Let’s Recap 2023!
We started the year discussing the importance of celebrating milestones and, as we wrap up our 15th year in business, we managed to check off a number of the recommendations and enjoy some additional surprises.
It’s hard to believe it’s the end of another year! Life seems to be moving faster than ever… likely because we’re busier than ever. Before we say “sayonara” to 2023, let’s take a moment to reflect on our Riggs Creative Group (RCG) team’s activities and accomplishments. And, my word, there’s a lot!
But, an activity without purpose is meaningless. For us, the purpose is to use our gifts and skills to benefit our clients, to enjoy our work instead of just enduring it, and to support one another on this journey called life. Our purpose includes making a profit and tied to that success is making a lasting impact as a business focused on our WHY not just ROI.
So What’s Your WHY?
Your “why” is the reason you get up every morning. It’s what fuels your fire and keeps you going. It’s why you do what you do. It’s the calling and conviction at your core.
In 2023, RCG intentionally sought to live out our “why” by effectively portraying the “why” that powers our clients. RCG’s mission is simple: to help our clients achieve their communication, marketing, and stakeholder relationship goals. Our people build brands on purpose by displaying and conveying YOUR values, YOUR mission, and YOUR distinguishable brand.
Our People are our WHY
How do we know we lived out our “why” in 2023? First, by taking a ‘selfie’ and seeing and rewarding the growth of those who most rely on us to stick to it.
As our team is comprised of people who care about and uphold our “why,” we recognized the dedication and determination of our staff by elevating Jeanelle Johnson and Tracey Hofmann to Brand Managers. And, as our clients grew and spread their wings, so did our team. In 2023, RCG welcomed two new members to the team: Helen DeStefano, Administrative Support/Customer Service Representative, and Kelly Van Fossen, Marketing Communications Coordinator. In addition, Josh Cummings made a splash by serving as our summer intern. We hope his time with us led him to discover his “why,” and we look forward to seeing his bright future unfold.
We also enjoyed the fruits of our labor in 2023 with time spent with loved ones and travels that spanned north, west, south, and east, covering Maine, the Caribbean islands and even the Middle East.
Our Clients’ Stories are our WHY
Recognizing that none of RCG’s achievements could happen without the people we serve, we are eternally grateful for our outstanding clients and community. Let’s look back on all our progress together in 2023.
- RCG created three strategic marketing communication plans for 1166 Federal Credit Union, The Behavioral Wellness Center at Girard, and the NJ Center for Health Equity and Wellbeing. We went on to craft several strategic branding/rebranding campaigns and are beyond excited to support these plans and campaigns as they continue to unfold this upcoming year.
- Plans turn into actions, and actions gain media attention. We want the world to know about the amazing services our partners have to offer! As such, RCG completed media outreaches for OnePool, 1166 Federal Credit Union, and Women Empowered International.
- Improved digital presence? Improved marketing traction. Riggs launched 11 new or redesigned client websites in 2023, platforms that improve user experience for existing customers and facilitate new client relationships for Holiday Village, One Pool, Wisda Eye Center, Ward Shindle & Hall Attorneys at Law, DeSimone, Gloucester County New Jersey Prosecutor’s Office, 1166 Federal Credit Union, Konrad Beverage Company, MM Landscaping, Glassboro Child Development Center, and Neri’s Cafe & Mexican Grill. For DeSimone, we had the opportunity to successfully support a statewide award and an international award, a campaign that also won RCG recognition from the Public Relations Society of America Philadelphia Chapter award!
- Did someone say written content? In 2023, RCG ensured that intended audiences heard our clients’ voices by delivering captivating and engaging written content through Newsletters, News Articles, and Blogs. We completed 58 case studies and news articles, 43 blogs, and designed 13 traditional newsletters. We also sent 79 digital newsletters for clients American Asphalt, 1166 FCU, Be Well Center, Ciaccia, DeSimone, Glassboro CDC, and ourselves.
- Comments, likes, and shares, oh my! This year was chock-full of exciting social media posts. We supported 37 social media accounts, issuing 2.3k posts and gaining 3.5k comments, 31.3k likes, and 1.8k shares! Check out our most engaged posts garnered from DDS, DeSimone, and Riggs Creative Group.
“Did you get that on video?” You bet we did. We created 95+ videos this year. Here are a few of our most viewed visual stories:
- Singh Pool (Indoor & Outdoor) Final – DeSimone https://vimeo.com/844611313
- DeSimone Supports Habitat for Humanity of Gloucester County 2023 https://vimeo.com/810327422
- Heritage’s History https://vimeo.com/833712200
- Along with our digital projects, our traditional tactics such as Direct Mail rocked in 2024, with more than one million pieces mailed to customers’ homes for clients such as Aquatic Artists and Atlantic City Electric. Our clients also kept it classy and kept us busy with close to 150 Promotional, Apparel, Signage, and Stationary orders processed.
- What better way to strut your stuff than at a trade show? In 2023, RCG supported seven tradeshow and display needs for Aquatic Artists, Atlantic Infra, Ciaccia CPA, DDS, EISCO, Greater Mt. Zion, and Salvation & Social Justice Street Team,
As we aim to impact our clients’ stories, you can imagine our excitement when they vocalize their appreciation for our services. The following words from Marilyn Grabowski, president of Atlantic Infra, brought us so much joy to read:
“…We crossed paths with Riggs Creative Group during the Diversity meeting and were impressed. The following week, we engaged them to craft new booth materials for the NJLM. Their service and work were exceptional. It’s a fantastic showcase of two diverse companies collaborating, thanks to NJAW’s commitment to diversity and their introduction.”
Thank you, Marilyn!
Our Story is our WHY
While our actions speak louder than words, they do open doors for us to tell our story. In 2023, RCG participated in thought-leadership panels for both International Association of Business Communicators Philly Chapter and PGW Minority Enterprise Development (MED) Week to inspire others to pursue their “why”. We also hosted Brand training for Glassboro Child Development Center and prioritized building meaningful relationships with leaders in our community, learning from their experiences, and spurring each other toward success.
Our Community is our WHY
We apply relationship management strategies to care for our community and to connect our clients to aligned causes. For RCG, that included participating in food and clothing drives, adopting a family for the holidays, and serving on several nonprofit boards and committees. It’s an uplifting experience to receive recognition for our work and, in 2023, RCG celebrated honors from the Eastern Minority Supplier Development Council (EMSDC), Gloucester County NAACP, and Public Relations Society of America Philly Chapter.
Thank You for Making our 15th Year Memorable!
That’s a wrap for 2023! Does anyone have a tissue? To our clients and supporters, we want to say one final THANK YOU! You’ve made this year one for the books.
Here’s to 2024! Learning, thinking, creating, and collaborating. Together.
View our Year In Review Reel
↓↓↓
