• Matter Wins 7 Honors at The 2020 Telly Awards

    Matter Wins 7 Honors at The 2020 Telly Awards

    ‘The Telly Awards’ is the premier award honoring video and television across all screens. Established in 1979, The Telly Awards receives over 12,000 entries from all 50 states and 5 continents. Entrants are judged by The Telly Awards Judging Council—an industry body of over 200 leading experts including advertising agencies, production companies, and major television networks, reflective of the multiscreen industry The Telly Awards celebrates.

    We are excited to share Matter has earned 7 awards for excellence in video. Check out the winning pieces of work below.

    Silver

    Hitachi Vantara – Branded Content General, Science and Technology

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    North Country Smokehouse – Branded Content General, Food/Beverage

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    Thermo Fisher Scientific – Branded Content General, Science & Technology

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    Bridge Connector – Branded Content Craft, Motion Graphics/Design

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    Cisco Webex – Branded Content General, Business-to-Business

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    Bronze

    BostonSight – Branded Content Craft, Motion Graphics/Design

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    SailPoint – Branded Content Craft, Motion Graphics/Design

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    Tim Bradley

  • The Retail Roundup: COVID-19 Edition – Take 2

    The Retail Roundup: COVID-19 Edition – Take 2

    Coronavirus continues to accelerate dramatic changes across the retail industry, and it’s hard to imagine what the sector will be like for businesses and shoppers in a post-pandemic world. According to a new report from market research company Euromonitor, U.S. retail sales could be down by an estimated 6.5% this year. For comparison, retail sales were down just 2.2% in 2009, the year the Great Recession ended.

    While many factors could alter the course for retailers, including another outbreak or shoppers’ willingness to return to stores, current headlines affirm that the pandemic will have long-lasting and likely permanent impacts on customer behavior and the retail landscape. Here are a few key themes we’ve seen being covered across publications:

    Retail Divide 

    Apparel retailers and department store operators continue to report on operating losses and declining profits, with many announcing temporary and permanent layoffs in an effort to cut costs during this time. Neiman Marcus, J.Crew, Stage Stores and J.C. Penney have already filed for bankruptcy during the crisis. And just last week, Macy’s announced forecasts of up to a $1 billion quarterly loss while Kohl’s net sales tanked 43.5% during the first quarter due to lockdowns. 

    E-commerce players and essential-item retailers that stayed open throughout the quarantine – such as Target, Walmart and Home Depot – saw sales surge in the last quarter as shoppers stocked up on household goods. To keep up with demand and retain their workforce, both Target and Walmart have stated they plan to continue offering wage increases for workers as a result of the pandemic.

    As consumers continue to engage in “relief” spending – some retailers will continue to see unprecedented demand, while others look to stay afloat. 

    Relevant Articles:

    “Dark” Stores + Fulfillment Strategies 

    The surge in online shopping has caused retailers to rethink the way they use their store space. To manage the massive increase in online orders and provide faster deliveries, many are turning their shuttered brick-and-mortar locations into “dark stores” that moonlight as fulfillment centers. Because staff do not have to work cash registers or help customers, it makes it much easier for the retailer to rapidly fulfill online orders.

    This has become particularly common in the grocery industry amid record demand for online orders, with Whole Foods opening a total of six dark stores, and chains like Giant Eagle, Kroger and Stop & Shop leveraging the strategy to fulfill delivery and pickup orders. 

    Walmart and Target, as well as fashion brands, have converted stores into fulfillment centers, too. Bed Bath & Beyond recently announced plans to transition 25% of its stores into regional fulfillment centers, and Gap has been fulfilling and shipping online orders from 1,000 locations. 

    Gap, REI, as well as other clothing chains, have started to reopen these stores for business by offering curbside pickup to trim down transportation costs and further boost fulfillment capabilities. 

    Relevant Articles:

    Re-opening of Stores

    As US states continue to loosen restrictions on stay-at-home orders, retailers are announcing their plans for the slow re-opening of store locations and preventative steps taken to ensure shopper and worker safety. People want to feel safe, get their lives back to normal, and start shopping again, but as they return to stores, they will notice many changes.

    TJX announced it “expects” customers to wear facial coverings while shopping, and American Eagle announced it will provide hand sanitizer for customers and institute employee temperature checks. Meanwhile, Ulta is banning any product sampling.

    Aside from new sanitation practices, some retailers, such as Nordstrom and Macy’s, will temporarily close some fitting rooms and quarantine items that have been tried on before returning them to the sales floor.

    Relevant Articles:

    What headlines stood out to you this month? We will continue to closely monitor the media and market sentiment amidst the COVID-19 crisis. Send me an email if you’d like to receive our weekly summary and insights.

    Kate Duchaney

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  • Matter Survey Reveals Consumers Find Influencers More Helpful and Trustworthy than Brands During the Pandemic

    Matter Survey Reveals Consumers Find Influencers More Helpful and Trustworthy than Brands During the Pandemic

    Research from integrated PR agency highlights strong opportunities for influencer marketing across brand categories, as digital media consumption grows due to social distancing. 

    BOSTON – May 26, 2020 – New data released by Matter Communications – a Brand Elevation Agency specializing in PR, creative services and digital marketing – reveals consumers are spending more time and increasingly engaging with influencers on social platforms during COVID-19 social distancing restrictions. The data shows the majority of consumers find these influencers’ content appropriate and helpful – with an overwhelming trust in influencer content over posts from brands, impacting purchasing behaviors. 

    Matter surveyed more than 1,000 U.S. consumers in May to uncover how COVID-19 has impacted social media consumption, influencer perceptions and purchasing habits. 

    Less Face Time Means More Screen Time. 

    Since social distancing restrictions started, consumers are spending more time engaging with social platforms and seeing more content from influencers, as a result. 

    • 63% have spent more time viewing and/or posting on social platforms 
    • 50% have spent more time viewing live-stream social content 
    • 55% of consumers ages 18-29 are viewing more live-stream content 
    • 58% of consumers are noticing more sponsored content from influencers 

    The good news for brands already utilizing influencers is that most appear to be striking the right tone during COVID-19, offering useful content that doesn’t rub consumers the wrong way: 

    • Only 19% feel influencer content has been “tone-deaf and/or unhelpful” 

    “Brands of all sizes are grappling with how to shift or amplify their marketing, PR and social media strategies to adapt right now, and a challenge for many is how to authentically connect with consumers,” said Matter President Mandy Mladenoff. “Our data makes one thing clear: influencer marketing presents a unique and timely opportunity for companies to engage with a thoughtful, nuanced approach.” 

    Influencers vs. Brands: Who Do People Trust? 

    When it comes to brand, product or service recommendations, consumers continue to place their trust in friends, family and influencers over brands. 

    • 61% are likely to trust recommendations from a friend, family member or influencer on social platforms. Only 38% are likely to trust recommendations from a brand on social platforms.

    Trust in recommendations from friends, family members and influencers shared via social posts is strongest among younger audiences:

    • 66% of consumers ages 18-29 
    • 61% of consumers ages 30-44 
    • 60% of consumers ages 45-60 
    • 53% of consumers over 60

    When looking at the categories of content respondents prefer to follow, Matter examined which types of influencers resonate across health and wellness, beauty and personal care, food and beverage, baby and kids, personal technology and consumer goods: 

    • Consumers prefer influencers with relatable personalities (60%-70% of each category) followed by expert personalities (50%-58% of each category).
    • Only 17%-22% of consumers prefer celebrity influencers over personalities seen as either aspirational, relatable, expert, “just for fun” or well-known non-celebrity individuals, like authors or public figures. 

    Influencers Are Driving the Conversation—And Sales. 

    A sweeping majority of consumers have had some part of their buying journey impacted by influencer content. 

    • 82% have either purchased, researched or considered purchasing a product or service after seeing friends, family or influencers post about it. 

    Consumers are most interested in seeing influencer posts about:

    • Food and beverage (56%) 
    • Health and wellness (48%) 
    • Personal technology (45%) 
    • Consumer goods (40%) 
    • Beauty and personal care (33%) 
    • Baby and kids (13%) 

    Of these content categories, consumers are most likely to act on (purchase, research, spread the word or consider) influencer posts about:

    • Food & beverage (51%) 
    • Health & wellness (39%) 
    • Personal technology (37%)

    “Consumers trust influencers who serve as positive, relatable resources and help inform their buying decisions,” added Mladenoff. “However, brands shouldn’t worry – they just need to focus on compelling, strategic programs with influencers to further reach the right audience at the right time.” 

    For more than 15 years, Matter has driven results for brands looking to tap influencers and extend their reach to consumers. The agency’s influencer programs are custom-built and scalable based on budget and business needs. 

    With nearly 200 professionals across offices in Boston and Newburyport, MA, Portsmouth, NH, Providence, RI, Pittsburgh, PA, Boulder, CO, and Portland, OR, Matter is one of the fastest-growing PR, creative services and digital marketing firms in the country. Matter has won 12 “Agency of the Year” accolades in the past three years and has been consistently recognized as a top place to work.

    About Matter Communications 

    Matter is a Brand Elevation Agency unifying PR, creative services and digital marketing into strategic, content-rich communications campaigns that inspire action and build value. Founded in 2003, with seven offices spanning North America, Matter works with the world’s most innovative companies across healthcare, high-technology, consumer technology and consumer markets. For more information, visit https://www.matternow.com. 

    Survey Methodology: Matter collected responses from 1,000 U.S.-based consumers in May 2020 via a third-party provider to determine the findings of this survey. 

    Contact 

    Matter

  • Marketing Jump Start Part II: Optimizing Your Digital Ecosystem

    Marketing Jump Start Part II: Optimizing Your Digital Ecosystem

    While the digital landscape has changed over the past few months, businesses are still looking to accomplish the same goals: generate leads/sales, drive awareness and/or engagement, and sustain or grow their leadership position. To do so, it’s imperative to focus holistically on optimizing your digital ecosystem. A consistent focus on the following programs will help your business continue to succeed: 

    • Optimize your website/landing pages. 
    • Consistently evaluate your paid, owned and earned media strategies. 
    • Nurture leads with effective email marketing/marketing automation strategies.

    When your digital ecosystem is a well-oiled machine, your marketing efforts will drive brand awareness and preference, as well as increased engagement and higher quality leads. 

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    Step 1: Optimizing Your Website/Landing Pages 

    Your media programs, social media channels and email marketing campaigns may be in good working order, but if you’re website isn’t functional or on-brand, you simply won’t succeed. At the center of a healthy digital ecosystem is a well-crafted company website. Here’s what you should focus on to ensure your website is ready to support your digital efforts: 

    Branding and Messaging:

    • Make sure your branding and messaging make sense. What is your website about? Does the tone and manner of the content match your brand? Is the brand identity consistent throughout the website? Is the design visually appealing, clean and straight-forward? Your brand positioning should be clear and obvious on your home page and your content should be easy to scan.

    Navigation & UX:

    • Do you have goals to track performance? What is each page trying to achieve based on your UX strategy? 
    • Keep your site or landing page’s main navigation simple and intuitive. Don’t get too carried away with bloated “mega-menu” designs unless they are necessary. Prioritize “above the fold” content that intrigues users to scroll down and further engage with your site. 
    • Make sure to incorporate CTAs to show the next steps. You want to take the user down a path that helps them make an informed decision. Be sure to add a CTA enticing visitors to follow your social networks, and include follow and share icons in header and footer. 
    • Don’t set it and forget it. Continuously test your homepage and be sure it’s helping you reach your goals.

    Search Engine Optimization:

    • Every page of your website is a potential search engine entry point, so assign a primary keyword topic to each. Placing that keyword in areas of emphasis like the title tag, main heading and even the URL helps Google identify the main topic. 
    • Don’t skimp on copy, especially for your most important or competitive keywords. Google typically won’t rank pages with “thin” content (one or two sentences) very highly. Images and video can help boost your standing, too. 
    • Mobile friendliness and page speed have become big parts of search algorithms. No matter how great your content is, if your webpage loads slowly on mobile devices, chances are Google won’t serve it up to searchers. 
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    Step 2: Evaluate Your Paid Media Strategies to Drive Traffic and General Leads 

    Consumer habits, business drivers and competitive landscapes have changed in this new business environment, so now is the time to reset or re-evaluate your existing digital programs to ensure you’re continuing to drive maximum effectiveness. Start by defining goals and budgets through one of these methods: 

    • Top down: What is my budget? At a reasonable cost per lead or cost per sale, what results am I likely to generate? 
    • Bottom up: What are my sales goals? At a reasonable cost per lead or cost per sale, what budget do I need to secure to reach these goals?
      • Next, identify your target segments and understand their media consumption habits and purchase influences. Detailed personas and journey mapping are the best practice tools for this job. 
      • Re-assess objectives, current results and KPI’s of all existing programs – The most effective way to evaluate your paid media campaigns are through the objectives set from launch. 
    • Consider or re-evaluate all valuable media vehicles – Aside from the traditional banner ads and search results, adjust to focus on high converting channels within your industry trends. 
    • Ensure you have relatable content that drives engagement – Providing viewers with valuable content in exchange for their information is a great way to drive traffic to your website and helps to generate more qualified leads. 
    • Utilize a dashboard that offers real-time results for consistent assessment – The most successful campaigns are the ones with eyes constantly on them. Evaluate, optimize and re-strategize based on the real-time results provided from dashboards. 
    • Consistently track and optimize until performance is steady – Digital campaigns need attention throughout each program. Weekly and sometimes daily changes are necessary to increase performance and stay on track to meet the established KPIs. Once a test channel is proven out, it can “graduate” to a proven place in your plan. 
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    Step 3: Are You Nurturing Leads with Emailing Marketing or Marketing Automation? 

    Whether it’s Constant Contact, HubSpot, Pardot or another email marketing system, strategically tracking and segmenting your leads with a nurture strategy is a huge driver in building relationships with your prospects and moving leads down the funnel. Here are five steps to ensuring a successful start: 

    • Attract: Capture leads with a compelling and concise lead capture form that is personalized enough to sustain interest 
    • Personalize: Promote an offer or content that is attractive enough to motivate your customer segments. 
    • Engage: Create a workflow strategy for each segment that will nurture the relationship and drive prospects down the funnel. 
    • Create: Design and develop emails that are attractive and well-crafted, utilizing graphics and imagery where possible. 
    • Test: Once you’re up and running, continue to optimize your strategy! 

    Is your digital marketing ecosystem driving high quality leads? Fill out the form below and let’s talk about what optimizations you can make today.

    Jeff Tahnk

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  • Media on the Move: Week of May 11, 2020

    Media on the Move: Week of May 11, 2020

    As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to dominate the news cycle and the thoughts of communities worldwide, a recent survey by the Pew Research Center reveals that readers are beginning to show signs of news fatigue. The survey reported that 72% of respondents feel the need to “take breaks” from news about the pandemic, and 43% feel worse emotionally after learning about coronavirus-related news.

    While coverage and consumption about the COVID-19 pandemic will persist across media because of its all-encompassing impact, journalists and readers alike are experiencing significant shifts in news consumption. In fact, 71% of respondents reported that, as a result of the pandemic, journalists have had to change the way they report.

    As PR professionals, our job is to be a reliable resource to the media, which requires that we understand and accurately adapt to the industry’s current climate. According to Cision’s latest “State of the News Media” report, journalists are facing more responsibilities and an increased workload with fewer resources. 

    So what does this mean for us as PR pros? Journalists who are strapped for time and resources will benefit from and be even more receptive to tailored pitches about topics that align with their beat and audience. While this has always been true, now more than ever, we need to do our due diligence before reaching out with news. Meet journalists where they are, strive to be as useful as possible, and don’t forget to display empathy during this time.

    Forbes

    • Alex Konrad has been promoted from associate editor to senior editor overseeing cloud and venture capital.
    • Alex Knapp has also been promoted from associate editor and now serves as senior editor for healthcare and science.
    • Jeremy Bogaisky is now a senior editor covering aerospace.
    • Michael del Castillo has been promoted from staff writer to associate editor and continues to cover blockchain and crypto.
    • Justin Conklin and Katherine Love have both been promoted to managers of editorial operations.

    Politico

    • Formerly a freelancer, Heidi Vogt has taken the role of deputy technology and cybersecurity editor.

    Glossy

    • Katie Richards has left Glossy to start a new career path at Citi.

    WIRED

    • Formerly a contributing writer covering tech policy, software development, cloud computing, Klint Finley shared he was laid off from WIRED on Twitter.

    Georgina Rupp

  • Marketing Jump Start Part I: Leveraging Video as Part of the Marketing Funnel

    Marketing Jump Start Part I: Leveraging Video as Part of the Marketing Funnel

    Over the coming weeks, we’ll be sharing six tactics you should consider employing to adapt your marketing programs to our new remote world. Welcome! Today is Part I, Leveraging Video as Part of the Marketing Funnel.

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    #1. Transition to Virtual Events

    With in-person events and conferences no longer an option in the current environment, consider launching a digital conference, webinar or meet-up. Virtual events are a great way to connect with your audience and expand your customer base. Here are some best practices:

    • Have a compelling topic that will add value to the audience. Just like any event or conference, the quality of the content is what attracts an audience. 
    • Surround the event with a high-impact landing page that houses relevant content and conversation. 
    • Invest in a smart pre- and post-event digital promotional campaign to drive attendees and maximize leads after the event. Our campaigns will typically leverage a combination of social media, digital advertising, PR and SEO.
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    #2. Launch a Thought Leadership Series

    39% of C-suite execs and decision-makers said thought leadership content had influenced them to ask a vendor to participate in the RFP process, and 47% said such content had a direct impact on awarding business. (source)

    Your audience still wants to hear from you, and video is a high-impact way to connect with your audience in a time when face-to-face connections are critical. A well-planned thought leadership video from the brand C-Suite or subject matter experts can be highly valuable components of the demand gen process. Here are a few tips to make your thought leadership work for you:

    • The most critical success factor is to provide insights that help your audience. The content must be engaging and help them think differently, work differently, or offer a perspective on a relevant topic.
    • Your content should be on brand and on strategy. Your thought leadership, while coming from a leader’s perspective, also reflects on the brand. It is important to ensure the messaging, tone, and visuals represent not only leadership, but the company as well. 
    • Highly-stylized videos can be impactful, but are not a requirement. Some of the best thought leadership videos are simple, direct, short, and demonstrate consumable POVs without high-priced production. A simple 60-second iPhone video commenting on a relevant topic can be highly impactful and more likely to be consumed.
    • Consider expanding beyond the standard one-person speech to include a dialog format with key customers or partners. The best thought leadership topics spark conversation, and getting customers and partners engaged builds valuable credibility and support.   
    • Do not overlook the importance of promoting the content to drive views and the importance of ensuring you have a complete lead gen funnel to capitalize on those that show interest. This is critical!
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    #3. Launch a Podcast Series

    As of 2020, more than half of US consumers over the age of 12 listen to podcasts. 

    Now is the time to consider leveraging this popular media vehicle to communicate to, and engage with, your audience. Podcasts are an effective tool to position yourself as a subject matter expert while connecting with your audience on a regular basis. Here are a few things to keep in mind:

    • Pick a theme that is relevant to your audience/customers – and don’t sell! Podcasts are for educational or entertainment purposes. Leave the selling for further down the funnel. 
    • Create a content calendar. Map out each episode with a topic that ladders back to your core theme, otherwise listeners may lose interest.
    • Have a POV and establish it early in the podcast. 80% of listeners listen to all or most of each podcast episode, so engaging them early will increase the likelihood of them finishing the episode and returning for the next one.
    • Talk with them, not at them. Establish a social media channel connected to the podcast to engage with the audience for follow-up questions, comments, or to receive suggestions for new episode topics.
    • Make sure you have the right set up. From the quality of the sound equipment, to the editing software, to where you’re recording, make sure you have a plan. Podcasting has never been easier — read this article for tips to launch your first podcast. 
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    #4. Up Your Virtual Selling Game

    With travel restrictions, reduction of conferences and events, and lack of in-person meetings, companies need to quickly pivot their marketing and sales strategies to optimize lead generation despite the new constraints. How do you connect with your prospects as effectively and seamlessly as possible in the digital age? Are you fully leveraging digital tools that can enhance your one-to-one selling? 

    Here are a few things to consumer to up your virtual selling game:

    • Maximize the one-on-one meeting experience. Make yourself visible on video, but in doing so, have a dedicated set-up or location with a simple but professional background, dress professionally, be fully engaged in the meeting, and minimize distractions (i.e. kids playing in the background, cats wandering across your keyboard, and minimize distractible objects or things in the background).
    • Deliver a personalized experience for prospects with longer buying cycles. Setting up a personalized landing page has never been easier. Populate them with a presentation, relevant content, and tools that help the prospect.
    • Leverage engaging interactive tools. This is a great way to help your prospect visualize the impact you can have on their business. A simple interactive quiz or interactive explainer tool can offer up customized solutions and engage them in conversation.
    • Launch a targeted digital lead gen program to attract new customers and prospects. Through paid social and other paid advertising, you can target the right audience with the right message. With a targeted list of prospects, creating look-a-like audiences can extend your prospect list to attract similar customers not currently on your radar.

    We are all adapting to the new normal and finding ways to connect with our audience. These quick tips can help you consider new ways to reach your customers and drive more sales. Fill out the form below and let’s connect on your marketing strategy.

    Jeff Tahnk

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  • Trending: The Shift in F&B Purchasing Habits

    Trending: The Shift in F&B Purchasing Habits

    At the beginning of the year, plant-based proteins in new categories, healthy snacks on the go, smaller brands, pea protein, functional foods and more were touted to be the biggest trends that would shape the food industry in 2020. While we started the year excited about food and wellness trends, none of us in the industry could have anticipated that these trends would be a distant priority before we reached the second quarter of the year.  

    While it’s obvious that our food and shopping habits have changed quickly and dramatically, the impact of these changes are something no one could have planned for. 

    For example, normally booming categories, like grab-and-go items, single serve and bars are experiencing a downturn because of the lack of outside activities. On the other hand, categories that have been traditionally stagnant — flour, pancake and baking mixes and other simple foods we wouldn’t normally turn to — are experiencing a surge. And, beyond the categorical shifts in the aisles people turn down at the market, the way people shop has quickly changed. Services like Amazon Fresh and Instacart are booming, but even those companies are struggling to meet demand and find effective ways to keep employees safe and well compensated during the crisis. 

    So what does this mean for us as PR pros and our F&B clients? It’s uncertain how this major shift will play out in consumer’s routines because we have yet to fully understand what the new normal looks like. Will it force us to slow down and cook more? Will we be more weary about travel, and therefore lose the need for snacks on the go? Here are some key trends to consider as the industry changes: 

    • Millennials changing the game. Pandemic or not, this segment is driving major industry shifts. They have a higher buying standard than previous generations, and are bringing new consumption preferences and higher expectations than any previous generation.
    • Core offerings provide a safety net. At-home products and core product offerings continue to prove to be safe bets. The products that are beloved by core audiences are getting companies through this difficult time. 
    • The shopping dynamic has shifted. From an increase in e-commerce, to the new shelf space available in the grocery stores, brands are continuing to be mindful of how they, and their products, can adapt to address changing needs and capitalize on new white space.  

    The food and beverage industry may not be new to the ever-changing world of consumer purchasing behavior, but the pandemic has surely highlighted this behavior in a new way. In the meantime, the changes in our culture present unprecedented opportunities to evolve while this new normal unfolds.

    Have you noticed any other changes in the food and beverage industry? Fill out the form below and let us know!

    Kelley Kaiser

  • Matter West Continues Steady Growth with Leadership Appointments and Client Additions

    Matter West Continues Steady Growth with Leadership Appointments and Client Additions

    Integrated PR Agency Achieves Significant Growth in Boulder, CO and Portland, OR.

    BOSTON – May 5, 2020 – Matter Communications — a Brand Elevation Agency specializing in PR, social media, creative services and digital marketing — has continued its momentum across Matter West in Boulder, CO and Portland, OR. The diverse group of professionals between the two offices work with clients located throughout the region including San Francisco and Silicon Valley, CA. Matter West’s momentum is highlighted by leadership promotions, an office expansion and key new client additions, including Jama Software, Hazelcast, Act-On Software and Virsec.

    As part of its strategy to drive Matter West’s success, Maria Brown has been promoted to general manager. In 2019, Brown led the agency’s Boulder team to a 47% increase in year-over-year sales, serving as a driving force for client and agency success. In her new role, Brown will work closely with newly promoted Vice President Amanda King out of the Boulder office and Vice President and Portland office lead Meghan Gardner to support new business initiatives, current clients and the thriving team culture.

    Matter West’s momentum has been propelled by new client relationships and expanded programs with disruptive companies, including:

    – Act-On Software: The leader in marketing automation solutions that helps create great customer experiences and grow businesses.

    – Hazelcast: Delivers the in-memory computing platform that empowers Global 2000 enterprises to achieve ultra-fast application performance – at any scale.

    – Jama Software: The leading platform for requirements, risk and test management.

    – Virsec: The industry leader in protecting critical applications during runtime.

    “When we started working with Matter, we knew to expect a team that would not only secure media coverage, but one that would act as a force multiplier for our comms program,” said Matt Wolpin, director of communications and customer advocacy at Hazelcast. “In Matter, we have a true partner that brings creative thinking and a sound understanding of our business to help us cut through the noise and rise above the competition.”

    Matter West was established in 2013 with the acquisition of a boutique PR firm in Portland, OR. In 2015, its footprint expanded with the opening of an office in Boulder, CO. Under the leadership of Maria Brown, the once lean office has since doubled its physical space on Pearl Street, allowing room for continued growth. Matter West’s offices are now home to more than 30 talented PR and digital marketing pros, designers and videographers, offering a full suite of integrated marketing solutions for brands throughout the region.

    “The growth of Matter West is more than a story of signing new clients,” said Mandy Mladenoff, President of Matter. “It is a testament to the strength in leadership that continues to motivate and create hard-working, committed employees—no matter what challenges come our way. I’m proud of this team, both for the exceptional work they do and for the collaborative, fun, impactful culture they have built.”

    With 200 professionals across offices in Boston and Newburyport, MA, Portsmouth, NH, Providence, RI, Pittsburgh, PA, Boulder, CO, and Portland, OR, Matter is one of the fastest-growing PR, creative services and digital marketing firms in the country. Matter has won 12 “Agency of the Year” accolades in the past three years and has been consistently recognized as a top place to work.

    About Matter Communications

    Matter is a Brand Elevation Agency unifying PR, creative services and digital marketing into strategic, content-rich communications campaigns that inspire action and build value. Founded in 2003, with seven offices spanning North America, Matter works with the world’s most innovative companies across healthcare, high-technology, consumer technology and consumer markets. For more information, visit https://www.matternow.com.

    Contact

    Matter

    Sara Pudvelis, 978-518-4535

    [email protected]

    www.matternow.com

    Matter