Corporate America Today is proud to announce the winners of the 2024 Annual Awards, honoring excellence across the U.S. business sector. With an expansive subscriber base of 427,554 industry leaders, Corporate America Today has established itself as a publication of choice for CEOs, CFOs, partners, and directors who shape North American markets.
This year, WORKHOUSE, a premier public relations and communications agency headquartered in New York City, has been recognized as the Best U.S Public Relations & Communications Business of 2024. The agency’s consistent innovation and outstanding performance have also secured its position as a “Top 100 Public Relations Firm” across leading sectors. Additional honors in 2024 include the MarCom Career Achievement Award, Netty Lifetime Achievement Award, Hermes Creative Achievement Award, Communicator Award for Social Impact, and the Best in Biz “Marketing Executive of the Year” for WORKHOUSE Founder & CEO Adam Nelson. “As WORKHOUSE marks its 25th year, this honor resonates deeply with the journey we’ve taken—championing bold ideas, reshaping the conversation, and setting a new standard in creative communications,” said Adam Nelson, Founder & CEO of WORKHOUSE. “This recognition is a tribute to our clients who’ve trusted us to transform ambition into impact, and to our team’s relentless drive to turn vision into reality.” WORKHOUSE stands among the nation’s most dynamic public relations and integrated creative agencies, delivering forward-thinking PR, brand promotion, social media strategy, and modern marketing for 25 years. Clients have included The Rolling Stones, The Charlie Chaplin Estate, Francis Ford Coppola, Lou Reed, Matthew Modine, David LaChapelle, The Anthony Quinn Estate, TheHomeMag, and more. Visit Workhousepr.com
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For the first time in decades, The Washington Post will not endorse a candidate in this year’s presidential election, the newspaper’s publisher announced—a decision that has sparked widespread outrage among its staff. If they won’t offer one, our agency will. The Workhouse Editorial Board—a voice forged in New York City, Trump’s former place of residence —stands firm against the re-election of a man who has dismantled public trust, labeled the press “the enemy of the people,” and warped government into his personal power grab. Our team, led by Workhouse CEO Adam Nelson, knows firsthand the devastation wrought by Trump’s divisive rhetoric. In a former capacity, Nelson assisted with Marla Maples’s campaign during her divorce from Trump and he filmed a segment on The Apprentice in an episode fittingly titled “Ethics Shmethics” (2004), observing Trump’s shameless spectacle of self-interest firsthand. As a communications group that proudly launched the #FreePress campaign during his last term, we affirm that only one candidate—Kamala Harris—represents a true path forward for America. “America can’t afford another four years of a leader who views truth as his enemy. This endorsement of Kamala Harris is a declaration that we believe in a future where the press is free to report without fear and where power is kept in check—not wielded as a weapon. She embodies the values we stand for, and our endorsement is a stand for truth and the principles that define us.” — Adam Nelson, CEO of Workhouse In 2017, Trump declared open war on the press, labeling journalists “the enemy of the American people,” pulling White House access from those who dared to question him, and threatening to strip broadcasting licenses from critical outlets. Now, on the campaign trail and in interviews, Trump has suggested that if he regains the White House, he will exact vengeance on news outlets that anger him. More specifically, he has pledged to toss reporters in jail and strip major television networks of their broadcast licenses as retribution for coverage he didn’t like. He even joked that the prospect of prison rape would loosen reporters’ lips about their sources. Last year, he called for NBC News to be investigated for “treason” over its coverage of criminal charges he faces. Several former television network executives, requesting anonymity to avoid getting dragged into the campaign, have admitted they fear Trump’s drive to pursue reporters’ sources even more than the threats to pull broadcast licenses. This wasn’t mere bluster—it was a deliberate strategy to silence any voice that held him accountable. Trump’s “Fake News” catchphrase was more than a cheap insult; it was a calculated attack on the press, a tool to erode the very institution meant to protect democracy from unchecked power. At Workhouse, we responded with our #FreePress campaign, standing firmly behind journalists under assault. The Freedom of the Press Foundation, which we support through this initiative, is a testament to our commitment: without a free press, democracy is as good as dead. This election transcends policy disagreements. It’s about whether we choose to protect or abandon the principles that sustain democracy. Trump’s vision is one where power is absolute, dissent is crushed, and the First Amendment is sacrificed to his personal ambition. His attacks on constitutional checks, his weaponization of federal agencies, and his disdain for accountability make it clear that his re-election would dismantle the nation’s democratic fabric. Harris, by contrast, stands as a safeguard for these values. She embodies the integrity, empathy, and commitment necessary to uphold American democracy. For four years, Trump’s platform has been one of chaos and recklessness. He has consistently undermined public trust, exploited divisions, and stoked violence. His record is marred by crisis upon crisis—mishandling public health, damaging international alliances, and implementing inhumane policies that separated families. Harris stands in stark contrast, promising steady leadership grounded in respect for democracy, human rights, and accountability.
In 2020, Workhouse warned of Trump’s threat to the republic; today, those warnings ring louder than ever. His “Fake News” slogan exposed his real agenda: to turn the press into his mouthpiece and to obliterate any challenge to his authority. Harris, however, offers a future where the press is free, voices are heard, and democracy remains intact. Workhouse’s dedication to press freedom is resolute. Through our #FreePress campaign, we reminded the world that truth isn’t a concession; it’s a necessity. Trump’s vision of a compliant media betrays the foundational principles upon which America was built. Harris’s commitment to these principles marks her as the only viable choice to protect the press and defend democracy. Trump’s America is one where lies flourish, and truth is silenced. Kamala Harris embodies an America where freedom of speech endures, and democratic principles are preserved. This election isn’t just a choice; it’s a battle for the soul of our nation. For the sake of a free press and the future of democracy, Workhouse endorses Kamala Harris as the only patriotic choice for President. Hip-Hop Titans Chuck D, KRS-One, Mele Mel, and Scorpio Unite to Sound Alarm on ‘Project 2025’10/17/2024 Rap Kings Drop Political Anthem at America’s Crossroads as the 2024 Election Approaches Hip-hop legends Chuck D, KRS-One, Mele Mel, and Scorpio have teamed up for a powerful new release, “Project 2025,” just ahead of the upcoming presidential election. The song reflects their collective mission to reignite the genre’s role as the voice of the streets, while questioning the silence from much of today’s younger artists. “Project 2025” draws on the combined influence of these iconic figures to deliver an urgent call for awareness and action. “Project 2025” isn’t just another political song—it’s a stark response to the looming consequences outlined by The Heritage Foundation’s Project 2025 initiative. Published in 2022, the manifesto outlines a plan to reshape the federal government, including consolidating executive power, reducing the size of federal agencies, and injecting conservative Christian values into U.S. policies. The initiative aims to further limit abortion rights, regulate pornography, restructure the FBI and DOJ, and deploy the military at the U.S.-Mexico border. The stakes of the 2024 election are clear, and this track is a rallying cry for all citizens to take notice. Listen to PROJECT 2025 here https://youtu.be/uxfwT5fqZqs?si=MWkGB_N-47zDyPZo Interested media who wish to interview the artists about “Project 2025” contact Workhouse, CEO, Adam Nelson via [email protected] A Return to Hip-Hop’s Original Purpose
KRS-One, widely known as “The Teacha” and one of hip-hop’s foremost political voices, emphasized the need for the genre to return to its roots: “Not only does this song open up a platform for hip-hop to discuss one of the most salient topics in American politics today, but MCs have always been the voice of the streets, and the ‘streets’ ain’t with Project 2025. Let it be heard. Let it be known.” Mele Mel, known for his pioneering work on “The Message,” echoed this sentiment: “No matter who you vote for, the fact that you’re politically motivated and having a say on which direction the country is going is the most important thing you can do right now. This track brings me, KRS, and Chuck D together—something that should have happened a long time ago. The fact that we can use hip-hop to present it from an OG perspective means everything.” Scorpio, who produced the track, used samples from hip-hop classics like 2Pac’s “2 of Amerikaz Most Wanted” and Ice Cube’s “AmeriKKKa’s Most Wanted” to highlight the song’s urgency. “We were a voice for the people,” Scorpio said. “Even Chuck D labeled it the ‘Black CNN.’ We let people know what’s going on in the world, but I think we’ve strayed away from that. This track brings it back.” Not About Endorsements, But About Action The artists stress that “Project 2025” is not about telling people who to vote for, but about making sure everyone takes part in the democratic process. “This record is not going against one candidate or really supporting another,” Scorpio clarified. “We’re just putting out what some of the issues could be concerning Project 2025. We’re not here to pick sides—we’re here to make sure people understand what’s at stake.” Chuck D, the frontman of Public Enemy and one of hip-hop’s most enduring political voices, emphasized the need for voters to stay informed: “Rights that have been fought for over decades can be taken away in an instant by people not paying attention. That goes for women’s rights, the environment, health care, climate—everything. People need to read the fine print and stop signing away their futures without knowing what they’re agreeing to.” The Legacy of Hip-Hop as a Force for Change For decades, Chuck D, KRS-One, Mele Mel, and Scorpio have been at the forefront of socially conscious hip-hop. Their music has not only shaped the genre but also pushed boundaries in social and political activism. • Chuck D, a Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductee (2013) and Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award recipient (2020), is known for leading Public Enemy with his uncompromising political commentary. He continues his activist work as a U.S. Global Music Ambassador (2024). • KRS-One, also a Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductee, revolutionized the genre with his group Boogie Down Productions. He founded the Stop the Violence Movement and continues to use his platform to educate and inspire through hip-hop. • Mele Mel, a member of Grandmaster Flash & The Furious Five, was part of the first hip-hop group to be inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2007. His song “The Message” remains a defining moment in socially conscious rap, with its inclusion in the Grammy Hall of Fame. • Scorpio, also inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame with Grandmaster Flash & The Furious Five, produced “Project 2025” with the same fire that drove his early career, reminding listeners of hip-hop’s power to speak truth to power. A Call to Action: Hip-Hop’s Role in Shaping the Future As “Project 2025” reminds us, hip-hop has always been more than music—it’s been a platform for truth, resistance, and empowerment. At a time when the political landscape is fraught with division, misinformation, and erosion of rights, this collaboration between Chuck D, KRS-One, Mele Mel, and Scorpio calls on citizens to get informed, get involved, and use their voices to shape the future. “The power of hip-hop has always been in its ability to unite and inspire people,” KRS-One said. “We are hip-hop, the most powerful urban culture on the planet. If we don’t like something, it’s hard for that thing to survive. It’s time to believe in our voice again.” The artists aren’t telling anyone who to vote for. They’re simply reminding the world of what’s at stake. As Scorpio put it, “We’re not trying to be preachers, but it’s time to get back to what matters. This is what hip-hop was meant for.” Listen to Scorpio message here https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/y5dtu4opkmp5hgyolrcci/SCORPIO-Project-2025-quote?rlkey=ju1b1ax5qhphap94qz53t7g8q&st=gr97neg2&dl=0 Read the Spin Magazine article here https://www.spin.com/2024/10/krs-one-chuck-d-melle-mel-scorpio-project-25/ THE UP COMING: Merry Good Enough: Raye Spielberg brings a new kind of Christmas to UK screens10/3/2024 In the midst of holiday films landing on screens this year, Merry Good Enough takes a distinctly different route, bringing something raw and relatable to UK audiences. This isn’t your conventional Christmas story, and with an 11th November release from Kaleidoscope Home Entertainment, it’s set to stand out for its emotional depth and dark humour. Directed by Caroline Keene and Dan Kennedy, and starring Raye Spielberg and Sawyer Spielberg, the film explores the often messy and unvarnished truth of family life during the holidays. With Kaleidoscope Film Distribution handling international sales, Merry Good Enough is making its way to global audiences after its UK debut. Raye Spielberg, who takes on the role of Lucy Raulie in the film, believes that British audiences, in particular, will appreciate the balance of wit and drama. “I’m thrilled about the UK release,” Raye says. “I believe British audiences will really connect with the film’s dry wit and emotional depth. It’s an honest story, not your typical holiday fluff, and that realism is something I think UK viewers will appreciate.” The film centres on a dysfunctional family trying to navigate the holiday season after their mother disappears on Christmas Eve. Raye stars as Lucy, the sharp but warm-hearted daughter, while Joel Murray (Mad Men) plays the family’s charismatic but problematic patriarch. Lucy’s relationship with her neighbour Sam, played by Sawyer Spielberg, adds layers of tension and tenderness as the story unfolds, striking a balance between moments of humour and the undercurrent of holiday chaos. Raye’s connection to the UK runs deep, both personally and creatively. Having spent time performing at the Edinburgh Fringe and soaking up British culture, she feels a natural affinity with the UK audience. “There’s a natural fit here; I’ve spent time in London and even performed at the Edinburgh Fringe, and our writer and co-director Caroline is heavily influenced by UK culture. I think that connection to the region will resonate with audiences,” Spielberg says. “There’s a shared admiration for the storytelling tradition, and I hope British and Irish viewers feel that.” One of the film’s unique aspects is its departure from typical holiday cheer, instead focusing on the complex, often uncomfortable realities that come with family gatherings. Raye speaks candidly about how the role of Lucy affected her own outlook on the holiday season. “Filming Merry Good Enough was cathartic, and watching it with my family was even more so,” she admits. “The family dynamics in the film are so relatable and universal, yet they hit close to home for me. I found that working on the movie allowed me to approach my own family with more grace and understanding, which has definitely shifted my perspective on the holidays.” Working with her husband, Sawyer Spielberg, on this project brought its own layer of complexity to the film. Though they were playing characters with their own stories and challenges, Raye reflects on how the process deepened their professional and personal connection. “It’s really special how our characters influence each other throughout the film,” she notes. “There’s a mix of shyness, tension, tenderness, and romance between Sam and Lucy. What I love about acting is the freedom it offers—you’re not burdened by your own identity for a while. So, on set, there wasn’t Sawyer and Raye, only Sam and Lucy. His character brings much-needed perspective to Lucy, helping her let go of some of the pressure she places on her family.” The film’s approach to holiday traditions and familial expectations will likely resonate strongly with British audiences, who have long embraced a love for films that delve into deeper emotional territory while balancing it with sharp, witty dialogue. As Raye says, Merry Good Enough isn’t trying to be a picture-perfect holiday film—it’s grappling with the very real tensions that can arise when family comes together, for better or worse. Raye, a New York-based actor, is especially excited about the UK release as it aligns with her passion for the region’s theatre culture. “I have such a deep connection with the UK, and I would work there again in a heartbeat,” she says. “The theatre culture in London and Dublin is so rich, and it’s inspiring to be part of that world. This release feels like a natural extension of my love for UK storytelling.” As the UK prepares to welcome Merry Good Enough, Raye reflects on the feedback she’s received so far, particularly from early screenings. “From what I’ve heard so far, UK audiences are responding to the film’s honesty and depth. It’s exciting to see how it resonates with people who have a different cultural perspective, and it’s made me appreciate the universal nature of the story even more.” At the heart of the film is Lucy, a character who Raye describes as tough on the outside but deeply caring beneath the surface. “Lucy has a tough exterior and a biting wit, but underneath, she’s all heart,” Spielberg explains. “The holidays stir up a whirlwind of emotions for her, as they do for many of us. She’s a bit of a Scrooge, but that stems from her capacity to love deeply. She’s not just cynical for the sake of it—she’s grappling with her own fears and expectations.” Looking ahead, Raye Spielberg is already planning her next creative moves, including a mix of film and theatre projects, both in the UK and the U.S. For now, though, all eyes are on Merry Good Enough as it makes its way into British cinemas, offering a holiday film that’s anything but conventional—honest, humorous, and unafraid to show the messier side of family life. True collaboration in fashion often transcends the boundaries of medium and artistry, becoming something more than the sum of its parts. Joy Teiken, the creative force behind Joynoelle, and AMI, a photographer whose work speaks volumes in every frame, are an example of such a partnership. Together, they weave an unspoken narrative where fabric and lens work in harmony, creating a visual dialogue that is both compelling and understated. Teiken’s latest collection is a study in texture and form, born from a deep connection to the human body and its natural elements. “These recent pieces are the beginning of a larger collection where the focus is on the imagery and textures of the human body,” Teiken explains. “Microscopic bone detail, muscle tissue, vein lines, and colors. This exploration is deeply personal, though it may not be seen by others since I’m not being literal—it’s my analysis.” Teiken’s designs are not ones to follow trends. They’re timeless, immune to the fleeting nature of fashion’s fast-paced cycles. Instead, she focuses on textures and materials that tell their own story, garments that breathe life into the wearer. The green gown, for example, is made from cream and green striped silk taffeta, with stitch-pleating that creates a three-dimensional effect—a visual journey within the fabric itself. The burgundy gown, made of silk decorator fabric, features organic shapes that flow like brushstrokes, sewn onto a black organza slip. It’s these kinds of pieces, meticulously crafted and deliberate in their creation, that define Teiken’s work. “I’m a very tactile person and manipulating fabric is an important aspect of my process,” says Teiken. “For me, it’s about what makes sense visually and in my head. I’m open to the organic process of letting things take shape, stepping away, and thinking critically. This is where I’m happiest.” Her relationship with fabric is personal, bordering on intimate. It’s a dialogue between her hands and the material, a conversation that results in pieces that feel not only wearable but imbued with a sense of emotion and depth. In walks AMI, the photographer tasked with capturing this depth through her lens. Known for her ability to balance light, texture, and movement, AMI’s style is a natural complement to Teiken’s tactile approach. For this collaboration, the challenge was to bring Teiken’s intricate designs to life without overpowering them. “This shoot was all about balancing the duality of Joy’s designs—one look was airy, delicate, and soft, while the other was bold and dark,” AMI explains. “I wanted to showcase that complexity without being overly stylized. My work is about finding that harmony between the designer’s vision and my perspective.” One of the most striking elements of this collaboration is the seamless interaction between the garments and the models. The clothing feels like an extension of the body, fluid and organic, which was no accident. “We wanted the models to feel as if the garments were part of them, not something separate,” AMI says. “It was important that the connection between the body and the fabric was palpable.” AMI’s ability to capture this synergy is part of what makes her work so impactful—the way she plays with light and shadow, bringing out the texture of each garment without losing its softness. There’s a dreamlike quality to the images AMI creates—models in motion, yet somehow suspended in time. “Fashion photography is often about capturing movement in stillness,” AMI reflects. “I’m always thinking about how to use light and texture to add a sense of motion to still images, and Joy’s pieces lend themselves beautifully to that. The richness of the fabrics, the intricacy of the textures—they almost ask for that kind of treatment.” In one of the standout images, a model wears a black gown made from fringe, sewn vertically over a netted silhouette. AMI plays with light here in a way that makes the fringe shimmer, giving the gown an almost hypnotic quality, as if it’s swaying in a breeze you can’t see. In another, the cream dress with leather bow detail, constructed from shredded cotton, feels soft yet structured, with AMI using delicate lighting to emphasize the contrast between the material’s softness and the sharpness of its design. This collaboration is more than just a fashion shoot—it’s a dialogue between two artists whose work elevates each other’s. For Teiken, seeing her designs through AMI’s lens was revelatory. “It’s always fascinating to see how someone else interprets your work,” Teiken notes. “AMI captured the essence of what I was trying to convey, but she also brought her own layer of meaning to it, which I loved.” For AMI, working with a designer as meticulous and thoughtful as Teiken pushed her creatively. “There’s always this tension between staying true to the designer’s vision and bringing your own perspective as a photographer,” AMI says. “But that’s where the magic happens. In that push and pull, you create something that’s truly collaborative.” Together, Joy Teiken and AMI remind us that fashion is more than just clothing—it’s an experience, an emotion, a story. Their work transcends the transactional nature of fashion photography, moving into the realm of art, where fabric and image merge into a seamless whole. The garments are not just worn; they are lived in, felt, and understood, thanks to the unspoken synergy between a designer and a photographer who, together, are quietly redefining how we see fashion. |
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