Business Details
22 Years
experience
Award-Winning Public Relations in Lansing, MI
Martin Waymire has built a reputation as a trusted leader in strategic communications for over two decades. Founded in 2004 by former journalists Roger Martin and David Waymire, our agency specializes in public relations, digital marketing, and issue advocacy that drives measurable impact. We combine deep industry expertise with a commitment to excellence, having earned six prestigious Silver Anvil Awards from the Public Relations Society of America. Our team of Accredited in Public Relations (APR) professionals delivers data-driven campaigns that shape public opinion, influence policy, and grow businesses. Headquartered in Lansing, Michigan, we serve clients nationwide with a focus on community engagement and long-term change. Our RACE methodologyResearch, Action Plan, Communicate, Evaluateensures every project achieves its goals through rigorous analysis and innovative execution.We prioritize teamwork, continuous learning, and ethical practices, maintaining personal client relationships rather than transactional interactions. Our pro bono Bellwether Backs Community initiative supports organizations aligned with our mission to create lasting positive change. With a track record of managing award-winning campaigns for clients like the Detroit Lions and Voters Not Politicians, we bring both local insight and national expertise to every partnership. Our dedication to diversity, equity, and inclusion informs all aspects of our work, ensuring we address systemic challenges while delivering exceptional results.
Services
Strategic Communications
Social Media Strategy
Digital Marketing
Influencer Marketing
Reputation Management
Community Relations
Crisis Communications
Issue Advocacy
Ballot Initiatives
Media Relations
Details
- Year established: 2004
Highlights and features
- 20+ years managing award-winning public relations campaigns
- Six-time recipient of the Silver Anvil, PR's top national award
- Team includes Accredited in Public Relations (APR) professionals
- Proven RACE methodology ensures measurable campaign success
- Commitment to community impact through Bellwether Backs initiative
Associations and certifications
- Public Relations Society of America (PRSA)
Services
Strategic Communications
We develop comprehensive communication plans that align with organizational goals and audience needs. Our research-driven approach combines media relations, stakeholder engagement, and message development to build brand authority. With expertise in both corporate and nonprofit sectors, we create integrated campaigns that drive measurable outcomes.
Media Relations
Our media relations specialists cultivate relationships with journalists and influencers to secure strategic coverage. From press releases to media training, we position clients as industry thought leaders. Our track record includes successful campaigns for ballot initiatives and economic development projects that shaped public policy and community perception.
Issue Advocacy
We design advocacy campaigns that mobilize public support for policy changes and ballot initiatives. Our approach combines grassroots organizing, digital outreach, and coalition building to create lasting impact. Recent successes include expanding Michigan's Earned Income Tax Credit and defending public accountability measures through targeted communications strategies.
Crisis Communications
Our team prepares organizations for unexpected challenges with proactive reputation management strategies. We develop crisis response plans and provide real-time guidance during high-pressure situations. Through transparent communication and stakeholder engagement, we help clients protect their brand integrity while maintaining public trust during difficult transitions.
Digital Marketing
We create data-driven digital campaigns that enhance online visibility and audience engagement. Our services include social media strategy, content marketing, and targeted advertising. By analyzing digital metrics and consumer behavior, we optimize web presence to convert online interactions into real-world impact for both corporate and advocacy clients.
People
Roger Martin
Founder, Retired
Co-founded Martin Waymire in 2004 after a successful journalism career. Brought decades of media expertise to strategic communications, shaping the agency's journalistic approach to public relations and mentoring numerous APR-certified professionals.
David Waymire
Founder, Retired
Co-founder with extensive experience in policy communications. Directed award-winning campaigns for civic initiatives and economic development projects. Instrumental in establishing Bellwether's reputation for impactful advocacy work before retiring in 2024.
Adam Bitely
Vice President of Public Affairs
APR-certified public affairs specialist with expertise in legislative campaigns. Leads strategic initiatives for policy advocacy clients, combining grassroots mobilization with digital outreach to achieve measurable policy outcomes through comprehensive communications strategies.
Mariam Robinson
Director of Public Relations
Manages client relationships and campaign execution with a focus on media strategy. Brings extensive experience in corporate communications and community engagement, ensuring integrated approaches that align organizational goals with public messaging objectives.
Jill Deiters
Director of Creative Services
Leads visual storytelling and content creation for client campaigns. Specializes in transforming complex policy issues into compelling narratives through strategic design and multimedia content that resonates with target audiences across communication platforms.
Questions
What industries does Bellwether Public Relations specialize in?
We work across sectors including government affairs, economic development, healthcare, education, and nonprofit organizations. Our expertise lies in crafting strategic communications that drive policy change and community engagement.
How does Bellwether measure campaign success?
We use a combination of traditional PR metrics and custom KPIs aligned with client goals. Our RACE methodology emphasizes evaluating real-world impact beyond media impressions, including policy changes and audience behavior shifts.
Can Bellwether handle crisis communications?
Yes, our team develops proactive crisis plans and provides real-time response guidance. We help organizations maintain transparency and protect reputation during challenging situations with strategic communication strategies.
What makes Bellwether different from other PR firms?
Our journalistic approach, combined with APR-certified expertise and a commitment to social impact, sets us apart. We focus on creating lasting change through data-driven campaigns and maintaining personal client relationships rather than transactional interactions.
Do you offer pro bono services?
Yes, our Bellwether Backs Community initiative provides strategic communications support to organizations aligned with our mission of creating lasting positive change. We select partners based on capacity and community impact potential.
