1. Bravo Group: Steven Kratz joins Bravo Group.
Text of April 6 press release.
Kratz focused on energy, life sciences and technology at DCED.
HARRISBURG, PA -- Bravo Group, Pennsylvania’s largest independent public relations and
advocacy firm, announced today that Steven Kratz has joined the firm’s growing communications
practice and will serve as Senior Account Executive. Kratz most recently served as Executive
Director of Communications for the Pennsylvania Department of Community & Economic
Development (DCED).
“Steve brings a breadth of knowledge and experience to our team,” said Chris Bravacos, CEO of
Bravo Group. “As Bravo Group expands and strengthens our work in industries that are economic
drivers for Pennsylvania and the United States, including energy, manufacturing and life
sciences, his abilities and insights will prove invaluable to our work.”
In his position at the DCED, Kratz oversaw the press, marketing, and social media operations of
the agency. He also led business marketing efforts for the Commonwealth by working with third-
party vendors and consultants to develop and implement a new branding initiative for economic
development, spurring growth and new job creation. The initiative focused on attracting and
retaining businesses in the state, particularly focusing on the energy, life sciences, technology,
logistics, and industries.
“I spent a large part of my career building relationships at the grassroots level and developing
resources to communicate results with one cohesive voice to win the tough fights,” said Kratz.
“This new opportunity will be a great extension of that work and I am thrilled to join Bravo Group.”
Under his leadership, Kratz and his staff successfully earned recognition for the DCED and
Pennsylvania with highly-successful initiatives including the “Pennsylvania. Built to Advance”
branding and marketing campaign and Metro Market Missions to New York, Dallas/Fort Worth,
and Chicago.
Kratz helped to promote Pennsylvania’s robust life science industry and coordinated
Commonwealth featured events during the 2013 and 2014 Bio Industry Organization International
Conventions. During the 2013 convention, he served as the governor’s on-sight communications
lead. In this role, Kratz coordinated news conferences and press interviews between former Gov.
Tom Corbett and national and international media to promote Pennsylvania’s life sciences
industry and the governor’s recognition as the 2013 BIO Governor of the Year.
Bravo Group has been named agency of record for the 2015 BIO Bio Industry Organization
International Convention in Philadelphia this June.
Kratz has worked with energy companies including Monroe Energy, Philadelphia Energy
Solutions and Royal Dutch Shell. As Royal Dutch Shell explored constructing a petrochemical
facility in the Appalachian region, Kratz worked extensively with DCED and regional community
and economic development partners to help propel Pennsylvania as the preferred site for the
project. Kratz continued coordinating a communications strategy with Royal Dutch Shell and
regional partners as the company continued its extensive site evaluation process in Beaver
County, Pennsylvania.

2. With a presence in Harrisburg, Philadelphia, Pittsburgh and Dallas, Bravo Group works with a
broad range of clients in the energy sector, including Sunoco, Sunoco Logistics, Southwestern
Energy (SWN), Cabot Oil & Gas, Philadelphia Energy Solutions, Dow Chemical and the
Pennsylvania Steel Alliance. The firm also manages the Pennsylvania Chemical Industry Council
(PCIC), which is an advocacy organization acting on behalf of the state’s chemical industry.
About Bravo Group
With a presence in Harrisburg, Philadelphia, Pittsburgh and Dallas, Bravo Group helps clients
Win Tough Fights™ with a campaign-style approach to public relations and advocacy. This
integrated approach puts clients in the best position to achieve results often in the most difficult
public, political and regulatory environments. For more information, visit www.thebravogroup.com.
Contact: Jeanette Krebs, 717-214-2200
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