Citizens Bank

Citizens Bank, a unit of the Royal Bank of Scotland’s North American operations, hired GBPR to help raise the bank’s market presence and expand its footprint in Connecticut. GBPR developed and executed a comprehensive communications plan that included speech writing, executive networking events and strategic communications counsel for the senior management. In addition, GBPR provided public relations and community relations support for new branch openings and community-based philanthropic initiatives. These tactics resulted in a greater local appreciation for the Citizens Bank’s commitment to the community, and increased visibility for Bank executives in Connecticut’s finance and banking industries.

Connecticut Innovations

Connecticut Innovations (CI) is a quasi-public organization dedicated to driving Connecticut’s technology-based economy by investing in early-stage technology companies, university/industry research collaborations, technology transfer and clean energy initiatives through the Connecticut Clean Energy Fund. GBPR was retained by CI with the goal of generating coverage and awareness for CI’s investments in startup companies across Connecticut. To accomplish this, GBPR created a customized public relations campaign including proactive media outreach to local, trade and national media, promotion of events and company milestones – including the announcement of a 2010 Economic Impact Study – and the submission of op-eds and coordination of editorial board meetings with major daily newspapers in Connecticut. These targeted public relations efforts resulted in increased overall awareness among journalists, legislators and the general public of CI’s continued success in building Connecticut’s technology sector.

First Niagara Bank

When First Niagara Financial Group (First Niagara), a top 35 U.S. bank, announced plans to merge with New Haven, CT-based NewAlliance Bank, First Niagara retained GBPR to develop a strategic communications plan to support the merger. Faced with a challenging political and economic environment, First Niagara recognized that the communications plan would need to support the regulatory approval process and sell the attributes of the deal to key government, business and community leaders, as well as the media. GBPR developed a plan that helped First Niagara showcase the details and benefits of the proposed merger to key audiences, and also supported the company as they launched major philanthropic and community-oriented initiatives.

NewStar Financial

NewStar Financial, Inc. is a specialized commercial finance company that provides a range of secured debt financing to mid-sized companies and private investors. GBPR was hired by NewStar in its earliest start-up phase to provide counsel and broad communications support to help launch the business and establish brand awareness and market presence. GBPR’s work for NewStar included communications support for the opening of market center offices in seven states, and the subsequent planning and execution of public relations outreach for NewStar’s successful IPO.

Royal Bank of Scotland

When Royal Bank of Scotland (RBS) made a decision to relocate its North American operations to a new, $400 million headquarters in Stamford, CT, the bank asked GBPR to create a comprehensive communications plan to support its application for state economic assistance, and to help manage communications with other influential audiences. GBPR worked with RBS to assess its public relations exposure and evaluate opportunities to enhance the bank’s image by refining its message to the media and general public. During the course of project reviews and approvals by the legislature and the state economic development authority, GBPR managed RBS’ communications with the media, elected officials, business and community organizations, and other key parties. Following project financing approval by the state, GBPR continued to provide RBS with communications support. Throughout the groundbreaking and construction phases, GBPR helped to establish the bank as a welcome member of the community.