While watching the ticker tape parade in NYC’s Canyon of Heroes honoring the women’s soccer team this morning, I decided to see what other special ‘events’ occurred on July 10^th. There are many, although most not well known, including Wyoming becoming the 44^th state, the 1^st concrete street being built in Ohio, the Beatles (one of my favorites) releasing their album A Hard Day’s Night in 1964, and the broadcast debut of ABC’s World News Tonight in 1978.

And, of course, the one that’s nearest and dearest to my heart – the July 10^th launch of Goldman Communications Group!

Yes, it was on a hot July day 23 years ago, not unlike today, that I opened Goldman Communications Group. I officially became an agency owner and entrepreneur.

I remember how excited, proud, and scared I was – all at the same time – when I got to my new office that morning and jumped into the role of agency head, sending out announcements of our opening our doors and beginning work for our first client project, an industry and statewide media relations campaign for the 25th anniversary of Boehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals doing business in the United States. I’m proud to say we were successful in both initial efforts. I got lots of great industry press on our launch, and we secured media coverage for Boehringer Ingelheim in most of the newspapers in Connecticut, a wire service story, and the cover feature of Pharmaceutical Executive magazine.

Goldman Communications Group was off to a great start. Soon after, I was able to land more clients – Olsten Health Services, First Brands Corporation, and OhBaby Toys – to name a few. Many others followed. Over the past 23 years, we’ve been fortunate to work with so many great clients and their leaders. Some have been large, established corporations and brands, others smaller companies and non-profit organizations needing our help to launch and/or become visible with their targeted audiences. It’s been rewarding to work with all of them.

As I write this, I look back with pride at what we’ve accomplished for our clients and what I’ve accomplished in running a PR business. I look ahead with excitement for what is yet to come.

I want to say a giant THANK YOU to the fabulous clients, amazing colleagues, strong strategic partners, supportive media, fabulous industry folks, and great people who have hired us, worked with us, supported us, referred us, and helped us succeed. We couldn’t have done it without you.

So while I won’t be showered in ticker tape today, I am celebrating our great milestone. Here’s to 23 and, what I hope, is many many more to come!