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PR Client Wins: Because We’re Bada** Like That

Share the goods.

Maddie, Alayna, and Kim pose at ChallengeHER. Behind them, the Copper Peak ski jump is flanked by the signing of the new contract.

Look, we’re not ones to brag (okay, maybe a little), but we’ve been kicking some serious ass for our clients lately. And by “kicking ass,” we mean pitching stories so killer, they’d make Tony Hawk jealous. Also, if you don’t know who Tony Hawk is, we suggest taking to the Google – he is the OG.

Here’s the scoop on our recent wins.

Copper Peak Contract Signing Announcement

Copper Peak has been on a mission to revitalize the once-world-renowned ski jump for over a decade. They finally secured funding last year, then faced some roadblocks.  The reasons for these boiled down to the residue of – you guessed it – the pandemic. Supply chain issues along with the inflated cost of materials caused some significant delays, which made the perseverance of the CP board that much more impressive. 

We’ve been with them through every step of the journey and waiting for the moment when they would need our PR services once again. Last month, that moment finally came. We put together a press release and began pitching. We could tell you all about the news they have to share, or you could hear it from the Detroit Free Press, or MLive, or Northern News Now, or Your Daily Globe, or TV 6… you get the idea. 

Inclusive Technology

Special Olympics Michigan’s Unified Sports and Inclusion Center (USIC) is not only the largest inclusive sports training facility in the world, IN THE WORLD, but it also brings together nearly a dozen nonprofits under one roof dedicated to serving people with disabilities. Part of that collaborative spirit includes several companies contributing inclusive design and technology to the space. 

With it being Tech Week in GR in September, we had a plan. Why not showcase the incredible work being done at the USIC while also making a case for more businesses to step up and create more inclusive spaces for those with disabilities? We thought it would make for a great Op-ed, and Crain’s Grand Rapids Business agreed. Making the case for more inclusive technology at companies isn’t just the right thing to do–it’s also good business. 

LifeCircles Comments on Our Aging Crisis

LifeCircles PACE of Holland and Muskegon does incredibly important work. PACE stands for “program of all-inclusive care for the elderly,” and it’s pretty much exactly what it sounds like. The goal behind what they do is to empower their participants to age in place and independently. That’s why the care is all-inclusive, they do whatever each individual needs in order to keep thriving on their own. 

This care model isn’t talked about enough, and it could change the way many families look at options for aging loved ones. When looking into storylines, we discovered that Michigan’s population is aging at a rapid rate compared to the rest of the country. That also includes a massive number of up-and-coming retirees. We have a looming crisis of vacant job positions compounded with hundreds of thousands of seniors who will need care as they age – and we’re not prepared. 

This issue is going to affect everyone of all ages, especially business owners. Heidi Gras, Executive Director of LifeCricles PACE published an op-ed in Crain’s Grand Rapids on why we need to pay attention to this upcoming challenge. 

ChallengeHER Colorado Springs

We never stop trying to improve here at 8THIRTYFOUR, which is why when we ran logistics for our second ChallengeHER event, we made sure to step it up. 

We increased the attendee survey response rate by a whopping 22%. Translation? More people actually gave a damn about what we were doing and gave useful feedback. This was on top of full scripts, professional name tags with partner logos, and pre-loaded videos in our presentations ensuring everything ran smoothly. We also put QR codes on every table to drive Women Impacting Public Policy membership sign-ups, and actually got a few new members. The next event is in the DMV–you won’t want to miss it.

Stay tuned for more wins, because we’re just getting started. Boom.

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Recent Musings

Something on Your Mind?

Have you tuned into The Happy Hour Hustle Podcast yet?
If not, a) you’re missing out and b) you need to follow immediately. Hosted by @bodespeaks, episodes drop every other week, and feature some pretty bada$$ guests if we do say so ourselves.

This week, Kim sits down with @kelsey_orchard , VP of Marketing and Communications at @fifthwheelfreight to chat building a personal brand, Gen Z entering the workforce, misconceptions about logistics, spotting fake LinkedIn profiles – oh and why your GPA doesn’t matter anymore.

Grab a watermelon margarita, sit back and enjoy for lots of laughs and real talk.

Listen now at the link in bio.
National Perimenopause Month starts today. We have a LOT to say, and we’re not going to be quiet about it, especially this month, so buckle up.

We were not prepared for perimenopause, much like our periods, sex, or anything else to do with our bodies. God forbid we talk about it openly.

We were taught to be ashamed, keep quiet, and to accept that it is just part of being a woman. We reject that narrative. In fact, like @bodespeaks, we want to bring it up in every conversation. 

When we normalize perimenopause and the conversation around it, we stop isolating, and we’re all more prepared.
Join us for Uncomfortable Conversations: The Pause on September 24th — a powerful conversation hosted alongside the @smallbusinessassocofmichigan 
Women’s Business Council, featuring some kicka$$ experts who will give you the real talk on perimenopause (more to come on them later).

Register at the link in bio.
You asked, we delivered.

Introducing the Women's Owners Network - a new program built for what comes first, joining our proven Fellowship model to support Michigan women at every stage of business ownership.

Whether you've got a team of 10 or it's just you and your laptop, you deserve a room full of women who get it.

Six months of leadership, finance, operations, capital access, paired with real support for the isolation, emotional volatility, and decision fatigue that come with owning your own business.

You'll have your own board of directors in your corner, including @bodespeaks plus a group of mentors, instructors, and coaches who've been exactly where you are.

Applications due October 1. Apply now at the link in bio.
"I am big enough to admit that I am often inspired by myself" - Leslie F*ucking Knope 

You are the hero in your own story. Be like Leslie and believe it. 

Come to the Big Deal Energy Workshop, @bodespeaks will show you how.

It's personal branding with a shot of tequila. Register in bio.
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