Feature Story
stokes creative group, inc. celebrates 35 years By: nicole pace-addeo, m.a.
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hen you follow the encouragement and trusted advice of the late Bob Briant, Sr. and many UTCA members, great things are bound to happen. This is exactly how Joanne Stokes first started out in construction photography in 1985 and transformed her company into the multimillion-dollar full-service marketing agency it is today. What first began as JMS Visual Communications has grown into Stokes Creative Group, Inc. (Stokes), a full-service marketing agency which specializes in a wide range of multimedia solutions for the transportation and construction industries. Stokes is a certified WBE/DBE/SBE/WBENC agency throughout the East Coast with four locations in NJ, NY, MD, and FL. Working in two divisions – Public Outreach and Marketing Services – Stokes’ 30+ employees are experts in their fields, delivering quality service to every client. Stokes’ services range from video productions, web design, photography, and collateral materials to communications plans for complex companies and projects. Over the past 35 years, Joanne and her team have formed long-lasting partnerships with countless industry leaders on transportation projects of all sizes, from the massive construction of the New NY Bridge to 10-month Local Concept Development studies and everything in between. The Stokes team is leading the way in new technologies and in-
novative solutions; keeping with the latest trends, the production department is producing impactful time-lapse videos to show the transformation of project sites in the blink of an eye. Additionally, with two certified drone pilots on staff, Stokes uses drone photo and video footage in promotional and historical videos to help their clients create captivating stories that stand out from their competitors. The Stokes team also integrates these stories and messages for clients through social media and email marketing. With these methods of communication always changing, clients can rely on Stokes’ expertise to assist them with marketing their projects or businesses using these popular tools. Helping clients enhance their image and positive reputation – whether through websites, flyers, branding, or infographics – is a key component of their client-first approach. Creating a captivating PowerPoint or Prezi presentation can be a daunting task for some, but Stokes has graphic artists who work with clients in developing dynamic presentations so the client will look and sound their best when communicating complex information, demonstrating their leadership in their industry. Stokes has been honored to work with several outstanding firms, including providing D’Annunzio with website enhancements, a corporate stationery package, promotional videography and photography, and event coverage. For Waters & Bugbee, Stokes delivered advertisements and marketing, email blasts, logo animations, photography, and trade show signage. Working with IEW Construction, Stokes was able to refresh their corporate stationery package and branding.
Pictured left to right - Barbara Zieger, Chief Financial Officer and General Manager, Joanne Stokes, President and CEO, and Diane Konopka, Vice President Operations/ HR Manager.
46 Utility & Transportation Contractor | april | 2020
The talented Stokes team members work with clients to see the big picture and help communicate messages with clarity. Bottom line: they solve problems, create attractive promotional products for leaders to showcase their companies and projects, and have a commitment to quality that has propelled Stokes for the past 35 years.
