GCAi appoints Nathan Dion as Digital Public Relations Analyst

Dion will continue to grow GCAi’s Digital PR video services and subsidiary New England Corporate Video

Another chapter has started at Garvey Communication Associates Inc. (GCAi) and it “Success Amplification” through PR efforts with the appointment of Nathan Dion as Digital PR Analyst. Dion is an experience video producer and is already telling local stories with GCAi’s new vlogging camera.

“Upon meeting him, you get a feeling of quiet confidence, but also empathy from Nate. He is a calm and quiet guy,” suggests John Garvey, President of GCAi. “Yet, in my experience, that is what is necessary on a PR shoot. Interviewees are nervous and Nate’s demeanor and technical expertise dissipates tension and yields a great shoot.”

Video for Springfield Wine Exchange’s e-commerce platform: One of Nate Dion’s first video productions for GCAi shot with the new GX7 Mark III 4k vlogging camera.

“Video allows companies and businesses to tell their story in an engaging way,” explains Dion. “Through video, you’re able to see and feel the emotions and story on screen. I really feel that it is my job to capture all that in the shoot and the subsequent edit.”

A resident of Westfield, Dion is a graduate of Westfield State University, where he earned a bachelor of arts in Communication with a dual concentration in Media Arts and Analysis and Public Relations. He also minored in Graphic Design.

Garvey also thanked and praised Westfield State University for referring Dion to GCAi. “It’s not easy to find qualified employees these days. For those of use working in communications, Westfield State University is incredibly important as they are essentially building our workforce year after year. I am very grateful for their support.”

About GCAi:

GCAi is an innovative digital marketing agency and Google Partner. Founded in 1991, the GCAi team uses Digital Public Relations, targeted Online Advertising, and Social Media Marketing to generate measurable results for their clients. The agency, located on the 24th floor of Tower Square in Downtown Springfield, MA, is recognized as the top Digital PR and Marketing firm in the region from an elevation perspective.

GCAi’s Video for Harvard University Tours Middle East

Harvard Graduate School of Education tapped GCAi’s New England Corporate Video (NECV) division over the summer to produce a series of videos on its Middle East Professional Learning Initiative (MEPLI).

MEPLI aims to develop the capacity of teachers in the region. The Fellowship is job-embedded and lasts for one year, providing scholarships for Professional Education courses (online and/or residential) and support for incorporating learning into existing work. Fellows receive a certificate from Professional Education upon successful completion of the program.

The NECV-produced videos, now being shown at presentations on the program in the Middle East, have received an “awesome” reception according to MEPLI staff. The videos were shot on campus at Harvard University and produced at NECV’s edit suite in Springfield, MA. Three separate videos were produced and included English, both English and Arabic, and all Arabic language versions.

About NECV
NECV, a division of Garvey Communication Associates Inc. (GCAi), was created to make corporate video more comfortable and affordable. NECV’s unique brand journalism approach yields digital storytelling that is interesting, relevant and helps businesses develop stronger connections with their customers.

Businesses Join GCAi in Celebrating 25 Years at Tower Square with New Video

 

Garvey Communication Associates Inc. (GCAi) recently finished a production called “Life at Tower Square” [VIDEO] for the Tower Square management group. GCAi produced the video for free for Tower Square in celebration of a quarter-century of doing business in the building.

Joining GCAi President John J. Garvey in the video were Attorney Scott Foster, of Bulkley Richardson, Diane Varypatackas, of Le Greque, Patricia and Michael Matty, of St. Germain Investment Management, Carlo Bonavita, of Springfield Wine Exchange, Ray Berry, of White Lion Brewing Company, and Brandon Quiterio and Melissa Halton, of Wolf & Company.

Tower Square is like the perfect brochure for our business,” suggested Garvey, “because our clients really like coming here.” The other business leaders interviewed, all long-term tenants of Tower Square praised Tower Square for its convenient location and amenities like the new hotel, indoor parking, restaurants, a brewery, wine shop and much more. 

“We are thrilled that John and his team assembled such a great group to make this video,” explained Sara Smith, Property Manager at Tower Square. “We are going to use it on our new website, and have already launched it on our social media platforms.”

The “Life at Tower Square” video is not the first Tower Square-related video produced by GCAi. Several months ago, a division of GCAi, New England Corporate Video, produced a video on the post-pandemic return of Le Greque [VIDEO] to the mezzanine, where it has been located for 40 years.

“My businesses have been located in other office space, so I know by comparison that TowerSquare has been critical to GCAi’s success,” stated Garvey. “This is where business in western Massachusetts gets done. Of course, Carlo with his wine tastings and Ray with his brewery, have taken it to a quite pleasurable, higher level!”

GCAi/New England Corporate Video Help Nativity School Fund Free Tuition

Darcy Young and Mary Cate Mannion, both producers for New England Corporate Video (NECV), recently completed a pro bono video series for the Nativity School of Worcester. The feature video was shown at a fundraising event that raised a record-setting $340,000 which will ensure that the school can continue to provide a life-changing, tuition-free education.

Darcy Young conducts a video interview with Tom McKenney, President of Nativity School of Worcester.

The entire video series will eventually be shown on the school’s website. The Nativity School is an accredited, independent, Jesuit middle school that provides a quality, all-scholarship education to underserved boys of all faiths.

“I’ll never forget the day we first toured the Nativity School,” Darcy explained. “It was after a long trip and pitch in eastern Massachusetts and we were all tired. Yet, when we walked into the school, we could tangibly feel the energy.

“This entire project was invigorating and the staff and students at the school inspiring,” stated Mary Cate. “Every visit to the school revealed something amazing. There was so much to work with that it was hard to make cuts in the edit suite.”

Darcy and Mary Cate are two of the most experienced female video producers in New England and experts in brand journalism and corporate video production. Darcy is an award-winning video producer and Mary Cate is a former award-winning news anchor and reporter.

Mary Cate Mannion monitors two cameras on the set of the Nativity School of Worcester video production.

Their pro bono video work includes videos for The Food Bank of Western Massachusetts, Willie Ross School for the Deaf, where Mary Cate serves on the board of directors, The Children’s Study Home, where Darcy serves on the executive board, and Martin Luther King, Jr. Family Services.

NECV is a recently launched division of Garvey Communication Associates Inc. (GCAi) which was co-founded by Darcy and Mary Cate.

The NECV Nativity School video can be viewed at: https://youtu.be/xjdTycdvjjQ

 

The Irish Echo names Darcy Young A 2022 Top 40 Under 40

Darcy Young (right) receives Irish Echo 40 under 40 Award with Irish Consul General Helena Nolan (left).

The Irish Echo, since 1928, the premier news title in Irish America, presented Darcy Young with a Top 40 Under 40 award at its 15th annual event at Rosie O’Gradys in New York City on February 25th. The hugely popular event is a celebration of Irish and Irish Americans who have distinguished themselves in their respective fields of work before reaching the age of forty.

Darcy was selected for her service to Irish community. A former Colleen, she currently serves as the Communications Chair for the Springfield St. Patrick’s Parade Committee and has served on the board and many of the sub-committees. The Springfield St. Patrick’s Parade Committee promotes and celebrates Irish heritage in Western MA by enriching experiences for its members, yearly honorees, including scholarships for students. One of her favorite volunteer efforts is chaperoning the Colleen and her Court every year as they travel to a variety of public presentations to share their Irish Heritage. She is also a member of the John Boyle O’Reilly Club.

“Even amongst such an impressive group, Darcy stood out because of her dedication and hard work supporting Irish culture in her community,” said Mary Cate Mannion, a colleague of Darcy’s who also attended the event in Manhattan.

Darcy served as a media professional for more than a decade, first at ABC and FOX news affiliates and most recently as Director of Digital Public Relations at Garvey Communication Associates, Inc. and a Video Producer at New England Corporate Video.

She also serves on the executive board of the Children’s Study Home. Darcy lives in Palmer, MA with her husband Mike and 5-month-old daughter Delaney.

About GCAi:
GCAi is an innovative digital marketing agency and Google Partner.  Founded in 1991, the GCAi team uses Digital Public Relations, targeted Online Advertising, and Social Media Marketing to generate measurable results for their clients.

Mary Cate Mannion Named Keynote Presenter at New England Financial Marketing Association Awards Show

GCAi’s Public Relations Analyst and NECV Video Producer, Mary Cate Mannion on-location at a client video shoot.

The New England Financial Marketing Association (NEFMA) has announced that Mary Cate Mannion, a Digital PR Analyst for Garvey Communication Associates Inc., and Producer for New England Corporate Video, will be the keynote presenter for its upcoming virtual Awards Show on February 17, 2022, from 5:30 – 7 p.m. The event will also feature the winners of awards for the most creative, innovative, and successful campaigns across several different financial services categories.

Mary Cate’s presentation “What’s Old Is New: How the Age-Old Art of Storytelling Will Set Your Existing Media Channels on Fire” will explain how brands can generate meaningful and measurable engagement while shedding all that extra budget weight of meaningless and empty impressions. Included in her presentation will be best practice examples from HarborOne Bank, Mascoma Bank, Monson Savings Bank, Needham Bank and PeoplesBank.

An award-winning former anchor and reporter, Mary Cate has interviewed hundreds of business people and watched many fail their own interest because of an inability to tell their own truthful and meaningful story.

“Meaningful stories breakthrough the clutter, and I was rewarded for helping tell them,” she suggested recently. “Now that I am behind the camera, I want to help businesses tell their story because it truly is the new elixir of engagement – and in a digital world, nothing matters more than engagement – the marketing superfood of 2022.”

Mary Cate has worked in the Holyoke-Springfield DMA as an anchor/reporter for ABC, CBS and FOX News affiliates; in Bismarck, ND as an anchor/Reporter for an NBC News affiliate; and in Portland, ME, as a reporter for an ABC News affiliate. She won a Broadcaster’s Award for her work and was nominated for two Midwest Emmy Awards.

She is a graduate of Emerson College, where she earned a Bachelor of Science degree in broadcast journalism. Mary Cate is also currently a board member of the Willie Ross School for the Deaf and a member of Women in Film & Video New England.

About GCAi:
GCAi is an innovative digital marketing agency and Google Partner.  Founded in 1991, the GCAi team uses Digital Public Relations, targeted Online Advertising, and Social Media Marketing to generate measurable results for their clients.

Mary Cate Mannion GCAi

News Reporter/Anchor and Irish Dancer Mary Cate Mannion Joins GCAi Clan

Mannion transitions from Portland Maine ABC News affiliate to the dark side of GCAi Digital Public Relations.

Garvey Communication Associates Inc. (GCAi) has announced that veteran ABC News affiliate Reporter and Anchor Mary Cate Mannion has done a slip jig over to Digital Public Relations. Mary Cate was appointed a Digital Public Relations Analyst and will be responsible for planning, producing and editing video content, photo supervision and writing posts for digital dissemination on platforms like Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram and the Google Ads Display Network, but not Tik Tok, as well as working directly with media publications. She is working in the GCAi Springfield, MA edit suite with award-winning video producer Darcy Young and planning digital campaigns with award-winning digital marketer James Garvey, who is based in GCAi’s Marina del Rey, CA office.

Mary Cate Manion joins GCAi

 

Mary Cate is an award-winner in her own right receiving a Broadcasters Award and two Emmy nominations during her tenure as an anchor and energy news reporter with NBC News Affiliate KFYR-TV. Her reporting was also used in an investigative segment by John Oliver on HBO’s “Last Week Tonight”. She has also served as a correspondent for “Headline News”.

“Mary Cate is a proven storyteller who not only possesses excellent interviewing skills,” added John J. Garvey, President of GCAi, “She literally can edit video on the fly, which is sometimes on the hood of a car. That is speed that Darcy and I can appreciate and find very valuable.”

A resident of Suffield, CT, Mary Cate earned a Bachelor of Science degree in broadcast journalism from Emerson College. She and Darcy crossed paths during her time at Western Mass News when she emceed the Springfield Colleen Contest for which Darcy is a long-time volunteer. Mary Cate tested her singing skills during an “American Idol” audition in Boston and was successful for six rounds. Her progress ended when Simon Cowell told her, “You only get one song Mary”, and he apparently didn’t like the one she sang.

About that Irish dancing – Mary Cate achieved considerable success as a competitive Irish dancer, something that she is still enthusiastic about today as a member of Springfield’s Claddagh School.

About GCAi:

GCAi is an innovative digital marketing agency and Google Partner. Founded in 1991, the GCAi team uses Digital Public Relations, targeted Online Advertising, and Social Media Marketing to generate measurable results for their clients. The agency, located on the 24th floor of Tower Square in Downtown Springfield, MA, is recognized as the top Digital PR and Marketing firm in the region from an elevation perspective.

 

GCAi Dodges Raindrops To Help Westmass Launch New Digital Presence

Generally, unless there’s a power outage, the weather does not impact digital production. But this year, all the rules were thrown out the window. While snowflakes were still flying during GCAi’s planning phase for the new Westmass Area Development Corp. website, it was both the heat and wet weather that proved to be challenging while capturing the high-quality visuals that the project required.

The critical component of the project was Westmass’ expansion of its traditional development role. The method to achieve success would be to get that expansion documented through not only text, but video interviews, high-quality images of past and current projects, and even drone video, scheduled carefully to miss the aforementioned raindrops.

“For decades, Westmass has sought to benefit the communities and residents in our region through the development of business and industrial parks,” said Jeff Daley, president and CEO of Westmass. “Today, it is our continued goal to help provide communities and private developers with the tools and resources they need to do smart development. The new website allows us to showcase the exciting projects Westmass is undertaking, as well as promote our efforts to advance real-estate and economic-development opportunities throughout Western Massachusetts for years to come.”

News of the ongoing production leaked before the launch, and what Westmass was up to, as well as some of the businesses and projects impacted by its work, could not be contained. The GCAi Digital PR team helped coordinate coverage, which resulted in the article “Westmass Strives to Become a More Impactful Force in Economic Development” in BusinessWest.

GCAi has now turned the keys to the new website over to the Westmass team, who continue to make updates and add content from their new offices in Monarch Place, adjacent to GCAi’s new perch in Tower Square.

About GCAi:

GCAi is an innovative Digital PR and Marketing agency that is also a Google Partner and Facebook Business Partner. Founded in 1991, the GCAi team uses Digital Public Relations, targeted Online Advertising, and Social Media Marketing to generate measurable results for their clients.

Darcy A Young, James J Garvey

Darcy Young Promoted to Director of Digital Public Relations

In recognition of her six years of success and awarding-winning accomplishment as a video producer, Garvey Communication Associates Inc. (GCAi) has announced Darcy Young’s promotion to Director of Digital Public Relations.

“Darcy has been working hard to develop our brand journalism approach since she walked through the door,” explained John J. Garvey, President of GCAi. “It has not been easy. Today, however, she is a respected leader in the field who has interviewed and produced digital PR campaigns for many of the market’s top CEOs and businesses. She is also one of a few experienced female producers in Massachusetts.”

GCAi’s new Director of Digital Public Relations, Darcy Young and Digital Marketing Analyst, James Garvey on-location at a client video shoot.

According to Garvey, GCAi’s brand journalism process is built upon the company’s digital marketing expertise and recognizes the increased responsibility of Public Relations professionals to produce relevant content for both media and consumers. To that end, both media and digital audiences have an insatiable appetite for short-form video which is something that Darcy is uniquely accomplished in.

Darcy will continue to supervise all Digital PR content production as well as the technical teams that work on such efforts. Her work will be continued to be supported by GCAi’s production team, as well as a new Digital PR Analyst who will join the company in August.

“When I say it hasn’t been easy, what I mean is that it takes hundreds of hours of video production experience, in the field doing interviews – because that’s where the stories are – and in the edit suite stitching together a short video to both tell the story effectively,” Garvey noted. “What most people don’t know is that, when the workday ends, Darcy goes home and often is involved with even more video production as a member of her local cable community access channel.”

A resident of Palmer, Darcy is a former Assignment Desk Editor, Field Producer, and Production Assistant for both ABC News and FOX news local affiliates. She is a cum laude graduate of Westfield State University where she earned a Bachelor of Arts in communications, with a concentration in Journalism. She won an Ad Club award for her production of “The Innovation Series” a video series that highlighted the success paths of Valley Venture Mentors startups and the entrepreneurs who founded them.

About GCAi:

GCAi is an innovative digital marketing agency and Google Partner.  Founded in 1991, the GCAi team uses Digital Public Relations, targeted Online Advertising, and Social Media Marketing to generate measurable results for their clients.

“The Songstress of Springfield” Sets Records Over 4th of July Weekend

A Union Station performance of the National Anthem by Vanessa Ford received more than 33,000 video views

Springfield, MA (July 26, 2021) – Springfield Union Station announced today that a recent performance[VIDEO] of the National Anthem by Vanessa Ford, “The Songstress of Springfield,” has set viewing records.

“We suspected that a video by Ms. Ford, who is well known for singing The Star-Spangled Banner at various area events, would be very popular,” stated Nicole Sweeney, Property Manager for Springfield Union Station. “But this video exploded on YouTube and Social Media over the July 4th  weekend.

The video was planned, recorded and produced by GCAi’s Darcy Young at Springfield Union Station. It was shown on social media and YouTube as well as featured on springfieldunionstation.com.

According to performance data provided by GCAi to Springfield Union Station, the video also received 34,000 engagement actions (like, shares, comments) and the two-minute performance accumulated over 25 hours of viewing on YouTube alone. Additional data demonstrated that the video’s popularity extended well beyond the Springfield area with Boston, Hartford, and New York City joining Springfield in the top five audience metro areas.

“In the end, the data provided two things,” said Ms. Sweeney. “Patriotism is alive and well in the Northeast Corridor and Vanessa Ford is a true local treasure.”

Ms. Ford began singing in the church choir at the age of seven, and she loves every genre of music. She is an aficionado of classical music, jazz, pop, traditional hymns and contemporary gospel music and has performed the National Anthem for many local college sporting events, for Springfield Police Academy graduations, and for a multitude of high profile local and national events.

About: First opened in 1926, Springfield Union Station featured gleaming terrazzo floors, a restaurant, lunch counter, barbershop, shoeshine parlor and small shops to service hundreds of daily passengers who boarded up to 130 trains every 24 hours. The station closed in 1973, which also launched a 40-year quest by present day Congressman Richard E. Neal to return the historic building to service. Neal eventually secured the funding needed to completely renovate and reopen the historic building. Today, Springfield Union Station is not only a train station and bus station but also included a state-of-the-art intermodal transportation center with local and long-distance buses and a new parking garage. Additionally, an architecture firm, two restaurants, a convenience store and the Hispanic American Library make their home at Springfield Union Station.

Media Contact

GCAi for Springfield Union Station

Darcy Young, 413-736-2245

dyoung@gcaionline.com