Business Details
38 Years
experience
Creative Communications Agency for Impact-Focused Organizations
Founded in 1988 by Mary Lilja Communications, our agency has built a legacy of crafting impactful stories for organizations dedicated to making a difference. With over three decades of experience, we combine strategic communications planning with creative storytelling to help clients connect with their audiences through thought leadership, video production, and brand development. Our team prioritizes authenticity, working closely with clients to understand their unique missions and translate them into compelling narratives. We specialize in employee communications, content creation, and brand refreshes that resonate with modern audiences while staying true to core values. Sustainability is integral to our operations, from using renewable energy in our office to promoting eco-friendly practices in our work.Our client relationships are built on trust, responsiveness, and a commitment to exceeding expectations through personalized service. We take pride in our long-term partnerships and our ability to adapt to evolving communication needs while maintaining a focus on creating positive social impact. Our expertise spans industries including nonprofit, healthcare, manufacturing, and education, allowing us to bring diverse perspectives to every project. We measure success by the lasting relationships we build and the meaningful change our clients achieve through their stories.
Services
Communications Strategy
Brand Refresh
Media Relations
Content Creation
Lifestories
Video Production
Employee Communications
Details
- Year established: 1988
Highlights and features
- We offer 35+ years of experience in strategic communications and brand storytelling
- Our team provides customized solutions tailored to each client's unique mission
- We maintain a strong commitment to sustainability in all business operations
- Our client relationships are built on trust, responsiveness, and accountability
- We specialize in creating authentic content that drives measurable social impact
Services
Communications Strategy
We develop comprehensive communications strategies that align with organizational goals and audience needs. Our approach combines message development, audience analysis, and multi-channel implementation to create cohesive communication plans. Clients benefit from our expertise in both internal and external communications frameworks.
Brand Refresh
Our brand refresh services modernize organizational identities while preserving core values. We update visual elements, positioning statements, and messaging frameworks to better connect with contemporary audiences. The process includes stakeholder interviews and market research to ensure authentic representation.
Content Creation
We craft compelling written and visual content tailored to specific communication objectives. Our services include thought leadership pieces, website content, and multimedia production that effectively convey organizational missions and achievements to target audiences.
Lifestories
We specialize in preserving personal and organizational histories through memoirs, business histories, and commemorative publications. Our process includes manuscript development, ghostwriting, and full production services for both print and digital formats.
Media Relations
We connect organizations with media outlets through strategic story placement and relationship building. Our services include press release development, media outreach, and journalist relationship management to enhance public visibility and credibility.
People
Mary Lilja
Founder
Mary founded Lilja Communications in 1988 after a career in speechwriting and corporate communications. She established the agency's foundation in authentic storytelling and client-centered service, creating a legacy that continues through the second generation of leadership.
Kate Lilja Lohnes
President
Kate leads the agency with a focus on impact-driven communications. With sustainability expertise and a background in nonprofit work, she has recentered the business around purposeful storytelling while maintaining its core values of integrity and excellence.
Alicia DeMatteo
Director
Alicia brings strategic vision to client projects, combining creative direction with business acumen. She plays a key role in developing comprehensive communications plans that align with organizational objectives while delivering measurable results for clients.
Jeni Fjelstad
Specialist
Jeni contributes creative expertise across multiple disciplines, working closely with clients to develop engaging content and implement effective communication strategies that enhance brand visibility and audience engagement.
Britt Bublitz
Specialist
Britt supports client projects with a focus on content creation and brand development. She helps translate organizational missions into compelling narratives that resonate with target audiences through various communication channels.
Questions
What types of organizations do you work with?
We specialize in working with impact-focused organizations including nonprofits, healthcare providers, educational institutions, and purpose-driven businesses.
What services do you offer?
Our services include communications strategy development, brand refreshes, media relations, content creation, employee communications, and lifestories production.
How do you approach sustainability?
We implement eco-friendly practices including 100% renewable energy, paper reduction initiatives, and promoting sustainable transportation options for our team.
Can you help with video production?
Yes, we create professional videos that showcase your organization's story, featuring interview coordination and narrative development.
Do you work with national clients?
While based in Minnesota, we serve clients across the United States through our flexible, customized service approach.
