We’re almost there — the end of 2025. (Already??) Like much of the year, our Q4 update is chock full of event recaps (and be sure to check out Meghan’s blog all about creative events that drive marketing impact) plus a c21 baby, a promotion and pictures of a variety of our shenanigans.

With Thanksgiving around the corner, we like to take a moment to thank our clients who give us the opportunity to meet new challenges and trust us to take their digital marketing and PR to new heights. Without our clients, we would not exist – so thank you! And, of course, thank you to the friends and family who cheer us on.

How many of us tense up and freeze at the thought of public speaking? Statistics show more than 75% of the population fear public speaking (a.k.a. glossophobia.) Meanwhile, 50% of people fear death. Comedian Jerry Seinfeld famously said, “This means that at a funeral, the average person would rather be in the casket than delivering the eulogy!”

When in a position of leadership or authority, public speaking (not death) is often unavoidable. An executive, leader or expert must regularly address meetings, the public or media for various situations. What is the best way to address this apprehension?

We’ve got two words for you: media training. c21’s comprehensive media training - called BeHeard – helps our clients learn to listen and respond in a way that cuts through the clutter and ‘be heard’ by their audiences.

In our half- or full-day training, clients learn and put into practice tips and tools to keep their messages concise, clear and informative, which include:

Full Circle: Helping Lilburn CID Roll Out New Roundabout

In September, c21 helped Lilburn CID celebrate the completion of the $4.3-million-dollar Bryson Park/Hood Road roundabout — a major mobility upgrade years in the making — transforming three congested intersections into a safer, smoother lighted roundabout. From the 2023 groundbreaking to this year’s ribbon-cutting, we led event planning and communications every step of the way.

c21 handled logistics, coordinated speakers and drove media outreach that secured coverage from 11Alive, the Gwinnett Daily Post and Eye on Gwinnett, generating more than 161,000 impressions for the CID.

A big win for Lilburn CID, and a proud moment for c21 to help spotlight their impact. Check out Gwinnett County’s event recap here!

Gateway85 Paints the Town for President Carter

To honor the late President Jimmy Carter, c21 partnered with Gateway85 CID to unveil a bold new mural at Best Friend Park — a vibrant tribute to Carter’s legacy of unity, service and community on the street that bears his name. Created by local Atlanta artist Lenia Castro of Upper Westside Murals and funded by the CID, the piece reflects both Carter’s mission and the spirit of the district.

c21 made sure the moment delivered: we produced a highlight reel featuring Gateway85’s executive director Robert Michener, Gwinnett County Chairwoman Nicole Love Hendrickson and other local 

leaders who spoke at the inaugural Jimmy Carter Day event in October and unveiled the lasting tribute to the 39th President.

A colorful day with lasting impact and another strong collaboration with Gateway85. Read more about the event here.

Honoring Changemakers with Marsy’s Law for Georgia

Our team had the honor of organizing a press event to recognize four criminology professors who developed a Victim Services Certification program at the University of West Georgia with the Marsy’s Law for Georgia Champion Award. The event, held October 28 to close out Domestic Violence Awareness Month, highlighted the program’s impact in shaping future victim advocates.

c21 elevated the moment by coordinating event logistics, designing custom step-and-repeat banners for a polished backdrop and managing media relations to help amplify the story across the state.

Stepping Up for Refugee Girls: Our Work with Global Village Project

Global Village Project, the nation’s only middle school dedicated to educating refugee girls, leads with a tuition-free, trauma-informed model that helps students rebuild, learn and thrive. Their annual Welcome Walk, a 5-mile journey from Clarkston to Decatur, brings the community together in celebration of hope and empowerment.

As a proud sponsor (and pro bono marketing partner), c21ers Sharon, Frances and Jamie walked alongside more than 200 GVP supporters, helping to create a safe, welcoming space where every girl can learn and reach her full potential.

HBN Swings for a Cause

Our nonprofit client, the Hospitality Business Network Foundation, hosted its 33rd Annual Turkey Trot Veterans Invitational Golf Tournament — one of Atlanta’s longest running charity golf events — at City Club Marietta. Since 1992, the Turkey Trot and HBN have raised more than $2.7 million for nonprofits, including the Shepherd Center’s SHARE Military Initiative and the Navy Safe Harbor Foundation. This year kicked off with the Patriots Reception, honoring veterans, wounded warriors and national Medal of Freedom winners, alongside HBN members.

c21 helped drive awareness through email marketing, social media and website updates, while our president and CEO Sharon joined the festivities to support HBN’s mission on the course.

GWBC Accelerator Series - Social Media Savvy: Turning Posts into Profits (and Likes into Leads!)

We recently joined forces with the Greater Women’s Business Council^® (GWBC^®) as presenters for an Accelerate Series session that had attendees double-tapping with excitement: Social Media Strategies for Small Businesses.

Leading the charge were Sharon, Jamie and Meghan. Together, this trio spilled the social tea on everything from finding your perfect platforms to crafting scroll-stopping content that speaks your brand’s language.

With more than 30 years of experience and 100+ awards under our belt, the c21 team showed why we’re still the reigning champs of digital marketing magic, helping businesses turn likes into leads, followers into fans and posts into profits.

A Monday in the Life of an Account Manager at c21

From early-morning coffee to client calls and creative design, Sydney shares what a typical Monday looks like at c21. Between crafting social content, pitching blog calendars and grabbing lunch on the Beltline, her day perfectly captures the balance of planning and creativity that defines agency life.

Ditch The Typical: Why Creative Events Drive Lasting Impact

Meghan shows why events that break the mold leave a lasting impression. From interactive murals to VR demos and community celebrations, creative events spark engagement, build relationships and turn attendees into lifelong advocates, proving that memorable experiences can’t be replaced by algorithms or ads.

Welcome to the World, Baby Girl!

The c21 family has grown by one! We’re thrilled to share that our senior account manager, Shayla Strange, has welcomed her first child, a beautiful baby girl! Mom and baby are doing great, and we couldn’t be happier for Shayla as she begins this exciting new chapter.

Congratulations to Shayla and her family! We can’t wait to meet the newest (and cutest!) member of the c21 crew!

Big News Alert: Sydney’s Moving on Up!

We’re popping the (virtual) champagne because our very own Sydney Garde just earned herself a shiny new title — senior account manager!

Sydney’s story is the kind we love to tell. She joined c21 as an intern in 2023, wowed us with her talent, then leveled up to full-time account manager in early 2024. Fast-forward to today, and she’s leading client projects like a pro — from crafting scroll-stopping social campaigns to managing media relations, designing eye-catching graphics and coordinating events people want to attend.

Sydney will keep flexing her creative muscles while taking on more leadership duties (including mentoring the next wave of interns who want to follow in her fabulous footsteps). Congrats, Sydney!

Lunch & Learn: AI, Social Media and a Little Taylor Swift Magic

We believe learning should be as dynamic as the digital world we work in, so we served up some brain food (and real food) during our latest Lunch & Learn!

We were thrilled to welcome Tyra Burton, marketing professor at Kennesaw State University, who schooled us on all things social media trends, AI innovation and the Swiftie-level power of storytelling. From breaking down how algorithms “think” (spoiler: they have serious main-character energy) to showing how Taylor Swift turns engagement into an art form, Tyra brought the perfect mix of insight, humor and a dash of sass.

We walked away ready to level up our content game and add a few Easter eggs to our next campaign. Thank you, Tyra!

Team Bonding, But Make It Spooky

We stepped away from our screens and into full Halloween mode with a ghost-themed paint night at Muse Paintbar – The Battery. From floating phantoms to spirited brushstrokes, it was the perfect mix of creativity, laughs and a much-needed October unwind.

Brains, Brands and Big Ideas: c21 Hits AIMS 2025

We spent the day sharpening our smarts at the Atlanta Integrated Marketing Summit, trading ideas with industry leaders, catching the latest trends and getting a head start on what will shape 2026. AIMS delivered plenty of inspiration (and a few reality checks), all of which we are bringing right back to our clients.

Consider us refueled, recharged and ready to continue crushing our client work in the new year!

October gave us the perfect excuse to shower one of our favorite VPs with all the love. Happy Birthday, Jamie! Thanks for your leadership, your big-picture thinking and for always picking up our “quick questions.” We appreciate you more than you know!

Follow us on your social network of choice! Pick one, two or all of them – we don't judge! And if you check out our YouTube channel, you can find our series of team interviews, #c21TV. We've also been active on YouTube Shorts, so be sure to check that out too!