And That's a Wrap!

As 2021 comes to a close, we reflect on projects and clients that made a real difference this year.

OUR CLIENTS MAKING PLACES BETTER

Newark Symphony Hall launched a workforce training program for Newark residents to be trained as production assistants. With counsel from Newark-natives Jamila Jordan-Theus of Genius Entertainment and Kenneth Gifford, founder of the Newark International Film Festival, free program capitalizes on N.J.’s status as a growing production hub to create jobs for Newark residents. Read more from New Jersey Stage.

Topeka, Kansas, plans to host the state's first-ever Pride celebration in 2022, as part of its plan to welcome the LGBTQ+ community. Perhaps the most definitive example of the city’s LGBTQ+ presence is the Equality House, regularly serves as a rallying point for Pride festivities. Visitors to Equality House can leave their own messages of love on the side of the house. Read more in Out Traveler.

The arts are back in N.J.! ArtPride New Jersey is spotlighting in-person theatre, art exhibits and musical performances throughout the Garden State. As part of its “Discover Jersey Arts” program, the organization has partnered with shows like The Nutcracker, Elf and more. Check out a list of holiday shows here.

N.J.'s largest Latinx nonprofit serving Greater Newark, La Casa de Don Pedro, appointed CEO Peter Rosario. Peter leads and serves with La Casa’s 280 employees, As La Casa celebrates its 50th anniversary in 2022, Peter’s highest priorities include racial and social justice and affordable homeownership, among other things.

Pittsburgh vertical farming startup Fifth Season is using robotics to produce lettuce indoors, using 95% less water than conventional farming. Fifth Season's 60,000-square-foot, shed-like building is essentially a lettuce factory that uses advanced robotics, vast arrays of LEDs, and state-of-the-art systems engineering. Read more in Inc. here.

Northeastern Wyoming has a new brand: the Carbon Valley! The country's top coal producer is spearheading coal-to-product research and testing technologies to reduce CO2 emissions. The initiatives includes the Wyoming Integrated Test Center, Wyoming Innovation Center, University of Wyoming School of Energy Resources and Gillette College

Montclair's Van Vleck House and Gardens hosted a series of fall charity events. Throughout the pandemic, the 12-acre estate remained a free, quiet retreat for the public to enjoy.

Isaiah House, a homeless shelter in East Orange, N.J., hosted a series of morning dance parties to raise awareness and fund its work. The shelter offers support services including life skills training, instructions in household and money management, job search assistance, tutoring and medical referrals. Learn more from ROI-NJ.

GIVING THANKS THIS HOLIDAY SEASON

During the many challenges of 2021, Violet PR couldn't be more grateful to our clients, partners and media we work with every day. We're paying it forward with donations to The Montclair Foundation and Isaiah House on your behalf.