AUGUSTA — Marshall Communications recently was honored with a Golden Arrow award for its work on Maine Grains’ 10th anniversary celebration. Recognizing the best work of communications, public relations and marketing professionals, the Golden Arrow was given to Marshall Communications for garnering excitement statewide for the celebration event. The agency has won dozens of awards since 2010.

In order to attract media attention to Maine Grains’ organic and heritage products, Marshall Communications positioned the Skowhegan-based company as an important part of Maine’s economy and a key revitalizer of the state’s grain industry. A key component of the agency’s strategy was proactive planning, with Marshall Communications’ team hosting six, one-hour coaching calls with Amber Lambke, co-founder and CEO of Maine Grains, to brainstorm potential pitch angles, according to a news release from Kat Child at the Augusta agency.

And it worked: Marshall Communications’ media relations tactics exceeded expectations, earning nearly 40 results with more than one million views – including a MarthaStewart.com hit. In the process, Lambke was selected as the “Small Business/Entrepreneur Business Leader” by Mainebiz in March 2022, elevating her public notability across New England. The earned media was so successful — directly increasing Maine Grains’ sales in recent months — that Maine Gov. Janet Mills even attended the company’s 10th anniversary celebration.

“Over Maine Grains’ 10 years in business, the team at Marshall Communications has taught us many of the ingredients to a successful media campaign that have led to impactful earned media,” said Lambke. “Through careful strategic planning, staying organized and helping us build our network, we executed a fun and well-publicized 10th anniversary celebration at the gristmill. Our team is so proud of all that Maine Grains has accomplished, and Marshall Communications has helped us tell our stories effectively to grow our business and brand.”