When you say “FrazierHeiby is celebrating its 30th anniversary this year,” it doesn’t sound all that long.

That’s until I thought about it from a personal perspectives. Back in 1983, I was only 16 years old. Yes, you can do the math and figure out how old I am.

At 16, the world is just beginning to open up to you.

I gained some independence that year when I got my driver’s license. At that time, my family owned a Chrysler station wagon with some sort of crushed velvet seats – and, of course, it had the wood paneling on the sides! In this car, I drove myself to and from work at Lake Austin. I lived in the country and I traveled many twisting and sometimes treacherous roads, always way too fast. I would have been grounded if my parents knew the risks I took in that car (risks I would not take today). But I do remember feeling like an adult every time I got behind the wheel.

That was the year I was officially allowed to date – a right of passage for teenagers everywhere. Again, I experienced a sense of freedom, but at the same time I began to realize that the choices I made have impacts.

When I was 16, I first started thinking about what I wanted to do with the rest of my life. I thought I would be a nurse like my mom, but then realized I probably wouldn’t like taking orders from doctors, so I quickly moved on from that idea. I also considered being a fiction writer, but wasn’t sure how to make that into something that could pay the bills. It wasn’t until I got to college that I discovered what I wanted to do for my career.

30 years ago, there were a lot of changes in my life. But that doesn’t even compare to the journey that has brought me to where I am today.

In the past 30 years, my immediate family has had five marriages, two divorces, the births of 11 children, one fight against cancer and two hip replacement surgeries. We’ve dealt with the death of a father, a father-in-law and a mother-in-law. We’ve seen one family member serve his country in Iraq as a National Guard member and re-enlist as a member of the Air Force National Guard.

It seems like it has all happened in the blink of an eye. I know that sounds cliché but that is the only way I can describe it. I look at my nieces and nephews and see my mom and dad in them. I am amazed at how different we can be but yet how similar.

And I have to wonder what it will be like to look back 30 years from now. I wonder how this will have changes, but yet stayed the same?

I write in response to the April 3 editorial, “Attack of the algae.”

The quality of our state’s watersheds is of great concern to me, as I believe it is for all Ohioans. I’ve been a Stark County farmer for 40 years, growing corn, soybeans and wheat, along with raising dairy cattle, and am deeply troubled by the possibility of farmland nutrients contributing to the algae blooms in Lake Erie.

I have worked hard, and always will, to farm the land in ways that have the least impact our environment and am committed to continuously improving my methods to further minimize nutrient loss to waterways.

I can also say that in the 40 years I’ve farmed the land, farmers use less phosphorus today than when I planted my first crop.

I was encouraged to read about the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative to repair Lake Erie’s ailing ecosystems. Ohio’s agricultural organizations are investing more than $1 million in research led by Ohio State University to identify and rank farming practices that are most effective in keeping nutrients on the field.

It is this kind of research that will be of most benefit to farmers dedicated to making a positive difference to our waterways. I look forward to applying the results of this study to further improve my farming practices.

In the meantime, new technological advances in fertilizer application have helped me minimize nutrient runoff by applying the right source of fertilizer, at the right time, in the right place and in the right amount.

I also follow a nutrient-management plan, customized to the soil types, crop rotations, water flow and nutrient needs of my fields, to further reduce the need for nutrient application. While Ohio farmers like me are committed to doing our part in improving waterways, it must be noted there are many sources of pollutants beyond our control.

They include private septic systems, waste from failed sewer systems and urban storm runoff. To most effectively solve Lake Erie’s water quality issues, we must also look beyond the possible contribution of agricultural activity and address all potential sources of pollutants.

In many ways, the condition of our waterways is paramount to our quality of life. As a farmer and Ohioan, I will continue to do my part in improving our waterways by seeking out farming practices that best keep nutrients on the fields where they belong.

Mark Thomas
Louisville

Ellson, who recently relocated from her native Australia to Columbus, will have a variety of responsibilities at FrazierHeiby, including day-to-day support to two of the firm’s agribusiness and energy clients.

“Hannah’s experience matches the diverse service needs of our clients,” said CEO Tom Heiby. “She’ll undoubtedly do great work on behalf of our clients and the firm. We’re very pleased to welcome her to the team.”

Prior to joining FrazierHeiby, Ellson was a senior consultant with DEC Communications, a public relations agency in Sydney. She has bachelor’s degrees in public relations and international studies from the University of Canberra.

In my role at FrazierHeiby I’m called on to write a lot of guest columns, op-eds and letters to the editor. Though communication professionals have used these devices for decades, I have to admit that prior to joining the firm nearly two years ago, I had very little experience with opinion pieces.

So, of course one of my first challenges at my new firm with my new client was to write a 700-word op-ed. The column, which required a solid understanding of a very technical industrial process and of key legislation and regulation, was to be signed by an expert in the field who was known and respected for his writing ability. No pressure, right?

Aware that this was a sink-or-swim moment, I sat down at my computer determined to write a column that would make the client, my employer and myself proud. A few hours later, I had a darn good draft ready for review. The response from the client was tremendous. Not only did I nail the subject matter, but I also managed to capture the voice of the client.

I’m not a mind reader or a mimic, but what I am fairly good at is listening, especially when a client is speaking. I attribute the success of that first op-ed to being a sponge soaking up not only every fact and minute detail about the subject matter, but also paying close attention to the client’s choice of words, tone and manner when he discussed the topic. As I was writing, I would repeat every sentence in my head as if the client was saying it. If it didn’t sound genuine, it didn’t make the cut.

That first op-ed not only helped me find my client’s voice, but helped establish a level of trust that is vital for a client relationship to thrive. And dozens upon dozens of op-eds and letters later, it’s a strategy I employ every time I write for a client.

How do you approach writing for a client? Do you have any tips on writing opinion pieces?

Cabela’s Ohio Debut

FrazierHeiby managed media relations for the grand opening of the first Ohio Cabela’s store in March. Television coverage from NBC, CBS, ABC and FOX28 captured the thousands of people waiting in line to be among the first to enter the store. Media coverage was also secured in The Columbus Dispatch, Columbus Business First, Delaware Gazette and This Week. View some of the clips here.

OOGA’s Severance Tax Campaign

As part of an ongoing effort to educate the public and the media about the administration’s proposed severance-tax increase on oil and gas production within the state, FrazierHeiby has assisted the Ohio Oil and Gas Association (OOGA) with the strategic placement of letters to the editor and op-eds in key newspapers. In February, The Wall Street Journal published a letter signed by OOGA president Joel Rudicil.

Keeping it “Real” in Hilliard

FrazierHeiby capitalized on the City of Hilliard’s strengths to deliver a new tagline and visual identity – “Real People. Real Possibilities.” – that was unveiled to the community during the State of the City address in March. The new tagline will help solidify the identity of Hilliard as a community that is viewed as down-to-earth, authentic and real. The firm is also supporting the city’s public-information programming, which includes proactively and consistently promoting city programs, services and events to current Hilliard residents and businesses via communications outreach and public-relations support.

Today is FrazierHeiby‘s 30th anniversary. We thought it would be fun to share some of our milestones with you.

1983
The firm was founded with a vision for the practice of public relations, community relations and a focus on client service and flexibility. An Ohio State University student intern came aboard, the first of more than 200 students who have studied under our direction. Clients at that time included The Columbus Dispatch and the League Against Child Abuse.

1984 to 1996
We continued to grow and the company moves to its first offices, also adding visual design and brand counsel to its services. In 1989, the firm was one of the first in the state to employ computer design tools. Clients included Fifty Five Restaurants, Burgess & Niple, Bank Ohio and Airnet Systems.

1997 to 2004
The firm’s talented staff took on more strategic programming, including support for clients on a national/international basis. Programs included strategic planning, national advertising, broad-based media programs, crisis communications and brand identity counsel. Clients included Frigidaire, Electrolux, Schoedinger Funeral & Cremation Service and First Community Village.

2005 to 2012
The firm enjoyed success serving larger branded clients while employing social media and Internet technology to test consumer attitudes, connect with key constituents throughout the world and provide up-to-the-minute monitoring of audience behaviors. Clients included Sports Imports, Ohio Soybean Council, Ohio Corn Growers Association, Kroger and Fairfield Medical Center.

Today
FrazierHeiby continues to provide full-service public relations counsel to a myriad of new and long-standing clients including AEP Ohio, the Ohio Oil & Gas Association, Cabela’s and the City of Hilliard. In celebration of our 30th anniversary, we continue to adopt community organizations for probono support. This year we are supporting the Thurber House, a non-profit literary center and James Thurber museum.

2013 marks our 30th year providing strategic marketing communications to clients from Columbus to Italy. This is something not many businesses attain and is certainly a significant accomplishment for our industry, one that sees firms come and go, mergers and acquisitions.

I am proud to say that we have attained this through our strategic commitment to be and remain independent, with an experienced and accomplished team of associates, not to mention the multitude of clients that have been such great supporters by entrusting us with their marketing and public relations initiatives and challenges.

Yes some clients have come and gone, but those that did are still some of our best supporters and testimonials.

One 30-year accomplishment has been our intern program. It’s always a joy when Doug expels on the many interns that we have had the pleasure to host during this time and assist in jump-starting their careers. We may have lost count – 200+ – but we are always reminded of them as we see them years later providing counsel to their clients – very satisfying.

I suspect the next obvious topic would be to share some client experiences from over the years. I’m going to save that for my book!

Frankly, this 30th milestone year to me is about the firm…our associates.

Over the past several years, I have created an annual, internally-focused theme as a means to communicate a particular challenge or goal that is specific to that year. Even if you are recipient of our eNewsletter or read our blogs, you would not have read about the themes. This year, I am making an exception.

The theme for 2013 is Drive.

I do not expect anyone outside of FrazierHeiby to understand it and I have no expectations of you to embrace it as I have – as our firm has already in so many ways.

But I do want to share with you why I am writing about it. It’s because I did not create it. It was a collaborative effort by our associates. It’s their creation, their strategy, their theme and I proudly supported it the minute it was presented to me along with several options (you just might hear about those in following years!). And while internally focused, it has so many applications to external audiences as well – clients, community and our industry.

As you might expect, Drive is an acronym:

Dedication
Rapid Response
Inspiration
Value
Energy

Multiple sub-topics abound within. I suspect some of you may be able to figure out many of them.

Drive is driving (sorry it just fits) how we conduct ourselves in 2013. We have a team that created several celebratory internal and external activities that we will be implementing throughout the year. Some have already been completed with many exciting ones to come. All of the activities are housed within a public relations plan – that has measurements!

We have a great team in place. I could not be more proud of them and of the Drive and commitment that they display each and every day for our clients, as well as the pro-bono work they do in their individual activities within various community activities. If you haven’t already, I hope you will be able to connect with them during the year as we Drive our business through the next 30 years.

A native Australian, Hannah relocated to Columbus — her husband’s hometown — in 2012. Along with her distinct Aussie accent, Hannah brings to FrazierHeiby a passion for public relations and experience working with well-known brands, including Kellogg and Foot Locker. She honed her media-pitching skills while working with a public relations firm in Sydney, where she assisted clients in a variety of industries, including retail, finance and food.

Education
Hannah holds bachelor’s degrees in public relations and international studies from the University of Canberra.

Personal
Hannah resides in Upper Arlington with her husband, Ben, and their new puppy Sid.

Real People. Real Possibilities.

Those four words soon will appear on marketing materials, landmarks, water towers, signs and the arches above Main Street in Old Hilliard.

Hilliard Mayor Don Schonhardt unveiled the new tagline and accompanying logo at the conclusion of his State of the City address March 12.

As in past years, the mayor had a theme for his address, outlining a series of events in the recent past he called “game-changers” for Hilliard, peppering his address with the term while describing accomplishments of the city.

“The best aspect of a real game-changer is that it builds upon itself,” Schonhardt said.

Schonhardt said the adoption of a comprehensive plan was the catalyst that helped define the city’s earliest “game-changer moments.”
Schonhardt outlined successful job retention and expansion efforts involving Premium Beverage, Dish Network, e-Cycle and CBIZ Medical Management Professionals.

“These events, coupled with the quietly evolving local economy, resulted in income-tax growth of 7.8 percent in 2012,” Schonhardt said. “This level of growth has been unheard of for years and certainly remained unexpected through the third quarter of 2012.”

The future looks even more promising, Schonhardt said, as Verizon earlier this month announced the transfer of 1,500 employees from its Dublin office to Hilliard next year. The company also plans to create 500 new jobs in Hilliard.

Next, the mayor showcased Gateway at Hilliard, the development at the northwest corner of Cemetery Road and Britton Parkway that will result in construction of a Giant Eagle, an Ohio Health medical office, restaurants and 420 apartments.

“In total, this $9 million investment in our city will bring more than $26 million in new payroll to the city,” he said.

Schonhardt called the project a “game-changer on many levels” because it delivers new customers to the local economy, delivers employers greater access to a quality labor pool, provides quality-of-life amenities and provides a desired “gateway to the Britton Parkway corridor.”

Schonhardt also highlighted two projects in Old Hilliard: the construction of Hilliard’s Station Park at Main and Center streets and Landmark Lofts, a mixed-use residential and retail development at Cemetery Road and Franklin Street.

The pair of projects, when completed, “will provide the missing critical component to the heart of our community, real people,” Schonhardt said.

At the end of his address, the mayor revealed the city’s new logo and tagline, a phrase, he said, that “tells the story of what makes us unique, our people, our attitude and the possibilities that exist that make us a great community today and into the future.”

The brand tagline was created by FrazierHeiby, the public relations and strategic marketing firm that gave Dublin the tagline “It’s Greener in Dublin.”

Doug Frazier, a co-owner and chief creative officer at FrazierHeiby, said the company worked with a team of Hilliard officials to create a “sound bite for the city.”

“Our objective was to find a statement that defines Hilliard,” Frazier said.

He said it was achieved through multiple interviews and distilling the results into a common theme, at the same time ensuring it was unique to Hilliard.

“‘Real’ was a word we kept coming back to, and we heard about the people so many times, too. … It all led us to the real people, real possibilities (phrase) you see today,” Frazier said.