YOUNGSTOWN – The pandemic caused slowdowns at all types of companies in 2020. But while private companies could cut back service or temporarily close if necessary, those in the public sector were often expected to maintain business as usual.
Farris Marketing, based in Boardman, has many clients that are public service or nonprofit organizations. As the shutdowns went into effect, Farris had to alter those client’s marketing plans and messaging.
“Our nonprofit and public-sector clients were expected to push through and keep providing services,” says George Farris, co-founder and CEO. “Rightly or wrongly, people expect tax-funded and donor-funded services to march on. So when hours or services had to change a bit, it took a lot of messaging to make sure the public understood why those changes were necessary.”
Farris Marketing’s clients include Western Reserve Transit Authority, Meridian HealthCare, The Public Library of Youngstown & Mahoning County, Schiavoni Law Firm, Help Network of Northeast Ohio and Boardman Township.
LocumTele LLC was added to the agency’s client roster last year. The Cleveland-based startup provides telehealth services to hospitals, PPOs and large employers. Farris developed the firm’s brand identity, marketing plan, website, messaging and social media initiatives.
In July, Farris partnered with Meridian HealthCare to launch the Power of Care Leadership initiative. Farris and Meridian CEO Larry Moliterno interviewed business, civic and nonprofit leaders and released the answers on videos and podcasts.
The videos can be viewed at PowerOfCareLeadership.org. A series of roundtable discussions with the leaders is planned for spring.