Montclair-based public relations agency Violet PR, which specializes in economic development and real estate, has been honored with two Pyramid Awards from the Public Relations Society of America – New Jersey Chapter (PRSA NJ). The awards recognize the agency’s effective campaigns that successfully elevated stories of business reinvention and inclusive economic growth across the Garden State.
One set of award-winning campaigns focused on positioning Newark as a model for urban revival, working in partnership with economic development organizations Invest Newark and the Newark Alliance.
By amplifying stories of small business growth, innovation, and cultural vitality, the campaign significantly shifted the city’s public perception from its industrial past to an accessible, innovation-focused future. The work generated impressive metrics, including more than 325 media placements and 10 billion impressions.
Ashley Mays, chief marketing officer at Newark Alliance, praised the partnership, “Violet PR has been an incredible partner in helping us to spotlight Newark’s booming business climate… Their storytelling helped turn that vision into awareness, excitement and engagement across the region.”
Emily Manz, chief business development officer for Invest Newark, added that the agency helped “disseminate narratives that better match the positive work we see every day here on the ground.”
The agency also received recognition for its work with The Connell Company, a Union County-based real estate firm. The campaign successfully introduced “The Park at Berkeley Heights” as New Jersey’s first-ever “work resort,” transforming a traditional suburban office park into a dynamic hub for work, wellness, and leisure.
The integrated campaign, which included earned media and community activation, generated 113 news placements and 472 million impressions. Furthermore, an influencer campaign for The Park garnered nearly 640,000 hyper-local impressions, boosting the project’s social media presence.
April Mason, president and founder of Violet PR, noted that the recognition underscores the agency’s vital role in the state’s economic landscape.
“Our latest recognition underscores Violet PR’s significant role in driving New Jersey’s resurgence – using strategic storytelling to attract investment, inspire local pride and strengthen the connection between business and community,” Mason stated.
The PRSA NJ Pyramid Awards, now in their 35th year, honor excellence in public relations and communications across New Jersey. This recognition follows a year of milestones for Violet PR, which was also named to the Inc. 5000 List and Inc.’s Best Workplaces list.
