Spring 2026 Newsletter
- May 15
- 4 min read
Spring is in Full Bloom
Spring arrived with a full calendar and we're soaking it in.
On June 6th, JLV Communications turns 7! Seven years of showing up for clients, building community and doing work we are proud of. And this spring gave us plenty to celebrate.
It was a strong awards season for JLV. At the PRSA Richmond Virginia PR Awards, we walked away with five including the top award for community relations campaigns. At the Virginia Professional Communicators awards, JLV took home seven awards. These awards span across opinion editorials, personality profiles, media relations, annual reports, newsletters and holistic communications campaigns.
Huge shoutout to our longtime team member Abby Kittrell, who also took home the PRSA Richmond Shining Star Award. A recognition well deserved.
Above Left: Maggie Gowen, Jill Vaughan, Kyra Newman Sara Hunt and Abby Kittrell
Above Right: Abby Kittrell, Sara Hunt and Kyra Newman
Spring is naturally a busy season for all which includes showing up for clients and community. The team and I attended lots of events like the VEDA Spring Conference, we facilitated a media panel in Petersburg for Virginia's Gateway Region at Market St. Coffee and joined the Lead Virginia Spring Gathering at Pippin Hill Farm and Vineyards. Each one a reminder that the relationships built in rooms like those are what sustain the work long-term.
Above Left: VGR’s media panel; Above Right: Nathalia Artus, K.C. Haile, Jill Vaughan and Sylvia Haines.
Big things are happening inside JLV too. Maggie Gowen, our Senior VP, completed the six-month Run Like Clockwork COO Accelerator and is now a certified Clockwork Partner. She’s bringing a sharper operational framework to everything we do for our clients.
In this issue, we're introducing new clients, highlighting top client work, celebrating the JLV team members and sharing our commitment to our Vision: We are driven by integrity to elevate clients, empower our team, and build strong, job-creating communities, fulfilling a purpose greater than ourselves.
Above Left: Maggie Gowen and Jill Vaughan at Gather Office Above Right: Clockwork Certification
Above: Jill Vaughan and Abby Kittrell
People of JLV
For five years, Abby Kittrell has been part of the JLV team bringing a sharp focus on social media strategy and a genuine passion for the work behind the work. She thrives on the “aha” moments and loves the data that tells you what is actually landing. Beyond client work, Abby gives back to the Richmond community through Make-A-Wish, Celebrate RVA and the Virginia Home for Boys and Girls.
Now Trending: Our Clients
JLV is proud to support the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation as the state agency celebrates 100 years of service to the Commonwealth. Our work includes media relations and feature writing to help tell the story of this milestone, including a recent segment on 8News WRIC. Check it out!
We executed a LinkedIn bracket campaign for Safer Gambling Strategies celebrating the best responsible gambling ads aligned with March Madness to give those working to combat problem gambling something to cheer for. The campaign brought energy and visibility to an important cause during one of the highest-stakes gambling weekends of the year.
We developed Elevate Your Business in Alleghany Highlands Economic Development Corporation, a small business checklist designed to walk aspiring entrepreneurs through every step of launching a business in the region. It covers developing a business concept and securing funding to choosing a location and preparing for opening day.
A practical, locally grounded resource for anyone ready to get started and support small businesses in the area.
We produced the Virginia's Gateway Region 2025 Annual Report "Making Things AND Moving Things."
A comprehensive look at a milestone year for the region. Highlights include the LEGO Group's $366 million investment and 305 new jobs in Prince George County, the region's expansion to include the City of Emporia, Brunswick County and Greensville County and a $4 million federal grant to equip workers for pharmaceutical manufacturing careers.
The report captures the momentum of a region that is growing in every direction.
JLV has partnered with the Virginia Council on Problem Gambling since 2020 and this quarter we expanded that work with a public awareness campaign addressing gambling and teenagers, aimed at the parents who need to hear it most.
We are also excited to welcome Virginia's Innovation Crossroads as a new client. Stay tuned for more to come…
What We’re Watching
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Want more between newsletters? Follow JLV Communications on LinkedIn for weekly client updates, industry insights and team news. Connect with Jill Vaughan directly for her perspective on communications, PR events and life as a CEO.
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How We Help Clients
JLV Communications: We bridge the gap between manufacturers, non-profits, economic developers and a skilled workforce to help American companies thrive in today's economy. By developing a strong voice, showing up consistently across the right channels and telling stories that resonate, your organization will build the credibility and visibility that drives real opportunity.
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