KYLE KOTARY WINS FIRST BID FOR LOCAL OFFICE

11/09/2005  

EMA Senior Account Supervisor Wins Bethlehem Town Board Seat

ALBANY, N.Y. - Kyle Kotary, senior account supervisor, public relations and public affairs, in Eric Mower and Associates' Albany office, has won his first campaign for public office.

Kotary, a Democrat, came out ahead of a 10-year incumbent to win a seat on the Bethlehem Town Board. He defeated his closest challenger by more than 200 votes in the November 8, 2005 election.

"Kyle had a winning formula in this race: a strong message and strategic plan," said Robert J. Bellafiore, partner and director of public affairs, Eric Mower and Associates. "These are the very tools we use every day to help organizations build successful communications campaigns. We congratulate Kyle on his victory and know the lessons he learned on the campaign trail will translate into valuable experience for our clients."

Mr. Kotary's platform centered on the "Blueprint for Bethlehem: Pillars of Progress" plan which stressed management of the town's growth, diversification of the tax base and preservation of open space.

Prior to the Town Council race, Mr. Kotary gained political communications experience in the public and private sectors. His extensive resume includes serving as an aide and campaign staff to U.S. Vice President Al Gore; deputy press secretary and legislative aide to U.S. Sen. Daniel Moynihan (D-NY); staff assistant to U.S. Representative Sherwood Boehlert (R-NY); and assistant press secretary to N.Y.S. Comptroller Carl McCall. He holds a master's degree in Public Administration from the Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs at Syracuse University and resides in Bethlehem with his wife, Laura Jane, and three children.

EMA is a marketing communications agency with specialized expertise in consumer advertising, brand promotion, business-to-business and public relations and public affairs. With New York state offices in Buffalo, Rochester, Syracuse and Albany, as well as offices in Charlotte, N.C. and Atlanta, EMA serves clients across the United States and Canada. EMA belongs to the American Association of Advertising Agencies (AAAA); IN, a worldwide network of 75 leading independent advertising agencies; and IPREX, a worldwide partnership of independent public relations firms. EMA has nearly 200 full-time professionals and reports capitalized billings of $155 million in 2004. Visit www.mower.com for more information.