Late-2024 Headliners: How our clients made an impact before the end of the year
As communication pros everywhere emerge from the end-of-December hibernation, we’re here to offer some light reading. (Bonus: No need to dig through your entire inbox.)
The fourth quarter is always packed. Between Friendsgivings, holiday parties, cookie baking, and White Elephant exchanges, our public relations and public affairs colleagues were supporting our headline-making clients right up until year’s end.
The theme for our final Headliners of 2024 is community. From an Army vet-turned-school bus driver to a new pedestrian bridge connecting the City of Buffalo, to efforts tackling food insecurity and homelessness, and even the joy of cheering on your favorite baseball team in a New Era Cap—our work has focused on bringing people together.
We’re proud of what we’ve accomplished alongside our clients in 2024 and the difference we’re making in our communities. Curious about what you missed between cookie bites and eggnog sips? Check out our latest headlines below.
‘It’s pretty cool’: Army veteran Timothy Jach serves community from behind the wheel
CBS58 Milwaukee – December 15, 2024
Timothy Jach served 20 years in the U.S. Army, with multiple deployments to Iraq, Afghanistan, Columbia, and El Salvador. A Purple Heart recipient, Tim joined Student Transportation of America (STA) to help address the shortage of bus drivers and give back to the community where he grew up. With such a remarkable story, Tim deserved to be recognized. Our team worked with STA and CBS58 to arrange a feature story highlighting what it means for Tim to work in his hometown school district and how his military experience shapes his role today. After reconnecting with his community two decades later, Tim is excited to keep serving as a bus driver for the next two decades.
A bridge in Buffalo heralds a new era for the city’s LaSalle Park
Wallpaper – October 28, 2024
If you followed the events along the Erie Canal last summer, you might remember the bridge that traveled all the way from Italy before being transported down the canal to Buffalo. That bridge now serves as a key connection between the city and a new 100+ acre waterfront park (formerly LaSalle Park) along the Niagara River and Lake Erie. Our team collaborated with the Ralph Wilson Park Conservancy (RWPC) to support this historic project, working with reporters across the world to generate coverage. While the park itself won’t be fully completed until 2026, the installation of this bridge marks an exciting first step toward connecting the community in a way Buffalo has never seen before. When the new and improved park begins opening in phases in 2026, it will feature sports fields, nature trails, a concert venue, playgrounds, a sledding hill, and more, making it a must-visit destination for locals and travelers alike.
A Yankees-Dodgers World Series fits, especially in the realm of baseball caps
The Athletic – October 25, 2024
As New Era Cap prepared to celebrate the 70th anniversary of its iconic 59FIFTY cap, those familiar with the brand knew its deep significance in American culture, seamlessly bridging sports, fashion, music, and style. To mark the moment, The Athletic published an in-depth feature on the history and impact of the 59FIFTY cap, timed perfectly with the 2024 World Series. The matchup featured two of the most iconic franchises—and caps—in the world. The distinct design and fit of a New Era Cap continues to unite people. Collectors and fans across the globe connect on different styles, collections, designs, and, of course, their favorite sports teams. While this story highlights the 59FIFTY, New Era’s influence extends far beyond baseball caps.
‘I’m really excited’: Western New Yorkers share their expectations for Buffalo Pro Soccer
WKBW-TV – October 3, 2024
Buffalo is well known as a sports town, but it’s not just the Sabres and Bills fans who keep the scene alive. Over the last several months, The Martin Group has been working with Buffalo Pro Soccer to build a professional soccer club from the ground up. That’s right—pro soccer is coming to Buffalo, and you’ll have a front row seat. Launching an organization like this from scratch is no small task. But one thing the team behind Buffalo Pro Soccer knew from the start was that they wanted the community to play an active role. Through public surveys and community town hall meetings, we’ve worked to keep Western New Yorkers informed and involved in all the big decisions that are shaping this new team, and so far, fans are loving it.
Regional Food Bank provides meals for Thanksgiving holiday
Spectrum News Albany – November 28, 2024
In New York State, one in four adults face food insecurity and organizations like our client, the Regional Food Bank, work tirelessly to combat this crisis. Ahead of Thanksgiving, our team supported the Regional Food Bank to organize a massive volunteer event and meal distribution spanning six counties in the Capital Region. The effort provided 150,000 meals to 30,000 people, helping to meet a critical need in the community during the holiday season.
‘Gift of Warmth’ clothing drive returns for the holiday season
13 WHAM – November 18, 2024
Winters in the greater Buffalo and Rochester regions are tough. Between the cold weather, ice and snowstorms, we’ve landed ourselves in the top 10 of the snowiest states in the country. And while the snow can be fun, it can also be dangerous—especially for those experiencing housing instability, homelessness, or difficult other situations. This year, we worked with our clients at M&T Bank and Tops Friendly Markets to kick off the annual Gift of Warmth campaign, the longest running winter clothing collection drive in the Buffalo region. In 2023, the drive expanded to include the Rochester region to serve even more neighbors in need. What started as a small collection organized by M&T employees has now turned into an almost four-decade long campaign, helping thousands stay warm during our harsh winters. Since the campaign’s launch, M&T Bank and Tops have been collecting new hats, mittens, gloves, and scarves to be distributed by The Salvation Army to local families and individuals.
Wealth management firm expands in Rochester region
Rochester Business Journal – November 18, 2024
To meet growing market needs in the Rochester region, Wilmington Trust, a subsidiary of M&T Bank, is expanding its business and adding new talent to their teams in Upstate New York. The firm’s newest wealth management executives in Rochester joined its existing local team of 27 colleagues to fuel future growth and deliver on the firm’s deep commitment to its clients and the Rochester community. Our team had the opportunity to work with our clients at M&T to share this expansion news in the Rochester market.
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