American Council of Engineering Companies

The American Council of Engineering Companies of Connecticut (ACEC) is the leading organization representing the business and professional interests of consulting engineering firms in the state. GBPR worked with ACEC when a proposed change to the process in which state consultant engineering contracts were awarded stood to adversely impact ACEC’s members. This change would have prevented the nearly 100 consultant engineering firms in Connecticut from providing their services to State of Connecticut government agencies, severely reducing the economic activity generated by these firms. After developing the campaign’s messages, GBPR helped ACEC’s leaders and membership communicate to state policymakers and the media the key role that consultant engineering firms play in supporting Connecticut’s infrastructure and economy.

C.H. Nickerson & Company

C.H. Nickerson & Company (Nickerson) is a general contractor specializing in water and wastewater treatment facility construction for more than 70 years. In 2012, Gaffney Bennett Public Relations was retained by Nickerson to raise awareness of the company’s profile and operations throughout New England, and to redesign its marketing resources including its web site. GBPR created a new look and feel for the Nickerson web site, which resulted in a modern, streamlined site providing concise and organized information regarding Nickerson’s completed and current projects, history and process for existing and potential clients, as well as the media.

Working with Nickerson’s development team, GBPR also executed a media relations plan to promote ongoing construction projects and new client contracts. Through proactive media outreach, GBPR secured coverage of Nickerson projects in local and national trade publications, and was instrumental in the planning and execution of two water and wastewater treatment plant groundbreaking ceremonies. In each case GBPR, secured attendance from local elected officials, drafted and distributed communications to media and generated positive media coverage.

Connecticut Construction Labor Management Council

The Connecticut Construction Labor Management Council (CCLMC) was created to serve as a joint effort between building trades unions and contractors to support the development of a diverse, highly qualified workforce, and the construction of high-quality buildings and structures. GBPR worked with CCLMC during proposed policy changes to Connecticut’s prevailing wage law, articulating the argument that these laws are vital to both supporting quality construction and maintaining a skilled construction workforce in Connecticut. A critical element in GBPR’s comprehensive strategy was the execution of an in-depth study of Connecticut’s prevailing wage laws and their impacts on the state’s economy and workforce. GBPR managed the development of the study and worked with CCLMC to communicate the study’s findings to a range of key audiences including policymakers, the media and union members. The campaign generated significant media coverage and grassroots advocacy in support of prevailing wage, resulting in the continued preservation of the state’s prevailing wage laws, to the benefit of the Connecticut’s skilled construction industry.

International Union of Operating Engineers Local 478

The International Union of Operating Engineers Local 478 (Local 478) is leading supplier of heavy equipment operators, mechanics and support personnel. GBPR developed and executed a public relations campaign incorporating outreach to local and state media, highlighting the group’s important events, public policy priorities and charitable activities. The resulting media coverage increased awareness of Local 478’s leadership and community activism among lawmakers and residents across Connecticut.

The Morganti Group

Founded in 1920, The Morganti Group  (Morganti) has grown from a small, family-owned general contracting firm to an international construction management organization and leader in construction industry techniques. GBPR worked with Morganti’s Northeast Regional Operations to reestablish its presence in the region and raise the overall profile of the company. After creating key messages and developing collateral materials, GBPR conducted proactive media outreach to secure coverage in Connecticut outlets and industry trade publications regarding company announcements and the completion of projects. GBPR also researched business development and community outreach opportunities in targeted municipalities.

Tilcon Connecticut Inc.

Tilcon Connecticut Inc. (Tilcon) is one of the largest paving companies in Connecticut, and a leading supplier of quality crushed stone, hot mix asphalt and ready mix concrete. When Tilcon proposed a 2-1 land swap with the city of New Britain, they enlisted GBPR to help educate key stakeholders, including residents, environmental groups and elected officials. Through the development of a Web site dedicated to the issue, the design of printed collateral materials and execution a comprehensive media relations campaign, GBPR helped Tilcon uphold their reputation as a community leader while reaching a wide audience with targeted, comprehensive messaging.