LABELLE — On Wednesday, Jan. 16, LaBelle native Bianca Ross opened Story Media Group, based in LaBelle. Story Media Group will provide businesses with a local option for their public relations, digital marketing and communication needs.

Story Media Group is a full-service public relations consulting agency whose mission is to help businesses develop and tell their story through various channels. Services include research, advocacy, strategic planning, branding, on-site training, digital marketing and analytics. Ms. Ross and company will provide existing clients and new customers with a high level of service that can be utilized during all stages of a business or brand. “Everglades Marketing provided me with an amazing opportunity to grow, but I am excited for this next chapter as a business owner and PR professional.” Ms. Ross continues, “I am thrilled to be able to continue to provide services for the growing needs of businesses and organizations throughout the region through Story. This is my passion.”

Ms. Ross is an active member of the community and is currently serving on the board of the LaBelle Little League. She served as the first Hispanic president of the LaBelle Chamber of Commerce, as a member of the Board of Directors of the Harry Chapin Food Bank of SWFL, as the past chairwoman of Sugar Festival Inc., and was elected president of the 2012 Leadership Hendry Glades graduating class. She is the host and founder of Big Lake Now, a twice-weekly public affairs show on WAFC Pure Country. She and her husband, Vince, live in LaBelle with their two daughters. She is a graduate of Florida Gulf Coast University, where she studied communications, public relations and philosophy.

Ms. Ross previously served as the chief strategist for Everglades Marketing, the marketing arm for Rocktide LLC.