#United States #San Diego #Small Business Awards #Intesa Communications #Customers First

Intesa Communications Group's Prestigious Achievement

On July 21, 2026, Intesa Communications Group, a premier public relations and government affairs firm based in San Diego, proudly received the coveted 'Customers First' award at the San Diego Regional Chamber of Commerce's 2026 Small Business Awards. This prestigious recognition, announced on July 9 at the Chamber's annual event, is a testament to the firm's unwavering commitment to exceptional customer service.

A Journey of Excellence

Founded in 2012, Intesa has quickly transformed from a small boutique agency into one of San Diego’s leading firms in public relations and government affairs. Over the past decade, the firm has achieved remarkable growth, doubling its workforce in just two years, and demonstrating three consecutive years of double-digit revenue increase. Last year alone, it expanded its client base by a striking 26%.

Intesa's diverse portfolio includes notable clients such as San Diego State University, SeaWorld San Diego, Expedia Group, and the San Diego Foundation. Each partnership showcases Intesa's talent in handling public relations, strategic communications, and government affairs for various sectors.

Commitment to Client Success

Margie Newman Tsay, one of Intesa's founding partners, expressed her gratitude for the recognition, attributing this achievement to the entire team and their dedication to clients. “This award belongs to every member of our team and to the clients who trust us with their most valuable asset – their reputation,” said Tsay. “Our clients stay with us for years because we show up prepared, fully invested, and ready for the moments that matter most.”

Intesa's client-centered philosophy has yielded significant success stories across numerous campaigns. Notably, their collaboration with the Jacobs & Cushman San Diego Food Bank redefined the messaging around the organization's summer food drive, leading to over 15 million impressions and raising 489,026 pounds of food along with $344,505 in donations—resulting in more than one million meals for those in need. Additionally, the Logan Heights Community Development Corporation highlighted an 8:1 return on investment after Intesa effectively promoted the California Mortgage Relief Program.

Celebrating Small Business Impact

The impact of small businesses, as emphasized by Chris Cate, the Chamber’s President and CEO, is indispensable in fostering economic growth and community development in San Diego. He stated, “Small businesses are the heart of our economy, fueling innovation and creating jobs.” The Customers First award honors not only Intesa but also the clients they serve, underscoring the meaningful partnerships that drive community progress.

Recognition for Excellence

This accolade adds to the over 60 awards Intesa has received, underscoring its superiority in public relations, strategic communications, and public affairs. Among these awards are notable recognitions from PR News, the Public Relations Society of America, and the San Diego Business Journal. Recently, two members of Intesa, Emily Alvarenga and Margaret Lutz Chantung, received honors in the SDBJ’s ‘40 Under 40’ and ‘Indispensable’ categories respectively, highlighting the firm’s commitment to excellence and emerging leadership.

Looking Ahead

As Intesa Communications Group celebrates this significant achievement, they remain committed to thanking the clients that have empowered their success. Maddy Kilkenny, another of Intesa's partners, summarized the firm’s philosophy, stating, “We call ourselves dot connectors, and this award is what that looks like in practice.” Every initiative and campaign reinforces their goal of leaving clients stronger and more confident.

For more information about Intesa Communications Group, visit their website at www.intesacom.com.

Intesa Communications Group: Connecting leaders to communicate and advocate with confidence.