Breckenridge, Minn. is located along the mighty Red River. It is a town that is prone to flooding every year. Due to the fact that they flood nearly every year and have several major floods including the flood of 1997 and most recently the flood of 2009, the Breckenridge community is very prepared for a crisis.
I recently have been studying the crisis communication of Breckenridge and have just began to get into the information. Over the years, Breckenridge has been working on hindering the flooding that occurs in their community. I am working towards finding out much about the city of Breckenridge and exactly what it does to deal with crisis communication during its floods.
I will be finding out who the spokespeople are, what channels of communication are used, which channels of communication were most effective, and what can be done better.
When it comes to channels of communication, they used the Internet, television, and radio for sure, but I am thinking that other mediums could have been used as well. As far as which one was the most effective for them, I need to do more research to know for sure. As I study how Breckenridge deals with crisis communication, I will hopefully find ways for them to improve their crisis communication which will ensure better safety for the residents, less emotional damage, and overall will control the situation more effectively when the flood hits.
Sunday, May 3, 2009
Wednesday, April 22, 2009
Fire forces temporary evacuation in St. Charles, Minnesota.
St. Charles, Minn. - A fire destroys the North Star Foods plant in St. Charles, Minn. on April 17. The fire occurred shortly after 10 a.m. The town was evacuated when the food plant went up in flames threatening the residence's health with its toxic flames. Residence are now back in their homes, but the effects of the fire are still very much present. North Star plans on rebuilding in St. Charles, but the effects of the fire have left many individuals without jobs for the time being and water streams in nearby White Water State Park contaminated causing many of its fish to die.
When it comes to crisis communication, the city of St. Charles and all reporters and officials involved did a great job. They immediately informed the individuals involved and then informed the media. With such a large evacuation, it is easy for rumors to surface, but officials did a great job of getting the facts out as soon as they could so that these rumors did not occur.
One minor problem is some speculation has occurred over the recent death of fish. It has not technically been released that the fish in Whitewater died due to the fire, but it is a given. The situation is under investigation, but initial reports have connected the deaths directly to the fire due to leaks of ammonium in the streams. This is a case of speculation, but for all of the chances for speculation to occur, overall they did a great job of hindering it.
I am sure that North Star Foods given that it is a large company, has a crisis plan for situations like this. They will have to use a lot of public relations in the next months if not years to return a positive image to the community. They have already regained some of it by deciding to rebuild in St. Charles again and not relocating, but they still have a long way to go.
When it comes to crisis communication, the city of St. Charles and all reporters and officials involved did a great job. They immediately informed the individuals involved and then informed the media. With such a large evacuation, it is easy for rumors to surface, but officials did a great job of getting the facts out as soon as they could so that these rumors did not occur.
One minor problem is some speculation has occurred over the recent death of fish. It has not technically been released that the fish in Whitewater died due to the fire, but it is a given. The situation is under investigation, but initial reports have connected the deaths directly to the fire due to leaks of ammonium in the streams. This is a case of speculation, but for all of the chances for speculation to occur, overall they did a great job of hindering it.
I am sure that North Star Foods given that it is a large company, has a crisis plan for situations like this. They will have to use a lot of public relations in the next months if not years to return a positive image to the community. They have already regained some of it by deciding to rebuild in St. Charles again and not relocating, but they still have a long way to go.
Monday, March 16, 2009
Jim Jones’ Hip Hop is back!
Hip Hop Monologues: Inside the Life & Mind of Jim Jones, the critically acclaimed artistic listening set to stage and produced by Sony Entertainment, Damon Dash, and J Kyle's Korner Entertainment is returning to the 37 Arts Theater in New York City on March 24th for six performances. This is the first time that it is open to the public. Tickets are starting at $40 and began selling on March 10.
According to PR Newswire, “Hip Hop Monologues: Inside the Life & Mind of Jim Jones, first debuted in November 2008 as a first of its kind, two-day theatrical album listening of sorts, set to stage using music from Jones' forthcoming Columbia Records debut album Pray IV Reign (in stores March 24th) as the platform. Its two day showing was exclusive to an audience of celebrities and media, music and entertainment industry insiders. Due to the overwhelming buzz and reviews of this private theatrical event, Hip Hop Monologues is returning to stage and opening to the public for the first time at the overwhelming demand of Jim Jones fans, theatre enthusiasts and critics alike.”
This news release was very well written. They used inverted pyramid to perfection. They began the news release with a straightforward lead that identified who, what, when, where, why, and how. Then they continued on to describe ticket prices and then what it is about.
After the important parts were given, they then continued on to give the article a more personal touch. These are details that could have been left out if the space was not there. They are not absolutely needed. When the press release was originally written, it may have been longer, but space did not allow for it to remain that long.
This would have been a great example to use when we discussed news releases last week.
According to PR Newswire, “Hip Hop Monologues: Inside the Life & Mind of Jim Jones, first debuted in November 2008 as a first of its kind, two-day theatrical album listening of sorts, set to stage using music from Jones' forthcoming Columbia Records debut album Pray IV Reign (in stores March 24th) as the platform. Its two day showing was exclusive to an audience of celebrities and media, music and entertainment industry insiders. Due to the overwhelming buzz and reviews of this private theatrical event, Hip Hop Monologues is returning to stage and opening to the public for the first time at the overwhelming demand of Jim Jones fans, theatre enthusiasts and critics alike.”
This news release was very well written. They used inverted pyramid to perfection. They began the news release with a straightforward lead that identified who, what, when, where, why, and how. Then they continued on to describe ticket prices and then what it is about.
After the important parts were given, they then continued on to give the article a more personal touch. These are details that could have been left out if the space was not there. They are not absolutely needed. When the press release was originally written, it may have been longer, but space did not allow for it to remain that long.
This would have been a great example to use when we discussed news releases last week.
Friday, February 20, 2009
Chicago Golf Show
February 20, 2009 - The 26th Annual Chicago Golf Show will feature Nancy Lopez, Beth Daniel, and many more other golf greats. The show will include booths where one can test the latest golf clubs, find great bargains, and even get free lessons.
“With the U.S.-versus-Europe women's team matches set for this summer at Rich Harvest Farms in Sugar Grove, current and past U.S. Solheim Cup captains Beth Daniel and Nancy Lopez, respectively, will appear at the 26th annual Golf Show.
The two LPGA Hall of Fame members will grace the Chicago Golf Show's Golf Academy Stage, where they are expected to conduct clinics, greet fans, and bring everyone up to date on this year's Solheim Cup. Attendees can even catch a glimpse of the coveted Solheim Cup, currently held by the U.S.
Current captain Beth Daniel will headline Opening Day of the Show on Friday, Feb. 27; Nancy Lopez, who captained the victorious 2005 U.S. Solheim Cup team, will step to the stage on Sunday, March 1. Lopez also is captain of this year's PING Junior Solheim Cup team.
With 33 victories on the LPGA Tour, including one major, Daniel was inducted into the LPGA Hall of Fame in 1999.
Lopez, who won 48 times on the LPGA Tour, including three majors, was voted into the LPGA Hall of Fame in 1987. She is married for former Cincinnati Reds third baseman Ray Knight with whom she has three children” (Chicago Golf Show, 2009).
Also they are marking down admission prices by 10 percent for this year. The cost of admission is $9, except for their promotional day in which it is only $5 to get in. This promotion is in honor of President Abraham Lincoln.
This is a great press release. It starts with the attractions that will truly draw people in and then works its way to the details of the event. By reducing the price by a small amount, they still make enough money, yet they get more people to come which ends up profiting them in the long run. This is a great public relations move.
I cannot see any mistakes or errors in this public relations maneuver. This is a success full event that has been occurring over the past quarter century, so they really have perfected the art of getting people to come to their event. The PR practitioner(s) have had many years to correct errors, try new techniques, and find the best way possible to run the event and publicize it.
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
Rock Icon Jon Bon Jovi Helps Out a Great Cause
January 28, 2009-Hard Rock International(R) partnered with rock icon Jon Bon Jovi has released a limited edition t-shirt for its Hard Rock Signature Series: Edition XXVI. All shirts will benefit the Philadelphia Soul Charitable Foundation.
Hard Rock International(R) along with Jon Bon Jovi are using strategic planning concept.
Both parties used this concept well. Hard Rock International(R) picked a rock icon with a very positive image and made it more positive. Jon Bon Jovi does not have the image that many rock performers have. He is known to have music that is loved and appreciated by both young and old alike. He is known for being cleanly dressed, respected by parents, and adored by many.
This is a great PR move for both parties involved. Jon Bon Jovi gets to reinforce his image as the "good boy" rocker and Hard Rock International(R) can be known as an organization that not only has restaurants and great food and great clothing, but as an organization who cares about others and is willing to better the lives of others.
The rock world is known to be "dirty", full of drug addicts, tattoos, loud noises, crazy hair, outrageous accessories, and much more. It is a type of music that is traditionally known as music for the rebellious children as it is not typically liked by the older generations and parents. Hard Rock International(R), in order to increase its sales, is strategically creating an image of the clean, well mannered, stylish, talented rocker. By using various t-shirt sales to help various charitable organizations and using rockers such as Jon Bon Jovi, they are in a sense cleaning up their image. They are letting parents know that rock will not destroy their perfect child. They are making rock for everyone, not just the rebellious.
Jon Bon Jovi is benefiting from this as well. By keeping his name out their in the positive lime light. I do not believe in the phrase that bad PR can be good PR. One negative brought out in a star can completely tarnish that person's record and reputation.
This is great PR, but there is one thing that needs to be done. This is a great campaign and all, but Hard Rock International(R) needs to put it out there more and do more advertising. Other than the Internet and at Hard Rock(R) locations, I do not hear of this campaign. This would be a great topic to do a sort of public service announcement in which Jon Bon Jovi could tell of the good that would come from individuals purchasing the t-shirts that Hardrock(R) offers with their Signature Series. Plus this would also give the charitable organization great exposure.
Hard Rock International(R) along with Jon Bon Jovi are using strategic planning concept.
Both parties used this concept well. Hard Rock International(R) picked a rock icon with a very positive image and made it more positive. Jon Bon Jovi does not have the image that many rock performers have. He is known to have music that is loved and appreciated by both young and old alike. He is known for being cleanly dressed, respected by parents, and adored by many.
This is a great PR move for both parties involved. Jon Bon Jovi gets to reinforce his image as the "good boy" rocker and Hard Rock International(R) can be known as an organization that not only has restaurants and great food and great clothing, but as an organization who cares about others and is willing to better the lives of others.
The rock world is known to be "dirty", full of drug addicts, tattoos, loud noises, crazy hair, outrageous accessories, and much more. It is a type of music that is traditionally known as music for the rebellious children as it is not typically liked by the older generations and parents. Hard Rock International(R), in order to increase its sales, is strategically creating an image of the clean, well mannered, stylish, talented rocker. By using various t-shirt sales to help various charitable organizations and using rockers such as Jon Bon Jovi, they are in a sense cleaning up their image. They are letting parents know that rock will not destroy their perfect child. They are making rock for everyone, not just the rebellious.
Jon Bon Jovi is benefiting from this as well. By keeping his name out their in the positive lime light. I do not believe in the phrase that bad PR can be good PR. One negative brought out in a star can completely tarnish that person's record and reputation.
This is great PR, but there is one thing that needs to be done. This is a great campaign and all, but Hard Rock International(R) needs to put it out there more and do more advertising. Other than the Internet and at Hard Rock(R) locations, I do not hear of this campaign. This would be a great topic to do a sort of public service announcement in which Jon Bon Jovi could tell of the good that would come from individuals purchasing the t-shirts that Hardrock(R) offers with their Signature Series. Plus this would also give the charitable organization great exposure.
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