Well, it certainly was an eventful year, wasn’t it? I’ll skip the political and social commentary, but I think most people would agree that the past year has left us a bit perplexed.

Here at the worldwide headquarters of Dale Curtis Communications, our biggest change was the move from 1250 24th Street NW (which will soon become the office of “former” President Barack Obama) to 1111 19th Street NW, in the heart of downtown DC. We’ve loved our new offices – a sublet in the suite of Results for Development (R4D). It has great light, all-new workstations and amenities, and access to many lunch and shopping spots.

Unfortunately for us (but fortunately for their clients and causes), R4D is growing rapidly and needs its space back, so DCC faces another move by April 1. 

In the human resources department, we welcomed Breyana Franklin as an Associate, with strong experience in PR and journalism and an uncanny ability to stay cool under pressure. The other new face was our Intern, Emma Gross, a senior in Economics and Journalism at Georgetown University, who seems adept at every project we give her.

The rest of the team remained the same: Director of Operations and “House Mother” Marsha Smith; Senior Account Supervisor and utility player Peter Morscheck; and our “go-to” partners Deborah Sauri of iSpy Creative; Paul Farrell of National Capital Video; Steve Clawson of Validus Public Relations; and Andrew Gagliano.   

The entire team has risen to the many challenges of 2016 – juggling multiple demanding projects and delivering solid results for our clients – all while keeping the business moving full steam ahead.

We were pleased to take on several new assignments, including media and content support for a rapidly growing association in the broadband industry; a writing and thought leadership program for a global association CEO; websites for advocacy groups and professional firms; and commencement addresses for corporate CEOs. In general, our work involves strategy, messaging, materials in all formats, media, online, video, and events.

Clients this year included InterDigital, a leading wireless R&D company; IPC, an association uniting the global electronics industry; NENA-The 9-1-1 Association and especially its Friends of 9-1-1 program; the Wireless Internet Service Providers Association (WISPA); Chavez Schools for Public Policy; the Bipartisan Policy Center; the Alliance of U.S. Startups and Inventors for Jobs (USIJ); LyondellBasell, a top global chemical company; and SAP, the software giant.  

In other new and noteworthy developments in our business: 

  • We expanded our video capabilities, including partnerships with great vendors and delivery of several effective video pieces; 
  • We joined the Public Affairs Council, the leading nonpartisan, nonpolitical association for public affairs professionals worldwide, which provides a wealth of best practices and contacts.
  •  We sponsored the 10th Annual Book Festival at For Love of Children (FLOC).
  • And we were active in a variety of organizations, including Q Street and the Public Relations Society of America, National Capital Chapter. 

In 2017, we anticipate additional growth and development in our business, and a lot of challenging but fun assignments for great companies and causes. My personal resolutions include more discipline about time management, more networking, more writing and video-ing, and an always-open mind to new innovations and talent. 

From all of us to all of you, we wish you health, peace and prosperity in the New Year!