A Message from Larry Ceisler
This month’s newsletter is straightforward—I’ve asked several of our people to explain what we do at Ceisler Media & Issue Advocacy. I like to say that we’re not a traditional PR company nor a lobbying firm, but a unique communications firm serving clients in myriad ways.
COO Kate Wilhelm has a video blog explaining how several of our integrated media campaigns have helped our clients large and small. Kate has a lot of positive things to say about our team—and I couldn’t agree more.
Vice President Brian Dries describes the process of healing differences between developers and local residents—when listening may be the most important part of the job. Coalition building is a big part of what we do here.
Our beefed-up Media Operations Division leaders clarify the value of monitoring news coverage for our clients. And Creative Manager Will Jara, a master behind the camera, shares the stories behind three of his favorite videos he has created for clients.
You’ll see my political thoughts on that fascinating race for mayor of New York City—a campaign that might foretell what happens down the road in Philadelphia.
There are updates about promotions here at Ceisler Media, as well as openings we’re looking to fill. As always, there is news about clients, including landmark positive developments for two—Pennsylvania’s practicing certified registered nurse anesthetists and New Jersey’s Fair Share Housing Center.
Scroll all the way down, and you’ll find a fun animated feature where some of our staffers share their summertime guilty pleasures.
One more note: We’re proud to have been recently ranked as the second-largest Pittsburgh-area public relations firm by the Pittsburgh Business Times. I appreciate the work done by all of our people in Pittsburgh, Philadelphia and Harrisburg.
As always, please feel free to reach out to me directly, or send me your thoughts.
Larry Ceisler
Larry Ceisler in the News
Ceisler Media Founder Larry Ceisler was quoted in this Center Square article examining how the upcoming Pennsylvania race for the U.S. Senate seat is turning into a regional battle between the east and west sides of the state. Larry offers his expert opinion on early developments in the race, including the potential impact of an early endorsement.
Lead Time with Kate Wilhelm | Episode 3 | What Makes Us Different
In this five-minute video blog, COO and Sr. VP Kate Wilhelm explains Ceisler Media’s unique position as a firm affecting positive change for clients big and small through of our diverse team of experts with backgrounds in journalism, government, non-profits, education and more. Kate reflects on one of her favorite team efforts—CMIA’s partnership with Philadelphia in last year’s #MaskUpPHL campaign, in which we created TV ads featuring local influences, and devised social media and PR strategy, all with the message, “Don’t just protect yourself, protect your neighbors.”
Client News
Fair Share Housing Center
This landmark criminal justice reform measure, covered by The New York Times, will help limit barriers to reentering society after incarceration. Congratulations to the Fair Share Housing Center, which strived to get the measure passed, with help from our Ceisler Media team, led by Special Projects Director Anthony Campisi.
Pennsylvania Association of Nurse Anesthetists
Independence Blue Cross
Congratulations to $50,000 winner Nicole Kenney of Hey Auntie! Congratulations to all the teams and thanks for their lasting positive impact on the health outcomes of Philadelphia’s millennials.
Comcast NBCUniversal & Fitler Club
Civic 50
Enbridge
Women’s Community Revitalization Project
Coded by Kids
Client Highlights
Friends Select School
This month Michael Gary celebrates five years as head of school at Friends Select School. In that time, he has focused on ensuring that the school is “in the city and of the city,” prioritizing the public purpose of private educational institutions. The school is currently undergoing the Advance Friends Select: Transformation Campaign to change its physical space, updating its primary Parkway Building and adding an additional building at 1520 Race St.
Forman Arts Initiative
The Forman Arts Initiative (FAI) was the lead partner of the City of Philadelphia’s Arts & Culture Recovery Week, celebrating the long-awaited return of our region’s cultural sector after a long pandemic hiatus. Local leaders and arts organizations held community events and concerts to celebrate Philadelphia’s thriving artistic scene. Next week FAI will announce the winners of its inaugural Art Works grants, presented in partnership with Philadelphia Foundation.
Audacy
Audacy debuted its inaugural Social Impact Report, featuring the stories of how the company’s people, brands, voices and neighbors came together to make a positive impact in 2020. The report highlights Audacy Serves’ six social impact pillars, including: Diversity, Equity & Inclusion; Civic Education; the Environment; Mental Health; Children’s Health; and Veterans & Service Members.
Trust for Public Land
The Trust for Public Land’s #HeatResponsePHL underscored the dangerous realities of rising temperatures and extreme heat in Philly with an interactive installation featuring its Treecycle at the recent Philadelphia Flower Show. Read all about the creative activation in this new blog.
Rehabilitation and Community Providers Association
After being named as board chair of the Rehabilitation and Community Providers Association, Charlie Barber from Erie County Care Management was featured in this five-minute “newsmaker” segment on WJET-TV, Erie County’s ABC affiliate.
Chester Housing Authority
The Chester Housing Authority awarded two $1,000 scholarships to city residents during a recent luncheon at the Red Brick Café, located in the authority’s William Penn Homes. Rachael Peterkin and Latisha Cunningham each received the Making A Difference scholarship through the Chester Housing Initiatives Inc., a nonprofit subsidiary of CHA. Read more about the exceptional scholars here.
Housing Authority of Baltimore City
The Housing Authority of Baltimore City said goodbye to a huge World War II-era public housing development called Perkins Homes, clearing the way for a beautiful new community. As this coverage shows, long-time residents have fond memories.
Hunger-Free PA
Programs helping food banks buy and distribute food to low-income families and seniors got a boost in the state’s new budget. The State Food Purchase Program will receive nearly $20.2 million, an increase of $2 million. Sheila Christopher, executive director for Hunger-Free Pennsylvania, said it marked the first increase in about 15 years. Total visits to Pennsylvania food banks more than doubled to 29.6 million in 2020 as a result of the economic impact of the pandemic.
Wesley Family Services
Wesley Family Services will host Sunday Fundae, a free family-friendly event later this month. The day will be packed full of ice cream, games, and prizes and it’s designed to benefit Westmoreland County families.
Ceisler News
Ceisler Media Promotes Five
Courtney Accurti and Drew Murren become Directors in Harrisburg.
Melissa Sherman Kozlowski is now Media Operations Executive in Philadelphia, where she will coordinate efforts to ensure our clients stay abreast of current events and speaking engagements in their industries.
Rebecca Patterson gains the title of Account Executive in Harrisburg.
Sam Gorodetzer is now an Account Manager in Philadelphia.
In addition, Special Projects Manager Larry Miller will be joining our Media Operations Team as an advisor, bringing his expertise in journalism and local government to help grow our media services.
“I’m proud of how our team has performed for our clients during a very difficult time,” said Founder Larry Ceisler, “and also how we’ve worked together through the challenges. These promotions are one way of recognizing some of the people who have put forth such great efforts.”
Meet our Summer Interns 
We’re Hiring
Ceisler Media is seeking a Director of Digital and Creative Services to deepen and expand the firm’s integrated content offerings. This person will be responsible for managing, developing, executing and measuring digital media efforts for a variety of clients, and also serve as an expert on subject matter.
In addition, we are looking to hire part-time employees to expand our media operations division, helping our clients stay abreast of news and events in their industries.
Ceisler Media Favorites
As the sun beats down and the beach beckons, we asked Ceisler Media teammates to name their favorite summertime “guilty pleasure.” Here they are:
