Generated by All in One SEO v4.9.3, this is an llms.txt file, used by LLMs to index the site.

# empHoweredPR®

Public Relations, Brand Strategy, Crisis Communications, Corporate Social Responsibility, Media Training, Reputation Management

## Sitemaps

- [XML Sitemap](https://www.emphoweredpr.com/sitemap.xml): Contains all public & indexable URLs for this website.

## Posts

- [News](https://www.emphoweredpr.com/news/)
- [follow the leader: building your personal brand](https://www.emphoweredpr.com/2025/12/09/follow-the-leader-building-your-personal-brand/) - Just recently, I attended a virtual "Talk Shop" with friends of the PRSA Greater Worcester Chapter. A topic of discussion focused on how to use LinkedIn to raise awareness of your personal brand. As an entrepreneur, my personal and business brands merge into what makes my work uniquely me. But for those executives who lead
- [are you prepared with a crisis comms plan?](https://www.emphoweredpr.com/2025/12/10/are-you-prepared-with-a-crisis-comms-plan/) - As the New Year is just a month away, how are you planning for a successful 2026? In addition to budgets, performance and goal setting, have you added a review of your crisis communications plan to your list? Or worse, do you even HAVE a crisis communications plan ready to go when the unexpected occurs?
- [WBJ editorial: From crisis to comeback: How I beat cancer and saved my business](https://www.emphoweredpr.com/2025/12/12/wbj-editorial-from-crisis-to-comeback-how-i-beat-cancer-and-saved-my-business/) - 2024 was the worst year of my life. I was dealing with a totally unexpected illness that upended my life and I was thisclose to losing my business. Reality slapped me in the face when my business development pipeline dried up after I was pretty much house bound for almost a year. No networking, meetings
- [a press officer's work is never done!](https://www.emphoweredpr.com/2025/12/19/a-press-officers-work-is-never-done/) - Find out how media coordination, business tasks, and Winter Games planning came together in a busy December. Wishing everyone a joyful holiday season!
- [NBC Boston: Zack DiGregorio's path to the 2026 Winter Games](https://www.emphoweredpr.com/2025/12/29/nbc-boston-zack-digregorios-path-to-the-2026-winter-games/) - From Medway to the Winter Games: Zack DiGregorio's story of perseverance and passion in luge is sure to inspire sports fans everywhere.
- [we're the best -- for the second year in a row!](https://www.emphoweredpr.com/2026/01/19/were-the-best-for-the-second-year-in-a-row/) - Little did I know when I walked out of corporate America almost six years ago to follow a dream of being an entrepreneur that I would be where I am today. I am so blessed, humbled and honored for the opportunity to collaborate with clients from around the world who are working to make our
- [congratulations EA Medical Aesthetics!](https://www.emphoweredpr.com/2025/01/06/congratulations-ea-medical-aesthetics/) - Did you resolve to make self-care a priority in 2025? This is a reminder to put yourself first! Congratulations to Kasia Dodman, MBA, ACNP and our friends at EA Medical Aesthetics Med Spa on their recent move to 82 Park Avenue in Worcester! Their new space has been thoughtfully designed with client comfort and relaxation
- [PRSA Greater Worcester strong into 2025!](https://www.emphoweredpr.com/2025/01/18/prsa-greater-worcester-strong-into-2025/) - When I got the call about 18 months ago to ask if I’d be interested serving as the Founding President of a new Public Relations Society of America (PRSA) chapter in my area, I gave it great pause. Life and work were busy, with plans for more business growth in 2024. I was worried adding
- [lifting up small businesses](https://www.emphoweredpr.com/2025/01/28/lifting-up-small-businesses/) - PR is fun. But PR is so much more fun and meaningful when you get the chance to lift up hardworking friends and share their story so the world knows what you’ve known all along! Learn more about my friend, Kristen Smith of NXT Level Studios, in this week’s Worcester Business Journal “Shop Talk,” and
- [bringing home the bob!](https://www.emphoweredpr.com/2025/01/31/bringing-home-the-bob/) - It was five years ago last week when I gave my notice to put corporate life in the rear view mirror and pursue entrepreneurship. Never in my wildest dreams did I think I’d come this far! I work with the best, kindest and most fun clients who all truly do work that is making the
- [coffee, partnerships and love in fitchburg](https://www.emphoweredpr.com/2025/02/13/coffee-partnerships-and-love-in-fitchburg/) - What do delicious coffee, comfort food, and Offering a World of Learning (OWL) all have in common? They’re all part of “OWL-atte of Love!” This Valentine’s Day, the Fitchburg Public Library OWL Capital Campaign is partnering with The Pauper’s Pantry to share library love! When you visit The Pauper’s Pantry at 695 Main Street in
- [making a difference for those affected by childhood cancer](https://www.emphoweredpr.com/2025/02/18/making-a-difference-for-those-affected-by-childhood-cancer/) - In 1985, 13-year-old Sherry Shepherd battled multiple recurrences of non-Hodgkin lymphoma as the first pediatric oncology patient at UMass Memorial Medical Center. In the last months of her life, Sherry became determined to do something that would have a lasting value in the community to help children with cancer. With the help of her dad,
- [community leadership, crisis comms and camaraderie](https://www.emphoweredpr.com/2025/01/09/community-leadership-crisis-comms-and-camaraderie/) - As a member of the North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce Community Leadership Institute, I’m learning all about my community, government, businesses and non-profits from leaders in their respective areas of expertise. Today, the tables were turned! I was the expert joined by fellow PR pros Matt Bruun of Fitchburg State University and Glenn Fossa,
- [we're "best of business" for PR in central massachusetts!](https://www.emphoweredpr.com/2025/01/13/were-best-of-business-for-pr-in-central-massachusetts/) - I'm so humbled, honored and grateful to all of my clients, colleagues and peers who voted for empHowered PR as "Best Public Relations" in this year's Worcester Business Journal Best of Business (BOB) Awards! To be among these amazing businesses in Central Massachusetts is a thrill, especially since it was just about five years ago
- [office sweet office in downtown Worcester](https://www.emphoweredpr.com/2025/01/11/home-sweet-office-in-downtown-worcester/) - I love calling One Mercantile Center home in downtown Worcester as part of the Venture X Worcester family! The investments made in the building truly do make me want to go to work — it’s such a beautiful space! I love the opportunity to network and collaborate with all of the other businesses that call
- [leading a virtual press conference](https://www.emphoweredpr.com/2023/10/06/leading-a-virtual-press-conference/) - I led my first press conference for the USA Luge National Team today as they prepare for the upcoming World Cup season. Congratulations to Summer Britcher and Emily Sweeney who announced they will be adding doubles to their competition season! I’m so excited for World Cup action to begin in early December!
- [a little frostbite never hurt anyone, right?](https://www.emphoweredpr.com/2022/12/20/a-little-frostbite-never-hurt-anyone-right/) - When I started my business, I had a few hard stops in my business plan, including only taking on work that was going to be life giving and not life taking for me. For the past ten years, I’ve attended luge races and cheered on the hardworking USA Luge athletes as I worked for one
- [how we respond to COVID-19 today will define how we shape tomorrow](https://www.emphoweredpr.com/2020/07/20/how-we-respond-to-covid-19-today-will-define-how-we-shape-tomorrow/) - Thank you to the North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce for the opportunity share our thoughts on how our response to COVID-19 today will define how we shape our business tomorrow. Check out the article! https://www.northcentralmass.com/how-we-respond-to-covid19/ 
- [preparing for the worst, hoping for the best](https://www.emphoweredpr.com/2020/07/14/preparing-for-the-worst-hoping-for-the-best/) - On July 7, Colorado State University predicted the U.S. will be affected by 20 named storms. Nine of the storms are expected to become hurricanes, and four of those hurricanes are set to become major hurricanes (Category 3 or higher) with 115-mph-winds on the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale. Having led crisis management teams through Hurricanes
- [hello world!](https://www.emphoweredpr.com/2020/07/10/hello-world/) - empHowered PR, LLC, was founded by Lauren Howe, an award-winning public relations professional with more than 20 years’ experience working in the healthcare, manufacturing and non-profit industries. Our public relations firm specializes in highly-tailored communications and marketing services to empHower businesses and non-profit organizations to build a strong brand and reputation, and develop the tools
- [do what you love. love what you do.](https://www.emphoweredpr.com/2020/07/30/do-what-you-love-love-what-you-do/) - One of the opportunities I love most about being an entrepreneur is the flexibility to network with different organizations in different industries serving different individuals. When I began my business, I wanted my work to be meaningful. I wanted to help my clients communicate the “why” of their business and how it benefits the greater
- [surviving -- and thriving -- during a pandemic! (featured on Spin Sucks)](https://www.emphoweredpr.com/2020/09/30/surviving-and-thriving-during-a-pandemic-featured-on-spin-sucks/) - Many thanks to Spin Sucks for the opportunity to share how I survived—and thrived—while starting my own business during a pandemic. Check out my story!
- [we're opening a second office!](https://www.emphoweredpr.com/2023/06/30/worcester-business-journal-leominster-pr-firm-brings-second-office-to-worcester/) - Excited to share empHowered PR has opened a second location in Worcester! Thanks to friends at The Worcester Business Development Corporation and Roberta Brien for the warm welcome to the Idea Lab at 20 Franklin Street. Looking forward to seeing all of my Worcester friends — come visit! And, thanks to the Worcester Business Journal
- [Worcester Business Journal: Viewpoint: we are Leominster strong](https://www.emphoweredpr.com/2023/10/04/worcester-business-journal-viewpoint-we-are-leominster-strong/) - Crisis communications took on a whole new meaning for me in September when my hometown of Leominster, Massachusetts, experienced what experts called a once-in-500-year flood. Many thanks to Brad Kane and the Worcester Business Journal for the opportunity to share my thoughts on how leadership, connections and community got our city through one of its
- [talking all things PR on the "Barbara & You" show](https://www.emphoweredpr.com/2023/11/21/my-appearance-on-the-barbara-you-show/) - Many thanks to my new friend, Barbara Foster, host of the “Barbara & You” show, for interviewing me to discuss all things PR, my rides in the Pan-Mass Challenge, the work with USA Luge, and my involvement with the North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce and my community. Check out the broadcast segment: https://lnkd.in/e4hU69aS
- [childhood dreams come true in Lake Placid](https://www.emphoweredpr.com/2023/12/11/childhood-dreams-come-true-in-lake-placid/) - If you knew me in my childhood, you are well aware that figure skating was my life. I slept, ate and drank the sport for 17 years. I always wanted to attend an international competition (looking at you Winter Games!) and would beg my parents to take me to Colorado Springs to the Olympic Training
- [empathy, honesty during a crisis goes a long way](https://www.emphoweredpr.com/2024/01/15/empathy-honesty-during-a-crisis-goes-a-long-way/) - When it comes to crisis communications, empathy and honesty go a long way. My two most important pieces of advice are simple: treat others how you want to be treated, and speak to those affected by a crisis as if you are talking with your loved ones. In a crisis situation, people need care, compassion,
- [the value of PR in the c-suite](https://www.emphoweredpr.com/2024/01/20/the-value-of-pr-in-the-c-suite/) - Insightful article in PRNEWS about the value of public relations and the importance of having a PR pro at the executive table, in both good times and bad. While we can help with reputation and crisis management issues, imagine what we can do to effectively share your new product or brand with key stakeholders through
- [join us at the Ginny's Helping Hand's murder mystery dinner](https://www.emphoweredpr.com/2024/02/04/join-us-at-the-ginnys-helping-hands-murder-mystery-dinner/) - empHowered PR is proud to sponsor Ginny’s Helping Hand’s Murder Mystery Dinner! Join us on Saturday, February 24, at Leominster Eagles hall for a night of fun, food, and friendship, all for an amazing cause. This event supports critical community services, including providing groceries for over 1,500 people every month. And the best part? Tickets
- [media training with the future leaders of North Central Massachusetts](https://www.emphoweredpr.com/2024/03/30/media-training-with-the-future-leaders-of-north-central-massachusetts/) - The North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce Community Leadership Institute recently invited me to share my thoughts on all things crisis communications and reputation management with the class. It was a wonderful afternoon full of thoughtful questions, great engagement and some fun media training with our hosts, Fitchburg Access Television (FATV). Many thanks to Matt
- [happy 40th anniversary North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce!](https://www.emphoweredpr.com/2024/04/30/happy-40th-anniversary-north-central-massachusetts-chamber-of-commerce/) - On April 25, the North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce celebrated its 40th Annivesary! As a proud Chamber member, empHowered PR was honored to host the event as Presenting Sponsor. In addition to lots of networking and fun, I joined Roy Nascimento, the Chamber’s President and CEO, for remarks. I shared how the Chamber helped
- [leading PRSA Greater Worcester Chapter as founding president](https://www.emphoweredpr.com/2024/05/09/lauren-elected-founding-president-of-prsa-greater-worcester-chapter/) - I’m honored to share that I have been elected to lead the new Public Relations Society of America (PRSA) Greater Worcester Chapter as Founding President! Over the course of the year, we’ll be offering programs, events and news to help you network, engage and enhance your mad skills. Check out the news about our new
- [hope and healing](https://www.emphoweredpr.com/2024/05/30/hope-and-healing/) - The past six weeks have been a complete whirlwind. On April 2, I was diagnosed with breast cancer. In the days that followed, I was wrapped in support of family and friends and surrounded by a robust medical team who put my care on the fast track. My clients were notified that I would be
- [empHowered PR sponsors pink flamingo day in Leominster](https://www.emphoweredpr.com/2024/06/15/emphowered-pr-sponsors-pink-flamingo-day-in-leominster/) - Did you know the City of Leominster is home to the plastic Pink Flamingo? It’s true! And we’re so proud of this legacy that we gather to celebrate America’s favorite lawn ornament every summer! Come visit us in North Central Massachusetts in downtown Leominster on Friday, June 28 from 5-7 p.m. to experience Pink Flamingo
- [3, 2, 1 ... action!](https://www.emphoweredpr.com/2024/07/09/3-2-1-action/) - One of the things I love most about what I do is sharing stories related to businesses and non-profits making a positive impact in the community. But, it’s not very often that I have the camera turned around on me! I recently had the opportunity to participate in a project to share my story about
- [we're making moves in Worcester!](https://www.emphoweredpr.com/2024/09/10/were-making-moves-in-worcester/) - Exciting news as empHowered PR is now calling Venture X Worcester home! We recently moved into new space in downtown Worcester while still keeping our HQ in Leominster. It’s been a great few weeks at Venture X with many opportunities for networking, engaging with entrepreneurs and making friends. Stop by and say hello to me
- [9/11 day of service and remembrance](https://www.emphoweredpr.com/2024/09/11/9-11-day-of-service-and-remembrance/) - On this solemn day, I was honored to be part of the Dennehy Public Relations team for the 9/11 Day of Service and Remembrance in Boston. More than 400,000 meals were made by hundreds of volunteers from dozens of sponsors who participated during the event in the city. The Boston event was part of a
- [happy 250th birthday Johnny Appleseed!](https://www.emphoweredpr.com/2024/09/25/happy-250th-birthday-johnny-appleseed/) - We were honored to lead the PR for our friends at Visit North Central Massachusetts and the North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce to recognize this historical day in our hometown of Leominster, Massachusetts! Thank you for the opportunity to share the legacy of Johnny Appleseed with the world! Learn more about the celebration and
- [congrats WBJ 40 under forty class of 2024!](https://www.emphoweredpr.com/2024/10/01/congrats-wbj-40-under-forty-class-of-2024/) - Congratulations Paulie Chlebecek Brandon L. Robbins, MPA Ariana Dello Stritto and Timothy Hally on your well-deserved recognition as a member of the Worcester Business Journal 40 under Forty, Class of 2024! Welcome to the club! As a 40u40 alumni from the Class of 2014, I was honored to introduce Paulie and share his many achievements
- [inspiring stories at women's leadership connection](https://www.emphoweredpr.com/2024/10/06/lauren-serves-at-emcee-for-north-central-chamber-of-commerce-womens-leadership-connection/) - I was honored and humbled to serve as emcee for the North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce quarterly Women's Leadership Connection luncheon! The luncheon brings together a fantastic group of empowered women from the region to enjoy lunch, network and be inspired through personal stories of their peers. And it’s so much fun when your
- [PRSA Greater Worcester recognized with 2024 membership growth award](https://www.emphoweredpr.com/2024/10/30/prsa-greater-worcester-recognized-with-2024-membership-growth-award/) - Congratulations to the PRSA Greater Worcester Chapter on being recognized with the 2024 Membership Growth Award at the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA) International Conference in Anaheim, California! This award recognizes our chapter for achieving the highest percentage of membership growth for the year. As Founding President alongside our amazing board members Kristine Maloney
- [PRSA Greater Worcester holds annual meeting; appoints 2025 board](https://www.emphoweredpr.com/2024/11/08/prsa-greater-worcester-holds-annual-meeting-appoints-2025-board/) - On November 7, 2024, the PRSA Greater Worcester Chapter held its Annual Meeting at Venture X Worcester overlooking the city from the 19th floor of the Mercantile Center. For the past year, this small but mighty team of public relations and communications professionals experienced the most growth in membership across all PRSA national chapters! As
- ["stuff a truck" event supports Ginny's Helping Hand](https://www.emphoweredpr.com/2024/11/18/stuff-a-truck-event-supports-ginnys-helping-hand/) - Do what you love. Love what you do. I recently volunteered with my fellow Community Leadership Institute class to support the Ginny’s Helping Hands “Stuff a Truck” event at Hannaford’s on Lancaster Street in Leominster. Towma worked the Fidelity Bank Frosty Flyer handing out free frozen treats to all, I did all things PR, Brandon
- [check out the empHowered PR tree at the festival of trees in Leominster](https://www.emphoweredpr.com/2024/11/19/check-out-the-emphowered-pr-tree-at-the-festival-of-trees-in-leominster/) - For the fourth year, empHowered PR is honored to join local businesses for the Festival of Trees! Be sure to visit the Leominster City Hall Tata Auditorium at 25 West St., now through December 19 to check out all of the trees and vote for our tree. Not only will you be supporting the event,
- [becoming a better leader](https://www.emphoweredpr.com/2024/12/12/becoming-a-better-leader/) - As a business owner, participating in continued training, learning and engaging with the best leaders will help me grow. For the past few months, I've been participating in the North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce Community Leadership Institute (CLI), as a member of the Class of 2025. In addition to developing strong relationships with my
- [the future of PR is bright at Assumption University](https://www.emphoweredpr.com/2024/12/12/the-future-of-pr-is-bright-at-assumption-university/) - The future of the PR industry is bright with the engagement, insight and enthusiasm of today’s PR students! Many thanks to Laura Nicole Miller for the opportunity to share my experience with her PR class at Assumption University, and to the students who asked challenging and intuitive questions about running a business. I look forward
- [remembering our veterans this holiday season](https://www.emphoweredpr.com/2024/12/17/remembering-our-veterans-this-holiday-season/) - On a chilly New England winter morning, our team had the privilege of participating in Wreaths Across America at the Massachusetts Veterans Memorial Cemetery. Alongside dozens of volunteers, we adorned veterans' graves with wreaths, including those of Lauren's great-uncle and her friend's grandfather. We're so grateful for the opportunity to pause and remember our veterans
- [reflections on 2024](https://www.emphoweredpr.com/2024/12/30/reflections-on-2024/) - This time last year, I was preparing to close the book on 2023 and excited for what was to come in 2024. 🥂 Winter brought the tremendous loss of one of my bestest friends, my godmother and my husband's best friend, all within a few weeks. As spring beckoned, I was holding onto every last
- [working smarter, not harder, in 2025](https://www.emphoweredpr.com/2025/01/04/working-smarter-not-harder-in-2025/) - Owning a business is a lot of work — and I’m not just talking about servicing clients. Budgets, planning and scheduling meetings and travel, ordering supplies, continued professional development, IT issues, managing work flows, understanding contracts and insurance policies, billing, oh my! Just writing this makes me exhausted. An article in Entrepreneur Magazine hit home
- [Salt Lake City named host city of 2034 Olympic Games](https://www.emphoweredpr.com/2024/07/26/salt-lake-city-named-host-city-of-2034-olympic-games/) - I am back “home” this week with my USA Luge family! Spent the very early morning hours with colleagues to share in the excitement of the host announcement for the 2034 Winter Games to Salt Lake City! Congrats to the entire SLC 2034 team (looking at you, Tom Kelly!) and I’m excited for the opportunity
- [empHowered PR named Best of 2023 for PR Agency by Banker & Tradesman](https://www.emphoweredpr.com/2023/11/12/emphowered-pr-named-best-of-2023-for-pr-agency-by-banker-tradesman/) - empHowered PR is honored to be named one of the Banker & Tradesman Best of 2023 for PR Agency! This recognition means so much to our team as it measures the loyalty and satisfaction B&T readers have with their consultants. Congratulations to all of the companies that won the loyalty and support of the Bay
- [Worcester Business Journal: The high dive into entrepreneurship](https://www.emphoweredpr.com/2023/06/15/worcester-business-journal-the-high-dive-into-entrepreneurship/) - When I was given the opportunity to share my experience as an entrepreneur with the readers of the Worcester Business Journal, I thought about those happy moments of my childhood. When it was just us three. Having fun on the swing set, racing our bicycles toward the crack in the street, trying Buffalo chicken sauce,
- [empHowered PR supports Ginny's Helping Hand](https://www.emphoweredpr.com/2024/09/30/emphowered-pr-supports-ginnys-helping-hand/) - Being a good community partner means providing your time, talent and treasure to make the places where you live, work and play the best they can be! One organization doing outstanding work in Central Massachusetts is Ginny's Helping Hand Inc. In just the past year, the food pantry has served more than 25,000 clients —
- [I finally did it!](https://www.emphoweredpr.com/2024/12/30/i-finally-did-it/) - Stepping out of my comfort zone! Throughout my life, there's been one activity that has remained elusive: skiing. Growing up and living in the Northeast, where some of the nation's best skiing are just a few miles away, you'd think I'd have hit the slopes by now. So, what was holding me back? Growing up,
- [empHowered PR opens office in downtown Leominster](https://www.emphoweredpr.com/2021/02/04/emphowered-pr-opens-office-in-downtown-leominster/) - Members of the North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce, Leominster Mayor Dean Mazzarella, Leominster Community Development and my family recently joined me to celebrate the opening of my Leominster office with a ribbon cutting ceremony. It’s great to be a business owner in my hometown!
- [USA Luge appoints Lauren Howe to Communications Manager](https://www.emphoweredpr.com/2022/06/30/usa-luge-appoints-lauren-howe-to-communications-manager/) - USA Luge announced the appointment of Lauren M. Howe to communications manager. In this role, she will serve as the liaison between the USA Luge organization and the media, providing noteworthy news and information about the sport’s athletes, programs and competitions. Howe is taking over for Sandy Caligiore who recently announced he will be moving

## Pages

- [Home](https://www.emphoweredpr.com/)
- [Under Construction](https://www.emphoweredpr.com/under-construction/)

## Categories

- [News](https://www.emphoweredpr.com/category/news/) - General updates