Woodstock Institute

The Woodstock Institute hired Stomping Ground Strategies to generate press around its initiative to close a loophole that allows for triple digit interest rates and fees for consumers who take out pawn loans despite the state’s 36% interest rate cap on consumer loans.

1,109

Clicks

175k

Impressions

56k+

Residents reached

Services

Earned Media, Strategic Messaging, Policy & Research

THE CHALLENGE

The Woodstock Institute was up against well-funded lobbyists representing the Pawnbrokers’ Association.

Stomping Ground Strategies was brought on for this work in real-time as veto session was happening.

THE SOLUTION

Story placement in statewide and Chicago-based news outlets: Springfield’s WCIA-TV and an op-ed in the Chicago Sun Times by former state Sen. Jacqueline Collins.

Press conference support in the Statehouse Blue Room and advising press when consumers testified before the legislative committee during veto session.

A paid social media awareness campaign targeting Illinois residents statewide.

Ads developed in both English and Spanish generated 1,109 link clicks with over 175,000 impressions, reaching over 56,000 residents.

THE IMPACT

There was a re-write to the State’s pawnbroker law, creating a database for pawn loans to force transparency and accountability for the industry.

Woodstock also pushed out a report in January 2024 highlighting that the legislation capping interest rates is working. SGS distributed a press release following the report and generated 9 media placements.