Heron Agency

Business Details

26 Years

experience

Award-Winning PR & Marketing Agency in Chicago

Founded in 2000, Heron Agency has established itself as a leading lifestyle communications agency, delivering high-impact, ROI-driven campaigns for hospitality and lifestyle brands. Our team of seasoned professionals combines Public Relations, Marketing, Social Media, Influencer Relations, and Digital Advertising strategies to connect brands with target audiences locally, nationally, and globally. With a proven track record of securing placements in top-tier media outlets like CNN, The Today Show, and The Wall Street Journal, we specialize in transforming brand visibility into measurable growth.

Our expertise extends to event planning, web development, and crisis communications, supported by deep industry relationships and a commitment to innovation. Recognized as one of the Top 200 PR firms by Forbes, we prioritize client success through tailored strategies and operational excellence, serving industries ranging from hotels and restaurants to nonprofits and celebrities.

Services

Public Relations Social Media Management Influencer Relations Event Planning Digital Marketing Brand Development Crisis Communications SEO Services Video Production

Details

Year established: 2000

Highlights and features

We offer 25+ years of experience in lifestyle brand communications.
Our team has secured placements in top-tier media outlets like CNN and The Wall Street Journal.
We provide integrated strategies combining PR, social media, and influencer relations.
Our crisis communications expertise ensures brand protection in fast-paced environments.
We maintain long-term client relationships through measurable, results-driven campaigns.

Website

Update Listing

Services

Public Relations

Our Public Relations team develops strategic press releases and pitches brand stories to key media contacts. With relationships spanning local bloggers to national broadcasts, we secure placements in outlets like CNN and The New York Times. Through tenacious pitching and a proven track record, we deliver measurable media coverage that enhances brand visibility and credibility.

Influencer Relations

We create targeted influencer campaigns to position brands as trusted industry leaders. By leveraging relationships with local, regional, and national influencersincluding YouTubers and Vloggerswe connect brands with specific demographics. Our approach combines traditional media placements with custom video content to drive consumer engagement and purchasing decisions through authentic influencer partnerships.

Event Planning

From intimate gatherings to large-scale corporate events, we handle every detail with precision. Our industry tenure provides access to trusted vendors, venues, and designers. We specialize in planning events for nonprofits, corporations, and hospitality clients, ensuring seamless execution and impactful experiences that align with brand objectives and audience expectations.

Digital Marketing

Our digital marketing team creates comprehensive media plans targeting audiences across websites, social platforms, and digital channels. We develop paid advertising schedules and coordinate barter opportunities with 50+ local media outlets. By integrating analytics and strategic planning, we maximize online reach and engagement to drive measurable results for national and global clients.

Crisis Communications

We develop proactive and reactive communication strategies to protect brand reputation in fast-paced environments. Our team helps clients navigate crises through message development, spokesperson training, and media management. With experience handling high-profile situations, we ensure consistent, effective communication that minimizes damage and maintains stakeholder trust during critical moments.

People

Noreen Heron

CEO / Founder

Founded Heron Agency in 2000, Noreen has built it into a top lifestyle communications firm. Recognized by Forbes and Crain's Chicago Business, she specializes in integrated campaigns for hospitality, entertainment, and nonprofit clients. Her media relationships and crisis communications expertise drive client success.

Kathy Bryja

Senior Vice President

With 6 years at Heron, Kathy specializes in lifestyle and restaurant PR. She secured national media placements and strategic partnerships like Kendra Scott. Fluent in Polish, she combines cultural insight with media relations expertise to elevate client brands through targeted storytelling and event execution.

Gianna Fontana

Vice President

Gianna leads public relations for national brands and hospitality clients. She has secured features in Forbes, The TODAY Show, and Cosmopolitan. Her background in editorial and marketing enables data-driven messaging that aligns with client goals while leveraging media relationships for maximum brand exposure.

Jessica Lundeen

Director of Social Media

Jessica develops data-driven social media strategies to enhance online presence. Her experience in marketing and digital campaigns ensures cohesive brand storytelling across platforms. She specializes in creating engaging content that connects audiences with Chicago's businesses and cultural landmarks through strategic digital engagement.

Questions

What industries does Heron Agency specialize in?

We focus on lifestyle brands including hospitality, restaurants, entertainment, nonprofits, and consumer products. Our expertise extends to corporate communications and celebrity representation through tailored PR and marketing strategies.

How does Heron measure campaign success?

We track measurable outcomes like media placements, audience engagement metrics, booking increases, and sales growth. Our ROI-driven approach combines analytics with qualitative brand visibility improvements to demonstrate tangible client benefits.

Can Heron handle both local and national campaigns?

Yes, we execute campaigns across local, national, and global markets. Our media relationships and digital strategies adapt to regional nuances while maintaining consistent brand messaging across all geographic scopes.

What sets Heron apart from other PR agencies?

Our integrated approach combines PR, social media, and influencer relations with deep industry expertise. With 25+ years of experience and placements in top-tier outlets, we deliver strategic, results-focused campaigns tailored to lifestyle brands' unique needs.

Does Heron offer crisis communications support?

Yes, we provide proactive planning and reactive strategies for crisis situations. Our team develops key messaging and media protocols to protect brand reputation, drawing on experience managing high-profile client crises effectively.

How does Heron approach influencer partnerships?

We create targeted campaigns connecting brands with influencers who align with their audience. By leveraging relationships with YouTubers, bloggers, and social media personalities, we drive authentic engagement and measurable consumer impact through strategic content collaborations.

Videos