CANFIELD, Ohio – Internal communications campaigns for three large organizations working through major changes helped Pecchia Communications grow in 2021.
The Canfield-based public relations and marketing firm enjoyed heavy volume last year with Kontoor Brands in Greensboro, N.C., owner of the Wrangler and Lee clothing lines; the CARA Group, based in Chicago, a national change management consultancy; and the Ohio Department of Administrative Services.
These engagements offset a decline in Youngstown-area activity and enabled Pecchia Comm to increase revenue more than 7% last year, says Dan Pecchia, president. That followed a 20% increase in revenue in 2020.
“We planned for a slight dip in 2021 because we knew our engagement with Wrangler and Lee would end after a run of nearly two years and figured it would be hard to quickly replace,” Pecchia says. “But we wound up landing two additional change projects last year, both of which lasted into 2022. We expect our work with the state government to last through late this year. And our prospects for additional change activity are good.”
Pecchia Comm is helping the state roll out “OhioBuys,” a purchasing solution that aims to improve spending efficiency and make it easier for suppliers to contract with state agencies.
Two other key developments contributed to the company’s 2021 growth. Ohio Living, a senior living community operator based in Columbus, has grown to become Pecchia Comm’s largest client outside the change management space. Work has increased sharply since an initial project went well in 2019.
Meanwhile, the company has enjoyed greater demand for its news-oriented video productions. Pecchia Comm boosted its capabilities in this area last year with the addition of Vince Bevacqua and Brittany Bissell, both former television professionals.
“The combination of video development and digital distribution has been powerful for many of our clients, both in the change management projects and in our traditional PR and marketing work,” Bevacqua says.
“As safety measures and concerns related to COVID-19 continue to suppress in-person activity, we expect the value of video projects to grow.”
Achievements in 2021 included:
• Employee support for the Kontoor Brands’ (Wrangler and Lee) launch of an IT system in its North American and European operations.
• A TV ad campaign that boosted sales last summer for the Mahoning Valley Farmers Market Network.
• A 10-part video series to mark the 10th anniversary of the Mahoning County Land Bank.
• The unveiling of the Robinson Shuba Commemorative Statue in Youngstown in July, culminating two years of pro bono support.
• Steady flows of digital and traditional content for Harrington, Hoppe & Mitchell, Aim Transportation Solutions, Mahoning County Land Bank, Mahoning County Soil & Water District and several other clients.
• The launch of MyPath Mahoning Valley, the new name for the former Mahoning Valley College Access Program.