Courtesy Sustainable PR
Sustainable PR, a new public relations agency in Glens Falls, has opened with a focus on fostering “green” business success in the growing sustainability market.
After 30 years of media relations experience in Philadelphia, Tony DeFazio, founder and principal of the agency, started the company.
Sustainable PR is positioned to support companies of varying sizes operating in B2B and B2C industries such as green technology, renewable energy, eco product manufacturing, sustainable investment products and organic food and beverage, according to the company.
Sustainable PR offers a range of services, including message development, media relations, influencer relations, coalition building and thought leadership.
The agency launched with its first client Soho Waterworks, a Brooklyn-based start-up water distributor aiming to redefine the standards of drinking water and help regional bottlers of fine waters access broader markets.
DeFazio said the inspiration for the agency can be traced back to a hike in Philadelphia’s Wissahickon Park at the outset of the COVID-19 pandemic, when a friend asked him how he wanted to spend his next 10 years. After a lifetime of volunteering and advocating for environmental and sustainable causes, DeFazio decided to put his skills to work to both pursue his passion and meet what he describes as a growing market need.
“I reached a point where I could really take a step back and evaluate where I wanted to head next,” DeFazio said. “After building a strong reputation and an extensive network of contacts, I was ready for a new challenge.”
“The highlights of my career have been in supporting emerging businesses in the science, technology and finance sectors. When the pandemic hit, I realized there was no time to waste. And the numbers reflect that. The burgeoning sustainability market presents unparalleled opportunities. Millions of dollars are waiting for companies who get their messaging right and resonate with consumers and investors—all while working toward a greener future.”
The sustainability market is projected to grow from $8.7 billion in 2019 to $28.9 billion by 2024, according to the Green Technology and Sustainability Market Report, and consumers are increasingly paying attention to companies’ commitment to leaving the planet better than they found it.
DeFazio made the move from Philadelphia to Glens Falls to launch Sustainable PR.
He said the city is brimming with new development, retail and a supportive business community. The city has already committed to sustainability developments of its own, including energy conservation measures such as converting 1,600 street lights from high-pressure sodium (HPS) to light-emitting diode (LED), which will save energy and an estimated quarter million dollars annually.
“Here at Sustainable PR, we are committed to employing our media relations expertise to grow green companies both local to the region and nationwide,” said DeFazio. “We deliberately chose Glens Falls for its strategic location just outside Adirondack Park, and within an hour of the state capital.
“Since we arrived, the city has opened its arms to us. We are beyond grateful to city leaders who have given us such a warm reception, and we are excited to be a part of a community which reflects our values. We look forward to working alongside business and civic leaders to help make Glens Falls an even more vibrant city.”
Led by veteran PR practitioners, Sustainable PR is strategically built to help green companies craft compelling stories about their sustainability initiatives. These narratives, and the resulting exposure, provide companies third party validation, credibility and enhanced reputation, according to the company.
For more information, visit the company website sustainablepr.com or call (518) 223-9962.