On Thursday, Jan. 24, 2008, Mary Pisarkiewicz, founder and Chief Creative Officer of PM & Co, was honored by the Staples Corporation for her tireless work with the Greenwich Village Middle School. A relationship made possible by PENCIL, an organization that creates and supports partnerships between business leaders and principals to transform New York City public schools. Mary was presented with the Staples “True Original” Business Award, which recognizes business leaders who make an impact in their local communities, and $1500 which she promptly donated to the school.

Kelly McGuire, the Principal of GVMS, explained to all in attendance that PM & Co created a complete branding program including a new identity, stationary, brochure and website. These elements have had a dramatic impact in the following ways:

  • Increasing the school's number of student applicants by 30%.
  • Nearly doubling the number of school tours by potential applicants.
  • Instilling a sense of pride and ownership in the entire student body.
Among those in attendance were Staples Regional Vice President of Sales & Operations, Kevin Downes, President/CEO of Grand Central Partnership, Fred Cerullo, President of PENCIL, Michael Haberman, along with students, clients, and friends.