Violet PR: Economic Development PR Boutique Profile

Originally published October 2020. Updated October 14, 2026.

What is Violet PR?

Violet PR is a Montclair, New Jersey PR boutique founded in 2010 by April Mason that specializes in economic development and commercial real estate PR. It runs earned media, content and thought leadership programs for cities, states, development agencies and property developers, and says it works with nearly 40 organizations.

Who leads Violet PR?

April Mason founded Violet PR and serves as president and CEO. O'Dwyer's lists Christina Forrest and Nicole Marshall as vice presidents. The firm has also hired David Margolis as an account director to lead its economic development division, as O'Dwyer's reported.

What awards has Violet PR won?

Violet PR won a PRSA Silver Anvil for Best Boutique Agency (revenue under $5 million) in 2024, one of three Anvils it received that year, ROI-NJ reported. The firm also reports six gold awards at the 2024 Bulldog PR Awards, a place in PRNEWS' Agency Elite Top 100 and recognition as an Inc. Best Workplace.

The firm says it has won more than 40 national and regional awards in three years. EPR's earlier profile listed Inc. 5000 ranks of #2332 and #3090, which are not re-confirmed here.

Which clients does Violet PR work with?

Violet PR's O'Dwyer's listing names the Economic Development Partnership of North Carolina, Frisco Economic Development Corporation, the Georgia Department of Economic Development, Lehigh Valley Economic Development Corporation, the New Jersey Business Action Center, the New Jersey Economic Development Authority and the Savannah Economic Development Authority. It was also selected as North American PR agency for the Moroccan National Tourism Office.

Where is Violet PR expanding?

Violet PR opened a New York City office on Park Avenue South near Madison Square Park, citing demand for earned media campaigns supporting economic development and place branding, according to a company release. April Mason said New York is where many of the country's biggest business and commercial real estate conversations happen.

How does Violet PR compare with other boutique firms?

Violet PR is a sector-specialist boutique, while regional peers such as Maven Communications in Philadelphia cover architecture and municipal work more broadly. See EPR's lists of New Jersey PR firms and New York PR firms, plus Warschawski and the PR agency profiles directory.

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