Eye openers - Public Relations - public relations industry magazine PRWEEK recognizes the Top 10 publicity Stunts - Brief Article

South Florida CEO, Jan, 2003 by Johanna Marmon

* As the world becomes busier, it's increasingly difficult to grab someone's attention. That's one reason public relations industry magazine PRWEEK recognizes the Top 10 Stunts That Caught The Eye" each year across the nation. For 2002, only one Florida firm made the list, and twice: Hollywood-based O'Connell & Goldberg Public Relations.

O&G scored with its "Great Masters" project for the Fontainbleau II towers on Miami Beach: 20 six-by-eight-foot reproductions of great works of art, complete with night lighting, to reinforce the building's image as a "masterpiece." The second win came from the groundbreaking for the Center for Cancer Care & Research in Lakeland. There, two "doctors" stitched their way across the site with backhoes, to the music of Wagner's "Ride of the Valkyrie." Says partner Jim O'Connell, "We don't want to be perceived just for such stunts. But they tend to raise some attention." Other clients include Arvida, Majic FM, Atlantis Resort & Casino, and Burdines.