Focus Media, the Hudson Valley’s largest and award-winning public relations and marketing firm, is celebrating 15 years of business.
Founded by president and CEO Josh Sommers in March 2002, Focus Media is one of the largest firms in New York outside of Manhattan. The company attributes its longevity and success to client strategies that are focused on revenue growth and full-service capabilities, such as advertising planning, public relations, crisis communications, creative and web design, all under one roof. Focus Media consistently produces award-winning, innovative campaigns for clients with local, regional and national profiles. In recent years, the firm has won more than 75 awards for creative excellence, including for clients in the healthcare, economic development and tourism industries.
“I am very proud of the great work our team does every day, including the significant contributions to economic development projects that create jobs and tax ratables in New York State,” said Sommers.
Focus Media assisted Empire Resorts, Inc. with public, media and community relations during New York State’s casino site selection process. The agency helped Empire Resorts win its licensing bid for a new casino and tourism destination, which is currently under construction in Sullivan County, N.Y. Focus Media remains a trusted partner of Empire Resorts for pre-opening publicity and community relations.
In 2011, Focus Media was a strategic partner in opening the first new hospital built in New York State in more than 20 years – Orange Regional Medical Center. The firm assisted with opening communications for the new facility, which boasts state-of-the-art technology, and employs more than 2,400 health care professionals. Focus Media continues to serve as agency of record to Orange Regional.
Focus Media’s diverse client base represents many industry sectors, and includes top echelon regional organizations: Greater Hudson Valley Health System, Walden Savings Bank, Hudson Valley Economic Development Corporation, Orange County Tourism, Woodbury Common Premium Outlets and Empire Resorts. On a national level, Focus Media represents industry-leading clients including Aurochemicals, HYTORC, MetroVac and RSR Corporation.
“We create attention-grabbing campaigns that drive results for clients across a diverse range of industries, and that’s due to the variety of backgrounds and expertise our team brings to the table,” said Sommers. “I am fortunate to have some of the best talent in the field working with me at Focus Media, and I know our clients feel the same way.”
Focus Media’s staff includes individually award-winning communications specialists, former journalists, marketing executives, digital and graphic designers, content specialists and those who teach these skills at the university level. The agency’s 25-person team comprises the largest agency of its kind to have ever been based in the Hudson Valley. In 2011, PR Week named Focus Media as the fastest growing agency in the eastern United States. The following year, Inc. magazine recognized the firm as one of the Top 5,000 companies in any industry nationwide.
Focus Media is also well known for its crisis communication expertise, assisting national level clients with labor issues and trade disputes, government investigations, environmental controversies, mergers and acquisitions and litigation support.
“Focus Media has a reputation for being able to help preserve reputations, “said Sommers. “Our people are precise in the face of urgency, and we are a trusted partner to our clients who rely on us for guidance in difficult times.” To celebrate its 15th anniversary, Focus Media has launched its new website, www.focusmediausa.com. The new site’s expanded and enhanced Client Focus section will give visitors unique insight into the breadth and scope of the Focus Media’s award-winning portfolio, including development projects that have changed the face of the Hudson Valley region.