Citizens Energy Corporation asked Conventures for support in publicizing its heating assistance program for low-income families along the East Coast. The motto of the program, sponsored by CITGO, is "No One Should Be Left Out in the Cold". The goal of the public relations efforts was to reach out to the organizations and individuals who might benefit from the energy program while depoliticizing its sponsors. The challenge was to put together three press conferences in three cities in three weeks.

Response:

Conventures assembled press materials and launched a media campaign that included press conferences in Boston, New York and Washington, DC. The press conferences were held at the home of an oil recipient in each city in order to personalize the beneficiaries of the Heating Oil Program and place the emphasis on the qualifications for participation.

Select Results:

• The three-city media blitz was completed in two weeks.
• Coverage was secured in local, regional and national media outlets along the East Coast.
• Coverage was secured in numerous Spanish language media outlets, including Univision, Telemundo and "La Samana".
• The Heating Oil Program experienced a dramatic increase in requests for assistance.