As we bid farewell to 2023, we can’t help but reflect on the amazing journey this year has been for our company. Gratitude fills our hearts as we look back on the incredible clients and businesses that entrusted us with their aspirations. Our wins extended beyond our company, echoing across the vibrant landscapes of Minnesota and beyond.
This year, we embarked on transformative campaigns, witnessing extraordinary growth and engagement, and we owe it all to the valuable partnerships we forged. In this reflection, as we approach the new year, we’re excited to share the highlights of our 2023 journey – a testament to the collaborative spirit that fuels our success. So, without further ado, let’s dive into our 2023 wins!
1. Bringing the Homecare Experience to Life with Client Stories
For many older adults and people of all ages with disabilities, living at home is made possible by PCAs. Caregivers enable them to live more fulfilling, independent lives in their community, rather than in an institutional setting. One of our biggest projects throughout all of 2023 involved working alongside Accra Homecare, as we expanded our storytelling initiative, highlighting the lives that homecare clients enjoy in their communities and how caregivers have helped liberate them and improve their quality of life.
2. Empowering Minnesota's Energy Future with the Energy Foundation
In the heart of Minnesota’s quest for a sustainable future, a bold vision emerged: 100% clean energy by 2040. We meticulously crafted compelling narratives and key messages advocating for this transition towards renewable energy sources. Additionally, we leveraged opinion pieces to foster dialogue and sway public opinion in favor of this ambitious goal. Crucially, we spearheaded the development and management of a comprehensive coalition communications strategy, collaborating seamlessly with coalition members, EF grantees, allies, lobbyists, policymakers, and legislative staff to champion this critical cause.
3. Receiving the U.S. EPA Administrator’s Award for Environmental Excellence
Tunheim was awarded the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Administrator’s Award for Outstanding Accomplishments by a Woman-Owned Small Business Contractor. The EPA awards this distinction to contractors who have made significant contributions to protecting the environment and promoting sustainability. Tunheim executed an in-depth community outreach plan resulting in increased attendance of public meetings and strong public engagement on local clean-up efforts.
4. Announcing the 2024 U.S. Olympic Gymnastics Trials
For the first time ever, the U.S. Olympics Trials for Gymnastics are coming to Minnesota! We worked with regional sports commission Minnesota Sports & Events to announce this exciting news, with the help of Minnesotan and Olympic Gold Medalist Suni Lee and make a regional media splash worthy of the event. Mark your calendars for June 27-30, 2024, when Minneapolis will become Gymnastics City USA, and the Olympic Trials will take place at Target Center!
5. Launching the Champions of Homecare Podcast with Accra
The world of homecare can be a lot more difficult to navigate than one might expect. There are numerous programs and waivers and rules to follow. To help homecare clients, caregivers and social workers sift through the chaos, we worked with Accra to launch and produce the Champions of Homecare Podcast. Through interviews with program directors, community leaders and other experts, the bi-weekly podcast helps make accessing vital homecare services as seamless as possible.
6. Showcasing Solar Energy and Sustainable Farming at the Minnesota State Fair
Tunheim worked alongside the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Big River Farms, Connexus Energy, US Solar, Great Plains Institute and Argonne National Laboratory at the Minnesota State Fair to spotlight a landmark pilot project to produce solar energy alongside sustainable farming. Through this initiative, we were able to provide information on how electric cooperatives are making productive use of the land under and around solar panels.
7. Breaking Down the World of Family Business with Briol & Benson
Some people say blood and business are not supposed to mix. When they do, you often have a mess on your hands. Attorneys Mark Briol and Scott Benson are some of the best people to clean up that mess. To help business owners navigate the treacherous waters of running their own family business and deal with other complex commercial cases, we worked with Briol & Benson to launch Divided Dynasties: A Family Business Podcast. The series is just getting started, and there will be more episodes coming in 2024!
8. Promoting Sustainable Transit Solutions via Regional Transit Sales Tax
The regional transit sales tax aims to fortify sustained funding for transit development. This comprehensive plan implements a 0.75 of a penny sales tax per dollar. Beyond its financial role, the tax symbolizes progress and community accessibility. Our journey involved crafting compelling narratives, engaging with media and leveraging opinion pieces to highlight the impact of enhanced transit infrastructure. Through strategic advocacy efforts and a united coalition of stakeholders, including coalition members, EF grantees, allies, lobbyists, organizers, policymakers, and legislative staff, we successfully communicated a shared vision for revolutionizing transportation in the Twin Cities and surrounding areas.
9. Kathy Receiving Aluminary Award from the University of Minnesota Hubbard School of Journalism
Kathy Tunheim received the inaugural Aluminary Award from the University of Minnesota Hubbard School of Journalism‘s Professional Master’s in Strategic Communication Program. The award is a symbol of outstanding excellence, a testament to the substantial impact one individual can have on the strategic communication profession, and acts as a reminder of the inspirational legacy left by the school’s esteemed alumni.
10. Bringing Specialized Expo Back to the U.S for the First Time in 40 years
Tunheim was hired to lead the communications and media relations for Minnesota USA Expo 2027, which is an effort between local officials and the U.S. government to bring a World’s Fair back to the United States for the first time in nearly 40 years. Tunheim worked for the bid committee in coordination with the U.S. Department of State, U.S. Department of Commerce, U.S. Embassy Paris and White House officials on this effort. Even with the disappointing loss to Belgrade, Serbia, we are proud of the effort and diligent campaigning the team put into this bid.
11. Sharing the Possibility of Pursuing Higher Education through the Future Together Grant with the Office of Higher Education
Tunheim joined forces with the Minnesota Office of Higher Education to promote the availability of Future Together Grants for individuals looking to pursue higher education in high-needs fields such as healthcare, STEM, business, industry and technology, education, and public service. These grants have been made possible by an investment from Governor Tim Walz, using funds from the federal American Recovery Plan.
As we wrap up our exploration of 2023 wins, we are reminded of how proud and grateful we are for the opportunity to work alongside great clients and coworkers. We are excited to see what opportunities and challenges 2024 has in store for us. We look forward to continuing to provide exceptional service and support to our clients in the upcoming year. Here’s to a new year filled with growth, success, and determination to forge ahead.
