This press release was modified in Mainline Media on January 6, 2025.
Driven to deliver high-impact content, The Communication Solutions Group is honored to receive two Pepperpot Awards from the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA), Philadelphia Chapter. Held annually, the PRSA Pepperpot Awards recognizes the best PR campaigns, tactics and professionals in the Philadelphia region. The Communication Solutions Group, a full-service public relations and marketing firm, won two Pepperpots, or first-place awards, in the website and special-purpose publications categories.
PSATC’s Website Increases Brand Awareness & Value Among First Class Leaders
In the website category, Communication Solutions won a Pepperpot for www.firstclasstownshippa.org, the first-ever website for the Pennsylvania State Association of Township Commissioners (PSATC), an association for first class townships.
Prior to building the site, Communication Solutions held a complimentary kick-off meeting with PSATC’s Executive Committee to define the association’s vision. This led to the creation of a digital survey for leadership in Pennsylvania’s 93 first class townships, including both member and non-member townships of PSATC to research what township leaders knew and did not know about PSATC. Through the survey and meetings with PSATC, Communication Solutions learned what information was most important to include on the website.
Web designer Eliza Whitney and PR & Marketing Manager Kellie Francello.
Communication Solutions wrote, edited and organized copy for the website, and built it using WordPress, optimizing it for performance to drive website traffic, elevate search engine rankings and minimize bounce rates. Photos were purchased of Pennsylvania parks, bridges and flags, or submitted for use by first class townships.
Since its launch in February 2024, Communication Solutions has continued to update the website with new content, events and updates from PSATC.
“The members of PSATC are honored to have been selected for this important award and recognition. With the collaboration and leadership of the Communication Solutions team, we’ve developed this new site that’s experiencing over 5,000 views each month,” said PSATC Past President John J. Jablowski, Jr., MPA.
PSATC and Communication Solutions spread the word about the site through Constant Contact email campaigns, social media, and word-of-mouth among members.
“We are proud to see first class leaders continually coming back to the website and using it as a resource,” said Kellie Francello, public relations and marketing manager at Communication Solutions. “The new site is increasing PSATC’s brand awareness and helping the organization become a more valuable tool to its members and partners.”
CapCOG’s Digital Brochure Retains and Recruits Firefighters
In the special-purpose publications category, Communication Solutions won a Pepperpot for its digital brochure, “What to Expect: A Guide for New Members and Your Families.”
The brochure was one project within a four-year campaign for The Capital Region Council of Governments (CapCOG) to recruit and retain volunteer firefighters for a group of 21 fire companies.
PR Specialist Cassie Morrison.
To understand the unique experiences a volunteer firefighter faces, Communication Solutions created a survey for the fire companies. Volunteers provided advice on time commitment, managing worry and fear, physical demands, responding to emergency calls and understanding the importance of training. The volunteer firefighter experience also affects their spouses, children or loved ones, so volunteers were also asked to identify how they coordinate with their spouses on scheduling and planning, communicating during emergencies, and incorporating their families into the firehouse community.
After gathering the background and testimonials needed, Communications Solutions wrote and designed the brochure using the recruitment campaign’s branding colors and photos.
“By providing first-hand accounts and pertinent information, the publication helped reduce anxiety and fear experienced by volunteers and their families, plus promoted recruitment and retention efforts,” said Cassie Morrison, public relations specialist at Communication Solutions.
Since the brochure was published in December of 2023, the 21 fire companies have retained their base of existing firefighters while recruiting 140 new members.
“Both awards were a team effort among our staff of talented writers, graphic designers and website developers,” said Leza Raffel, president and founder of Communication Solutions. “We are proud of these projects and grateful to be recognized by Philadelphia’s public relations community.”