CoreMessage

What CoreMessage does

CoreMessage is a Tallahassee, Florida-based public relations and strategic communications firm founded in 2001 by Cory Tilley, former deputy chief of staff to Governor Jeb Bush. The firm provides integrated communications counsel to a diverse set of Florida businesses, statewide associations, government agencies, and political campaigns, combining 22 service lines spanning earned media, paid media, grassroots coalition building, crisis communications, message development, media training, video production, website development, public opinion research, and event planning. CoreMessage delivers these services as tailored campaigns or on a project-by-project basis, leveraging deep relationships with Florida news outlets, the state capitol, and statewide associations to produce measurable policy and campaign outcomes (e.g., 133M+ earned media impressions for AIF, 64% voter approval for Amendment 1, FAMO harbor pilot modernization).

The firm's underlying operating model is a traditional professional services agency, not a technology platform. There is no proprietary software product; the "technology" consists of practitioner expertise, contact networks, and process know-how. Pricing is not publicly disclosed but follows retainer and project-based conventions of the PR industry. GTM is sales-led direct engagement, with services delivered directly to clients rather than through resellers or self-service channels. The team is small (approximately 3–5 named senior practitioners plus interns) led by President Cory Tilley, Vice President Jennifer Fennell (APR, CPRC), and most recently Josh Gabel (joined 2024), reflecting a senior-heavy boutique that depends heavily on individual practitioner relationships.

CoreMessage generates revenue through professional services fees paid by Florida-based clients across government associations, transportation, education, insurance/reinsurance, retail, maritime, and political campaign verticals. Marketing is modest and largely inbound via published client news, quarterly newsletter, Twitter presence, industry association involvement (FPRA Capital Chapter, Tallahassee Chamber), and testimonials. The firm carries no external funding, no parent company, no subsidiaries, and operates as a closely held Florida corporation with no disclosed financial statements. Awards include the 2011 FPRA Capital Chapter Image Awards (Top Distinction) and 2020 VISIT FLORIDA Flagler Awards (Best of Show and Henry Award), underscoring industry recognition in regional PR.

Name

CoreMessage

Legal name

CoreMessage, Inc.

Website

https://coremessage.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

2001

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

CoreMessage is a Tallahassee-based, full-service public relations and strategic communications firm founded in 2001, serving Florida businesses, statewide associations, government agencies, and political campaigns with earned media, grassroots advocacy, crisis communications, and integrated campaign services.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Public Relations Services

NAICS

Media Representatives (541840)

SIC

Services-Miscellaneous Business Services (7380)

akta.pro primary industry

Media Relations & Press Office Services (MPAAADAI)

Keywords

• Public relations services
• Strategic communications
• Media relations
• Crisis communications
• Issue advocacy

Headquarters

HQ city

Tallahassee

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Others

Revenue model

1. Professional Services - PR & Communications Consulting: Full-service communications and public relations services offered to diverse group of businesses and organizations. Services can be combined into comprehensive campaigns or provided separately on a project-by-project basis.

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels1 record

Marketing channels5 records

Core offering

CoreMessage is a full-service public relations and strategic communications firm based in Tallahassee, Florida. It delivers integrated communications campaigns combining earned media, paid media, grassroots coalition building, crisis communications, and digital outreach for businesses, associations, government agencies, and political campaigns throughout Florida. Services are offered as comprehensive campaigns or on a project-by-project basis.

Product overview

CoreMessage is a full-service public relations and strategic communications firm offering a comprehensive suite of integrated services. The firm operates as a single unified service offering rather than a software platform or modular product. CoreMessage's portfolio includes 22 distinct service areas spanning earned media, paid media, grassroots organizing, digital communications, event planning, research, and creative development. These services are combined and tailored for each client to create comprehensive communications campaigns addressing their specific public relations, public affairs, and strategic communications needs throughout Florida.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Strategic Public Relations and Communications
• Crisis Communications and Issues Management
• Media Relations and Earned Media Campaigns
• Grassroots Coalition Building and Advocacy
• Issue Advocacy and Public Affairs
• Political Campaign Communications
• Digital and Social Media Communications
• Paid Media Placement
• Message Development, Speechwriting, and Media Training
• Event Planning and Production
• Research, Monitoring, and Creative Production

Quantifiable outcome

• 133+ million earned media impressions achieved for Associated Industries of Florida since 2009
• +2 more outcomes

Named customers13 records

Segments3 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature5 records

Partnerships

Four partnerships are on record, tiered major and core.

• Ron Sachs CommunicationsmajorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2010Partnership with Ron Sachs Communications on earned media campaign for Florida Association of Court Clerks & Comptrollers during 2009 Legislative Session to preserve court-related duties and funding.
• Florida Alliance of Maritime Organizations (FAMO)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2009CoreMessage supplemented FAMO's efforts to inform the public about negative economic impacts of Florida's harbor pilot system. Led a two-year earned media campaign that resulted in modernizing antiquated statutes for first time in 30+ years.
• Ron Sachs CommunicationscoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2008Partnership with Ron Sachs Communications to create and execute the 'Explore Adoption' campaign for former Governor Crist's Office of Adoption and Child Protection. Included brand development, marketing tools, paid advertising, TV special, and earned media.
• Taproot CreativecoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2007Partnership with Taproot Creative to develop and implement comprehensive strategic and integrated communications plan for Yes on 1 – Save Our Homes Now campaign. Developed brand identity, marketing materials, interactive website, and bus tour logistics.

Scale indicators9 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights4 records

Market position

Strengths4 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/coremessage
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/core-message

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles3 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about CoreMessage