CASE STUDY: ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT ORGANIZATION CONNECTS WITH STATE LEADERS

Client:

Assignment:

A model public-private partnership between Georgia universities, business and state government, the Georgia Research Alliance (GRA) helps build Georgia's technology-rich economy and create opportunities for technology based economic development. Jackson Spalding handles all public relations and specific media relations projects for the GRA, providing both strategic public relations counsel and tactical media relations support. The main goal is to educate and inform state leaders, decision makers and the general public about the programs and achievements of the GRA.

Strategy/Implementation:

Working with Alliance leadership, we identify key issues, contacts and tactics for media outreach, and proactively pitch media in target markets to educate Georgia audiences about the GRA's positive impact in the state. A key part of our efforts is simplifying the often complex work of the GRA into something that is easily understood by various audiences. Key tactics have included drafting and placing editorials on behalf of the GRA's trustees and executives. These pieces emphasize the benefits realized by Georgia in the last decade, which are due, in part, to the GRA's efforts to attract new scientific researchers and investments to the state.

Results:

Jackson Spalding has been essential in generating balanced and positive media coverage about the scientific and economic improvements the GRA has helped bring to Georgia. We also have continued to increase awareness of the organization at the state leadership level year over year. By doing this, Jackson Spalding has helped GRA sustain and increase its government, corporate and foundation-related funding.