Kurman Communications

History and Experience

• Operating since 1983, with more than four decades of PR and communications experience.
• Founder-led agency with senior-level strategic involvement on client accounts.
• Known for creative, results-driven campaigns and long-term client relationships.

Location

• Office address: 2751 W. Windsor Ave., Chicago, IL 60625.
• Based in Chicago and serving local, regional, and national clients.

Types of Clients and Industries Served

Kurman Communications works with a wide range of sectors, including:

• Restaurants, food and beverage brands.
• Hospitality, nightlife, and lifestyle businesses.
• Arts, music, and performance organizations.
• Automotive industry brands.
• Associations and not-for-profit organizations.
• Political and issue-focused campaigns.
• Book authors, publishers, and literary projects.
• Health and wellness businesses.
• Product launches and emerging brands, including technology and startups.

Approach and Philosophy

• Begins each engagement by understanding the client's business, goals, and unique brand story.
• Uses a mix of traditional media relations and modern digital strategies.
• Emphasizes credible, honest storytelling rather than over-hyped claims.
• Focuses on aligning brand promises with real customer experiences.
• Values strong client collaboration and long-term partnership.

How Kurman Works With Clients

• Develops tailored PR and communication strategies for each client.
• Identifies the most effective channels to reach target audiences.
• Aims to secure impactful coverage across print, broadcast, digital, and social platforms.
• Continuously refines strategies based on results and changing market conditions.

• Increase visibility and readership for new and existing books.
• Build the author's personal brand and long-term platform.
• Position publishing and literary brands as leaders in their space.

PR Services for Book Launches

• Plans book launches as full campaigns rather than one-time events.
• Develops story angles and media materials tailored to the book and author.
• Pitches to journalists, book reviewers, bloggers, and niche outlets.

Media Coverage and Press Outreach

• Seeks placement in print, broadcast, and online media.
• Targets both general-interest and genre- or topic-specific outlets.

Social Media and Influencer Campaigns

• Uses platforms such as TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube-style short-form content to reach active readers.
• Collaborates with book influencers, reviewers, and online reading communities.

Podcast and Audiobook Promotion

• Pursues podcast interviews and guest spots for authors.
• Promotes audiobooks and serialized content to extend reach.

Virtual and In-Person Events

• Supports online Q&As, virtual readings, and launch events.
• Assists with live appearances, signings, and speaking engagements where appropriate.

Ongoing PR for Authors

• Builds author brands beyond a single title.
• Helps place guest articles, opinion pieces, and expert commentary.
• Pursues speaking opportunities, panels, and other visibility platforms.

Publishing and Literary Brand PR

• Works with publishers, literary magazines, and related media brands.
• Positions clients as industry voices through media outreach and content.
• Supports reputation management and, when needed, crisis communication.

Typical Campaign Timeline

• Early months: social buzz, reviews, and niche coverage.
• Mid-phase: podcast appearances, local or targeted media, and events.
• Longer term: larger media placements, speaking engagements, and sustained community engagement to support ongoing sales.

Kurman Communications offers specialized public relations and communications support for hospitality, restaurant, nightlife, and lifestyle brands, particularly in the Chicago market.

Types of Hospitality and Lifestyle Clients

• Restaurants and food and beverage concepts.
• Hotels and other hospitality businesses.
• Nightlife, bar, and lounge venues.
• Lifestyle, arts, music, and performance brands and events.

Key Service Areas for Hospitality Clients

Reputation Management

• Monitors online mentions and reviews.
• Highlights positive guest experiences and addresses concerns constructively.
• Works to build and maintain a strong, credible brand reputation.

Media and Influencer Relations

• Develops story angles around openings, menu changes, events, and milestones.
• Pitches to local and national food, travel, lifestyle, and entertainment media.
• Engages with influencers and creators who reach the right audiences.

Event and Promotion Support

• Promotes grand openings, seasonal events, and special campaigns.
• Helps design promotions that drive traffic and encourage repeat visits.

Digital and Social Presence

• Supports content creation for social media and digital channels.
• Aligns online messaging with the in-person brand experience.

Strategy and Differentiation

• Leverages in-depth knowledge of the Chicago hospitality and nightlife scene.
• Focuses on authentic stories about the experience, people, and concept.
• Aims to turn satisfied guests into advocates who share and recommend the brand.

Kurman Communications works with mission-driven organizations, associations, not-for-profits, and political or issue-focused campaigns.

Types of Organizations Served

• Associations and membership organizations.
• Not-for-profit and charitable organizations.
• Political campaigns and issue advocacy initiatives.
• Authors and thought leaders working on mission-focused topics.

Core Services for Mission-Driven Clients

Media Relations and Story Placement

• Crafts narratives that explain the mission, impact, and stakes involved.
• Pitches stories to appropriate local, regional, and national outlets.

Advocacy and Public Education Campaigns

• Designs campaigns to raise awareness, influence opinion, or support policy goals.
• Aligns messaging across media, digital channels, and live events.

Crisis Management and Reputation Protection

• Provides guidance when sensitive issues or controversies arise.
• Prepares statements, Q&A guidance, and speaking points.

Social Media and Community Engagement

• Builds online communities and supporter engagement.
• Develops content that encourages participation, donations, or advocacy actions.

Events and Stakeholder Outreach

• Supports events such as town halls, fundraisers, community programs, and campaigns.
• Helps build relationships with donors, members, volunteers, and community leaders.

Membership and Supporter Growth

• For associations, supports strategies to attract and retain members.
• For nonprofits and campaigns, focuses on broadening and deepening supporter bases.

Goals and Outcomes

• Increase visibility and credibility for organizations and causes.
• Strengthen relationships with key stakeholders and decision-makers.
• Support long-term mission, advocacy, and growth objectives.

• Phone: (312) 651-9000
• Email: contact@kurman.com
• Address: 2751 W. Windsor Ave., Chicago, IL 60625
• Location: Chicago, Illinois, serving local, regional, and national clients.

Consultations

• The website invites prospective clients who "need help now" to call for a same-day consultation when possible.
• To discuss your PR and communications needs or schedule a consultation, you can:
• Call (312) 651-9000; or
• Email contact@kurman.com with your goals, challenges, and any timing considerations.

Additional Contact Options

• Some service pages also list team@kurman.com as a contact for certain campaigns.
• You can submit the contact form on the website at https://kurman.com/contact-us/ to describe your business, goals, and challenges.

Kurman Communications will follow up directly to discuss your needs, potential fit, and next steps.

A public relations firm builds a brand's reputation through earned media coverage, relationships with journalists, and strategic messaging. It focuses on third-party credibility rather than paid promotion.

What is the difference between PR and marketing?

Public relations earns trust through coverage from outside sources, such as journalists and reviewers. Marketing drives sales through paid or direct promotion. A journalist's article about your business is PR; an advertisement you pay for is marketing.

How do I choose the right PR firm in Chicago?

Look for a firm with active, working relationships with local journalists and influencers, not just a list of past mentions. Kurman Communications emphasizes industry-specific experience, honest messaging, and long-term client relationships.

How long does it take to see results from PR?

The website notes that most businesses see initial coverage within 60 to 90 days of an active campaign, while building lasting brand recognition typically takes six months or more, because journalist trust develops over repeated interactions.

What industries does Kurman Communications specialize in?

Kurman Communications specializes in:

• Restaurants, hospitality, nightlife, and lifestyle brands.
• Health and wellness and automotive clients.
• Arts, music, and entertainment.
• Associations, not-for-profits, and political clients.
• Startups and technology brands.
• Book authors and publishing-related projects.

Does Kurman Communications offer tech PR services?

Yes. Technology PR is offered as part of Kurman Communications' startup PR services, including product launches, funding announcements, and founder visibility.

Does Kurman Communications handle social media management?

Yes. In addition to media relations, Kurman Communications develops social media strategies, creates content, manages posting, and works to build an engaged following.

Can a small business afford a PR firm?

The website explains that small businesses can work with a PR firm when scope and budget are matched to their size. Smaller engagements typically focus on local media and community visibility rather than broad national campaigns.

Does Kurman Communications handle crisis management?

Yes. Kurman Communications provides crisis communication support, helping protect a brand's reputation and public trust during difficult situations.

Is Kurman Communications a full-service communications agency?

Yes. Kurman Communications operates as a full-service PR and communications agency, handling media relations, social media, event promotion, and community relations under one roof.

Media Relations

• Develops and writes press materials and story angles.
• Pitches stories to journalists, editors, producers, bloggers, and influencers.
• Secures coverage across print, broadcast, online, and social channels.

Social Media Strategy and Management

• Builds social media strategies to grow brand awareness and engagement.
• Creates and manages content for key platforms.
• Schedules posts and works to build an active, loyal online community.

Marketing Promotions and Events

• Plans and promotes special events, openings, and campaigns.
• Develops ideas that drive interest, attendance, and sales.
• Helps turn customers and guests into brand advocates.

Community and Industry Relations

• Identifies relevant community groups and industry organizations.
• Secures partnerships, sponsorships, and visibility opportunities.
• Strengthens the client's presence among key local and professional audiences.

Strategic Communications and Brand Building

Brand Development and Messaging

• Helps define or refine brand positioning and key messages.
• Crafts clear, credible narratives that differentiate a brand from competitors.
• Ensures messaging is consistent across media, digital, and in-person experiences.

Thought Leadership and Speaking Opportunities

• Positions clients and executives as subject-matter experts.
• Pursues speaking engagements, panels, and conference opportunities.
• Supports bylined articles, opinion pieces, and expert commentary.

Digital, Content, and Reputation Management

Digital PR and Content Marketing

• Develops content such as articles, blog posts, and website copy.
• Creates visual and multimedia content to support campaigns.
• Uses digital channels to extend reach and build credibility.

Reputation Management and Crisis Communication

• Monitors reputation and feedback across channels.
• Advises on handling sensitive issues or negative publicity.
• Prepares statements, talking points, and response plans during crises.

Campaign Structure and Timeframes

• Campaigns are typically structured over several months to build momentum.
• Early efforts often focus on social buzz and niche coverage.
• Over time, efforts expand to larger media opportunities, speaking roles, and long-term brand positioning.

Ask anyway — the agent will say plainly that it is not published rather than guess.