What’s Next for Industry after the Gulf Disaster?

by Tony Shelton, Shelton and Caudle Communication Training and Crisis Counsel, a division of Vollmer Public Relations

For some,  it’s a wash –

What company looks really good so far in the aftermath of the disaster in the Gulf?

Procter & Gamble, which has been supplying its Dawn dishwashing liquid for wildlife clean-up. In fact, a recent Huffington Post poll found that 39 percent of respondents said they would make sure to buy Dawn. 

At some point, of course, the leak will be stopped, clean-up and reparations will be concluded, and the world will move on from this tragedy.   But it’s clear the energy industry will have to operate differently.  The government will require it, and the public is demanding it.

Who’s got the solution?  The smart companies involved in offshore drilling and spill response are already asking:  How can we do this better next time.  What’s the new plan?

The really smart companies have realized that the needed technology, engineering and equipment already exist.  These essential elements reside with the independent companies that specialize in spill response and containment.  We don’t necessarily need new technology, although research is essential.  What is needed is a plan coordinated and put forth by industry response specialists, certainly with review and oversight by the federal government.

In the current disaster, the problem was not lack of response methods; it was that BP acted too slowly to get them into place. And it will be up to the responders to lead the charge. Any new plans put forth solely by BP and the other major producers – the ones who call in the response specialists – are unlikely to be warmly embraced on Capitol Hill.  It doesn’t help that, in recent testimony before Congress, the response plans of the majors all sounded a lot like BP’s.  (We’re likely to continue hearing about the plans’ protections for Gulf walruses, who haven’t called the Gulf home for millions of years. That unfortunate reference is the stuff from which legends are made.)

We need a plan that focuses on quick response for containment, as well as “stopping the leak.”  The idea is to contain and remove leaking oil as close to the source as possible, at the same time the best minds are figuring out the final fix for the problem.

In addition to the good news that the needed response and containment technology already exist is the news that, in order to be fully prepared, they don’t need to be kept in storage until a spill.     For example, with some modifications, response vessels can be ready to disconnect at virtually a moment’s notice from wells they might be working on and motor under their own power to the site of a spill.

With a plan in mind, the independent response experts, especially those willing to take leadership roles, are likely to find a friendly reception on Capitol Hill.

The major producers?  Well, they’ll have to pay for it.  But at least with a better response plan in place, they may be able to get back to the business of finding and producing the oil and gas this country is still going to need for a long, long time.

And more Americans will likely be stocking up on bottles of Dawn.

Vollmer is Passionate about Generation TX

by Denisha Stevens, Vollmer Public Relations Dallas

One of the great things about working at Vollmer is the fact that we have the opportunity to take part in programs that we are especially passionate about.  Today that special program is Generation TX (GenTX).

We are working with Milkshake Media, an Austin-based brand agency, to support the campaign by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board to foster a college-going culture in the state.  To understand the challenge and why we are so fired up about this assignment, consider these statistics:

• Texas has a population where 20 percent of residents over 25 have failed to complete high school and only 55 percent of students go to college.
• A high percentage of the public school students in Texas will be the first in their family to pursue college or career education beyond high school.
• Studies show that a college graduate will have $1 million more in lifetime earnings than a high school dropout.

It’s safe to assume that many of us wouldn’t be in our current professions if we hadn’t had the opportunity to pursue a college education or specialized training after high school.  Where would we be today if we’d had difficulty making our way through the application process or failed to find a way to pay for tuition?  The GenTX initiative has been created to help students overcome these obstacles.

Through a variety of grassroots tactics, the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board is asking community organizations and leaders to engage students and then connect them and their families to the resources   they  need to prepare for, apply to and pay for college and career education beyond high school.  The program will be launched in the pilot markets of Fort Worth and San Antonio this fall, with plans to reach out to additional markets in the future. 

We invite you to learn more at www.GenTX.org and check back frequently to watch the program take shape in the coming months.  Likewise, we invite you to do your part to reach out to students in your community to share this important resource.  After all, educating the next generation of Texans is something we all should be passionate about.

Send a Note -- You Can Thank Me Later

by Denisha Stevens, Vollmer Public Relations Dallas

It arrived in the mail in a white envelope, just blue ink on simple white card stock standing a mere four inches tall.  I called out to my office mates in excitement.   Soon, we were gathered in the hallway staring at it in amazement. 

Had we been blessed with a winning lottery ticket?  Free passes to a sporting event?  VIP party invite?  Actually, it was something far more meaningful and surprising.  We had received a handwritten thank-you note from a potential client.

Our contact had taken the time to send us a note to thank us for our RFP response.  She explained that her organization would require a few weeks to review all of the submissions and would contact us regarding next steps.  

Why the big surprise?  Unfortunately, participating in a new business pitch these days doesn’t always yield a response.  After brainstorming, meeting and preparing detailed proposals, some contacts just disappear, never to be heard from again.  Was it our recommendations?  Was it the budget?  Did they even move forward with hiring a PR firm?  Without feedback, we are just left scratching our heads.  While some potential clients send follow-up communication, a handwritten thank-you note is especially rare.

How did we get to this point?  Did we stop writing thank-you notes when we started communicating in 140 characters or less?  Are our schedules so crazy that we can’t take a moment to express our gratitude?  Face it: Whether it’s handwritten, emailed or tweeted, a simple acknowledgement still goes a long way. 

Personally, this whole experience has inspired me.  I’m going out to buy some note cards!  

Ah, Freedom.....

by Helen Vollmer, Vollmer Public Relations CEO

Have you ever wondered what America’s founding fathers were thinking when they decided to make a break from Jolly Old England?  Why the heck did they resolve to shape their own destiny 234 years ago?  Sure, the onerous taxes were a drag, but what is it about the notion of independence that allows the human spirit to risk it all, dream big and defy conventional expectations?

Beyond Washington, Jefferson, Adams, Madison and the others (for a fascinating summer read check out the Pulitzer Prize winning “Founding Brothers:  The Revolutionary Generation” by Joseph J. Ellis), history repeats itself.  Is there a bit of Davy Crockett (who died fighting for Texas independence at the Alamo) in all of us who  treasure  independence to the point of foolhardiness?

As the founder of the largest independent public relations firm based in the Southwest, I have a definite  POV on the value of independence.  I think it’s a perspective that all independent firms - from the largest to the smallest - share.  And, at a time when we celebrate our hard-earned freedoms this July 4, it might be worth considering the finer points of independence.

• Independence demands responsibility.  If you are going to be successful as an independent business or as an entrepreneur, you understand from the get go that there is no other safety net.  There is no one to “pass the buck” to, and there’s a pride in taking ownership.
• Independence fosters the freedom to think wholly and creatively.  With no one telling you “these are the rules,” you tend to evolve based on the needs of those you are servicing, the marketplace and your own ability to connect the dots for a greater good.  The result is you get to look at all the angles in making a decision and are guided by the desire to do the right thing with the knowledge you can sleep well at night.
• Independence breeds responsiveness.  Without layers of approvals, bureaucracy and time lags, you can move at lightening speed, under radar or as long as is necessary, depending on the need.
• Independence is an underpinning for tolerance.  When you treasure freedom, you also understand that it is something everyone, regardless of his or her beliefs or culture also has the right to pursue with the caveat that, “Your rights end where my nose begins.”

Don’t get me wrong.  Independence is not synonymous with great strategy, leadership and innovation.  Those can be found anywhere among individuals.  We all have to work hard every day to command the respect of clients, colleagues, friends and mentors.

But like the Founding Fathers, and all those who have fought for our freedom since this nation began, our common ground is that we believe independence in all its forms is worth a struggle.  Independence is worth fighting for. Always raising standards while exploring individual strengths breeds greater success, greater opportunity and more personal reward. 

And if you don’t believe me, just take a few minutes to read the words of the ultimate spinmeister, Thomas Jefferson, at the Declaration of Independence website.  You’ll be proud of your independence and your freedom at a time when freedom has never been more precious.

Vollmer Summer Recipes - Camp For All Peanut Butter Wraps

From Camp For All

This high protein, easy to make recipe is perfect for a healthy breakfast or picnic snack!  Replace peanut butter with Sunbutter for a nut-free alternative.  This Camp For All breakfast favorite is just what the campers need to fuel their full day of Discovering Life!

Tortillas
Peanut butter
Granola
Green apples
¼ cup lemon juice
¾ cup water

1. Wash apples.  Slice into thin slices. *If wraps will not be enjoyed immediately, dip apple slices into a mixture of ¼ cup lemon juice and ¾ cup water to preserve color and freshness.
2.  Spread a thin layer of peanut butter  one side of each tortilla.
3.  Put three slices of apple down the middle of the tortilla.
4.  Sprinkle a tablespoon of granola on top of the apple slices.
5.  Roll the tortilla up like an enchilada.  Enjoy!

Vollmer Summer Recipes - CHRISTUS Hospital's Cajun Pork Tenderloin

From CHRISTUS Hospital – St. Elizabeth and St. Mary's Healthy Recipe Collection

Serves 4

2 tbsp. paprika
2 tsp. each: onion powder, garlic powder, cayenne pepper
1-1/2 tsp. ground black pepper
1 tsp. each dry thyme leaves, dried oregano leaves
1 lb. pork tenderloin

• Blend spices in small bowl. Rub onto pork (some spices may not stick to pork); let stand 30 minutes.
• Place pork on grill 4 inches from medium-hot coals.
• Grill turning occasionally, 15 to 20 minutes or until inserted meat thermometer reads 155-160 degrees.

Vollmer Summer Recipes - Carolyn Mayo's Beach Salsa

From @carolynmayo  Vollmer Public Relations President

2 cups canned black beans washed ( I usually just dump 2 whole cans in)
2 cups chopped fresh tomatoes
2 cups frozen corn thawed
1/2 cup olive oil
1/2 cup cilantro chopped
1/2 cup fresh lime juice
2 tsp. salt
3/4 cup chopped green onion
Serve with blue corn chips!!!!!

Vollmer Summer Recipes - Lori Martin's Mambo Margarita's

From @lomartin Vollmer Public Relations Houston

(1)   12 oz can of frozen limeade
(1)   12 oz can of 7-UP (NOT sprite!)
(1)   Corona
(1)   Tequila to your liking. It’s suggested to use a 12 oz, but that makes it fairly potent.

Served chilled and over ice. Garnish with a lime. Salt is optional.

Vollmer Summer Recipes - Karen Marino's Mac'n'Cheese

From @karen_marino Vollmer Public Relations Dallas

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 cup heavy cream/whipping cream
• 1 cup half-and-half
• 2 egg yolks
• 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
• 1 cup extra sharp cheddar cheese grated
• 1 cup colby/jack cheese grated
• 1 cup 4-Italian cheese blend grated
• 2 teaspoons worcestershire sauce
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 16 ounces pasta shape of your own choosing.  (I used gemelli.)

1. Heat oven to 400 degrees F.

2. Grease a large casserole dish (9"X13" pan).

3. Cook pasta according to instruction for your chosen shape al-dente.  Toss pasta in olive oil when finished to prevent sticking.

4. Combine cream, half-and-half, egg yolks and nutmeg in a good-sized sauce pan over medium heat.  Let this get warm.  Add the cheeses, holding back just a little for the top. Stir frequently until all cheese is melted (about 10 minutes), being sure not to let it boil (boiling causes the cheese to "break" and gives it a distinct broken-down rubbery feel). Add Worcestershire sauce and pepper.

5. Place pasta in the casserole dish, and coat with melted cheese mixture. Stir to make sure everything is well-coated.

6. Sprinkle remaining cheese on top.

7. Bake for 15 minutes, until the top is golden brown.

8. Enjoy!!!