C2 Strategic Promotes Executive Leaders, Adds Veteran Public Affairs Advisors to Regional Team

Celebrating 16 years of continued growth and client partnership, C2 Strategic Communications, the region’s leading public relations firm, has promoted two leaders to its executive team and expanded its roster of veteran public affairs strategists to serve business, government and nonprofit clients. Our firm, which has more than 20 employees in three regional offices, has […]
Building Public Trust in Government Starts with Clear Communication

This post is written by Jill Midkiff, who recently joined C2 Strategic Communications as a senior director. Trusted by governors and cabinet secretaries for nearly three decades, Jill is one of the most experienced and respected communications leaders in Kentucky. She joined C2 Strategic after retiring last year from the Commonwealth of Kentucky. Jill’s leadership […]
A New Year Check-In for Nonprofits: Is Your Board Ready to Speak on Your Behalf?

The beginning of a new year is a natural time for nonprofit organizations to pause and assess what is working and what needs attention. Budgets, strategy and board recruitment often rise to the top of the list. Communication readiness should too. Board leaders and board members are among a nonprofit’s most visible advocates. Whether they […]
What Is Public Relations, and How Can It Help You?

By Derek Doyle, Senior Director, C2 Strategic Communications Public relations, or PR, is a term most people know but few can define. Many people think of it as just media coverage. Others think it is simply a social media campaign or a response to a crisis. The truth is that PR covers all these things […]
Media Relations in a Changing News Landscape

By Tom Lally, Senior Strategist Newsrooms across the country are shrinking. Funding cuts to public media, including NPR and PBS, are the latest sign of dwindling support for journalism. Over the past year, local news companies like E.W. Scripps, TEGNA, Gray Television and Hearst have announced major layoffs. The reporters who remain are hungry, dedicated […]
The New Reality for Higher Education: The BIG Issues They Can’t Ignore

Welcome to the 2020s, where higher education feels less like a stroll across campus and more like a high-stakes obstacle course. Colleges and universities aren’t just competing for prestige anymore. They’re fighting to survive. Between shifting demographics, rising costs and growing doubts about the value of a degree, the higher ed landscape is being pushed […]
Why Nonprofits Need Strategic Communications to Be Successful

Why Nonprofits Need Strategic Communications to Be Successful
The Ultimate Guide to Creating an Engaging Media Kit

The Ultimate Guide to Creating an Engaging Media Kit
Master Distiller: What Bourbon Teaches Us About Crafting Stories

By: Derek Doyle, Senior Director, C2 Strategic Communications As Kentuckians, we know a thing or two about bourbon. And as communicators, we recognize that every ounce of bourbon tells a story. From the rich limestone bedrock that feeds flavor to the charred oak barrels aging quietly in rickhouses, each step of the bourbon-making process is […]
You Belong: Reframing Imposter Syndrome in the Workplace

You Belong: Reframing Imposter Syndrome in the Workplace
Podcasting: The Next Frontier in Media Relations

Blog By: Quin Welch, Associate Strategist, C2 Strategic Communications In an increasingly digital world, podcasts have emerged as a powerful medium for storytelling, education and communication. For public relations professionals, they offer a valuable opportunity to reach targeted audiences by appearing as guests or placing stories on relevant shows. Instead of launching a new podcast, […]
3 Lessons in Crisis Communications

During a recent C2 Strategic Communications webinar, our president Kerri Richardson shared practical, proven strategies to help leaders communicate clearly under pressure. From anticipating risk to protecting your organization’s reputation, her insights are rooted in decades of real-world experience. Below are three key lessons from her talk — short, powerful video snapshots designed to help […]
Are You Speaking Your Customers’ Language? Lessons from Puerto Rico

Blog By: Chad Carlton, Founder & CEO, C2 Strategic Communications I love PR (public relations). It’s a big part of our work at C2 Strategic Communications. However, the “PR” in the photo above refers to Puerto Rico, the U.S. Island territory where my wife and I recently vacationed. The week of rest and relaxation — […]
Avoiding A Tough Conversation? We Can Help.

Sometimes, I wish we could scratch out the word “public” from “public relations.” For many, “public relations” brings to mind corporate press conferences, ribbon cuttings with oversized scissors or executives handing over giant foam checks. PR is often far more personal and not just about publicity, it’s about relationships. At C2 Strategic, we specialize in […]
The Role of Public Relations in Business Growth

How effective PR strategies can drive your business expansion and success Our marketplace is full of overused phrases that often lack substance – “thinking outside the box,” “working smarter, not harder,” and “being transparent.” But let’s be real – there’s no box, hard work is irreplaceable, and we aren’t plastic wrap. Instead, success boils down […]
2025 Media Trends

Staying Ahead of Media Trends in 2025: Protect Your Brand and Your Work As we move into 2025, the media landscape is evolving faster than ever, driven by technological advances, shifting consumer behaviors and an ever-growing demand for authentic engagement. At C2 Strategic, we recognize how crucial it is to predict and prepare for these […]
Maximize Your PR Impact: Why Media Relations Builds Brand Strength and Reputation

In the competitive world of public relations, media relations is pivotal to maximizing your PR impact. Effective media strategies are crucial for building a robust brand and managing your reputation. Leveraging media relations enhances credibility, amplifies your brand’s visibility, and helps navigate reputational challenges. Here’s why media relations is a cornerstone of successful PR and […]
Media Relations for Non-Profits: How to Effectively Share Your Story

The landscape of non-profit organizations is filled with worthy causes – everything from feeding the hungry, behavioral health services, providing compassionate support for children in need and more. The incredible work these organizations do in service to our communities are stories that need to be shared far and wide. Enter: the media relations campaign. A […]
Should Your Headline Be a Question? Boost Engagement and Click-Through Rates with This PR and Marketing Strategy

Want to see higher engagement numbers on social media? Ask more questions! Re-writing your post to be in the form of a question can grab interest and boost feedback.
Tip Tuesday: Use data to improve your communications strategies

We know that good data can help us better understand target audiences, improve current strategies, and guide future decisions. Think about data as a tool to maximize your marketing dollars. For instance, if you have a high bounce rate on your website, you may consider if your landing page is providing relevant content to visitors.
Being thankful in 2020: C2 Strategic founder talks Kentucky’s greatest gifts

Most people will not celebrate Thanksgiving and other seasonal holidays this year because of COVID-19, but there are still plenty of reasons to be thankful. C2 Strategic founder Chad Carlton encourages optimism for Kentuckians and anyone struggling through a tough year. He talked about his favorite things about the Bluegrass State and what he’s learned […]