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Right Message. Right Place. Real Results.

5.0
5 reviews

Heron Agency, an award-winning lifestyle communications agency, has planned and executed over 1500 campaigns, from strategies for major events including the Taste of Chicago, the Race to Mackinac, the Jeff Awards, the Grand Chefs Gala, the Randolph Street Market, the Highland Games, the Chicago Boat & RV Show, and the One of a Kind Show; to corporate clients including Paper Source, Jet’s Pizza, BV Wines, Wow Bao, Bailey’s, Smirnoff Vodka, Orangetheory Fitness, Luna Carpet, Massage Envy, G

alaxie Home Improvement, EZ Breathe, the Chicago Wolves; and several non-profit organizations including the National Hellenic Museum, Alliance Francaise Chicago, the American Writers Museum, and more. With an emphasis on entertainment and hospitality, throughout the 19 year history of the firm, Heron Agency has managed campaigns for over 25 hotel brands, and has also represented artists such as Jerry Seinfeld, Louis CK, Janeane Garafalo, Gabriel Byrne, Dan Aykroyd, Mike Ditka, the Beach Boys, Celtic Thunder, and Jewel, among others. As a winner of the PR News Agency Elite Awards and the BESPOKE Communication Awards, Heron Agency’s comprehensive results-driven campaigns help garner attention that leads to real bottom line results. 

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$5,000+
 
Undisclosed
 
10 - 49
 Founded
2000
Show all +
Chicago, IL
headquarters
  • 1528 W. Fullerton
    Chicago, IL 60614
    United States
    7739695200

Portfolio

Key clients: 

Paper Source; Chicago Boat, RV, & Sail Show; Hyatt; Marriott; Hilton; Ocean Prime; Orangetheory Fitness; Jet's Pizza; Massage Envy and more.

Reviews

5.0
5 reviews
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Public Relations for Private Event Venue & Theater

"They are constantly coming up with fresh ideas."

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5.0

Quality: 
5.0
Schedule: 
5.0
Cost: 
5.0
Willing to refer: 
5.0
The Project
 
Less than $10,000
 
Mar. 2018 - Ongoing
Project summary: 

Heron Agency has assisted with PR and promotion for multiple events. They handled social media and facilitated contact with local news outlets. 

The Reviewer
 
1-10 Employees
 
Chicago, Illinois
Bill Collins
Owner, Chicago Theater Works
 
Verified
The Review
Feedback summary: 

The team at Heron Agency stands out from the competition as a result of their communication, knowledge of the market, and the breadth of their contacts. They're innovative and able to meet deliverables on tight deadlines. 

The client submitted this review online.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

I am the owner of an event and entertainment venue located in Chicago's Lakeview Neighborhood.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire Heron Agency?

Noreen and her excellent team have helped promote multiple productions that have taken place in our venue.

What were your goals for this project?

Increase awareness and sell tickets.

SOLUTION

How did you select this vendor?

We had heard great things about the Heron Agency and met with Noreen and her team. Having worked with multiple agencies in several different cities we knew we had found something special in Heron.

Describe the scope of their work in detail.

Heron handles everything related to marketing, public relations, social media. They are constantly coming up with fresh ideas. They know how to communicate their many successes. 

What was the team composition?

We work closely with Noreen and her entire team.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

Can you share any outcomes from the project that demonstrate progress or success?

Recently we had an Emmy Award winning performer in for a weekend. Somehow the team at Heron managed to get him on every major morning TV show and even some radio. In a very tight window they scheduled the appearances masterfully. This is just one of many examples of the results they have delivered.

How effective was the workflow between your team and theirs?

As I stated earlier communication is excellent, frequent and succinct.

What did you find most impressive about this company?

Their knowledge of the market and the breadth of their contacts.

Are there any areas for improvement?

No. 

5.0
Overall Score Top notch team. Can't say enough good things.
  • 5.0 Scheduling
    ON TIME / DEADLINES
    Always quick to respond and available.
  • 5.0 Cost
    Value / within estimates
    Best return for a dollar that I have seen.
  • 5.0 Quality
    Service & deliverables
    Exceeded all expectations
  • 5.0 NPS
    Willing to refer
    Already have...

Public Relations for Chicago Cubs Musical

"Their team did everything possible to make the show a success."

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5.0

Quality: 
5.0
Schedule: 
5.0
Cost: 
5.0
Willing to refer: 
5.0
The Project
 
Confidential
 
Mar. - May 2019
Project summary: 

Heron Agency provided integrated marketing campaigns to promote a theater show. They arranged broadcast and visual media coverage, coordinated the show’s opening night, and secured influencers’ attendance.

The Reviewer
 
11 - 50 Employees
 
Chicago, Illinois
William Marovitz
Producer, MIRACLE the Musical
 
Verified
The Review
Feedback summary: 

Heron Agency delivered effective strategies to generate significant public awareness of the show. The team was engaged and provided attentive support, creating an amicable partnership. Dedicated to the project’s success, they exceeded expectations to ensure satisfying results.

A Clutch analyst personally interviewed this client over the phone. Below is an edited transcript.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m the president of Marovitz Group. More importantly, I was the producer of a new musical in Chicago called “MIRACLE the Musical” about the 2016 Chicago Cubs’ championship season.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Heron Agency?

I needed to gain as much publicity as possible for this show. I wanted the show to gain credibility with both baseball fans and the theater community.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

Heron Agency implemented complete advertising, public relations, and special events strategies. They came up with creative and imaginative ideas that brought attention to the show. Their team booked appearances on TV and radio shows as well as newspaper reviews and podcasts. They organized our opening night and built up all the publicity leading up to that night. Their team helped get celebrities to come to the show and perform the seventh inning stretch between acts. Not only did celebrities come, but also players for the Chicago Cubs.

What is the team composition?

Most notably, I worked with Noreen (President, Heron Agency), Leann (Executive Vice President), Anneliese (Director of Social Media, Heron Agency), and Kathy (Senior Publicist, Heron Agency). There were at least 3–4 other people from the Heron Agency who worked on our account.

How did you come to work with Heron Agency?

As a first-time producer, I asked around about agencies that offered public relations services in Chicago. I interviewed 3–4 different agencies but was head and shoulders more impressed with Heron Agency.

What is the status of this engagement?

I engaged the Heron Agency around March 1st, 2019. The show opened around May 1st and closed at the end of September 2019.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

What evidence can you share that demonstrates the impact of the engagement? 

We couldn’t have gotten more or better publicity for the show. Everybody knew about it, which I credit to Heron Agency’s work. They executed their job terrifically, which was to elevate the identity and visibility of the show.

How did Heron Agency perform from a project management standpoint?

We met every Wednesday morning at the Heron Agency to talk about the project such as strategies, budgets, implementation, and publicity.

What did you find most impressive about them?

We bonded, so working with Heron Agency felt like family. We weren’t just another client to them. They were energized by, and immersed themselves in the project. Their team did everything possible to make the show a success. It didn’t matter if they had to work longer hours than we paid them for.

Are there any areas they could improve?

There wasn’t one aspect to improve.

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

Have weekly meetings. Involve as many people from the Heron Agency as you can. Get as much input from their team and listen to all of their imaginative ideas. Think outside the box because they like to think that way and it brings more success.

5.0
Overall Score
  • 5.0 Scheduling
    ON TIME / DEADLINES
  • 5.0 Cost
    Value / within estimates
  • 5.0 Quality
    Service & deliverables
  • 5.0 NPS
    Willing to refer

PR for Consumer Goods Show

"Their level of professionalism and dedication to following through is most impressive."

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5.0

Quality: 
5.0
Schedule: 
5.0
Cost: 
5.0
Willing to refer: 
5.0
The Project
 
$10,000 to $49,999
 
2018 - Ongoing
Project summary: 

Heron Agency provides ongoing PR support for a company’s participation in an annual consumer show. They work to gain leads and supply social media efforts. 

The Reviewer
 
1-10 Employees
 
Chicago, Illinois
Aida Sarvan
Marketing Director, One of a Kind Show - Chicago
 
Verified
The Review
Feedback summary: 

The continual PR support has met expectations for the last two years, leading to a ongoing partnership between the teams. Heron Agency proves they’re reliable by ensuring professionalism is a priority and they’re open to feedback throughout the process. 

A Clutch analyst personally interviewed this client over the phone. Below is an edited transcript.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I work for Merchandise Mart Properties and I’m the marketing director for a consumer show called the One of a Kind Show.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Heron Agency?

We wanted a PR agency to help us reach the best media outlets in the city and gain a solid following in our community.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

This is our second year working with Heron Agency for the show we produce. They sent us a proposal with a good media list and a strong team supporting the efforts. They ramp up their outreach efforts a few months before the show, sending some leads out there and getting the buzz going. In addition to the traditional PR, they also provide social media services leading up to the show. 

What is the team composition?

I mainly work with two people from their team. 

How did you come to work with Heron Agency?

We received proposals from two different companies, but Heron Media’s prices were competitive, they offered us additional perks like social media support, and people around the city had great things to say about them. 

How much have you invested with them?

We’ve spent around $40,000 on their services. 

What is the status of this engagement?

We began working with them on these annual shows in mid-2018 and we’re planning to continue working with them through our next show. 

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

What evidence can you share that demonstrates the impact of the engagement? 

We’ve gotten great feedback from our artists on how professional and timely the team at Heron Agency is. We have no complaints about their work. 

How did Heron Agency perform from a project management standpoint?

We typically communicate once a week over the phone and send many emails. They’ve been great at managing and executing the project and our plans. They’re always available to give a response and open to new ideas. 

What did you find most impressive about them?

Their level of professionalism and dedication to following through is most impressive. 

Are there any areas they could improve?

No, I don’t have any suggestions. 

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

Meet with them and get to know their team; they’re a wonderful group. 

5.0
Overall Score
  • 5.0 Scheduling
    ON TIME / DEADLINES
  • 5.0 Cost
    Value / within estimates
    It’s hard for me to compare. Even though it seems like a lot of money to me, I think they match others across the board for the amount of work they do.
  • 5.0 Quality
    Service & deliverables
    Everything is done timely and delivered to us as they planned to do.
  • 5.0 NPS
    Willing to refer
    I already have.

Public Relations for Boxing Company

"Their communication, hard work and attentiveness to detail stood out."

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5.0

Quality: 
5.0
Schedule: 
5.0
Cost: 
5.0
Willing to refer: 
5.0
The Project
 
$10,000 to $49,999
 
June 2019 - Ongoing
Project summary: 

Heron Agency provides public relations and marketing services, securing stakeholders' placement in radio, print, and television media. This has involved event promotion.

The Reviewer
 
11-50 Employees
 
New York, New York
Kevin Rooney
Event Manager, Matchroom Boxing USA
 
Verified
The Review
Feedback summary: 

Their services effectively spread awareness for the event, resulting in significant ticket sales. Heron Agency has maintained a smooth workflow throughout the engagement.

The client submitted this review online.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

Sports Entertainment Firm. My position is Event Manager & Head of Athlete Management.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire Heron Agency?

Assist in the marketing and PR of our event. Which was a two and a half month long campaign that culminated with our professional boxing event on October 12th at Wintrust Arena.

What were your goals for this project?

Create interest/noise about our event. Raise brand awareness on the event as well as our company in the market and to secure good PR and media opportunities for the event participants.

SOLUTION

How did you select this vendor?

They were recommended by Wintrust Arena staff and we asked around about the work they had done previously with the UFC when they had an event in Chicago

Describe the scope of their work in detail.

PR and Marketing. Secured media hits (Radio, TV, Newspaper, Magazines) for the event participants. Assisted in promotional activation's leading up to the event and during the live event on the 12th.

What was the team composition?

Worked with their entire team from top to bottom.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

Can you share any outcomes from the project that demonstrate progress or success?

The event was one of the biggest selling live gates that we have had since we started promoting boxing events in the US in 2017.

How effective was the workflow between your team and theirs?

Amazing. Couldn't have been any better or run more smoothly.

What did you find most impressive about this company?

Their communication, hard work and attentiveness to detail stood out.

Are there any areas for improvement?

Not that we felt.

5.0
Overall Score
  • 5.0 Scheduling
    ON TIME / DEADLINES
  • 5.0 Cost
    Value / within estimates
  • 5.0 Quality
    Service & deliverables
  • 5.0 NPS
    Willing to refer

Public Relations for Theater Company

"The ease and pleasantness of working with the company stand out."

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5.0

Quality: 
5.0
Schedule: 
5.0
Cost: 
5.0
Willing to refer: 
5.0
The Project
 
$10,000 to $49,999
 
Sept. 2019 - Ongoing
Project summary: 

Heron Agency manages a theater's media presence with the aim of spreading awareness. This involves gaining a wide variety of online and print media coverage.

The Reviewer
 
51-200 Employees
 
Oak Brook, Illinois
David Rice
Executive Director, First Folio Theatre
 
Verified
The Review
Feedback summary: 

Heron Agency has successfully scheduled live appearances on radio and television, performance reviews, and feature articles. Production attendance is higher than ever, and industry peers have recognized stakeholders' widespread media presence. The team excels at working under pressure.

The client submitted this review online.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

I am the Executive Director of First Folio Theatre, a midsized Equity theater located in the Chicago area.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire Heron Agency?

We are always looking to expand our audience reach to bring in new patrons from throughout the Chicago area.

What were your goals for this project?

To increase our visibility and presence through both social and print media.

SOLUTION

How did you select this vendor?

We have been working with Heron Agency for over a decade. We originally chose them because of the quality of work we observed them providing other theaters in the Chicago area.

Describe the scope of their work in detail.

Heron Agency reaches out to their vast network of media contacts to obtain numerous professional reviewers to attend our productions; to obtain feature articles in both online and print media; to obtain opportunities for live interviews and performances on both radio and TV stations ranging, including WGN, WBBM radio and TV, Fox 32, and many more.

They also work to assure we have listings in dozens and dozens of websites, ranging from the Tribune down to all of the family friendly "What to do this week" websites that have proliferated. In all, they cover all of our media presence.

What was the team composition?

I have specific members of the agency assigned to my account who work closely with me and my staff, but I am also frequently in touch with Noreen Heron, the agency director, who is clearly monitoring the work being provided for all of her clients.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

Can you share any outcomes from the project that demonstrate progress or success?

Attendance at our current season is at an all-time high. I am also constantly being asked by other theater companies how we obtain the consistently excellent media presence our theater has, something that all but the largest theaters struggle to maintain.

How effective was the workflow between your team and theirs?

I could not ask for better communication and cooperation.

What did you find most impressive about this company?

The ease and pleasantness of working with the company stand out. Despite the fact that all work of this nature involves a great deal of pressure and is always time sensitive, Noreen and the entire staff maintain the most pleasant and positive demeanor I have ever seen.

Are there any areas for improvement?

I cannot imagine asking for more.

5.0
Overall Score You would be hard pressed to find a better agency.
  • 5.0 Scheduling
    ON TIME / DEADLINES
    They are efficient and responsive to my needs and goals, both long-term and short-term.
  • 5.0 Cost
    Value / within estimates
    The value for dollar is wonderful.
  • 5.0 Quality
    Service & deliverables
    Top notch work from pleasant, efficient, and knowledgable people with great media contacts.
  • 5.0 NPS
    Willing to refer
    I have often recommended them.