Join Matthew Tackett as he welcomes April Mason, President and Founder of the acclaimed public relations firm Violet PR, for a masterclass on the power of shaping a community's narrative. April shares her compelling journey into the field, which began with a pivotal internship at the Kansas City Area Development Council and led to the launch of her own agency specializing in economic development. The conversation focuses on the critical need for intentional PR strategies to control a region's story in the age of AI, highlighting how proactive communications and earned media can help communities stand out and attract investment.

This episode is packed with actionable advice, as April provides expert tips on everything from media training for spokespersons to effectively leveraging platforms like LinkedIn and YouTube. Listeners will learn strategies for measuring the impact of positive news coverage and hear about the stunning success of a campaign that positioned Buffalo, New York as a climate change haven. Blending high-level strategy with engaging reflections on the growth of cities like Oklahoma City, this discussion offers invaluable insights for any economic development professional looking to enhance their media presence.

This podcast is sponsored by Insyteful.