Benchmark Strategies Launches Economic Development Events Practice
BOSTON, Mass., September 9, 2026–Benchmark Strategies (“Benchmark”), the leading public relations, public affairs, and strategic communications firm, announced today the launch of its Economic Development Events practice, expanding the firm’s integrated service offerings for companies, municipalities and economic development organizations celebrating business growth and investment across Massachusetts.
Led by Vice President Colleen Frank, the new practice formalizes Benchmark’s proven track record of planning and executing high-profile ribbon cuttings, groundbreaking ceremonies, grand openings, and expansion announcements across the Commonwealth. By combining event management with public affairs, public relations, and government relations, Benchmark helps clients transform these events into opportunities to build relationships, generate media coverage, and advance long-term business objectives.
“Economic development has always been a core focus of Benchmark’s work, and this new practice is a natural extension of how we support companies investing, expanding, and creating jobs across Massachusetts,” said Pat Bench, President of Benchmark Strategies. “Colleen has played an integral role in helping our clients turn major business milestones into opportunities for meaningful engagement and visibility. I’m excited to have her lead this new practice and bring that experience to companies and communities across the Commonwealth.”
“Massachusetts continues to be one of the nation’s leading destinations for innovation and business growth,” said Colleen Frank, Vice President at Benchmark Strategies. “Every business investment is an opportunity to tell a story, strengthen relationships, and build momentum. Our Economic Development Events practice helps organizations bring together government leaders, community partners, business stakeholders, and the media to maximize the impact of these milestone moments.”
From early-stage planning through post-event communications, Benchmark works alongside clients to create events that advance business objectives and deliver lasting value. Services include strategic planning, event production, government and elected official engagement, media relations, stakeholder coordination, executive messaging, and post-event communications, all delivered through a single, integrated team.
“Benchmark Strategies continues to be an integral partner in establishing Boston as the headquarters for our North American business operations,” said Bauke van Rhijn, Chief Financial Officer of Qblox, a leading provider of quantum control stack technology. “Benchmark helped us create an office grand opening that reflected our investment in Massachusetts and our commitment to advancing the future of quantum technology. The connections we made with business and technology leaders at the event helped lay the groundwork for our continued growth, opening doors to new relationships and partnerships that have supported our expansion in Massachusetts.”
Serving clients across a wide array of sectors including climate technology, advanced manufacturing, quantum technology and commercial real estate, Benchmark transforms business milestones into strategic opportunities that generate media attention, strengthen relationships with key stakeholders, and showcase investment in Massachusetts communities. Whether welcoming a new company, celebrating a business expansion, or breaking ground on a transformative development, Benchmark helps organizations create events that create a lasting impact for clients, communities, and the Commonwealth.
About Benchmark Strategies
Benchmark Strategies is a leading consulting firm with a focus on public affairs and strategic communications.
Our passionate, client-driven team brings decades of experience in politics, media, and public relations that translates into excellent results and propels clients to succeed across every sector.
Since its founding in 2014, Benchmark Strategies has provided services to a broad and diverse base of clients including Fortune 500 companies and startups, leading information technology and security companies, non-profit institutions, industry trade groups, real estate developers and many more.
