Anniversary of Steel Industry Closure

With a little research, strong writing, precise targeting and a budget of nil, I created press releases that made successes of two events that commemorated the 25th & 35th anniversaries of an important day in the labor history of the Mahoning Valley, the 1977 announcement  that the major steel producers would be shutting their doors. 

The result was a great turnout from a variety of audiences, including:

• Public officials from the past and present. 
  
• Labor leaders and retires who shared rich stories.
  
• The Youngstown Historical Center of Industry & Labor (who recorded the event for their oral history archives)
  
• Labor and History academics from universities, including authors of history and social studies books.
  

See one of the press releases here.

Below are a few samples of the event coverage.


2002
Youngstown Vindicator 



2012
Warren Tribute-Chronicle

Youngstown Vindicator 1

Youngstown Vindicator 2


Youngstown Vindicator 3

Metro Monthly (cultural arts pub)

Business Journal

The three local TV affiliates -- WFMJ, WYTV and WKBN -- all provided coverage.

Former United Steelworkers President Bill Sferra, far right, poses with fellow retired steelworkers and supporters wearing "I Survived Black Monday" t-shirts designed especially for the 2012 event. Sferra, who served as union president at the time of the 1977 shutdown announcement, spearheaded the reunions and spoke at the events.