Violet PR Wins Five PRSA-NJ Awards for Campaigns Driving Economic Growth and Innovation

Award-winning media relations initiatives generated hundreds of news stories for clients

MONTCLAIR, N.J., Oct. 23, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Violet PR, a national public relations agency specializing in economic development and place branding, has earned five awards from the Public Relations Society of America's New Jersey Chapter (PRSA-NJ). Together, the campaigns generated more than 425 earned media placements in national, international, regional and niche outlets.

The winning programs ranged from launching a major fitness facility and promoting the growing film industry in New Jersey to showcasing Pittsburgh International Airport's new terminal, navigating international trade uncertainty in Topeka, Kan., and positioning the Brooklyn Navy Yard as an innovation hub.

"These awards reflect the range of challenges our team helps clients navigate – including building support for emerging industries and elevating major infrastructure investments," said April Mason, CEO and founder of Violet PR. "Whether we're promoting a new airport terminal or helping a community navigate international trade uncertainty, our job is to uncover the stories that matter, connect them with influential audiences and deliver results that support our clients' broader goals."

For the New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA), Violet PR's "Hollywood East: New Jersey Takes Center Stage" campaign earned PRSA-NJ recognition in the "Community Relations" category. Working with the New Jersey Motion Picture & Television Commission and NJEDA, the agency helped build support for the state's expanding film and television industry by highlighting its economic impact, career opportunities and benefits for local businesses and communities. Over 10 months, the campaign generated 38 earned media placements and more than 336 million impressions.

Violet PR also earned an "Events" award for "Building More Than Muscle: Launching a New Jersey Success Story," developed for Iron Culture's new flagship gym in West Orange, N.J. The campaign promoted the grand opening of the $10 million fitness facility, bringing together elected officials, business leaders and community members while generating 45 earned media placements.

The Montclair, N.J.-headquartered agency also won a "Media Relations" award for its campaign, "Brooklyn Navy Yard: From Shipyard to Innovation Engine," which spotlighted the historic waterfront campus's transformation into a hub for advanced manufacturing, entrepreneurship and innovation. The campaign generated 85 earned media placements, reaching an audience of 662 million.

The agency's national work was recognized as well. The "Ready for Takeoff: Commemorating Pittsburgh's New Airport Opening (2025)" campaign for Pittsburgh International Airport (PIT) earned an award in the "Public Affairs" category. Violet PR executed a strategic communications campaign surrounding the opening of PIT's new terminal, securing more than 200 earned media placements across national news, business, travel and aviation outlets, with a combined audience reach exceeding 525 million.

In Topeka, Kan., Violet PR's "The U.S. City Bridging Borders: How Topeka Tackled Tariffs" campaign was recognized in the "PR on a Shoestring Budget" category. As rising U.S.-Canada tariffs threatened up to 20% of local jobs, the agency transformed a complex international trade issue into a compelling story about the economic ties between Kansas and Canada. With a budget of just $10,000 over two months, the campaign secured 57 media placements, with an estimated reach of 224 million.

"What makes these awards especially meaningful is that they recognize five very different campaigns, each requiring a tailored strategy, creative thinking and close collaboration with our clients," said Christina Forrest, vice president, Violet PR. "We take pride in developing strategic campaigns that deliver meaningful results for our clients, and we're grateful to PRSA-NJ for the honor."

The PRSA-NJ Pyramid Awards recognize excellence in public relations and communications, honoring the strategy, creativity and impact of agencies and in-house teams across New Jersey and beyond.

Violet PR continues to earn national recognition for its growth and economic development industry expertise. The agency ranked No. 96 on O'Dwyer's 2026 list of independent public relations firms following 22.6% year-over-year growth in 2025 and has appeared on the Inc. 5000 list for three consecutive years. Violet PR opened its second office in New York City this year.

About Violet PR

Violet PR is an award-winning public relations firm, recognized nationally as a top agency specializing in economic development, commercial real estate and place branding. The agency partners with cities, states, regions, developers, destinations and mission-driven organizations to build visibility through earned media, thought leadership, social media and strategic storytelling.

Founded in 2010, Violet PR helps clients attract investment, business growth, visitors and talent through earned media campaigns. For more information, visit www.violetpr.com.

SOURCE Violet Public Relations