Violet PR, a New Jersey-based public relations firm specializing in economic development, has been selected to represent the Sugar Land Office of Economic Development (SLOED). The agency will develop and execute an integrated marketing program leveraging media relations, digital media and site selection expertise to position Sugar Land, Texas, as an ideal location for business investment.

The Violet PR team will highlight the city’s new developments and key sectors, including life sciences and manufacturing. Sugar Land is home to 20 biotechnology companies, 19 corporate headquarters and eight advanced manufacturing companies. Just 20 minutes southwest of downtown Houston, Sugar Land boasts 8.9 million square feet of industrial property, 8 million square feet of retail and 7.9 million square feet of office real estate.

“This partnership underscores our commitment to helping communities achieve their economic development objectives,” said April Mason, president and founder of Violet PR. “From the transformation of the Imperial Sugar building, the city’s namesake, to the innovative life sciences programs at the University of Houston’s Sugar Land campus, this community has many exciting stories to tell.”

Sugar Land’s redevelopments include Imperial Sugar, a 181-year-old sugar manufacturing facility now being transformed into a $1 billion mixed-use center. Last fall, the University of Houston’s local campus broke ground on a $65 million academic building which will include 75,000 square feet of wet/dry/computer labs, classrooms, and conference spaces for biomedical and chemical engineering degrees.

“As we work towards advancing our economic development goals and strengthening our national brand, we believe that Violet PR’s expertise will play a crucial role in showcasing Sugar Land’s strengths, attracting investment, and fostering growth within our community,” said Alba Pennate-Johnson, assistant director of economic development and tourism for the Sugar Land Economic Development Office.

In addition to Sugar Land, Violet PR represents the states of Georgia, New Jersey, North Carolina and Oklahoma, and the metros of Arlington, Va.; Buffalo, N.Y.; Kansas City, Mo.; the Lehigh Valley, Pa.; Newark, N.J.; Pittsburgh; and Topeka, Kan.