Heron Agency

Please describe your company and your position there.

I am a partner of Russian Tea Time restaurant, located in downtown Chicago. We have on average 20 employees (7 during covid).

We are a unique fine dining restaurant with Eastern European and Central Asian cuisine.

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

We have been in business for more than 25 years and have closed for a 3-4 month renovation, but the renovation lasted for year and then coronavirus pandemic happened.

We have worked with Heron Agency previously and knew that they will be able to let the public know that we are open and ready to serve. As always they did not disappoint us.

What were your goals for this project?

We wanted to let the public know that we did not close permanently and we are back open after a renovation.

We need to increase sales and grown online ordering. We wanted people in residential and office buildings to know where we are located and what we serve.

How did you select Heron Agency?

We heard about Heron Agency from our business partner, whose family opened Russian Tea Time in 1993. Being in business for so long, they knew exactly which company is the best in PR and marketing. We wanted to celebrate our 25th anniversary before we close for renovation and decided to meet wit Heron Agency team.

Describe the scope of their work in detail.

Since the 25th anniversary project was very successful, starting with promotions and ending with the event itself. We knew exactly that we needed them once we reopened.

Heron Agency is very good at targeting the media outlets that will spread the word to the audience that you are looking for, not only choosing any radio or magazine. They have brought a lot of media attention that focus on food, they have contacted TV and radio personal that focus on Chicago market, they have brought a lot of food and lifestyle influencers.

We have seen a large increase in sales after hiring Heron Agency.

What was the team composition?

At least four people were involved the our project and each of them focused on one field. Social media, residential and office buildings, TV and radio, Magazines and newspapers. I did not notice that the size of the team changed over time.

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

Since we just reopened after a renovation and especially during pandemic, it is difficult to have a precise metrics, but we have seen an increase in sales. A lot of our customers mentioned that they have heard about us on the radio.

The traffic to our website increased by 30% from the online outlets that mentioned us. The results of the engagement met out initial expectations. We asked our team to highlight the renovation and they did exactly that; thus made people curious to come and take a loot at the new space.

How effective was the workflow between your team and theirs?

Our project manager Kathy was very good at communicating with us. She was very quick to update us with any any ongoing or potential placement.

After every radio and tv mentions, we would receive a link. We knew exactly what is going on and what to expect.

What did you find most impressive about this company?

The strength are ability to target the needed media attention and meet the goals of their clients. For example, we wanted to highlight that we are back after renovation and needed to increase our carry out and delivery services and they did exactly that.

They are able to narrow down the PR to your goal and not to market the broad audience only for numbers. Heron Agency is very organized and has a separate and designated cast for each team member, they understand that digital and traditional marketing need different approaches.

Other vendors usually combine that work to one agenda.

Are there any areas for improvement?

We loved our press release and it reached so many people and everything was done quickly and beautifully.

Maybe, it would be better to have 2-3 different articles for a press release that meets they audience, maybe have a longer article on some magazines and have something shorter and more focused on online blogs where people do not like to read a lot.

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m the owner of Luft Balloons. We bring joy through the art of balloons.

What challenge were you trying to address with Heron Agency?

Heron Agency approached us because of our overnight growth. They said that we could benefit from some structure. They wanted to make sure we were getting our name out there.

What was the scope of their involvement?

Heron Agency provides everything PR-related, from publications, securing interviews, and keeping the word out. They also help us strategize about growth and development in different markets. We’ve also worked with them on drafting content for newsletters.

Currently, we’re exploring different options because our company just moved. We’re trying to settle in before getting back into the strategy.

What is the team composition?

I work directly with a lead. The owner checks in frequently. They have a team behind them.

How did you come to work with Heron Agency?

After they reached out to us, we had an initial phone call. It was the most sensible thing to do to hire them on the spot.

How much have you invested with them?

We’ve spent between $3,000–$5,000.

What is the status of this engagement?

We started working with Heron Agency in May 2020.

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

Heron Agency opens doors for us. I put all of my trust in them, and they have far exceeded expectations. The amount of press and visibility we’ve gotten is more than we could’ve gotten on our own.

How did Heron Agency perform from a project management standpoint?

We’re a great match. I’m beyond impressed with their communication. They’re always ahead of me, taking the initiative to reach out. I’ve never had a working relationship that’s been this positive.

What did you find most impressive about them?

Their communication is on point.

Are there any areas they could improve?

I don’t have any constructive feedback. I’m thrilled.

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

PR work can be a little pricey, especially for small businesses with little experience. Know when your messaging and brand is ready, and then take steps to invest in it.

Please describe your company and your position there.

Raging Waves is Illinois' Largest Waterpark located in the suburbs of Chicago. On over 58 acres, the park includes 32 slides, a 1/4 mile long lazy river, a huge wave pool, multiple kiddie areas, and more. As the Marketing Manager, I oversee all of the parks marketing and sales efforts.

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

We hired Heron Agency to be our public relations agency of record for the 2019 season.

What were your goals for this project?

The overall goal of this campaign was to drive awareness to our seasonal summer fun property through extensive media promotions, emphasizing on-site television segments.

How did you select this vendor?

After putting our public relations efforts on review, we set out to find a new vendor for the 2019 season. Having talked to numerous vendors in the Chicago market, Heron Agency came out ahead with their expertise within the hospitality industry.

Describe the scope of their work in detail.

Heron Agency was responsible for driving media placements and collaborative marketing partnerships for the 2019 season including: television interviews, radio interviews, newspaper and magazine exposure, blogger and influencer relationships, in-kind trade opportunities, and more.

What was the team composition?

Working with Heron Agency has been wonderful! Noreen and her team are always in constant communication with us and providing us updates along the way for our campaign. Having worked with multiple agencies in the past, Heron Agency by far has had the best collaborative team effort to help get Raging Waves crucial media placements.

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

Without a new attraction at our park to promote for the 2019, Heron Agency still was able to come in and perform a successful campaign. Having set the top goal of securing media placements via on-site television interviews, Heron Agency came through with segments on some of the highest rated stations in the Chicago market.

How effective was the workflow between your team and theirs?

The workflow was great! I was very pleased to have daily updates on the campaign from our Account Manager. Whenever I had a question or concern, Heron Agency was able to get back to me with an answer immediately. With a company that has 87 operating days to make it for the year, they understood our urgency and fast-paced season.

What did you find most impressive about this company?

The most impressive part of Heron Agency is their professionalism and communication skills. As stated before, they are so prompt with their responses and commitment to finding us placements. Whenever we'd have an on-site segment, their team would be here to assist and facilitate as needed!

Are there any areas for improvement?

None! Having worked for Raging Waves Waterpark for 9 years, we have worked with a number of different public relations firms. I can say with confidence that working with Heron Agency for the 2019 season was one of our best PR campaigns to date.

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I handle franchise licensing across the country for a mani-pedi model. We offer a clean, beautiful alternative to other players in the space. We also grew a popular massage company into the largest regional franchise.

What challenge were you trying to address with Heron Agency?

We used their services to help us in gaining traction for the massage company.

What was the scope of their involvement?

Our first promotional project with them involved getting the word out for a charitable massage event throughout the Chicago area. Their team was able to get us nine cut-ins on popular morning TV programs. That got us off to a great start.

Following that success, we used them again for a story about how long it can take to get a massage therapy license. Their group got us featured in a popular regional journal, which was seen by many of the politicians that we wanted to focus on. 

They also created an event of National Relaxation Day. Although it’s not a widely-celebrated holiday, their group connected the topic with our services, so I ended up doing several interviews annually around that time. Given their ability to go above and beyond, we kept them on retainer for several years. 

What is the team composition?

I engaged with Noreen (President) and two other individuals directly. When their team engages, they engage as a whole. So, I know that their entire team was focused on our needs.

How did you come to work with Heron Agency?

We interviewed a number of potential agencies for the work. Early on, Noreen’s group was very engaged, and their references were impeccable. I could tell that they had a caring nature and would throw all hands on deck for our projects. 

How much have you invested with them?

Throughout the tenure of our relationship, we’ve spent six figures on their services. It was very affordable. 

What is the status of this engagement?

Our engagement lasted from 2009–2017.

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

They understood our brand and were able to communicate our value proposition in ways that made us extremely successful in our region. In fact, our company gave Noreen and award in 2017 for her tireless efforts in promoting the brand and going above and beyond with her day-to-day responsibilities. She thought outside the box the entire time, and I’d highly recommend them. 

Everything they delivered was high-quality. Even when our clients and franchisees were preparing for interviews, they made sure that they were comfortable, relax, and understood expectations. That was essential. 

How did Heron Agency perform from a project management standpoint?

We invited them into our quarterly meetings to give them insight into our day-to-day challenges. They had an uncanny ability to drive new customers and prospects in the door because of their understanding of our company. Their team understands customer service at a very high level and has leveraged that ability to provide the best possible solutions. 

While Noreen assigns a point person to each project, each task is still a full-scale agency effort. They’re plugged into the goals, mission, and focus of our group.  

What did you find most impressive about them?

They treat their clients like family, dropping everything to serve and help us. Once they secure business, they’re committed to delivering on everything that’s required.  

Are there any areas they could improve?

I can’t think of anything. 

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

Be open to their creative outside-the-box thinking. During times like this global pandemic, it’s an excellent time to reestablish the excellence of what your business is. Their team would be great at helping you set those protocols.

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I am the director of sales and marketing for the Chicago Sinfonietta, an orchestra. I oversee all our ticket and subscription sales pipelines, in addition to our marketing efforts.

What challenge were you trying to address with Heron Agency?

They handle all of our PR, including drafting our press releases on new staff appointments and institutional changes. Then, they secure coverage for us based on our messaging efforts.

What was the scope of their involvement?

They go out and promote every concert we’re having. For our most recent concert this winter, they secured over a billion impressions. This meant that they secured TV interviews and performance opportunities, which translated into sales. They work on TV, radio, and print—not social media.

When they write press releases, they secure quotes from our musicians and our composer. Then they write everything themselves.

What is the team composition?

I work primarily with Megan (Senior Publicist, Heron Agency) and Annie (Publicist, Heron Agency).

How much have you invested with them?

We’ve invested somewhere in the $10,000–$50,000 range.

What is the status of this engagement?

We began work in March 2019 and our contract is ongoing.

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

Our most recent concert was one of our most successful concerts in years. Heron Agency securing over a billion impressions and scheduling radio and TV interviews helped make this happen.

How did Heron Agency perform from a project management standpoint?

They’re very available over the phone, always getting right back to me. They’re responsive and accountable—always meeting deadlines.

What did you find most impressive about them?

They have a great grasp of arts PR, an industry where PR agencies tend to struggle because of the unique landscape. They know what different media opportunities mean, what opportunities are a good bet, and how to secure them for us.

Are there any areas they could improve?

No, nothing from my point of view.

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

They tailor a lot of work specifically to us. That’s a huge benefit and I’d take advantage of that.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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. 

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. 

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.

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.

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.

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.

Please describe your company and your position there.

I am an Event Director for the entertainment company, SBX Group. We work across the entertainment industry representing talent, owning and operating events, and consulting brands.

For what projects/services did your company hire Heron Agency, and what were your goals?

Our firm hired Heron Agency to handle to public relations component of an event we held in Chicago, the Sistine Chapel Exhibition. Our goal was to drive ticket sales through media coverage.

How did you select this vendor?

Heron Agency came highly recommended to us. After screening a few select agencies, Heron became the clear choice and we moved forward with them quickly.

Describe the scope of their work in detail, including any steps and the final deliverables.

We had a short runway to make things happen - less than two weeks before tickets went on sale. Heron moved quickly and did a deep dive on our event to fully understand the offering and what our goals were. Then they quickly went into action - pitching media, planning a media night, and securing coverage with publications and platforms in Chicago, Illinois, and Nationally. In addition to this, they went to work socializing our event with various groups that had a particular connection to our event - religious groups, senior living communities, etc.

How many people from the vendor's team worked with you, and what were their positions?

We worked with various members of their team but namely Noreen Heron and Kathy Bryja. Their entire team was helpful, driven, and stayed on top of things throughout the course of our event.

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

Heron secured numerous high-profile publications and features for us across multiple mediums - social, newspaper, magazine, radio, and TV. They even secured a National NBC Nightly News spot for us. As a result of Heron's work, we experienced multiple ticket sale surges and they helped us surpass our goals in terms of ticket sales.

Describe their project management style, including communication tools and timeliness.

As we had a very short runway, we kept weekly calls to a minimum and after approving their strategy, let Heron take the lead and get to work. They did a great job at constantly keeping us in the loop on various conversations they were having with media, what was secured, and when/where we needed to step in to do an interview or provide informaiton for media.

What did you find most impressive or unique about this company?

I am impressed with quickly they moved and the fact that quality was not compromised, despite our quick timelines and high demands.

Are there any areas for improvement or something they could have done differently?

None. Would just love to work with them with more of a runway to see what kind of results their full, unrushed process can achieve.

Please describe your company and your position there.

I am the CEO of a Hotel and Restaurant Development and Management Company

For what projects/services did your company hire Heron Agency, and what were your goals?

We hired Heron for the launch and ongoing marketing of multiple hotels and Restaurants. Our goal was to ramp up each business quickly and maximize revenue potential on an ongoing basis

How did you select this vendor?

We interviewed several agencies and decided that Heron had the background that we were looking for. They made an impressive presentation and had strong references

Describe the scope of their work in detail, including any steps and the final deliverables.

All aspects of product launch and marketing including Public Relations, Social Media, marketing and special events.

How many people from the vendor's team worked with you, and what were their positions?

Team approach. Our account received attention from multiple team members and the principal. Contact was almost daily

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

To say they knocked it out of the park would be an understatement. Offshore the worlds largest rooftop bar opened to sold out crowds and was the talk of the town. The Sable hotel has consistently been number one in the market since it opened. Lirica opened strong and continues to beat our expectations. The Springhill Suites has become a market leader in 90 days after opening.

Describe their project management style, including communication tools and timeliness.

Their team is very collaborative, and they always come prepared with ideas and a plan.

What did you find most impressive or unique about this company?

I am typically tough in agencies because so many are form over substance. Heron delivered. No platitudes just results.

Are there any areas for improvement or something they could have done differently?

None come to mind.