Strategize. Plan. Create. Execute.
Straitsmouth Communications, LLC
A full portfolio of communications services to turn ideas into results.
Marketing & PR Strategy
A great business idea needs to be aligned with a well-designed strategy to take it public.
Copywriting & Creative Direction
Effective communications are all about capturing attention, compelling interest, and motivating action.
RECENT WORK
Staples
Supplier Summit
Simplex Workstation and Networking Brochure
MEET THE TEAM
Ruth Cassidy
Ruth is our strategy and PR expert, helping organizations articulate their value and get heard in the world.
Jim Cassidy
Jim is our creative director and copywriter, helping organizations share their messages with clarity and flair.
Katie Cassidy
Katie is our social media and blogging maven, building communities and fostering dialogues.
TESTIMONIALS
"Jim is a great creative collaborator — a guy who can both generate great ideas and enhance other people’s concepts and then bring them to fruition. I have worked closely with him on many clients and projects across a broad range of industries. Jim brings several ingredients to every project he undertakes: an enthusiastic curiosity, a calm and competent professionalism, and a willingness to do whatever it takes to satisfy the client."
- Edwin Foster, Creative Director, MITRE
"Ruth's steady hand guided us through our first product launch painlessly and successfully. She is proactive and had us well prepared so that we knew what to expect. She's much more than just a marketing expert. She's a strategic partner who does the hard work to get to know your business so she can position you precisely in the marketplace. We will return to Ruth repeatedly because of her diligence, intelligence, and experience."
- Sandra Hendron, Chief Data Scientist, Complex Health Solutions LLC
"Jim has been a valued member of our extended team for several years. What impresses me most about Jim is his ability to quickly wrap his head around difficult and/or obscure concepts (through a combination of client interviews and his own research) and deliver thoughtful, coherent, and extremely readable content."
- Alex Nosevich, Agency Partner, Brand Strategy
Commonwealth Creative
"I had the pleasure of working with Ruth in her role as SVP of Communications for Virtual, Inc. Ruth ably handled PR for the NFC Forum, providing expert strategic guidance. She put NFC on center stage, securing high-profile media hits and speaking opps, as well as generating buzz among analysts and decision-makers. I highly recommend her."
- Paula Hunter, Former Executive Director
NFC Forum
"I had the luck and pleasure of hiring the Straitsmouth team, and specifically Jim, for the past 6+ years. In this time Jim has become the voice of the AR for Enterprise Alliance (AREA). His ability to take complex technology terminology and solutions, and distill and communicate the important features and messages has just been amazing. I would definitely recommend Jim, not only for his excellent writing skills, but his ability to work to deadlines and get stuff done. A true expert in his field."
- Mark Sage, Executive Director, AR for Enterprise Alliance
BLOG
The SEO Paradox
Clients often ask me to include as many SEO-friendly keywords as possible when I'm writing for a website. And I don't mind doing it – because the primary way to get people to…
January 2, 2023
Who is AI Coming for Next?
"First they came for the typesetters, and I did not speak out – because I was not a typesetter. Then they came for the multi-image slide show producers, and I did not speak out –…
July 14, 2021
Virtual Events Can Be as Special as the "Real Thing"
With the pandemic preventing large in-person gatherings, many organizations have opted to host virtual events, from conferences to trade shows. Some event organizers approach…
July 23, 2020
Hanging Out Our Shingle
It's official! Ruth and I have formally launched Straitsmouth Communications, LLC – a boutique communications services firm providing strategic PR, marketing communications, and…
January 21, 2020
MEDIA
MIT Moving Day Pageant
We scripted a live extravaganza that brought the MIT seal to life to celebrate the centennial of the school's iconic Cambridge campus.
Staples Digital Copy Services
We showed how much more productive adminstrators can be with the point-and-click convenience of copying and printing with Staples.
Barnes & Noble Show Opener
When Barnes & Noble brought all its store managers together for a national meeting, we pumped them up by reminding them what makes them special – and preparing them for a high-powered event.
Staples Advantage Website Tutorial
When Staples rebranded and updated its website, we highlighted all the ways it helps teams stay productive, connected and inspired.
MIT Virtual Commencement
When MIT had to make its 2020 Commencement a virtual event due to the coronavirus, we helped make it truly special by scripting a video delivered by the commander of the International Space Station.
MIT "Convideocation" Opener
With the pandemic keeping most students from campus,
MIT held an online convocation to welcome them and kick the semester off. We set the tone with an upbeat opener.