On 3 Public Relations celebrates 15 years

from INFLUENCE Magazine - Spring 2023

MADISON’S INDEX

By Ryan Nicol

Public relations and communications firms are ubiquitous in Tallahassee, with new ones popping up constantly. But one boutique firm has not only stood the test of time, it has defied the odds.

On 3 Public Relations (On3PR) first opened its doors in early 2008 … just in time for the Great Recession. But while companies nationwide were struggling to stay afloat — many sadly succumbing to the strained economy — On3PR and its founder, Christina Johnson, managed to find a niche.

“During my first years, as the national economy melted, many businesses dropped their internal and external communications, marketing and public relations teams. In the worst economic times, which we experienced again during the pandemic, however, is precisely when every business needs public relations help the most. And that, in the early years, is how I was able to build a base of clients. What often began as a short-term project to guide them out of the recession turned into long-term anchor clients and trusted colleagues, and I was able to maintain and build my business.”

Two years later, On3PR was the agency of record for the Florida Restaurant & Lodging Association (FRLA) during the 2010 Deepwater Horizon oil spill crisis. FRLA and On3PR held hospitality and tourism briefings in the hardest hit areas to educate those affected on various relief efforts. Together, they forcefully pushed back on national and international narratives that Florida beaches were covered in oil, which initially crushed the tourism-reliant economy.

FRLA members credited that effort for increased regional bookings as the industry grappled for tourism and hospitality dollars in the midst of a crisis whose effects were miscommunicated on a national and global stage.

Later, On3PR worked with Uber in 2017 as the company, and others like it, fought for uniform regulations statewide rather than the patchwork of rules community to community that made it difficult for rideshare companies to operate. Hailing an Uber now seems like something we’ve always had access to, but it took a massive strategy and PR effort to find consensus.

Johnson’s deep experience throughout her career in local, state and federal political campaigns and causes, combined with her leadership posts in state government, presents a unique blend of policy and politics few other communication firms offer.

She most recently served as campaign spokesperson for Attorney General Ashley Moody and House Speaker Paul Renner, has worked on ballot amendment issues and federal super PACs, and previously led the Central Florida Political Leadership Institute, which identifies and trains business leaders to run for office at all levels.

Johnson has been named three times in this publication as one of the Most Influential People in Florida Politics and has mentored young professionals in their career in politics and public relations.

“I have been blessed to have incredible people join the firm over the years, and it’s been wonderful to see people grow and prosper from here to Washington, D.C., and across the country in corporate and government careers,” Johnson said. “Our team says a great part of being at On3PR is that there’s a variety of issues, representing 15 industries, and no two projects are alike. That’s exactly how I envisioned the firm back in 2008 — every day is an adventure!”

On3PR also leads the comms efforts for several associations, including the Florida Medical Association, Florida TaxWatch and the Institute of Politics at Florida State University. The firm previously served as lead on Central Florida’s SunRail efforts and Orlando’s Project Hometown, charged with building a new sports arena, performing arts center and renovating the Citrus Bowl.

“It’s been an incredible journey and I’m already looking forward to the next 15 years of telling stories and connecting people through grassroots advocacy and corporate and political communications,” Johnson added.