MWW Group: CarbonFree for Three Years Running
May 20, 2009
I am very pleased to report that MWW Group is once again CarbonFree through our partnership with Carbonfund.org, a leader in carbon reduction and offset solutions. For the past three years, MWW Group has offset the total carbon emissions of its operations, roughly 4,600 metric tons of C02 (2009 certificate below) for that three-year period. That’s an amazing amount, particularly for an organization of our size. It represents more than 10 million pounds of C02, the emissions equivalent of 10,000 barrels of oil or taking 850 cars off the road for a year. And while the entire MWW Group team can take pride in this accomplishment, we’re by no means finished.
As an organization we believe that without a well-trained workforce, the promise of clean energy is unattainable. Therefore in 2009 and beyond, MWW Group will extend its partnership with Carbonfund.org and support specific, verifiable renewable energy projects that create the infrastructure and skills necessary to drive a global, clean energy economy and further reduce carbon emissions. This year MWW Group will support the Iowa Lakes Wind Energy and Turbine Program, an initiative of Iowa Lakes Community College responding to the growing demand for skilled technicians who can install, maintain, and service modern wind turbines. Information on the program can be found here: http://www.ilcc.cc.ia.us/programs_study/industrial/wind_energy_turbine/index.htm.
MWW Group remains firmly committed to doing our part to protect and preserve the environment. We challenge our peers in the industry, as well as our clients and partners, to join with us in this important work, or to adopt your own programs to help bring about a clean energy economy.
Posted by Michael Kempner at 11:13 AM | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)
THE SWINE FLU…THE MEDIA’S IRRESPONSIBLITY IS CAUSING PANIC AND YOU NEED TO BE READY
May 01, 2009
Two weeks ago, the news was full of Mexican drug violence and horror stories…it was drug violence 24 hours a day for weeks. So, either the drug problem has been solved, all the drug lords have come down with swine flu…or the media is on to their next sensational 24 hour news story…you can guess which one. Yes, the swine flu is making the media act like pigs (pun intended)…by all reports the current strain is mild and causes only a few days of illness to the average American. This is not to minimize the impact of getting sick or the terrible tragedy to those who have died. But, tens of thousands of Americans die each year for the run of the mill flu strain, far more than the current “pandemic.” While the facts may be very different than the hysteria that is being fed by the media, the fear that it has created is real. And that fear, rational or not, has the potential to cause significant harm to your business or organization.
In all likelihood your organization is actively monitoring the Swine Flu crisis and like many, you’ve already communicated to your employees travel warnings, guidance on limiting exposure to the virus and procedures to follow should they feel ill.
Now, just how ready is your organization to manage the necessary communications triggered by a confirmed infection among your employees? What about a suspected infection or even a rumor?
The Centers for Disease Control and both state and local health organizations have clear guidelines for dealing with public health issues. Companies experiencing a confirmed case will be directed to identify and notify other employees, customers, etc. with whom there was likely contact. In the case of a suspected infection or a rumor, some organizations may even lean towards preemptive notification in an effort to stay ahead of the issue.
It will be extremely difficult to keep such notifications "quiet," particularly with an issue of this scale and potential impact. Internal memos quickly become public and social media platforms virtually guarantee exposure within minutes. And for organizations whose employees who interact with the public on a regular basis such as retailers, restaurants, universities, hospitals, etc., communicating through the media may be a necessary part of the response plan.
In all cases it is critically important that the communications process be handled correctly and the message be right. Downplay the incident and you appear uncaring. Overplay the incident and you start a panic. Both can have a devastating impact on an organization's reputation and business prospects.
If you are not already thinking about "what's next" you should be. Among the many things to be thinking about, a few include:
• Employee communications detailing corporate policies and advising on precautions
• Contingency planning, notification procedures and related communications associated with confirmed and/or suspected cases among employees
• Website content, social media communications and call center scripts on the issue
• Investor communications detailing risk management protocols, business impact, etc.
• Monitoring media and online sources for rumors and promptly addressing them
• Media relations support including the fielding of incoming calls
• Spokesperson training
• Tracking industry / competitor reactions to the crisis
• Working with industry associations on statements and activities related to the crisis
In the end, this points out the need for strong contingency planning by American companies and institutions…because there is always something unexpected that happens…and not being prepared is often worse than the event or disease.
Posted by Michael Kempner at 10:26 AM | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)
MWW Group Issues First Annual Corporate Citizenship Report
March 02, 2009
I am pleased to share with you MWW Group's first annual Corporate Citizenship Report. Since 1986, MWW Group has strived to be a positive influence in the communities in which we live and work. This report highlights our recent accomplishments, outlines our focus going forward and will serve as a baseline against which we measure and report our future citizenship activities.
Through our company-wide efforts and the personal commitments of our employees nationwide, MWW Group and its employees continually strive to demonstrate citizenship in action. Through our contributions of time and financial resources to charitable organizations, our strict focus on environmental responsibility, our industry-leading employee programs and our great work on behalf of clients, the people of MWW Group can take great pride in our societal committments.
I would like to personally thank our partners in philanthropy, citizenship and sustainability for all your contributions to date and for your future efforts.
Posted by Michael Kempner at 03:16 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)
Facebook Just Misses Jumping the Shark...or Have They?
February 18, 2009
First, I need to stipulate that I am a huge fan of Facebook, in fact, an addict. And I’m concerned. By “slipping” in a new and egregious privacy policy earlier this month, they have begun to run the risk of alienating their legions of fans. And, while they reversed course after it was discovered and a massive public outcry insued, Facebook has put their brand cache in deep jeopardy. Whether the new policy was just a statement of the obvious...that what you put on the web never leaves the web...or is in fact a grab against privacy, one thing is for sure, the future of Facebook as a trusted brand came precariously close to disaster.
While each of us should know that anything we post on our Facebook has the potential to be seen by the entire world...so poster beware...that is materially different than Facebook taking ownership of your content, of your private information...with the right to do with it as they please. This policy was truly shocking for a company that grew organically on trust and must depend on organic growth to keep them moving forward. Did they think that people wouldn't notice or care? Or is it just inexperience, a miscalculated revenue grab or arrogance? Whatever the motive, they have created real doubt in the minds of their consumers...time will tell if it they have inflicted long term damage on themselves or if this was just a short term hick up...and kudos to them for recognizing that they had a real crises and handled it quickly and apparently competently...but, now more than ever they will have a bull’s-eye on every move and a magnifier on every policy...how they move from here will determine whether they remain an enduring brand or one that has begun to jump the shark.
Posted by Michael Kempner at 10:47 AM | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)
A Call to Action
January 15, 2009
The inauguration of President Barack Obama is a mere five days away. This is a truly exciting time for all of us. As a nation we’ve got a long, hard road to travel to address the many problems that we face, but I firmly believe that we’ve elected the right person to lead us down that road.
The national mood, I think, is particularly eager for change. Not only a change in this administration … though certainly that … but a change in direction. We have major issues to tackle and we’re collectively tired of waiting to do so. I think you’ll see a tremendous outpouring of national energy in the coming days and months.
In that spirit, I’m proud to announce that MWW Group has issued a national call to action, to harness some of that energy in the effort to create positive change. We are calling it “100 Words for 100 Days.” We have asked for 100-word submissions from organizations and individuals across the country, either written or in video form. The submissions should answer two questions:
What change are you ready for in the first 100 days?
And what can you do to bring about this change?
The entries will be gathered at www.mww.com/change. We will review every one and will select two winners – one organizational winner and one individual.
The winning organization will receive three months’ worth of pro bono PR support from MWW Group, amounting to $30,000 worth of assistance to help them spread their message of change. The winning individual will earn a $5,000 paid internship at any of MWW Group’s offices, where we will teach them the PR skills necessary to help them achieve their goal.
The inauguration of a new President gives us all a chance to think about how we can do our part to help change our nation for the better. That’s what this campaign is about.
At MWW Group, we’re proud to do our part. We look forward to receiving these entries, and to making these promises a reality.
Posted by Michael Kempner at 02:31 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)
Change is Now: Opportunity for Critical Clean Technology
December 18, 2008
During the run-up to November 4th it seemed like the entire country was screaming in unison for “Change.” As I watch the President-Elect’s environmental priorities and policies take shape I think the new national rallying cry should be “Opportunity.” This election made crystal clear the American people’s demand for a national energy policy focused on green and renewable sources. Not only is it the right call for the environment and for our national security, I believe such a policy will provide unprecedented opportunities for clean technology companies, their employees and their investors while at the same time helping get the country back on the right economic path by creating jobs, taxes and other critical economic stimulus benefits. And most importantly, move us rapidly towards energy independence.
As it stands today, the Obama energy plan calls for investment of $150 Billion in clean technologies over the next ten years. As part of the plan the President-Elect is pledging to:
~ double energy R&D funding,
~ convert the nation’s manufacturing centers into clean technology masterpieces,
~ commercialize and deploy cellulosic ethanol,
~ expand locally-owned biofuel refineries,
~ require a national 25% renewable electricity standard by 2025, and,
~ invest $50 billion in the Clean Technologies Venture Capital Fund over the next five years.
For smart businesses ready today to take lead-steer positions on key environmental issues and help shape the national dialogue, the Obama energy plan may well represent an opportunity unlike anything seen before. That said, ‘today’ is the key part of that statement. The President-Elect is not waiting until Inauguration Day to begin and this train is warming up and about to ready the station.
Given the dollar amounts involved, the Obama Administration will first need to engage the Congress and a multitude of Federal agencies before it can turn its environmental vision into a reality. The drafting and submission of a massive new energy bill (or a series of bills) will soon commence and a spirited debate is expected in Congress as the Administration presses for passage of the legislation. Intense public interest…and public need…will mandate swift action on the Hill and the window of opportunity will quickly close for companies seeking to be a part of the process…and share part of the opportunity.
Right now, clean technology companies should be launching public and government relations campaigns if they hope to contribute to the national energy plan and create a receptive environment for putting those dollars into action. Flags must be immediately planted in Washington while the legislation is still in a conceptual state, before the drafting is finalized and while the guiding principles are being discussed by members of Congress, their staffs, and the soon-to-be-confirmed top energy officials in the Obama Administration.
The next two to three months are going to be intense. Many companies’ futures will be made and many more will miss out. For those of us who do this for a living, and who will be neck deep in the process on behalf of tomorrow’s clean technology leaders, it will no doubt be an exciting reminder of why we got into this business in the first place.
Posted by Michael Kempner at 01:29 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)
Great People at MWW Group
November 25, 2008
Congratulations to several of our outstanding staff for winning 2008 the PR News PR People of the Year awards.
The PR News PR People Award showcases the top talent and the passionate professionals who, day in and day out, are making communications matter in the marketplace. This award highlights those who set the benchmark for PR and underscores the outstanding PR achievements of the last year.
PR News' 2008 PR People of the Year are:
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Claire Koeneman received an honorable mention for the Investor Relations Professional of the Year award. Claire continues to be a game changer for her clients’ businesses as well as someone that CEOs and CFOs across the country and the world seek out for counsel, leading Claire to be a trusted advisor to some of the leading companies in the world. | |
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Tracy Calabrese also accepted her award as one of PR News' 15 to Watch for PR professionals under 30 years old. Starting as an intern 4 years ago, Tracey has become a true MWW Group superstar. Her passion for PR and can-do attitude has helped her fast track her way to becoming an SAE where she now helps to manage PR programs for Samsung, one of MWW Group’s largest accounts. |
Please join me in congratulating our colleagues on their prestigious and well-deserved recognition.
Posted by Michael Kempner at 05:52 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)
