Written by tba | PR + Advertising
Thursday, May 17, 2012
NEWS RELEASE
For more information, contact:
Thomas Becher
tba (the becher agency)
PR + Advertising
(540) 772-3942
tbecher@thebecheragency.com
The Becher Agency wins best of show at Virginia Public Relations Awards
ROANOKE, Va. (May 17, 2012) – The Becher Agency (tba) won best of show at the 2012 Virginia Public Relations Awards.
The agency was recognized with two awards for its work with the City of Roanoke to create and promote the Eat for Education initiative – an award of excellence in community relations and best of show for public relations programs.
The award program was hosted by the Richmond chapter of the Public Relations Society of America.
Eat for Education is a program to encourage people to dine in or take out from restaurants in the city in support of a two-year increase in the meals tax. The tax, set to expire June 30, is projected to bring in $9.5 million for the city’s public schools, with the additional funds instrumental in helping all of the city’s schools become accredited.
“What an honor for an agency in Roanoke to win this statewide competition,” said Thomas Becher, APR, president. “We’re delighted that, in partnership with the City of Roanoke, we were able to demonstrate results and create a model program for creativity in difficult fiscal times.”
ABOUT THE BECHER AGENCY
With the perfect blend of corporate strategy and creative energy, The Becher Agency (tba) is one of the region’s most successful and established full-service public relations and advertising agencies. tba is a strategy-centered idea factory, offering creative solutions in PR and advertising to help clients in multiple industries solve business problems and generate results by more effectively connecting with their audiences through public relations, advertising, graphic design, interactive services and publications. Learn more at: www.thebecheragency.com.
# # #
Written by tba | PR + Advertising
Monday, April 23, 2012
NEWS RELEASE
For more information, contact:
Thomas Becher
tba (the becher agency)
PR + Advertising
(540) 772-3942
tbecher@thebecheragency.com
the becher agency honored by Virginia Press Association
ROANOKE, Va. (April 23, 2012) – The Virginia Press Association has recognized the becher agency (tba) for the best agency-created newspaper ad of 2011.
The winning ad was created for Save a Ton, the energy-reduction campaign that offers ways to save money on energy costs. It depicts a dress overlying a lampshade with the line “Outfit your home with CFLs. Outfit yourself with the savings.”
The award was presented during the organization’s Virginia Newspaper Agency Advertising Awards luncheon in Roanoke.
“Once again, Virginia’s newspapers have recognized our team for producing some of the Commonwealth’s best advertisements,” said Thomas Becher, APR, president of tba. “It’s gratifying to see the strategy and creativity we provide to our clients being recognized by a statewide organization.”
ABOUT THE BECHER AGENCY
With the perfect blend of corporate strategy and creative energy, the becher agency (tba) is one of the region’s most successful and established full-service public relations and advertising agencies. tba is a strategy-centered idea factory, offering creative solutions in PR and advertising to help clients in multiple industries solve business problems and generate results by more effectively connecting with their audiences through public relations, advertising, graphic design, interactive services and publications. Learn more at: www.thebecheragency.com.
# # #
Written by tba | PR + Advertising
Thursday, January 26, 2012
Tara Horan joins the becher agency as Assistant Account Executive
ROANOKE, Va. (Jan. 26, 2012) – Tara Horan has joined tba (the becher agency) as public relations assistant account executive.
Horan will assist in developing and executing marketing, advertising and public relations plans for the company’s clients. She comes to tba from New York City, where she worked for public relations firm MSL Group.
“Tara is another example of a young professional looking for opportunity in southwest Virginia,” said Thomas Becher, APR, president of tba. “We are lucky to have her as we become the region’s largest and most experienced public relations team.”
Horan worked in the healthcare practice at MSL. She represented such brands as Warner Chilcott, Abbott, Eli Lilly and Company, and Daiichi Sankyo. She also supported The Parkinson’s Unity Walk and was involved in the planning and execution of such campaigns as Celebrating UC Success and Messages of Hope™.
Horan graduated with honors from Villanova University.
Written by tba | PR + Advertising
Thursday, January 26, 2012
ROANOKE, Va. – Chris Dodd has joined tba (the becher agency) as account executive and director of digital services.
In this new role, Dodd will develop digital strategies for clients, including search-engine marketing, mobile development and website content optimization. He also will assist in developing strategic marketing solutions in advertising and public relations.
He joins tba from The Roanoke Times, where he developed communications and promotional strategies for the Times and Roanoke.com.
“Chris’s broad background and keen interest in digital marketing solutions helps us to implement more digital marketing services for our clients,” said firm president Thomas Becher, APR.
Dodd is president of the Roanoke chapter of the American Advertising Federation and serves as the PR/communications chair for the Square Society.
Dodd is a graduate of Radford University.
Written by tba | PR + Advertising
Thursday, October 06, 2011
Chris Turnbull has joined the becher agency (tba) as public relations account executive and principal of the firm.
Turnbull joins tba from the World Bank in Washington, D.C., where he served as a trusted advisor to leaders in response to international crises. He has worked in dozens of hot spots around the globe to develop, implement and improve crisis communications, organizational development and business continuity efforts for the world's preeminent multilateral development bank.
Together with the firm's president Thomas Becher, APR, and account executive Rich Ellis, Turnbull joins a public relations team with more combined experience than any other agency in the region.
It's the second time in Roanoke for Turnbull, who last worked in the market 10 years ago. Since then he has gained experience in dozens of nations around the world, including Afghanistan, Yemen, the Sudan, Indonesia, Serbia and Bolivia.
Turnbull is a graduate of Roanoke College and has a master's degree in management from the University of Maryland.
"We're delighted to welcome Chris back to the region and we're excited to offer our clients his expertise in strategic communications, public relations, crisis communications and best practices in organizational management," Becher said. "His background provides yet another layer of intellect and strategy to help our clients shine."
Written by tba | PR + Advertising
Thursday, December 29, 2011
Thomas Becher, APR, has been named to serve on the national nominating committee of the Public Relations Society of America.
Becher, president of The Becher Agency (tba), will represent the Mid-Atlantic region to select the slate of officers for the 2013 PRSA national board. His appointment was made at the recent PRSA International Conference.
Becher is immediate past president of the Blue Ridge Chapter of PRSA.
Written by tba | PR + Advertising
Tuesday, September 27, 2011
ROANOKE, VA
Monica Fritz has joined the becher agency (tba) as graphic designer.
Fritz will contribute to the firm’s award-winning creative work with print and online design and strategies.
Fritz comes to tba from Neathawk, Dubuque and Packett. She’s also served as a graphic designer for Just the Fax and has operated her own freelance design and photography business, Monica Fritz Studios.
“Monica is one of the Roanoke market’s brightest young designers and we look forward to helping our clients grow with her creativity and passion,” said Thomas Becher, APR, president of the firm.
She is a 2005 graduate of Moore College of Art and Design in Philadelphia.
Written by tba | PR + Advertising
Monday, July 25, 2011
The Becher Agency (tba), a leading public relations and advertising agency, has been selected to help Roanoke County residents reduce energy consumption.
The Save a Ton campaign, now under development, will debut this fall. The multi-media campaign is being designed to help County residents and others throughout the Roanoke Valley understand the many little things people can do every day to save money while reducing the region’s energy consumption.
The Becher Agency was selected based on its ideas, creative capabilities and knowledge of the local market.
“In these days of high fuel prices and rising electric rates, energy conservation isn’t just good for the environment – it’s great for the pocketbook,” said Thomas Becher, APR, president of the firm. “We’re excited to work with Roanoke County to unveil a fun, informative campaign that will make a difference.”
Written by Thomas Becher
Wednesday, March 14, 2012
NEWS RELEASE
For more information, contact:
Thomas Becher
tba (the becher agency)
(540) 772-3942
tbecher@tbtheagency.com
the becher agency wins 7 Addy Awards in region
ROANOKE, Va. (March 12, 2012) – tba (the becher agency), a Roanoke public relations and advertising and firm, won seven Western Virginia ADDY awards from the American Advertising Federation of Roanoke.
The awards spanned multiple industries in a variety of categories:
- Gold for newspaper campaign (color) for the Save a Ton campaign
- Gold for mixed media, local consumer for Save a Ton.
- Silver for video sales presentation for Friendship Retirement Community’s Friendship Through Service video.
- Silver for mixed media, local business-to-business for Friendship’s Friendship Through Service brochure and video
- Silver for poster for the Roanoke Valley SPCA adoption poster
- Silver for public service brochure for Feeding America Southwest Virginia’s 30th anniversary book
- Silver for logo for the Greenvale Chili Cook-Off logo.
“Once again, it’s an honor to be recognized with awards for creative excellence across different industries,”said Thomas Becher, APR, president of the firm. “Although it’s nice to win awards, we’re more excited that our work led to real results for our clients.”
ABOUT THE BECHER AGENCY
With the perfect blend of corporate strategy and creative energy, the becher agency (tba) is one of the region’s most successful and established full-service public relations and advertising agencies. tba is a strategy-centered idea factory, offering creative solutions in PR and advertising to help clients in multiple industries solve business problems and generate results by more effectively connecting with their audiences through public relations, advertising, graphic design, interactive services and publications. Learn more at: www.thebecheragency.com.
# # #
Written by tba | PR + Advertising
Monday, May 23, 2011
ROANOKE, VA
The becher agency (tba) received an award of excellence in media relations during the 2011 Commonwealth Awards presented by the Richmond chapter of the Public Relations Society of America.
The agency was recognized for its national media outreach to promote the MedCottage, the portable, modular medical home that enables families to take care of loved ones on their property. The MedCottage has received coverage in such national media as The Washington Post, CBS News, National Public Radio, Prevention, Readers Digest and AARP magazine in addition to hundreds of media and blogger mentions in markets throughout the nation.

The coverage resulted in hundreds of inquiries about the MedCottage and firm sales commitments.
“It’s gratifying to see how effective media relations can drive business objectives,” said Thomas Becher, APR, president. “We’re proud to support the MedCottage and look forward to a national rollout.”
Written by tba | PR + Advertising
Friday, April 22, 2011
ROANOKE, VA
The Virginia Press Association has recognized tba (the becher agency) for the best newspaper ad of 2010 created by an advertising agency.
The winning ad was created for Friendship Retirement Community with the message: “Where acting your age is strongly discouraged.”

The award was presented during the organization’s Virginia Newspaper Agency Advertising Awards luncheon in Norfolk.
“For the third year in a row, Virginia’s newspapers have recognized our team for producing some of the Commonwealth’s best advertisements,” said Thomas Becher, APR, president of tba. “It’s gratifying to see the strategy and creativity we provide to our clients being recognized by a statewide organization.”
Written by tba | PR + Advertising
Monday, March 07, 2011
ROANOKE, VA
tba (the becher agency), a Roanoke public relations and advertising and firm, won nine Western Virginia ADDY awards from the American Advertising Federation of Roanoke – the most of any entrant in the region.

tba also received gold in:
* Logo design for the City of Roanoke’s Eat for Education Program:

* Collateral material, annual report for Lanford Brothers’ 50th anniversary booklet:

* Video sales presentation for Arrow Lock’s Revolution lock (watch the video here):

tba was recognized for its work on behalf of Friendship Retirement Community, winning three silver awards for:
* Mixed multi-media for What is Friendship? campaign:

* Newspaper full-page color ad for Friendship Home Care:

* Out-of-home for What is Friendship? campaign:

The firm also won silver for:
* Consumer or trade, fractional page advertisement in color for Soft Solutions:

* Advertising industry self-promotion for the firm’s “It’s a site” announcement to promote its newly designed website:

“It is an incredible honor to be recognized with the most awards in a region so deep in creative talent,” said Thomas Becher, APR, president of the firm. “Although it’s nice to win awards, we’re especially excited that our work led to results for our clients.”
* Click on the images above to view project details.
Written by tba | PR + Advertising
Monday, January 24, 2011
ROANOKE, VA
tba today announced a new client – the Roanoke Valley SPCA. tba will help the RVSPCA develop innovative, creative materials to increase awareness for pet adoption and spay/neuter in the Roanoke region.
Four to seven million pets die in shelters every year in the United States. One of the best ways to address this major pet overpopulation problem is to get more families to adopt from local shelters and ensure all pets are spayed and neutered.
“We’re all animal lovers and pet owners at tba, and what better way to show our passion than to work with the leading animal welfare non-profit in the region,” said Thomas Becher, APR, president of tba. “The Roanoke Valley SPCA turned to tba because of our dynamic creative team and innovative concepts, and we look forward to helping this great organization make a difference in our community.”
tba is creating marketing material that positions the Roanoke Valley SPCA as the leading pet adoption service in the Roanoke region. These materials include a stationery package, pet adoption posters, flyers and more.
Written by tba | PR + Advertising
Tuesday, December 21, 2010
If you missed the news, tba was recently mentioned in a Mashable.com article about economic development. Check it out here.
Written by tba | PR + Advertising
Wednesday, November 03, 2010
Roanoke, VA
tba (the becher agency) received two honors from the 2010 Generations Award for its work for Friendship Retirement Community.
The Generations Award is an international competition for excellence in senior marketing. tba won gold for its “Mrs. Johnson” print advertisement and special recognition for Friendship’s overall advertising campaign.
“We work closely with Friendship Retirement Community to develop impactful and memorable marketing, and this international recognition validates our creative solutions,” said Thomas Becher, APR, president of tba. “We appreciate Friendship allowing us to be a part of their team and for giving us the opportunity to do great work.”
More information about the awards is available at www.GenerationsAward.org.
Mrs. Johnson Print Ad

(Friendship Retirement Community Ad)
Ad Campaign

(Friendship Retirement Community Independant Living Ad)

(Friendship Retirement Community Independant Living Ad)
Written by tba | PR + Advertising
Thursday, October 28, 2010
Roanoke, VA
tba (the becher agency) today announced that four projects produced for the New River Valley Economic Development Alliance were honored with 2010 Communications Awards presented by the Southern Economic Development Council.
Merit awards were given for an investor postcard, brochure for the Virginia TradePort and two websites - vatradeport.com and nrvfuture.org.
“We worked closely with the New River Valley Economic Development Alliance to develop high-quality materials that promote the NRV and drive economic development, and these awards show our efforts are getting noticed nationally,” said Thomas Becher, APR, president of tba.
For more information on the Southern Economic Development Council’s 2010 Communications Award Winners, please visit www.sedc.org.
Written by tba | PR + Advertising
Monday, March 08, 2010
Roanoke, VA

tba won five Western Virginia ADDY awards from the Advertising Federation of the Roanoke Valley.
tba was cited for its work on behalf of Oak Hall, winning two gold awards and a silver ADDY for the campaign introducing Oak Hall’s Greenweaver cap- and-gown set made from recycled plastic bottles.
tba also won a silver for the design of an open house invitation for Lanford Brothers and a silver for a newspaper advertising design for Astonish Antique Restoration.
In addition to the firm’s awards, a new employee, Aimee Drysdale, won three student ADDY awards while the tba creative team contributed to pro bono work that won 10 awards as part of the Advertising Federation of the Roanoke Valley’s CreateAthon event.
“Once again, our team has been recognized for some of the best work anywhere that, more importantly, led to results for our clients,” said Thomas Becher, APR, president of tba.
Written by tba | PR + Advertising
Thursday, July 22, 2010
Roanoke, VA
Scott Samson has joined tba (the becher agency) as public relations account manager.
Samson will support the strategy, development and implementation of the firm’s public relations accounts. He has worked for public relations firms in Los Angeles, New York and Washington, D.C.
“Scott brings to tba outstanding high-level experience that will help our clients communicate to a wide audience both in our region and around the nation,” said Thomas Becher, APR, president of tba. “His insight and expertise will be valuable as we continue to provide integrated communications solutions to our clients.”
Samson has worked for numerous agencies around the nation in the corporate, lifestyle, entertainment, energy/environment and technology industries. He supported such brands as Con Edison, Waste Management, the U.S. Navy, Lexus, Nissan, Comcast and The North Face, among others.
He has produced media placements in outlets including the Washington Post, USA Today, The New York Times, the Los Angeles Times, Wall Street Journal, Business Week, Entertainment Weekly, TV Guide, Variety, Hollywood Reporter, United Features, AP, TV Week, CNN, MSNBC, EXTRA, Access Hollywood, FOX, World News Tonight and hundreds of local affiliates across the United States and international media.
Samson is a graduate of Virginia Tech and a member of the Public Relations Society of America.
Written by tba | PR + Advertising
Monday, July 19, 2010
Roanoke, VA
tba (the becher agency) has been named the agency of record for N2Care, innovators behind the MedCottage.
Under the agreement, tba created a new logo and website for MedCottage and is conducting a nationwide media relations campaign to introduce the first prototype.
The MedCottage is a Virginia-made, portable, modular medical home designed to make it possible for families to take care of loved ones on their property as an alternative to long-term care facilities.
“Our expertise in senior care, coupled with our creative solutions in web and graphic design and proven results in media relations, made this a perfect fit for our firm,” said Thomas Becher, APR, president of tba. “We look forward to sharing the MedCottage story with the world.”
Written by tba | PR + Advertising
Friday, April 23, 2010
Roanoke, VA
The Virginia Press Association has recognized tba for creating one of the best newspaper ads of 2009.
The silver award was presented during the organization's Virginia Newspaper Agency Advertising Awards luncheon in Portsmouth.
The winning ad was created for HoneyTree Early Learning Centers to promote its Spanish classes.
"Once again, Virginia's newspapers lauded our team for producing some of the best advertisements of the year," said Thomas Becher, APR, president of tba. "With two awards the previous year and another this time, it's gratifying to see the strategy and creativity we provide to our clients being recognized by a statewide organization."
Written by tba | PR + Advertising
Monday, April 19, 2010
Roanoke, VA
tba has named Carolyn Kiser and Chris McAdams principals of the public relations and advertising agency.
In addition to their day-to-day roles, Kiser and McAdams will serve as the company's board, providing leadership and guidance for future growth. Kiser continues in her role as advertising account supervisor and McAdams as the agency's creative director.
"Elevating Carolyn and Chris into this critical role provides additional leadership to help oversee our operation and strategic direction," says Thomas Becher, APR, president of tba. "They are consummate professionals who are widely respected in our industry, and I'm thrilled to be working side-by-side with them to elevate our stature."
Written by tba | PR + Advertising
Monday, January 04, 2010
Roanoke, VA
Thomas Becher, APR, president of tba, has been named 2010 president of the Blue Ridge Chapter of the Public Relations Society of America.
During his one-year term, Becher will lead nearly 100 public relations professionals in southwest Virginia as part of the world’s largest association of PR practitioners. Becher is an accredited member of the PRSA, having earned his APR certificate demonstrating knowledge, skills and abilities required to effectively practice public relations.
“I look forward to working with our talented board and membership to advocate our profession and serve the community through public relations,” Becher said.
Written by tba | PR + Advertising
Thursday, December 17, 2009
Roanoke, VA
tba has created a new Web site for the Hotel Roanoke & Conference Center.
The site, www.hotelroanoke.com, is easier to navigate with a bolder design, more content and integrated with social media.
“We are a constantly changing property and our new site better reflects our mission, services and overall significance to the Roanoke Valley, further strengthening our leadership in southwest Virginia hospitality,” said Gary Walton, general manager of The Hotel Roanoke and Conference Center.
Visitors to the new site can stay up to date on the array of events and activities. The redesigned Web site also provides more detail and images of services offered by the hotel, including rooms, meeting and conference options and food and beverage offerings.
Written by tba | PR + Advertising
Thursday, December 03, 2009
Roanoke, VA
Aimee Drysdale has joined tba advertising account coordinator.
In this new position, Drysdale will support the strategy, development and implementation of the firm’s advertising accounts. Taking advantage of her background in graphic design, Drysdale also will contribute to the company’s creative team.
“Aimee’s unique skills, combining strategy with creativity, along with a passion for advertising and client service, make her a welcome addition to our talented team,” says Thomas Becher, APR, president of tba.
Since graduating from Virginia Tech with a bachelor of fine arts degree in visual communications design, Drysdale has owned an independent design firm while serving as graphic design assistant for the Virginia Bioinformatics Institute. During that time, she received numerous industry awards for her design and photography.
Drysdale is an active member of the Advertising Federation of the Roanoke Valley and the Southwest Virginia ADDY committee. In her free time, she enjoys travel, keeping up with three dogs, cooking and painting abstract art.
Drysdale lives in Christiansburg.
Written by tba | PR + Advertising
Friday, November 20, 2009
Roanoke, VA
tba won eight Summit Awards from the Blue Ridge Chapter of the Public Relations Society of America in recognition of excellence in public relations.
The firm received four gold Summits and four silver awards – the most of any entrant:
- Gold in Community Partnerships (average budget) to promote the United Way of Roanoke Valley’s “I Feel Good” campaign.
- Gold in Media Relations (average budget) for the Roanoke Regional Partnership’s national awareness campaign.
- Gold Lin Chaff Award for Creativity (average budget) for Oak Hall Cap & Gown’s GreenWeaver product launch.
- Gold in Print Publications (average budget) for the Lanford Brothers open house invitation.
- Silver in Social Media (modest budget) for the firm’s self-promotion using social media tools.
- Silver in Green PR (modest budget) for promoting the Hotel Roanoke & Conference Center’s green efforts.
- Silver in Issues and Crisis Management (average budget) for communications support for Luna Innovations’ Chapter 11 filing.
- Silver in Special Events (modest budget) for the Hotel Roanoke & Conference Center’s Fashions for Evergreens.
“The Summit Awards are about demonstrating results through strategic public relations, and we’re thrilled our efforts helped our valued clients achieve their goals,” said Thomas Becher, APR, president of tba.
Written by tba | PR + Advertising
Tuesday, August 18, 2009
Roanoke, VA
Chris McAdams, creative director at tba has been named president of the Advertising Federation of the Roanoke Valley.
The Advertising Federation of the Roanoke Valley (Ad Fed) is Roanoke’s only professional organization devoted entirely to the business of advertising, representing professionals in the region in the areas of graphic design, marketing, TV and radio, photography, printing, Web design and more.
“I’m honored to lead an organization of so many talented and creative individuals, and look forward to a year of outstanding programs and community service,” McAdams said.
AdFed is preparing for its annual Create-A-Thon, a 24-hour creative session to help an area non-profit organization. To learn more, visit www.aafroanoke.org.
Written by tba | PR + Advertising
Friday, April 17, 2009
Roanoke, VA
tba was recognized by the Virginia Press Association for the best agency-created newspaper ad of 2008.
The ad for Friendship Retirement Community’s Care Unlimited service uses laundry visuals to cleverly form the words in the headline. tba also won third place for an ad promoting Friendship’s assisted living. In that ad, a resident is seen playing cards to illustrate special events at Friendship.
“We’re thrilled that Virginia’s newspapers felt two our ads were among the three best of the year,” said Thomas Becher, APR, president of tba. “More importantly, we’re proud that our work continues to provide clients with results through our strategy and creativity.”
Written by tba | PR + Advertising
Tuesday, April 07, 2009
Roanoke, VA
tba has won a silver ADDY award from the American Advertising Federation’s regional district.
tba was the only Roanoke-based agency to win an award in the district, which includes Virginia, North Carolina and South Carolina. The firm was honored for an advertisement for Friendship Retirement Community. Earlier, tba won seven ADDY awards in the Western Virginia competition.
“Once again judges have determined that our work is among the best in a three-state region with some very strong competition,” said Thomas Becher, APR, president of tba. “More importantly, we’re proud that our work continues to provide clients with results as a result of our strategy and creativity.”
Written by tba | PR + Advertising
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
Roanoke, VA
tba (the becher agency), a Roanoke public relations and advertising and firm, has promoted Ariel Clark to art director.
In her new role, Clark will work closely with the account service team to develop strategically sound concepts for a wide variety of communications, from traditional and online advertising to guerilla marketing.
“We are thrilled to promote Ariel to this much-deserved assignment,” said Thomas Becher, president of tba. “Her ability to solve business problems with outstanding creative solutions makes her an asset for our clients.”
Written by tba | PR + Advertising
Monday, March 09, 2009
Roanoke, VA
tba (the becher agency), a Roanoke public relations and advertising firm, won seven Western Virginia ADDY awards from the Advertising Federation of the Roanoke Valley.
tba was cited for excellence for its work on behalf of Friendship Retirement Community, winning gold ADDYs for best local TV campaign, best newspaper campaign and best full-page consumer or trade publication ad. tba also won silver ADDYs for fractional-page ads for newspaper and consumer or trade publication.
In addition, tba won a gold ADDY for special event invitation for SpaVa and a gold in public service (non-traditional) for the United Way of the Roanoke Valley’s flash mob.
“I am very proud of our team and how we applied strategy to produce outstanding work that generated results for our clients,” said Thomas Becher, APR, president of tba.
Written by tba | PR + Advertising
Monday, December 01, 2008
Roanoke, VA
tba Public Relations, Advertising and Marketing has named Christina Knapp interactive designer, a new position.
Knapp comes to tba from Beck Media Group, where she designed Bella, the region’s leading monthly publication for women, and helped to create Vennue, an arts and entertainment magazine. In her new role, she will be responsible for designing Web sites and creating other interactive tools for tba’s clients.
“We are delighted to welcome Christina to our growing team,” said Thomas Becher, president of tba. “Her design talent and knowledge of how online applications are changing the way people communicate will help our firm deliver strategic solutions for our clients.”
Knapp, a Roanoke native, is a graduate of Ringling College of Art and Design.
Written by tba | PR + Advertising
Friday, November 21, 2008
Firm receives most gold awards for excellence in public relations
Roanoke, VA
tba Public Relations and Advertising won the most gold Summit Awards of any Roanoke agency during the annual awards presented by the Blue Ridge Chapter of the Public Relations Society of America.
The firm was honored with three gold awards and one silver:
Gold in the Public Relations Campaign (average budget) category for public relations efforts leading to the successful merger of FNB Corp. and Virginia Financial to form StellarOne Bank.
Gold in the Website Development (average budget) category for the new Cycle Systems site ( HYPERLINK "http://www.CycleSystems.com" www.CycleSystems.com).
Gold in the Special Events category (average budget) for the 125th anniversary of the Hotel Roanoke & Conference Center.
Silver in the Media Relations (average budget) category for Virginia Prosthetics’ effort to gain insurance coverage for prostheses and orthotics.
“We’re thrilled to have received the most gold awards of any Roanoke agency, and be recognized for outstanding work that gets results,” said Thomas Becher, APR, president of tba.
Written by tba | PR + Advertising
Monday, November 03, 2008
Roanoke, VA
tba Public Relations, Advertising and Marketing is pleased to announce the design and launch of an enhanced website for Click & Pledge, a Blacksburg-based firm that makes it easier for non-profits around the world to raise money online.
The bold new site, www.clickandpledge.com, provides a gateway for non-profit associations, organizations, associations, political campaigns, churches, schools and museums to raise more money, manage costs and build relationships with donors – right from their desktop.
“We’re proud to partner with Click & Pledge to enhance their brand with an upgraded website that gives non-profits a better way to do good,” said Thomas Becher, APR, president of tba. “We’re especially pleased that a company whose business is based on the Internet selected our talented team and strategy-based approach to concept and design an all-new website.”
Written by tba | PR + Advertising
Wednesday, April 09, 2008
Roanoke, VA
tba Public Relations, Advertising and Marketing has named Carolyn Kiser account supervisor.
Kiser, a Roanoke native, comes to tba from the Atlanta office of BBDO, a global advertising agency. In her new role, she will be responsible for supervising and growing tba’s advertising accounts.
“We are delighted to welcome Carolyn to our team,” said Thomas Becher, president of tba. “Her experience at one of the world’s leading agencies and her proven abilities to manage accounts for nationally recognized brands will provide fresh ideas and valuable insight as we develop strategic and creative advertising solutions for our clients in the Roanoke Valley and beyond.”
Kiser is a graduate of Florida State University.
Written by tba | PR + Advertising
Monday, November 05, 2007
Roanoke, VA
tba, a Roanoke public relations and advertising firm, won four Summit Awards at the annual Summit Awards gala presented by the Blue Ridge Chapter of the Public Relations Society of America.
The firm was honored with three gold and one silver awards:
- Gold in the Public Relations Campaign (average budget) category, with the Virginia Museum of Natural History, for the opening of the new museum.
- Gold in the Website Development (average budget) category for the Roanoke Arts Festival Web site (www.RoanokeArtsFest.org).
- Gold in the Special Events category (average budget) for the opening of Panera Bread’s Valley View location.
- Silver in the Print Publications (average budget) category for Friendship Retirement Community’s The Quilt newsletter.
“We’re thrilled to be among the leading winners at this year’s Summit Awards and honored to be recognized for outstanding work that gets results,” said Thomas Becher, APR, president of tba.
Written by tba | PR + Advertising
Tuesday, November 30, 1999
ROANOKE, Va.
tba, a Roanoke public relations and advertising firm, has promoted Chris McAdams to vice president and creative director. He previously served as the firm’s art director and senior art director.
“Chris is one of the Roanoke Valley’s premier creative minds, and we’re proud to have him on our team in this newly expanded role,” said Thomas Becher, president of tba.
McAdams has been recognized with more than 40 local and regional ADDY Awards and has been recognized by the American Institute of Graphic Artists, the Public Relations Society of America and the Outdoor Advertising Association of America. He serves as public service chair for the Advertising Federation of the Roanoke Valley.
Written by tba | PR + Advertising
Monday, July 23, 2007
Firm to provide public relations, advertising, marketing for October event
Roanoke, VA
tba, a Roanoke public relations and advertising firm, has been awarded a contract from the City of Roanoke to provide public relations and advertising services for the first annual Roanoke Arts Festival.
The four-day extravaganza Oct. 4-7will feature “a moveable feast” of performing and visual arts appealing to local audiences and visitors alike.
“We’re delighted to welcome the City of Roanoke to our growing list of clients,” said Thomas Becher, president of tba. “We’re especially excited about using our strategy and creativity to help make this inaugural event a riveting success.”
Written by tba | PR + Advertising
Tuesday, July 10, 2007
Roanoke, VA
tba, a Roanoke public relations and advertising firm, has completed its move to Warehouse Row Business Center in downtown Roanoke.
The firm’s new office will occupy a suite on the first floor of the historic three-story office building, a converted 1890s warehouse featuring wood floors, brick walls and high ceilings.
“With bright colors and open space, our new office better reflects who we are and the creative work we do,” said Thomas Becher, president of tba. “We look forward to serving our customers from a more central location.”
The firm’s new address is 119 Norfolk Ave., Suite 100, Roanoke, VA 24011.
Written by tba | PR + Advertising
Friday, May 11, 2007
Firm Wins in Annual Report and Television Commercial Categories
Roanoke, VA
tba, a Roanoke public relations and advertising firm, received two Measure of Excellence Awards from the Virginia Society of Healthcare Marketing and Public Relations at the 38th annual awards banquet on April 16 in Virginia Beach.
The firm won a superior award for the annual report done for Delta Dental of Virginia and received a meritorious award for a television spot for Bon Secours Health Foundation in Richmond.
“These awards honor the region’s best work in healthcare marketing and public relations, and we are delighted to have won,” said Thomas Becher, president of tba.
Written by tba | PR + Advertising
Tuesday, April 10, 2007
Roanoke, VA
tba, a Roanoke public relations and advertising firm, is relocating to Warehouse Row in downtown Roanoke.
The firm’s new office will occupy a suite on the first floor of the historic three-story office building, a converted warehouse featuring wood floors and brick walls.
“The move allows us to be more centrally located to service our clients,” said Thomas Becher, president of tba. “Our new home also will give us a fresh new start and will facilitate even more creativity.”
Written by tba | PR + Advertising
Friday, March 09, 2007
Firm Recognized for Direct Mail and Print Campaigns
Roanoke, VA
tba, a Roanoke public relations and advertising firm, won three ADDY awards from the Advertising Federation of the Roanoke Valley at the 2007 Western Virginia ADDY Competition on March 10.
tba won a gold ADDY for direct marketing excellence for a Bon Secours Health Care Foundation campaign to support a new hospital near Richmond. In addition, the firm won two silver ADDYs for print campaigns produced for Old Virginia Brick and Danville Regional Medical Center.
“We are delighted that our creative work has been recognized by AdFed and we’re thrilled that these campaigns have contributed to the success of our clients,” said Thomas Becher, president of tba.
Written by tba | PR + Advertising
Saturday, February 10, 2007
Roanoke, VA
tba, a Roanoke public relations and advertising firm has enhanced its creative services with the addition of Ariel Clark, as graphic designer.
Clark joins tba from Leisure Publishing, where she was a graphic designer and special publications editorial designer. Before Leisure Publishing she spent a year at the Roanoke Times designing advertisements. Clark is a graduate of Virginia Western Community College with a degree in Communication Design.
“Ariel is a talented designer who brings a fresh and unique approach to our creative team that will benefit our clients throughout the region,” said Thomas Becher, president.
Written by tba | PR + Advertising
Friday, January 05, 2007
Staff of John Lambert Associates transitions to new leadership
Roanoke, VA
The staff of one of the region’s most experienced and respected public relations and advertising firms has transitioned to new ownership and a new agency name – Thomas Becher Agency Inc., or tba.
Under the leadership of Thomas Becher, APR, tba will provide clients with continued service and expertise built upon the 30-year heritage of John Lambert Associates.
John W. Lambert Jr., APR, retaining the name John Lambert Associates, will continue as an independent public relations counselor.
“This seamless transition will enable tba to continue to provide full-service strategy, creativity and results for clients but with a fresh perspective and younger leadership,” Lambert said.
“This is a wonderful opportunity for our team, and we look forward to continuing the legacy of service John has worked so hard to achieve,” said Becher, president of tba. “We will ensure that our clients receive the same outstanding service and counsel they’ve come to expect, and we welcome new clients to challenge us with their marketing communications needs.”
Becher, an accredited member of the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA), was vice president of John Lambert Associates. He has served as manager of media relations for Northwest Airlines and director of corporate communications for Atlas Air, one of the world’s largest cargo airlines. He began his career as a reporter and editor with the Associated Press.