 2020.
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