At Martin Hall Agency (MHA), the Reed School of Media and Communications’ student-run strategic communications firm, students closed out the fall semester with meaningful, measurable work that spanned statewide agritourism partners, West Virginia’s most promising young innovators, rural farms and downtown retailers. More than 20 students applied strategic research, creative development and hands-on client collaboration to deliver real work for real organizations, strengthening local businesses while building their own professional portfolios.
“Each semester, our students step into complex, real-world challenges and deliver work that genuinely moves organizations forward,” said Geah Pressgrove, faculty advisor for Martin Hall Agency. “Their accomplishments are possible because of the incredible partners who trust us with their stories and invite students into meaningful collaborations. Together, we’re strengthening communities while preparing the next generation of strategic communicators.”
Advancing agritourism across West Virginia
Through continued collaboration with WVU Extension and a Northeast Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education (SARE) grant, students supported the relaunch of the statewide Agritourism Initiative through several major deliverables, including designing and launching the initiative’s new website, creating branded social media channels and developing materials to continue to promote agritourism in the Mountain State.
For many students, the work extended beyond deliverables and into building relationships.
“Meeting with farmers and business owners across the state has been incredible,” said Account Director Emma Higgins. “Seeing the direct impact of our work in their communities makes this experience even more meaningful.”
That impact has been felt by partners as well.
“Working with the Martin Hall Agency has elevated the Agritourism Initiative in ways that will benefit agritourism operators and rural communities for years to come,” said Dee Singh-Knights, WVU Extension Specialist in Agricultural Economics. “These students brought fresh energy, professionalism and genuine curiosity to the project.”
Spotlighting innovation at the Mountain State Innovators Summit
MHA’s Young Innovators team helped bring statewide entrepreneurial storytelling to life at the Mountain State Innovators Summit, held Nov. 12-14 at Stonewall Resort. Hosted by the Hayhurst Family, West Virginia University Extension and the WVU Morris L. Hayhurst LaunchLab, the Summit brought together finalists from across the state for eight live pitch competitions, awarding more than $300,000 in total prizes to entrepreneurs, students and community leaders. MHA students supported event branding, story development, media relations and on-site communications throughout the Summit.
“Seeing all our hard work come to life at the Summit was incredible,” said Account Director Avery Rudolph. “We’re grateful to have helped celebrate such inspiring innovators from across the state.”
Program leaders also recognized the value of the partnership.
“The students at Martin Hall Agency played an essential role in bringing the Young Innovators and Mountain State Innovators Summit stories to life,” said Lauren Prinzo, WVU Extension Specialist. “Their creativity, reliability and ability to work in a fast-paced environment made this year’s Summit stronger than ever.”
Growing local brands with Sunset Berry Farm
Building on a multi-year partnership, the Sunset Berry Farm team launched a refreshed, SEO-friendly website that reflects the farm’s authentic brand story and community roots. Students also developed a comprehensive growth-focused marketing plan, offering the farm tools to continue expanding its agritourism footprint long after the semester ends.
Fueling startup momentum with The Retail Lab
Midway through the semester, the Sunset Berry team shifted to support a brand-new client: The Retail Lab, an innovative storefront on High Street designed to help emerging entrepreneurs test products and build visibility. Students produced a social media content calendar, media relations tools and guerrilla marketing concepts to help the shop boost foot traffic and awareness among downtown audiences.
“My favorite part of our work has been getting hands-on experience,” Kendrall Drobish, a tactician team member, said. “It’s felt like a real-world job within a classroom, and having that experience is very special.”
From classroom to community impact
Across every account, MHA students demonstrated professionalism, creativity and purpose-driven work ethic. They conducted research, developed strategy, created multimedia content and evaluated results, all while strengthening brands that contribute to West Virginia’s economic and community vitality.
This semester’s work reflects MHA’s enduring mission: to give students agency experience that matters and to support the businesses that shape our state.
To learn more about Martin Hall Agency and student involvement opportunities, follow @martinhallagency on social media.