Last December marks Code BLK’s FIFTH anniversary

5 Years of Excellence

Q4 HIGHLIGHTS & REFLECTIONS

Last December marked Code BLK’s FIFTH anniversary, a huge milestone for us as a company. Five years marks a solid checkpoint in the lifeline of small businesses, and we couldn’t thank y’all enough for being a part of the journey. Over the past few years, we’ve developed incredible partnerships, connected with people across the globe, and experienced working alongside some of the best in the industry. Code BLK has seen so much growth in such a short period of time, and we couldn’t have done it without y’all. As the sun rises on the next 5 years, we look forward to creating more memories, exploring new opportunities, and bringing excellence to the world around us.

Code BLK Partners with Circulus Digital Media

Our ads are going from great to greater! We’re thrilled to announce a dynamic new partnership that will elevate Code BLK’s digital presence. Code BLK has officially joined forces with Circulus Digital Media, our new agency partner leading the charge on all advertising campaigns. This collaboration supercharges our digital marketing, blending our creative expertise with Circulus’ cutting-edge strategies to deliver bold, impactful campaigns that drive measurable results. With leading partnerships across The TradeDesk, META, and Google, and a proven track record working with global brands like GE Healthcare, P&G, and GM, Circulus brings unmatched expertise to the table. Together, we’re ushering in the next era of innovation in digital marketing.

How To Make a Tagline Stick

with Code BLK’s Lead Copy Editor Marlissa Collier

The name of the game in marketing & advertising is short, quick, and digestible. Whether it’s a scroll, a tap, or a swipe away, the objective is simple: hook your audience in as little time as possible.

There’s no better way to do that than with a catchy tagline or jingle that can find its way earworming into your viewers’ minds (think of Nike’s Just Do It or McDonald’s I’m Lovin’ It). To talk more about how to come up with the trendiest new sayings, Marlissa Collier brings us some tips below:

• Make it unforgettable: use rhythm, contrast, or a surprising twist that’s easy for the brain to latch onto.
• Focus on one idea, not three. The fastest way to kill a tagline is by cramming too much in. Avoid more than one comma, if at all possible. 
• Speak directly to the emotional outcome your audience wants. Use power words to pull on emotions. 
• Keep it short enough to say in one breath. It’s like a joke: if it needs explaining, it’s not going to land.
• Stress-test it: if it works on a billboard, a website header, and a social post, you’ve got a winner

How Project Management Can Save You Hours On Your Next Event Activation

with Project Manager, Hillari Pecot

Event production often operates under tight timelines and shifting requirements. Last-minute requests, accelerated deliverables, and unexpected changes to the plan are common challenges that can place significant pressure on teams. In these high-stakes situations, effective project management becomes critical to maintaining structure, minimizing risk, and ensuring successful execution.

• Prep, prep, prep… prep, prep. There you go, that’s my five! Just kidding. But for real, a clean timeline and knowing the goal from the jump sets you up to win.
• Be nosey. Ask every question until managing the task feels like second nature.
• Check in often. Keep communication open so when a client or supervisor checks in, you already know exactly what’s happening or what’s to come.
• Learn your team flow. Figure out how your team works so you can flow with them. And keep learning as you go.
• Pivot like it’s nothing. Things always change. I leave wiggle room in my timelines for the inevitable hiccups.

SUCCESS IN PR

with Priscilla Tinsley, Global Public Relations Team Leader & Americas PR Director

Priscilla Tinsley is a Director, Corporate Communications at Direct Energy, based in Houston, Texas. With over 20 years of professional experience, she has been instrumental in developing effective strategic communication, marketing, media relations, community relations, and crisis management plans for various companies in the corporate and non-profit sectors. With this valuable experience and insight, Priscilla was gracious enough to sit down with us and discuss all the things that make her job so unique, how she works under pressure at such a large scale, and how she’s found such massive success in the PR industry.

CB: Describe a day in your life as Global PR Team Leader/Americas PR Director?

PT: Every day in my role is different, and I feel fortunate to work across so many parts of the business. Because my company is global, my mornings often start with messages from colleagues in regions several hours ahead of the U.S. Working in this capacity means balancing strategy, understanding different cultures, and cross-functional collaboration.

A typical morning might include team calls, campaign planning, event discussions, or preparing for media interviews. I also check in with teams across the company to make sure we’re aligned on major projects, all while keeping up with a constant stream of emails or internal messages. Supporting and mentoring my team is a priority, and we spend a lot of time brainstorming on new ideas and collaborating closely with our PR agencies to ensure we’re keeping up a steady flow of ideas and creating media opportunities.

Most days are fast-paced and require me to pivot quickly from one task to the next, but no matter how busy, everything I do is focused on amplifying our brand in meaningful and authentic ways.

CB: What challenges have you faced as a woman in your industry? What have you overcome, and do you see a push towards diversity?

PT: Like many women in PR, I’ve had many moments throughout my career where I felt I had to prove my expertise more than my male colleagues or work harder to have my voice heard. Early on, it felt somewhat discouraging, and there were times I questioned whether I was on the right path or in the right role. But those challenges pushed me to grow by finding mentors, connecting with peers who understood the work, and eventually learning how to advocate for myself.

Participating with the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA) was a huge part of that journey. I became actively involved early on, eventually taking on leadership roles, including chairing a number of committees, serving as a board member for several years, and eventually serving as president. I also volunteered with several local nonprofit boards and committees to help build leadership skills and gain new perspectives. Over time, I learned to trust my instincts, speak up with confidence, and lift others up along the way.

It’s been encouraging to see the PR industry evolve. Teams are diversifying not just in numbers, but in creating spaces where diverse voices are valued and heard. Organizations are increasingly intentional about elevating women, underrepresented groups, and individuals from diverse backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives. I find that progress really inspiring.

CB: In your experience, how have you handled extreme reputational crises? What does crafting the messaging around a moment like that look like?

PT: Handling a crisis is always intense, and as one of the crisis communication leads for my company, I’ve learned that the first step is to stay calm, gather all the facts, and understand who needs to be involved to help manage the situation. From there, I work closely with leadership to craft messaging that is honest, empathetic, and transparent. It’s important to address concerns without overreacting or creating unnecessary chaos, and to ensure the entire team is aligned on the next steps so our story is consistent, credible, and we’re able to communicate quickly with our stakeholders. For me, the goal is always to be transparent, take responsibility where needed, and use the situation as an opportunity to reinforce our values and demonstrate integrity.

CB: What are values you think every person working in PR should hold?

PT: Integrity, empathy, creativity, ethics, and collaboration are just some of the values I hold most true when it comes to PR. Integrity builds trust with customers, colleagues, and partners, and it’s the foundation of everything we do. Empathy allows us to understand our stakeholders’ perspectives and communicate in ways that resonate with them. Creativity helps us find new and fresh ways to tell stories that connect and inspire. Ethics guide us to act with honesty, transparency, and responsibility in all our decisions. And collaboration is key because PR should never be done alone, as the best results come from working closely with cross-functional teams and learning from others with unique perspectives.

CB: What is one piece of advice you’d give to someone at the beginning of their career and/or when they’re starting a new, fledgling PR business?

PT: When you’re just starting, whether in a new role with an established company or your own business, I would focus on building strong relationships, networking, and taking advantage of professional development or volunteer opportunities to grow your skills and build your network. Work on developing your leadership abilities and find a mentor who can offer guidance and support. Listen carefully, follow through on your commitments, and be intentional about how you show up for others. Stay curious and open to learning from every experience, even mistakes, which often teach more than successes. At its core, PR is all about relationships, meaning connecting with people, earning their trust, and nurturing those connections. Continue growing, embrace every experience, and bring your authentic voice to everything you do.

CB’s COMING TO YOUR WARDROBE

NEW MERCH IN STOCK!

Over the last few years, and at every event and activation we’ve produced, one comment we never fail to get is “When can I get my CB shirt?” Well, the wait is over.

We’re happy to announce that our new merch is available now on our website!! We have four options to choose from: two designs specifically celebrate our five year milestone along with our notable definition and “We Set The Standard” production tees. All shirts are available in sizes XS-XXXL.. Want some new gear in time for the holidays? Run on over to our site and grab them while they’re on sale for 40% off!