Public Relations

Build credibility.
Shape perception.
Earn attention that matters.

Public relations isn’t just about getting coverage, it’s about earning trust, shaping reputation, and influencing how your organization is understood by the audiences who matter most.

At Chartwell, we help organizations tell the right story, to the right people, at the right time – through the right channels – so you’re not just seen, but believed.

We combine strategic communications, media expertise, and data-informed storytelling to elevate your brand, protect your reputation, and drive meaningful visibility.

We also closely align our public relations efforts with search visibility. The stories we place, the coverage we secure, and the content we develop all contribute to how your organization shows up online.

Earned media not only builds credibility, it also strengthens your digital presence, improves discoverability, and reinforces your authority in search. By aligning PR with SEO strategy, we help ensure your organization is not only seen in the media, but also found when it matters most.

Strategic Public Relations

We develop comprehensive PR strategies aligned to your business goals by covering messaging and narrative development, communications planning, stakeholder alignment, and integrated PR and marketing efforts to ensure every message reaches the right audience and drives impact.

Media Relations & Earned Media

We secure meaningful, high-quality media coverage through targeted outreach, compelling press materials, strong journalist and influencer relationships, and thoughtful interview coordination that builds credibility and expands your reach.

Thought Leadership & Content Development

We position your leaders and organization as trusted industry voices through strategic content, including op-eds, executive visibility planning, speaking and award opportunities, and content aligned with media and SEO trends.

Announcements, Launches & Campaigns

We turn key moments into visibility-driving opportunities by developing announcement strategies, amplifying campaign storytelling, supporting event publicity, and integrating PR across channels for maximum impact.

Media Monitoring, Measurement & Reporting

We track and measure what matters through media monitoring, sentiment and share-of-voice analysis, and performance reporting tied to business goals—providing insights that inform ongoing optimization.

Built for the industries we serve

Our work is grounded in deep experience across the sectors we know best – credit unions, economic development, education, healthcare, and nonprofit organizations.

We understand the unique challenges, audiences, and opportunities within each and tailor every strategy accordingly. Because effective marketing and communications isn’t one-size-fits-all. It’s informed, intentional, and built for your world.

“

Before moving our internal marketing and PR to Chartwell, our results were good, at best. Outsourcing my marketing and PR function to Chartwell Agency has been one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. The top notch team is deep enough that they have experts in each medium and have overhauled our PR and marketing to a level that I could never afford internally.

I highly recommend Chartwell Agency for any business that is only just satisfied with their marketing and PR efforts. From video, to social media, press releases and full-on press conferences, and all the “stuff” in between, you can’t go wrong with this stellar team!

Kris Machajewski

CEO, YWCA Northwestern Illinois

Public Relations for Your Industry.

A press mention or a quoted expert carries more weight than an ad, because someone else is doing the talking. Chartwell earns that coverage: pitching stories, positioning leaders as credible voices, and building the media relationships that earn trust well before someone visits, applies, or gives.

Credit Unions & Financial

Credit unions and community banks compete for member and customer trust against fintechs and megabanks with far bigger ad budgets, and earned credibility is one advantage no amount of ad spending can buy. Chartwell builds financial services public relations around credit unions and local banks’ deep community roots and personal relationships which megabanks can’t replicate. That means securing local and/or industry media coverage, positioning executives as trusted voices, and pitching the community stories worth covering.

Economic Development

Chartwell positions economic development leadership as go-to sources for site selection and trade press, secures coverage in outlets that matter to investors and workforce talent, and builds a media presence that outlasts any single announcement. The proactive public relations we do means investors and site selectors already know a region’s story by the time they arrive to see it in person. By then, the story has already done its job.

Education

Educational institutions, universities, colleges, private schools, and school districts each need their own communities, families, or donors to trust them with something big: a student’s education, tuition, educational attainment, or a community’s tax dollars. Chartwell secures faculty and leadership media placements, builds thought leadership that reinforces institutional credibility, and prepares organizations to respond quickly when a story breaks. That earned trust from public relations becomes part of how one decides where to enroll.

Healthcare

A single bad review, a viral rumor, or a slow response to a safety concern can undo years of a hospital’s reputation, and patients rarely wait for the full story before choosing a different provider. Chartwell builds physician-led thought leadership, secures earned media that reinforces clinical credibility, and monitors public sentiment so real issues get addressed before they become headlines. That kind of public relations preparation is what keeps a healthcare organization trusted when it matters most.

Nonprofit

Nonprofit public relations works best as an ongoing habit: with newsrooms leaner than ever, reporters gravitate toward organizations that respond quickly and make their jobs easier. Chartwell secures earned media, positions leadership as credible voices, and integrates coverage across social, newsletters, and donor communications. Chartwell also helps nonprofit organizations build the internal process to respond fast when a reporter calls, leading to more coverage opportunities and, in the long term, visibility that builds donor trust.

Problems we solve

“We’re not getting media coverage.”

We connect you with the right journalists, outlets, and platforms to generate consistent, high-quality earned media.

“Our story isn’t resonating.”

We refine your messaging and narrative so it’s clear, compelling, and aligned with what your audience – and the media – actually care about.

“We need to build credibility and trust.”

Earned media, thought leadership, and strategic storytelling position your organization as a trusted authority.

“We’re launching something important.”

We create momentum around key announcements to maximize visibility, engagement, and impact.

“We’re dealing with negative attention or risk.”

We help you navigate sensitive situations with clarity, speed, and confidence – protecting your reputation.

“We need to stand out in a crowded market.”

We differentiate your brand through strategic positioning, consistent messaging, and targeted media exposure.

Public Relations Packages

Our public relations services are focused on key industry/trade media as well as regional media specific to your market to elevate your brand’s visibility and credibility through strategic storytelling and consistent media engagement. We begin with a strong foundation – aligning on your goals, audiences, and messaging – then scale into ongoing media relations that build awareness, secure meaningful coverage, and position your organization as a trusted voice. Each level increases in intensity and opportunity, delivering sustained momentum and measurable visibility over time.

Note: Our public relations services can be integrated with other offerings to deliver a cohesive, strategic integrated approach aligned with your broader marketing and business goals. When services are combined, scope and investment are aligned accordingly – often creating efficiencies that can reduce overall costs compared to standalone projects.

As a starting point, we require Foundational Work to establish clear direction and alignment. This includes client onboarding and goal alignment, audience/messaging alignment, KPI and report framework, and a 12-month media outreach plan. The one-time investment in this is $7,500-$15,000.

We can also create customized Public Relations packages that fit your needs and budget.

Tier 1:

Consistant Visibility

Establish steady media presence and awareness

$5,000 - $7,250/mo.

Typical Monthly Activity

1–2 press releases or media announcements (as appropriate)
6–10 targeted media pitches/outreach efforts
Ongoing media list development and relationship building
Content development to support outreach
Identification of relevant awards and speaking opportunities
Monthly reporting and client check-ins

Activity levels may vary based on news cycle, opportunities, and strategic priorities.

Tier 2:

Active Engagement

Expand reach and build stronger media relationships

$7,500 - $9,000/mo.

Typical Monthly Activity

2–3 press releases or media announcements
10–15 targeted media pitches/outreach efforts
Development of multiple proactive story angles
Enhanced content and data-driven materials to support pitches
More active pursuit of awards and speaking opportunities
Regular communication and monthly reporting with insights

Activity levels may vary based on news cycle, opportunities, and strategic priorities.

Tier 3:

Strategic Positioning

Drive high-impact visibility and thought leadership

$9,250 - $12,000/mo.

Typical Monthly Activity

3–5 press releases, announcements, or campaign-driven initiatives
15–25+ targeted media pitches/outreach efforts
Ongoing development of strategic storylines and thought leadership
Proactive, campaign-based media outreach
Advanced content creation, including data-driven narratives and visuals
Aggressive pursuit of high-value speaking, awards, and media opportunities
Regular communication and in-depth monthly + quarterly reporting

Activity levels may vary based on news cycle, opportunities, and strategic priorities.

Nice for your site

Optional Add-Ons

Professional photography / video shoots
Social media training for internal teams
Crisis communication support
Platform launches or rebrands

Disclaimer: Budget does not include travel expenses, or other ancillary out-of-pocket expenses such as stock photos or press release wire distribution.