San Diego Metropolitan - 40 Under 40

This began as a love story from the pages of the Stoorza, Zieghaus and Metzger files: Audrey Doherty met Craig Benedetto in 1998 when both were working (she in Los Angeles, he in San Diego) for the public relations firm.

Craig left Stoorza in 1999 to form Benedetto Communications, focusing on government affairs and community relations. Audrey joined him in February 2000 to add public relations and marketing services. The two were married Oct. 28, 2000. Since then, the company has added two full-time employees and now has 10 active contracts, including AT&T Wireless, The Meadows Del Mar, Sempra Energy, the Bajagua Project and Newland Communities.

Craig, 33, helps clients manage crisis situations and solve problems in government matters. Recently, he set up a private lunch meeting with Gov. Gray Davis to discuss solutions to the energy crisis. Craig also fields media calls, works with elected officials and their staffs and with community groups. He works at federal, state and local levels, and offers clients services in major markets such as Washington, D.C., and Sacramento.

A trustee for the San Diego Repertory Theater and a board member for California Arts Advocates, Craig is active in the San Diego Regional Chamber, the Regional Economic Development Corp. and the Building Industry Association. The BIA recognized him as an industry leader for his efforts in establishing its 1995-97 government affairs program.

Audrey, 32, writes Benedetto Communications’ press releases, coordinates special events, prepares newsletters and direct mail, and coordinates strategic partnerships for clients. She is active with the Downtown Partnership and the Gaslamp Quarter Association, and this spring led the public relations effort for the Gaslamp Quarter Easter Bonnet Parade to benefit the UCSD Cancer Center.

She is on the La Jolla Playhouse corporate relations committee, which through a partnership allows corporations to participate in the arts to stimulate creativity in a nontraditional way. “It’s nice to get a different perspective on developing business goals and ways of approaching marketing opportunities,” she says.

To further their clients’ marketing opportunities, Benedetto Communications in February launched Wild Fire, a network of seven public relations professionals based in either Los Angeles or New York. “The network gives our clients the benefit of a smaller, more personalized boutique agency with the resources of a national agency,” Audrey says.

Of the 40 Under Forty recognition, Craig says he “was honored to be nominated and honored to have been chosen for this kind of award. We’ve worked hard and have got a long way to go being so young, but it helps provide us the confidence that we’re doing a good job and people see that.”

“I’m really excited,” Audrey adds. “The award demonstrates that Craig and I have worked really hard to build our business. It’s nice to be recognized after such a short period of time.”