Small Business Showcase: Launch Communications
Each month, we profile a Connecticut small business, showcasing the ingenuity and innovation driving the state’s economy. For February, we spoke with Barry Cohen, president and managing director of Launch Communications, LLC in West Haven.
When was your company founded?
February, 2016
What does your company do? What service does your company provide?
Launch Communications provides strategic marketing, communications, branding, public relations, and consulting services that engage, delight, and deliver results.
Whether your needs include programs as robust as a multimedia product launch and turnkey conference planning, or more targeted quick turn projects, Launch will make your small business our big business commitment, and provide global organization ROI results.
Specialties include extensive marketing and communications expertise, such as global B2B strategic marketing of advanced technologies, specialty chemicals, coatings and materials for electronics (semiconductor, printed circuit board, electronic connector, and solar cell), automotive, heavy equipment, energy, building and hardware, decorative, and industrial finishes industries.
Launch also also offer trade association management, ranging from event program development, public relations, marketing, and more!
Who are your customers?
From international Fortune 500 manufacturing companies to small and mid-sized businesses, each Launch partner is our highest priority.
What makes your company unique?
Launch is much more than a communications company. It embodies our pledge to provide the same high standards of excellence and care to every project.
Should you desire a single news release or a comprehensive campaign launch, we know it’s all about your brand, your mission, your customers—and your bottom line.
Your program is our passion and privilege. High performance is not an expectation, but the requirement. We Are Your Launch.
What is a fun fact about your business or its history?
Launch Communications was the lifetime aspiration of president and managing director, Barry Lee Cohen, annointed “BLC” by his band of friends and collaborators.
Each has experienced what one of his colleagues has dubbed, “an unusualist with the vision to see the big picture and yet still have an eye focused on the important detail.”
Raised in Connecticut and New York, BLC has traveled the globe partnering with leading, international B2B corporations, as well as non-profit industry and civic organizations in his prior role as global director of marketing/communications for an advanced technology company.
Known for his dedication and commitment to excellence, BLC draws upon his three decades of “roll up the sleeves,” expertise, while also tapping a network of the industry’s best marketing, branding and communications professionals to deliver launches that delight and deliver results.
Why did you choose Connecticut?
The opportunities and future potential for businesses are limitless!
An educated workforce, a growing destination for tourism, and the home of some of the world’s leading OEMs and tier one suppliers, are just a few of the reasons that Connecticut is the state to work, live, thrive!
What is the greatest advantage to operating in Connecticut?
Strategic location to Northeast Corridor and pipeline to outstanding universities and knowledge base.
The “Connecticut Renaissance” has only begun for businesses of all sizes, as well as industries that span from aerospace and pharmaceuticals, to medical and transportation, and beyond!
It’s an exciting time to work, play, life and thrive in Connecticut!
How do you try to give back to your community?
Over the years as a lifetime Westie, councilman, volunteer, locally engaged business owner, and a former global director of a $1.2 billion corporation, Cohen has been privileged to give back to the community through various charitable works and sponsorships.
From reaching across the aisle to secure $50,000 for Chromebooks for kids, to partnering with the University of Connecticut to procure hand sanitizers for 500 at-need residents during the early stages of the pandemic, community service is a blessing Launch always holds dear.
Some ongoing and/or prior involvement in our incredible community includes:
- Orange Chamber of Commerce board of directors
- Milford Regional Chamber of Commerce
- Ward-Heitmann House Museum, board of directors
- West Haven Community House, board of directors
- West Haven Lodge of Elks Member
- Former city councilman, co-minority leader
- Former West Haven Planning and Zoning commissioner
Some past event and fundraiser sponsorships by Launch Communications include:
- 2023 West Haven Summer Concert Series
- West Haven Rocks WHEAT food and supplies drives
- West Haven Animal Shelter food and supplies drive
- Rotary Club Turkey Trot
- Surfside Veterans Car Wash
Other local philanthropic activities include work with the Connecticut Humane Society and the Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation, among others.
What is the main thing policymakers could implement to make your company more competitive?
Health insurance: Improve access to affordable, quality health insurance for small businesses. Bring back chamber insurance policies that enable small businesses to group together.
Enhance manufacturer incentives to expand or relocation operations to Connecticut.
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