Brownstein Sets Its Sights on Fostering a More Inclusive Workforce & Communications Industry

PHILADELPHIA, PA – February 15, 2018 – As the longest-running independent marketing communications agency in Philadelphia, Brownstein Group (BG) announced today that it will be taking a more active role in addressing the issue of diversity in its agency and the regional communications industry. While Brownstein Group has significant representation among women and the LGBTQ community, both the agency and the overall industry have further to go towards accelerating the inclusion and involvement of communities of color. As such, it has launched “BG20 x 2020” – a program and pledge to have 20% of the agency staff comprised of talent from underrepresented backgrounds by the year 2020.

“Philadelphia thrives on its multigenerational, multiracial and multicultural society and it’s time all parties were better represented within companies who help tell their stories,” said Marc Brownstein, President and CEO of Brownstein Group. “Our job is to create work that resonates among myriad audiences and, by increasing the diversity of experiences within our own walls, our work will ultimately be more genuine, empathetic and impactful.”

In order to source a more diversified candidate pool, Brownstein Group plans to expand its recruitment from schools or universities with historically higher percentages of people of color. The agency will also increase its involvement with racially diverse professional groups, as well as promote agency internships that will allow opportunities to get involved in a variety of departments.

To further support this effort, Brownstein Group is introducing new aspects to its ongoing social impact “BG Gives Back” program to get current staff further engaged in purpose-driven initiatives. Beginning today, the program will feature an annual day of service on February 15 called “215 Day”, when all employees will participate in organized volunteer activities. For 2018, this means:

• A partnership with Parkway West High School in West Philadelphia that includes infrastructure updates and the establishment of an Arts Education Program to show students how creativity can transform into a career
• Pledging 1,125 total volunteer hours (the equivalent of more than a full day of service from each BG employee) for the remainder of 2018

“Brownstein Group has been a part of this city for more than half a century, and it is incumbent upon us to continue the cultivation of diverse, visionary professionals that will drive our creative economy through future generations,” said Erin Allsman, Managing Director. “We must ensure that Philadelphia takes its place as a destination city for progressive work and talent, and we have the commitment, passion and determination to make it happen.”

• The past year has been one of continued growth for Brownstein Group, marked by:
• 18% YOY increase in agency net revenue
• 17 new employees hired across all departments
• A redesigned company website (www.brownsteingroup.com) which reflects Brownstein Group’s legacy as the heartbeat of advertising in Philadelphia

For more information on Brownstein Group, please visit www.brownsteingroup.com and follow all agency news on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram.

About Brownstein Group 

Brownstein Group is the longest-running independent marketing communications agency in Philadelphia. Founded at the height of the Creative Revolution in the town where the advertising industry began, Brownstein Group is known for its fierce pride and fearless approach, the kind that can only be born out of boundless passion and nurtured in a place with a little bit of grit and a whole lot of heart. Brownstein Group offers full-service, integrated solutions, with expertise across all disciplines including brand strategy, advertising, public relations, social media and digital services.

BG is relentless in the pursuit of breakthrough ideas, but dedicated to its clients and people. Named one of Ad Age’s Best Places to Work and a Fortune Top 100 Best Places to Work for Women, Brownstein Group’s clients include IKEA, UnitedHealthcare, Comcast Xfinity, Saint-Gobain North America, Wawa, Western Union, the Philadelphia Auto Show, La Colombe, LEGOLAND® Discovery Center and DuPont Sorona®. For additional information, visit www.brownsteingroup.com.