A Message from Larry Ceisler
This month’s newsletter is straightforward—I’ve asked several of our people to explain what we do at Ceisler Media & Issue Advocacy. I like to say that we’re not a traditional PR company nor a lobbying firm, but a unique communications firm serving clients in myriad ways.
COO Kate Wilhelm has a video blog explaining how several of our integrated media campaigns have helped our clients large and small. Kate has a lot of positive things to say about our team—and I couldn’t agree more.
Vice President Brian Dries describes the process of healing differences between developers and local residents—when listening may be the most important part of the job. Coalition building is a big part of what we do here.
Our beefed-up Media Operations Division leaders clarify the value of monitoring news coverage for our clients. And Creative Manager Will Jara, a master behind the camera, shares the stories behind three of his favorite videos he has created for clients.
You’ll see my political thoughts on that fascinating race for mayor of New York City—a campaign that might foretell what happens down the road in Philadelphia.
There are updates about promotions here at Ceisler Media, as well as openings we’re looking to fill. As always, there is news about clients, including landmark positive developments for two—Pennsylvania’s practicing certified registered nurse anesthetists and New Jersey’s Fair Share Housing Center.
Scroll all the way down, and you’ll find a fun animated feature where some of our staffers share their summertime guilty pleasures.
One more note: We’re proud to have been recently ranked as the second-largest Pittsburgh-area public relations firm by the Pittsburgh Business Times. I appreciate the work done by all of our people in Pittsburgh, Philadelphia and Harrisburg.
As always, please feel free to reach out to me directly, or send me your thoughts.
New York City’s mayoral race turned not on grand policies, but on the day-to-day problems of urban America. Here, our Founder explains how that might foreshadow the next campaign in Philadelphia.
Ceisler Media Founder Larry Ceisler was quoted in this Center Square article examining how the upcoming Pennsylvania race for the U.S. Senate seat is turning into a regional battle between the east and west sides of the state. Larry offers his expert opinion on early developments in the race, including the potential impact of an early endorsement.
In this five-minute video blog, COO and Sr. VP Kate Wilhelm explains Ceisler Media’s unique position as a firm affecting positive change for clients big and small through of our diverse team of experts with backgrounds in journalism, government, non-profits, education and more. Kate reflects on one of her favorite team efforts—CMIA’s partnership with Philadelphia in last year’s #MaskUpPHL campaign, in which we created TV ads featuring local influences, and devised social media and PR strategy, all with the message, “Don’t just protect yourself, protect your neighbors.”
Blogs
VP Brian Dries explains how our project strategies include taking into account the views of those impacted by the plan—especially the “not in my backyard” opponents.
Creative Manager Will Jara helps clients by producing videos for TV, social media and other platforms. In this blog, Will talks about his three favorite creations.
Our new Media Operations Division monitors issues, tracks policies & provides daily clips. Its three leaders discuss how Ceisler Media is better set to serve our clients.
Client News
New Jersey became the first state to enact a law preventing landlords from rejecting potential residents solely based on past criminal history, as Gov. Murphy signed the Fair Chance in Housing Act.
This landmark criminal justice reform measure, covered by The New York Times, will help limit barriers to reentering society after incarceration. Congratulations to the Fair Share Housing Center, which strived to get the measure passed, with help from our Ceisler Media team, led by Special Projects Director Anthony Campisi.
In a landmark move, PA Gov. Tom Wolf signed a bill granting formal title recognition to the state’s certified registered nurse anesthetists. This means these 3,000-plus healthcare professionals are now given a specific definition acknowledging their advanced education, specialized training and clinical skills. Ceisler Media is proud to have been with the CRNAs during this decade-long legislative push.
The Well City Challenge, powered by The Economy League of Greater Philadelphia and presented by Independence Blue Cross, wrapped up with the Well City Expo. The virtual event showcased the five finalist teams with booths, a panel discussion and announcements by Independence Blue Cross CEO Gregory Deavens.
Congratulations to $50,000 winner Nicole Kenney of Hey Auntie! Congratulations to all the teams and thanks for their lasting positive impact on the health outcomes of Philadelphia’s millennials.
Comcast NBCUniversal, Fitler Club and the Philadelphia Citizen recently launched a new event series aimed at bringing together local and national leaders to rethink how democracy flourishes in a modern Philadelphia. The series, Citizen Speaks, kicked off with “Innovation in Education,” a discussion about new models for classroom and out-of-classroom learning success. Most events will be free and open to the public, and Fitler Club will serve as the official home for Citizen Speaks in-person events.
Ceisler Media is proud to work with seven partners who were among those named as 2021 Greater Philadelphia Civic 50 honorees by the Philadelphia Foundation in partnership with Points of Light. The Civic 50 recognizes exemplary corporate citizenship and showcases how employers use their time, skills and resources to drive social impact in their communities and organizations. Those honored included Audacy, AmeriHealth Caritas, Ben Franklin Technology Partners, CHOP, Comcast, FS Investments, and Independence Blue Cross.
Enbridge recently powered up its innovative Heidlersburg Solar Self-Power Project in Taylor Township near Gettysburg. The project is the first facility of its kind in Pennsylvania, and only the second in the US using solar energy to help power a natural gas compressor station. The emissions reduction over the 25-year life of the facility is the equivalent of taking 15,810 cars off the road.
Philadelphia City Council took a step toward mandating funding for the Housing Trust Fund, greenlighting Councilmember Derek Green’s bill to put a question on the November ballot. The approval came after a push from the Philadelphia Coalition for Affordable Communities, including Women’s Community Revitalization Project (WCRP). Nora Lichtash, executive director of WCRP, told WHYY the legislation is needed because Mayor Jim Kenney has not kept his promises to fund HTF.
Coded by Kids, through its 1Philadelphia initiative, is launching a new playing field for Philadelphia youth to compete as part of a team: the Innovation League. In partnership with the Philadelphia Eagles and Comcast, the Innovation League is a first-of-its-kind competitive activity for entrepreneurial and creative youth looking to build their technology and leadership skills. Youth ages 12-18 can sign up for the free program.
Client Highlights
This month Michael Gary celebrates five years as head of school at Friends Select School. In that time, he has focused on ensuring that the school is “in the city and of the city,” prioritizing the public purpose of private educational institutions. The school is currently undergoing the Advance Friends Select: Transformation Campaign to change its physical space, updating its primary Parkway Building and adding an additional building at 1520 Race St.
The Forman Arts Initiative (FAI) was the lead partner of the City of Philadelphia’s Arts & Culture Recovery Week, celebrating the long-awaited return of our region’s cultural sector after a long pandemic hiatus. Local leaders and arts organizations held community events and concerts to celebrate Philadelphia’s thriving artistic scene. Next week FAI will announce the winners of its inaugural Art Works grants, presented in partnership with Philadelphia Foundation.
Audacy debuted its inaugural Social Impact Report, featuring the stories of how the company’s people, brands, voices and neighbors came together to make a positive impact in 2020. The report highlights Audacy Serves’ six social impact pillars, including: Diversity, Equity & Inclusion; Civic Education; the Environment; Mental Health; Children’s Health; and Veterans & Service Members.
The Trust for Public Land’s #HeatResponsePHL underscored the dangerous realities of rising temperatures and extreme heat in Philly with an interactive installation featuring its Treecycle at the recent Philadelphia Flower Show. Read all about the creative activation in this new blog.
After being named as board chair of the Rehabilitation and Community Providers Association, Charlie Barber from Erie County Care Management was featured in this five-minute “newsmaker” segment on WJET-TV, Erie County’s ABC affiliate.
The Chester Housing Authority awarded two $1,000 scholarships to city residents during a recent luncheon at the Red Brick Café, located in the authority’s William Penn Homes. Rachael Peterkin and Latisha Cunningham each received the Making A Difference scholarship through the Chester Housing Initiatives Inc., a nonprofit subsidiary of CHA. Read more about the exceptional scholars here.
The Housing Authority of Baltimore City said goodbye to a huge World War II-era public housing development called Perkins Homes, clearing the way for a beautiful new community. As this coverage shows, long-time residents have fond memories.
Programs helping food banks buy and distribute food to low-income families and seniors got a boost in the state’s new budget. The State Food Purchase Program will receive nearly $20.2 million, an increase of $2 million. Sheila Christopher, executive director for Hunger-Free Pennsylvania, said it marked the first increase in about 15 years. Total visits to Pennsylvania food banks more than doubled to 29.6 million in 2020 as a result of the economic impact of the pandemic.
Wesley Family Services will host Sunday Fundae, a free family-friendly event later this month. The day will be packed full of ice cream, games, and prizes and it’s designed to benefit Westmoreland County families.
Ceisler News
Ceisler Media and Issue Advocacy is proud to announce promotions for five of our valued staff members:
Courtney Accurti and Drew Murren become Directors in Harrisburg.
Melissa Sherman Kozlowski is now Media Operations Executive in Philadelphia, where she will coordinate efforts to ensure our clients stay abreast of current events and speaking engagements in their industries.
Rebecca Patterson gains the title of Account Executive in Harrisburg.
Sam Gorodetzer is now an Account Manager in Philadelphia.
In addition, Special Projects Manager Larry Miller will be joining our Media Operations Team as an advisor, bringing his expertise in journalism and local government to help grow our media services.
“I’m proud of how our team has performed for our clients during a very difficult time,” said Founder Larry Ceisler, “and also how we’ve worked together through the challenges. These promotions are one way of recognizing some of the people who have put forth such great efforts.”
Meet our talented summer interns—a smart, ambitious trio of college students who bring great promise to the world ahead. Our only question following their answers to multiple questions: What’s with all the love for hummus?
Ceisler Media is seeking a Director of Digital and Creative Services to deepen and expand the firm’s integrated content offerings. This person will be responsible for managing, developing, executing and measuring digital media efforts for a variety of clients, and also serve as an expert on subject matter.
In addition, we are looking to hire part-time employees to expand our media operations division, helping our clients stay abreast of news and events in their industries.
As the sun beats down and the beach beckons, we asked Ceisler Media teammates to name their favorite summertime "guilty pleasure." Here they are:
