JoTo PR
By delivering leadership in society with the social activities of our business, we, in turn, create a positive outcome for the environment, the public and our company.
Tampa Bay, FL (PRWEB) August 12, 2013
By combining the power of networks, the possibilities are endless—that is the belief on which Tampa Bay PR firm JoTo PR operates. Founded in 2009 by public relations innovators Karla Jo Helms and Diane D. Stein, JoTo PR uses its expertise in building networks, partnerships and a successful business to amplify its social impact on the Tampa Bay area. This approach to business is called Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), and has been adopted not only by JoTo PR, but also by an increasing number of notable businesses across the U.S, including Starbucks Coffee, Whole Foods, and Ben and Jerry’s.
CSR has proven to flourish in an economy on the mend—the Great Recession of 2009 revealed that companies with only minimal community involvement were hit the hardest. Today, more businesses are realizing the need of building relationships with their community and the public at large in order to survive. A recent study displayed that out of 59 companies interviewed:
- 51 of 59 believe that they have happier employees and,
- 45 of the 59 believe they end up with better employees, either as a result of being able to attract better talent or that the CSR programs help to develop better employees. (1)
Public relations (PR) professionals have long employed the age-old principal of “paying it forward”. Helms and Stein utilize their communications skills to enhance their social impact, as well as their clients’ community influence. Tampa Bay businesses and non-profits alike have seen an increase in organizational growth and social activity under JoTo PR’s guidance.
As part of its PR services, JoTo advocates getting involved with government relations to help make an impact on small business issues—not only are small to-medium-sized businesses the nation’s bread and butter, but "they are essential to the economic livelihood of America," says JoTo CEO, Karla Jo Helms. Helms says that JoTo uses its connections to introduce clients to government officials, politicians and those in the public and private sectors—encouraging them to foster those relationships to help make a difference in their own communities.
JoTo PR falls into the 20% category of businesses that measure success for CSR programs. With only about one-fifth of mid-sized companies measuring their CSR programs’ successes by their financial impact, many are missing opportunities to tie CSR programs to positive business performance, per Helms. Helms and Stein also provide pro bono services as a part of their business model, because corporate expertise, insight and experience can often be far more beneficial than simple cash donations for non-profit organizations.
The duo has worked with many Tampa Bay non-profits, including Front Row Tampa Bay and the annual Sunscreen Film Festival in St. Petersburg, FL. Intent on breathing life back into Tampa Bay, Helms and Stein relish the impact that events like these have on Tampa Bay’s economy.
Helms feels that this philanthropic approach to business is the most effective way to use her skills to benefit both her community and her company.
"Familiarizing ourselves with the needs of the community is at the core of JoTo’s success," said Helms. "By delivering leadership in society with the social activities of our business, we, in turn, create a positive outcome for the environment, the public and our company."
The Florida PR firm does not discriminate against organizations on the basis of religion or cause, as long as the non-profit has an aim to better the world; however, there are a limited number of non-profit slots available per year. Applications for non-profits to request help can be obtained by contacting the company through their website.
For more information about the Tampa Bay PR firm, visit http://www.jotopr.com/.
About JoTo PR:
Based in Clearwater, Florida, JoTo PR is an established Tampa Bay public relations agency founded by public relations veterans and innovators Karla Jo Helms and Diane D. Stein. The duo launched their PR firm in 2009 to meet a growing demand for new media expertise. JoTo is a hybrid PR agency, blending proven traditional approaches with the latest technology to deliver the best advantages of both worlds. JoTo’s holistic approach to Business PR and marketing begins with strategic planning and leads to a fully integrated program that is designed to optimize communication, improve return on investment (ROI), and expand business opportunities. JoTo PR primarily serves the healthcare, finance and IT industries. For more information, visit JoTo PR online at http://www.jotopr.com/.
1. Thorpe, Devin. "Why CSR? The Benefits Of Corporate Social Responsibility Will Move You To Act." Forbes.com. Forbes Magazine, 18 May 2013. Web. 06 Aug. 2013. forbes.com/sites/devinthorpe/2013/05/18/why-csr-the-benefits-of-corporate-social-responsibility-will-move-you-to-act/.