Since day one, Elevation has been a family–– operating with a deep sense of kinship, joy and loyalty, and a coursing undercurrent of love. It’s a theme that stretches beyond our employees, to our contractors, partners, and clients alike. And, after more than 23 years in business, our familial footprint is vast.
As we wrap up 2024, we’d like to take some time to reflect on some of the biggest moments and milestones that proved once again: family elevates everything.
The Year in Pictures
Year after year we challenge ourselves to find new ways to view and solve communications challenges. Even after more than 10 years supporting the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), we have continued to find novel––and highly effective––approaches for promoting health insurance coverage as part of the Affordable Care Act. In 2024, we led two productions filmed in Miami. The first campaign, titled “Changes Happen” highlighted the many life changes, like marriage and retirement, that prompt new healthcare coverage needs. The second, titled “Testimonials,” featured real-life stories of people who benefitted from finding and securing insurance through the Health Insurance Marketplace.
Similarly, for U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), we managed highly successful productions in Miami and Dallas in partnership with Merge Studios, to showcase innovative new technologies that help travelers navigate customs swiftly and easily.
Our Global Adventures
From Tokyo to Amsterdam, the team traversed the world representing CBP’s Visa Waiver (ESTA) Program. In Tokyo, Amanda and Harrison attended Tourism Expo Japan, one of the largest travel trade shows in the world. The show gave us the chance to showcase the ESTA-san anime character and engage audiences with our U.S. trivia game. The team also explored the iconic Tokyo Tower and sang some karaoke (Amanda may or may not have stolen the show with her vocals!) In London, they attended networking events at the V&A Museum and Sky Garden, and further strengthened ESTA’s presence in the global travel sector.
Since June, we’ve been busy kicking off a massive effort to promote CBP’s Trusted Traveler Program brands worldwide. Soon, a high-impact creative campaign will debut to showcase Global Entry, the program’s most notable brand. Then, we’ll roll out a range of promotional items, including digital ads, signage, newsletters, collateral materials, and stakeholder toolkits.
Awards and Recognition
The Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC) Tips from Former Smokers Campaign was a finalist in the “Government and Politics” category at the 9th Annual Shorty Impact Awards and received the “audience honor” award. The Tips campaign is the longest-running smoking cessation campaign in the country and systemically delivers year-over-year positive impacts on the health of the American public. We are beyond proud to be part of such meaningful work; these recognitions are a testament to our team’s dedication and creative passion.
In 2024, Elevation was named the #1 Small Business in the country serving the federal government in GrowthLab’s annual report of top marketing communications firms. Thriving amid such fierce competition is no small feat and is a testament to our ability to build trusting client partnerships, evolve our capabilities, and challenge ourselves again and again. More than anything, when we deliver strong results, our federal clients get excited to launch new campaigns and initiatives. That, in turn, contributes to our own growth and staying power.
Our Growing Family
In 2024, we also celebrated our expanding family, when Gaby welcomed her precious baby boy! And we were thrilled to welcome Francisco officially, and to add his unique spark of creative energy and perspective to our design work.
We also welcomed Ferrovial into the fold as a new client, after our long-time friend and former client Patrick Flanagan joined their team. We are always grateful when old clients land at new organizations and ask us to assist with their marketing and communications.
Cheering Life’s Grand Moments
And finally, this year, we had some golden opportunities to come together to cheer:
- Peyton’s Wedding in Costa Rica: Surrounded by friends, family, and breathtaking Pura Vida vibes, Jimmy’s daughter Peyton tied the knot with her beloved Jake. Amanda delivered what may very well have been the best rehearsal dinner speech of all time, and there wasn’t a dry eye under the tent when Jimmy spoke.
- Charlotte Turning One and Taking Her First Steps: Catherine’s daughter Charlotte made her office debut, crawling between desks and chasing Lincoln and Luna. She also took her first steps and marveled at the candle on her first birthday cake.
- Harrison Moving to the Windy City: Just in time for winter to “settle” in, Harrison took a bold step by moving from DC to Chicago. Thankfully, he’s able to work remotely and easily support clients.
- Pablo Donned a Captain’s Hat: After learning the ropes, Pablo became an official waterman when he earned his Captain’s license. Best of all, he hasn’t been responsible for any accidents or citations!
- Jimmy Going Bionic! Finally, after years of dealing with nagging athletic injuries, Jimmy underwent his second knee replacement surgery. And now that he’s fully healed, there will be no hobbling into the New Year!
Thanks to all who helped make 2024 another banner year.
Happy holidays from the entire Elevation family!
