Making Headlines: A Big Win for a Local Icon

At The Creative Company, we believe in the power of story, and we know that the right story, in the right hands, can transform public perception, deepen community roots, and open doors.

This month, we’re proud to share a win that speaks to exactly that: our client, Willy Street Co-op, was the subject of an in-depth, glowing feature by the Wisconsin State Journal, written by none other than Barry Adams, one of the most respected journalists in the region.

If you’ve read Adams’ work before, you know he doesn’t just report, he captures the heart and history of Wisconsin with a journalist’s integrity and a storyteller’s care. To have him tell the story of Willy Street Co-op’s 50-year journey from humble beginnings to regional powerhouse is a monumental endorsement, not just of the Co-op’s impact, but of the strategy, persistence, and relationships that made the article possible.

Great Press Doesn’t Happen by Accident

What readers saw in print was the culmination of weeks of behind-the-scenes effort by The Creative Company. From coordinating interviews with founders and longtime employees to compiling historical context and archived images, our team ensured the legacy newspaper’s writer had everything he needed to tell the whole story, accurately, accessibly, and compellingly.

But more than facts, we provided narrative framing, the connective tissue that turns a timeline into a legacy. It’s easy to underestimate what goes into securing a central media feature for a local business. It takes:

• Credibility and trust to pitch a seasoned journalist on a local story.
• Deep research to back every claim and elevate it with perspective.
• Ensure the client’s values shine through in the story.

50 Years in the Making

Willy Street Co-op isn’t just a grocery store; it’s a cultural institution. However, institutions can often be taken for granted unless their stories are told in fresh and relevant ways. This article not only honored the Co-op’s radical roots and community ethos, but it also highlighted its evolution: three thriving locations, 385 employees, over $73 million in projected annual revenue, and a network of 500 local vendors.

Adams captured that transformation beautifully, reminding readers how the Co-op evolved from a 900-square-foot storefront to a model for sustainable, ethical food systems across the country.

That’s where our work made a difference. We guide clients through a journey with PR. The result is media coverage that matters, coverage that doesn’t just inform, but inspires.

Why This Matters for You

If you’re a leader, marketer, or business owner reading this, here’s the takeaway: Your story has value. But it needs to be unearthed, shaped, and shared by people who understand both your business and the media landscape. A well-told story can turn a local grocery into a front-page legacy.

Your next big headline might be one conversation away. Read the full Wisconsin State Journal article on Willy Street Co-op!