By: Michael Layne

The Power of Connection

In times of crisis, the strength of a community is often reflected in the partnerships that emerge to provide relief and support. The recent flooding in Southwest Detroit serves as a poignant example, where collaboration between businesses and nonprofits has been instrumental in addressing the immediate needs of affected residents.​

At Marx Layne & Company, a Metro Detroit-based public relations and digital media agency with nearly 38 years of experience, we understand the pivotal role that strategic relationships can play for our clients and the community at-large.

Facilitating Essential Support

In the aftermath of the flooding, we recognized an opportunity to leverage our relationships to benefit the Southwest Detroit community. By facilitating a partnership between the Southwest Detroit Business Association (SDBA), a dedicated nonprofit deeply embedded in the local area and longstanding client of Marx Layne, and a national retailer, we were able to help the organization secure substantial donations to assist the hundreds of individuals, families and their pets affected by the flood.

This included $2,000 in in-store purchases and two semi-trucks filled with 40 pallets of critical supplies, including bottled water, diapers, cleaning products, household items, and baby food. Additionally, Marx Layne contributed $1,000 to further support these relief efforts.​

The Role of Agencies as Connectors

This initiative exemplifies the vital role that public relations and marketing agencies can play in fostering symbiotic relationships between for-profit and nonprofit clients. By bringing these entities together, we create mutually beneficial partnerships that not only enhance our clients' objectives but also generate meaningful impact within the community.

Our established presence in the communications industry empowers us to connect clients across sectors, facilitating efforts that yield significant, positive outcomes.​

A Commitment to Community Engagement

At Marx Layne, we are dedicated to utilizing our resources and expertise to serve as a bridge between our clients and the communities they aim to support. Through strategic partnerships and a deep understanding of our clients' goals, we strive to make a lasting difference, reinforcing the power of connection and collective action in building resilient communities.​

As Southwest Detroit continues to recover, we remain committed to supporting initiatives that foster collaboration and provide tangible benefits to those in need. Our role as a connector is not just a function of our business but a reflection of our core values and dedication to the communities we serve.