From national broadcasts and front-page business coverage to viral digital campaigns and Wall Street Journal exclusives, Violet PR helped elevate regions, agencies and leaders onto the global stage in 2025. As we close the first month of 2026, we’re reflecting on a year defined by major economic development announcements, shifting industry priorities and nonstop news momentum. 

Across our agency’s retainer and project portfolio, we secured 3,665 earned media placements, reaching 15 billion in total audience and generating an estimated 427 million views. These results were fueled by sharp national outreach, tightly managed embargoes, high-touch press tours and creator-led storytelling that positioned our clients at the center of the economic conversation. 

Here are the standout headlines that defined our year: 

Business Post: Pittsburgh Deepens Ireland Ties Beyond the NFL 

Following an NFL game hosted in Dublin, Ireland in September, The Business Post, the country’s leading business and finance publication, spotlighted Pittsburgh business leaders’ long-term commitment to foreign direct investment in Ireland. 

The coverage positioned the Allegheny Conference (Pa.) as a key connector advancing sustained transatlantic trade and economic collaboration beyond sports. 

The piece reinforced Pittsburgh’s growing credibility with international business and policy audiences, strengthening the region’s visibility as a serious global partner. 

Read the story here 

Bloomberg Television: PIT CEO Showcases Airport’s Brand-New Terminal 

Bloomberg Television featured Pittsburgh International Airport CEO Christina Cassotis live from New York City, highlighting the airport’s new terminal, enhanced passenger experience and innovation milestones. 

The national broadcast elevated executive visibility, reinforced PIT’s leadership in airport modernization and drove high-impact awareness among a global business audience. 

Watch the segment here 

Washington Post: Tariffs, Tech and the AI Supply Chain 

In a Washington Post technology feature on how tariffs and global trade tensions are reshaping Silicon Valley’s AI ecosystem, Violet PR secured inclusion for both Biggins Lacy Shapiro and the Greater Sacramento Economic Council. 

The piece tied legal, infrastructure and regional economic insights into a national conversation on the future of U.S. innovation and advanced manufacturing. 

Read the story here 

Next City: A New Blueprint for Urban Education 

This Next City feature elevated Brooklyn Navy Yard CEO Lindsay Greene as a thought leader on workforce development and future-ready education. 

The story highlighted the Brooklyn STEAM Center as a national model, amplifying the narrative just as the program hit a key milestone. 

Read the story here  

Wall Street Journal: North Carolina’s Historic Aerospace Win 

Violet PR strategically coordinated an embargoed Wall Street Journal placement for the largest economic development announcement in North Carolina’s history. 

Working directly with the state and its Community College System, our team managed the timing and messaging of a complex, high-stakes rollout that positioned North Carolina at the center of a major aerospace industry moment. 

Read the story here  

Nasdaq ‘TradeTalks’: Baltimore’s Innovation Economy 

This live, in-person Nasdaq “TradeTalks” interview featured Baltimore Mayor Brandon Scott and Greater Baltimore Committee President & CEO Mark Anthony Thomas, discussing the city’s leadership in startups, life sciences, cybersecurity and AI. 

The segment positioned Baltimore as a multi-billion-dollar growth hub and reinforced its credibility with investors and industry leaders. 

Watch the interview here  

Associated Press: Sacramento’s Semiconductor Surge 

After months of coordination tied to CHIPS Act developments, the Associated Press published a national feature on Sacramento’s emergence as a semiconductor R&D hub. 

The story secured broad U.S. and international syndication, reinforcing core messaging; this includes the city’s absorption of tech innovation once clustered exclusively in Silicon Valley. 

Read the story here 

CBS News: Newark Expands Street Outreach Program 

CBS News highlighted Newark’s expanded homeless outreach services, spotlighting the Metro Downtown Outreach initiative and the city’s collaborative approach to housing insecurity. 

The broadcast featured Newark Alliance CEO Evan Weiss and reinforced Newark’s leadership on a national issue. 

Watch the segment here   

USA Today: Taylor Swift’s Kansas City Economic Impact 

This USA Today feature tied Taylor Swift’s relationship with Travis Kelce to the Kansas City economy, highlighting the ripple effect on small businesses and tourism. 

The story positioned Kansas City as a culturally relevant, economically vibrant market. 

Read the story here 

TikTok: Lincoln Goes Viral at Gravel Worlds 

Violet PR coordinated a visit for digital creator Ariel Viera to Lincoln and Lancaster County, Neb., during the famed Gravel Worlds cycling event. 

The campaign generated 22 videos, reaching his 726K TikTok followers and significantly boosting awareness of the city’s culture and attractions. 

Violet PR’s successful event planning also led to a direct shout-out for the agency – on Nebraska’s KOLN News. 

Watch the TikTok here 

Forbes: Workforce Development Meets Metallica 

With a memorable connection to Metallica’s efforts to elevate trade skills, this Forbes feature delivered national recognition for both Buffalo, N.Y., and the North Carolina Community College System’s role in workforce development.  

The story positioned the College System and related workforce programs as trusted partners/initiatives for major business investments and expansions. 

Read the story here  

Forbes: Route 66’s Centennial Revival 

This Forbes story spotlighted Oklahoma’s Route 66 revitalization efforts ahead of the iconic highway’s 100th anniversary. 

Oklahoma Lieutenant Governor Pinnell’s interview highlighted strategic investments, grant programs and the broader economic significance of Route 66’s renewal. 

Read the story here 

CNBC: Metro Atlanta Chamber in NYC 

Violet PR hosted the Metro Atlanta Chamber in New York City for high-level media engagements, including a featured interview with Atlanta Falcons CEO Rich McKay on CNBC. 

The coverage reinforced Atlanta’s leadership in business, sports and economic growth on a national stage. 

Watch the interview here 

Looking Ahead 

As navigate 2026, the stories shaping the global economy – from foreign investment and workforce development to AI, advanced manufacturing and regional competitiveness – will continue to drive our work. 

Violet PR remains focused on helping communities, organizations and leaders reach their full potential through strategic, results-driven media engagement. 

Stay tuned for more great results in 2026! 

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Interested in seeing your community here next year? We’d love to connect; reach out here.