Ulster County Travel Guide

Ulster County Tourism and Focus Media honored in External Publications category

KINGSTON, N.Y. (Jan. 26, 2012) – The 2011 Ulster County Travel Guide has been honored with a Gold Award in the 9th Annual Service Industry Advertising Awards (SIAA).

The guide, developed by Ulster County [...]]]>

Ulster County Travel Guide

Ulster County Tourism and Focus Media honored in External Publications category

KINGSTON, N.Y. (Jan. 26, 2012) – The 2011 Ulster County Travel Guide has been honored with a Gold Award in the 9^th Annual Service Industry Advertising Awards (SIAA).

The guide, developed by Ulster County Tourism and Focus Media, Inc., was recognized in the awards’ External Publications category. It was released in May by Ulster County Tourism as part of its overall marketing efforts that promote the outstanding travel opportunities offered throughout the county.

“I am delighted that Ulster County Tourism has received such a prestigious award for our 2011 travel guide,” Ulster County Executive Mike Hein said. “Out of 2,000 entries, our guide was one of just 146 publications to be singled out as a Gold Award winner. Since the travel guide is one of our main marketing tools to attract tourists to the county, I’m incredibly proud that our guide ranks among the best in the nation.”

The 68-page, full-color publication broke new ground last year and added a number of features to make it more user-friendly and interactive, including a pullout map that charts the county’s recreational and cultural hotspots. Its graphic design has effectively captured the area’s scenic beauty and activities, and a QR code on the back allows readers to quickly and easily add themselves to the mailing list for the 2012 guide.

“Thanks in part to this publication and many other marketing efforts, we’ve seen a boost in our county tourism industry this year,” said Ulster County Tourism Director Richard J. Remsnyder. “This award showcases the hard work that has been put into the 2011 Tourism Guide, and is another example of what makes Ulster County such a great place to visit and live.”

The publication was recognized by the SIAA for its creativity, design and effective communication to its target audiences. The awards are dedicated entirely to the service industry nationwide, with more than 400 advertising agencies and over 1,000 institutions participating this year. Out of more than 2,000 entries, the SIAA’s panel of judges gave out 146 Gold, 111 Silver and 88 Bronze awards.

“We’re very proud to be in a great partnership with Ulster County Tourism,” said Josh Sommers, President and CEO of Focus Media. “Between Ulster County and Focus Media, everyone put forth a great effort. We look forward to working with Ulster County Tourism in putting together an even more impressive publication this year.”

Ulster County has a wide range of travel destinations available, including 250,000 acres of forever-wild land that features over 350 miles of trails and 35 peaks. Just 90 miles outside of Manhattan, the county has biking, kayaking, wind surfing, biking, golf, fishing in the warmer months and skiing, snow-shoeing and skating in the colder months for visitors.

(Goshen, NY) October 24, 2011— Focus Media, Inc. has announced Gabrielle Vanderhoof has joined the firm as marketing and public relations coordinator.

In her role, Vanderhoof is responsible providing marketing and public relations support to the firm’s account executives, under the direction of Tony Morino, vice president [...]]]> Bolsters account management team with recent addition

(Goshen, NY) October 24, 2011— Focus Media, Inc. has announced Gabrielle Vanderhoof has joined the firm as marketing and public relations coordinator.

In her role, Vanderhoof is responsible providing marketing and public relations support to the firm’s account executives, under the direction of Tony Morino, vice president of client services.

“Gaby has quickly become a rising star on our team,” said Josh Sommers, president and CEO of Focus Media. “Her assistance on several important projects for clients such as Walden Savings Bank, Ulster County Tourism and The Ruby Group has been invaluable.”

Prior to joining Focus, Vanderhoof worked with Be & D, a luxury handbag and accessories designer based in Manhattan, as well as internships several regional companies including Relais & Chateau hotel and Glenmere Mansion in Chester, N.Y.

Vanderhoof is a graduate of Binghamton University in upstate New York, where she earned her bachelor’s degree in journalism and French earlier this year.

ABOUT FOCUS MEDIA

Josh Sommers started Focus Media in 2002. Today, the agency is a multi-faceted communications organization specializing in public relations, advertising, market research, crisis management, design and Web development. Clients include Hudson Valley Economic Development Corporation, Jacobowitz & Gubits, Orange Regional Medical Center, Ulster County Tourism and Walden Savings Bank. In addition, Focus Media has extensive experience managing issue advocacy and political campaigns. The firm, ranked the fastest growing public relations agency in the eastern U.S. by PR Week, is staffed by former award-winning journalists, experienced marketing executives and graphic designers. More details about Focus Media can be found at www.advertisingandpr.com or at 845-294-3342.

“With our recent addition of a new, state-of-the-art 522,000 square foot facility in the [...]]]> Goshen, N.Y. (October 17, 2011) –  President Container Group, one of the nation’s largest independent manufacturers of high-quality corrugated cartons and point-of-purchase displays, has named Focus Media, Inc. as its agency of record to handle marketing, advertising and public relations.

“With our recent addition of a new, state-of-the-art 522,000 square foot facility in the Town of Wallkill, the time was right to put Focus Media’s full-service capabilities and experience in the Hudson Valley to work for our company,” said Larry Grossbard, President of President Container Group. “Focus is already helping to identify ways to maximize opportunities for growth in the region.”

“We are delighted that President Container Group has chosen Focus Media as its strategic partner as the company sets its sights on future growth,” said Josh Sommers, president and CEO of Focus Media. “We are very proud to announce what is sure to be a successful partnership.”

ABOUT PRESIDENT CONTAINER GROUP

President Container Group has been one of the nation’s largest independent manufacturers of high-quality corrugated cartons and point-of-purchase displays for over 60 years. Our group of companies includes President Container, President Industrial Products and Tech-Pak, Inc. which provides our customers with a “one stop shop”. 

ABOUT FOCUS MEDIA

Josh Sommers started Focus Media in 2002. Today, the agency is a multi-faceted communications organization specializing in public relations, advertising, market research, crisis management, design and Web development. Clients include Hudson Valley Economic Development Corporation, Jacobowitz & Gubits, Orange Regional Medical Center, Ulster County Tourism and Walden Savings Bank. In addition, Focus Media has extensive experience managing issue advocacy and political campaigns. The firm, ranked the fastest growing public relations agency in the eastern U.S. by PR Week, is staffed by former award-winning journalists, experienced marketing executives and graphic designers. More details about Focus Media can be found at www.advertisingandpr.com or at 845-294-3342.

(Goshen, NY) October 3, 2011— Focus Media, Inc. has added graphic designer Emily Green to the team as the firm continues to grow and deliver creative branding and awareness campaigns for its clients.

Green brings more than eight years of design experience in [...]]]> Demand for cutting edge, sophisticated design fuels growth in creative division

(Goshen, NY) October 3, 2011— Focus Media, Inc. has added graphic designer Emily Green to the team as the firm continues to grow and deliver creative branding and awareness campaigns for its clients.

Green brings more than eight years of design experience in New York City to Focus Media’s clients. Most recently she was creative director for American Art Marketing, where she created cutting-edge design for print advertising, online marketing, environmental graphics, websites and direct mail.

Previously, she founded Emily Green Designs which developed branding campaigns and marketing materials for a variety of clients, including New York City Mayor Mike Bloomberg’s campaign. She also has extensive experience in graphic design at a number of private companies, and specializes in concept development, branding, typography and print production.

“Emily has become an integral part of our creative team, and an important asset to our clients,” explained CEO, Josh Sommers. “Her experience and dedication have resulted in stellar results for our big-time campaigns, and her fresh and innovative creativity is part of what has given Focus its competitive edge.”

Green is a graduate of St. John’s University in Queens, N.Y., where she earned her Bachelor of Fine Arts in graphic design.

ABOUT FOCUS MEDIA

Josh Sommers started Focus Media in 2002. Today, the agency is a multi-faceted communications organization specializing in public relations, advertising, market research, crisis management, design and Web development. Clients include Hudson Valley Economic Development Corporation, Jacobowitz & Gubits, Orange Regional Medical Center, Ulster County Tourism and Walden Savings Bank. In addition, Focus Media has extensive experience managing issue advocacy and political campaigns. The firm, ranked the fastest growing public relations agency in the eastern U.S. by PR Week, is staffed by former award-winning journalists, experienced marketing executives and graphic designers. More details about Focus Media can be found at www.advertisingandpr.com or at 845-294-3342.

(Goshen, NY) September 26, 2011— As Focus Media, Inc. continues to grow and strengthen its core team, Christina Lawrence has been promoted to senior art director, and Lisa Kelly has ascended to the role of key account director.

Christina Lawrence has been part of the Focus team since [...]]]> Key Roles Expanded Amid Rapid Growth

(Goshen, NY) September 26, 2011— As Focus Media, Inc. continues to grow and strengthen its core team, Christina Lawrence has been promoted to senior art director, and Lisa Kelly has ascended to the role of key account director.

Christina Lawrence has been part of the Focus team since joining the agency in October 2007 as a graphic designer. In her expanded role, she directs all aspects of creative and design for the firm, including managing internal operations in the Focus Media design department. Lawrence has developed some of the company’s most recognizable and award-winning work, including Walden Savings Bank, Ulster County Tourism and most recently, the campaign for the new Orange Regional Medical Center.

“Chrissy is a critical part of what makes Focus successful,” said CEO Josh Sommers. “She is a consummate professional who amazes me every day with her talent and dedication, and she has quickly grown into an important leader in our organization.”

Prior to joining Focus Media, Lawrence was the art director at Greystone Partners Advertising & PR in Poughkeepsie, where she was responsible for design and development on a wide range of projects. She holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Graphic and Interactive Communication from Ringling School of Art and Design in Sarasota, Fl.

After spending five years at Madden Communication, LLC as an account executive and public relations manager, Lisa Kelly joined Focus Media as an account executive in January 2010, when the two firms merged. Now, she heads several of the company’s key accounts, including Catskill Regional Medical Center, Elant, and Pinegrove Ranch & Family Resorts, among others.

“Lisa’s dedication and attention to detail are evident in the respect of her peers and clients,” continued Sommers. “She has taken on important accounts and is part of Focus Media’s long-term future.”

In her role as key account director, Kelly is responsible for managing and coordinating marketing, advertising, public relations and special events for several clients. She develops and implements strategic marketing plans to achieve the goals of each client. Kelly is a graduate of St. Thomas Aquinas College in Sparkill, N.Y., with a Bachelor’s degree in Communication Arts.

ABOUT FOCUS MEDIA

Josh Sommers started Focus Media in 2002. Today, the agency is a multi-faceted communications organization specializing in public relations, advertising, market research, crisis management, design and Web development. Clients include Hudson Valley Economic Development Corporation, Jacobowitz & Gubits, Orange Regional Medical Center, Ulster County Tourism and Walden Savings Bank. In addition, Focus Media has extensive experience managing issue advocacy and political campaigns. The firm, ranked the fastest growing public relations agency in the eastern U.S. by PR Week, is staffed by former award-winning journalists, experienced marketing executives and graphic designers. More details about Focus Media can be found at www.advertisingandpr.com or at 845-294-3342.

Focus Media, a Black Bear Sponsor of the festival, will provide strategic public relations services and marketing consultation, designed to drive [...]]]> Goshen, N.Y. (September 20, 2011) – The Black Bear Film Festival has named Focus Media, Inc., as its public relations agency for the 12^th annual festival which will be held October 14-16, 2011.

Focus Media, a Black Bear Sponsor of the festival, will provide strategic public relations services and marketing consultation, designed to drive awareness and increased ticket sales, sponsorship and donations for the Milford, PA.-based non-profit.

The Black Bear Film Festival supports and promotes innovative, independent films, while celebrating Milford’s rich filmmaking heritage and the conservation movement. Since its inception in 2000, the festival has been the most anticipated event of the year, featuring engaging movies, fantastic parties, a free film salon and more. The festival has returned to its home in the historic Milford Theatre, under new leadership.

“We are thrilled Focus Media has partnered with us to promote this year’s festival,” said BBFF Vice President Shirley Masuo. “Their expertise and commitment to the success of the festival are invaluable to our efforts to get the word out in such a short timeline.”

“Black Bear Film Festival is one of the most important annual events in the region, celebrating the art of film making and attracting tourism to Pike County and the neighboring communities,” said Josh Sommers, president and CEO of Focus Media. “We are proud to be working with the festival’s dedicated and talented leadership team, and look forward to working more closely with the Milford business community.”

BBFF relies on community support, including monetary donations and sponsorships, donations of goods and services, as well as a huge number of volunteers with a wide range of talents. Sponsorship comes with a variety of benefits for every budget. For more information please visit www.blackbearfilm.com or call 570-409-0909.

ABOUT FOCUS MEDIA

Focus Media is a regional, full-service advertising and public relations agency with extensive experience and clients across many industries. Clients include Orange Regional Medical Center, Elant, Ulster County Tourism, Hudson Valley Economic Development Corp., Catlin Gardens Inn, Villa Roma Resort, Walden Savings Bank, SUNY Orange, United Water New York and Hudson Valley Federal Credit Union. Focus Media provides all aspects of advertising and public relations, including market research, media relations, branding, design, Web development, TV and radio production and media planning.        

ABOUT BLACK BEAR FILM FESTIVAL:

The not-for-profit Black Bear Film Festival (BBFF) was born in Milford, PA. in 2000 when a small group of culturally-minded creative types set about creating an event to support and promote innovative, independent films. It celebrates Milford’s rich filmmaking heritage and the conservation movement in tribute to Gifford Pinchot, “father of the American conservation movement”.  Zane Grey, D.W. Griffith, Mary Pickford, Lillian Gish and John Barrymore are just a few of the legends who graced Milford’s alleys long before us.

The BBFF packed the town and sold out every show the first year, and has continued to thrive for more than a decade, featuring engaging movies, fantastic parties, a free film salon and more. Today BBFF is has returned to its home in the historic, refurbished Milford Theatre, under new leadership, and continues to support innovative and independent films, artistic expression, education, diversity, and cultural enhancement, while promoting the region’s clean air and water, abundant wildlife, natural beauty and the entities that protect them. It also recognizes the area’s history as the birthplace of the American conservation movement and as a popular filmmaking location. For more information, please visit www.blackbearfilm.com or “like” us on Facebook.

In her role, Perri is responsible for providing executive, administrative support to the CEO in a fast-paced agency environment. 

“Kristina is responsible for implementing many of the [...]]]> (Goshen, NY) September 12, 2011— Focus Media, Inc. is pleased to announce the addition of Kristina Perri to their team, as Assistant to the CEO, Josh Sommers.

In her role, Perri is responsible for providing executive, administrative support to the CEO in a fast-paced agency environment. 

“Kristina is responsible for implementing many of the internal programs my office develops and regularly interacts with Focus Media’s clients,” said CEO Josh Sommers. “She has already become an invaluable addition to the Focus team.”

After obtaining her Bachelor’s degree in advertising, marketing and public relations from the Fashion Institute of Technology, Perri went on to work as a personal assistant and project manager for Peter Max, a pop-icon artist based in Manhattan, New York.

Perri’s repertoire also includes senior-level assistance for a number of Universal Television Executives, including Richard Ross, president of Universal’s USA networks.

In addition to responsibilities directly to the CEO, Perri manages important projects for a number of clients, and helps to maintain exceptional client-account executive relationships within Focus Media, Inc.

ABOUT FOCUS MEDIA

Josh Sommers started Focus Media in 2002. Today, the agency is a multi-faceted communications organization specializing in public relations, advertising, market research, crisis management, design and Web development. Clients include Hudson Valley Economic Development Corporation, Jacobowitz & Gubits, Orange Regional Medical Center, Ulster County Tourism and Walden Savings Bank. In addition, Focus Media has extensive experience managing issue advocacy and political campaigns. The firm, ranked the fastest growing public relations agency in the eastern U.S. by PR Week, is staffed by former award-winning journalists, experienced marketing executives and graphic designers. More details about Focus Media can be found at www.advertisingandpr.com or at 845-294-3342.

The winners are: Business of the Year (large): [...]]]> Winners of the Orange County Chamber of Commerce’s annual awards have been announced. The awards will be presented at the Chamber’s Annual Meeting and Awards Reception on Wednesday, October 26 at Falkirk Golf Club, Central Valley. The event is sponsored by the Galleria at Crystal Run.

The winners are: Business of the Year (large): Orange County Trust Company; Business of the Year (medium): Focus Media, Inc. ; Business of the Year (small): Holbert’s Catering/BackYard Bistro; Not-for-Profit Enterprise: Independent Living, Inc. ; Green Business of the Year: SUNY Orange; Volunteer of the Year (general membership): Bill Sivillo (Captain’s Club Cruises & Tours) ; Volunteer of the Year (Board of Directors): Josh Sommers (Focus Media, Inc.) ; President’s Award: Orange Regional Medical Center; Commitment to Community: Hearthstone Construction Company; Legacy Award: David Cocks (posthumously, Walden Savings Bank). The Chamber’s 28 Corporate Partners will receive special recognition.

The October 26 reception will begin with hors d’oeuvres and a cash bar at 5:30 p. m., followed by dessert, the program and presentation of awards from 7:00 – 8:00 p. m. A commemorative journal will be published in conjunction with the event. Anyone interested in placing an ad in the journal should contact Karen at 457-9700 or karens@orangeny.com. Advance reservations, at $45 per person, are required for the reception. More information is available by calling Roseann at 457-9700 or visiting www.orangeny.com.

Josh Sommers, President and CEO of Focus Media

Goshen, N.Y.  (August 18, 2011) –

Focus Media, Inc. a full-service Hudson Valley-based public relations and advertising agency, continues to grow at an unprecedented rate with the opening of its new office at the Seven21 Media Center on Broadway in Kingston, N.Y. This new [...]]]>

Josh Sommers, President and CEO of Focus Media

Goshen, N.Y.  (August 18, 2011) –

Focus Media, Inc. a full-service Hudson Valley-based public relations and advertising agency, continues to grow at an unprecedented rate with the opening of its new office at the Seven21 Media Center on Broadway in Kingston, N.Y. This new space is in addition to the firm’s 4,200 square foot headquarters in Goshen, N.Y. and its original location in Monticello, N.Y.

Focus Media President & CEO Josh Sommers stated, “We are pleased with the success of our business development efforts in Ulster County and felt the time was right to open a local office to better serve our existing clients such as Ulster County Tourism, and attract new ones.”

The Focus Media team has grown from a staff of six in 2009, to 17 top notch professionals specializing in all aspects of public relations, marketing and design. The firm, which was recently ranked as the fastest growing public relations firm in the eastern United States by PR Week, now has locations in Orange, Sullivan and Ulster Counties.

About Focus Media:

Josh Sommers started Focus Media in 2002. Today, the agency is a multi-faceted communications organization specializing in public relations, advertising, design, market research, crisis management, sales cycle analysis and Web development. Clients include Hudson Valley Economic Development Corporation, Jacobowitz & Gubits, Orange Regional Medical Center, Ulster County Tourism and Walden Savings Bank. In addition, Focus Media has extensive experience managing issue advocacy and political campaigns. The firm is staffed by former award-winning journalists, experienced marketing executives and graphic designers. More details about Focus Media can be found at www.advertisingandpr.com or by calling 845-294-3342.

Middletown, NY -Orange Regional Medical Center’s Marketing & [...]]]>

From L to R: Marketing and Public Relations Specialist, Amy Cruz; Marketing and Public Relations Office Coordinator, Lisa Murray; Marketing and Public Relations Director, Marcy Manheim; Administrator of Marketing and Public Relations, Rob Lee and Marketing and Public Relations Specialists Lauren Kropf and Donna Fischer.

Middletown, NY -Orange Regional Medical Center’s Marketing & Public Relations Department received six prestigious national marketing awards from the Annual Healthcare Advertising Awards competition and the Aster Awards for excellence in medical marketing.

In partnership with their agency, Focus Media, the Department won two meritorious awards from Healthcare Advertising Awards in the categories of: Imprinted Materials for Orange Regional’s Construction Hard Hat and the Radio Single category for the Elective Angio Now Available commercial. The Healthcare Advertising Awards are sponsored by Healthcare Marketing Report, a leading publication covering all aspects of healthcare marketing, advertising and strategic business development.  A national panel of judges was engaged in reviewing all entries based on creativity, quality, message effectiveness, consumer appeal, graphic design and overall impact.

To learn more about Orange Regional Medical Center and its services please visit www.ormc.org.

Orange Regional Medical Center is a member of the Greater Hudson Valley Health System.