TransCanada
Keystone Pipeline System (Phases 1-3)
Objectives
- Introduce and build approval at several stakeholder levels (community, government, media) for the first three phases of the Keystone Pipeline System in Illinois, Missouri, Kansas, Oklahoma and Texas.
- Anticipate potential issues and concerns, identify project opponents, and prepare proactive and reactive public consultation tactics.
Solution
- Developed and implemented a comprehensive, on-the-ground stakeholder outreach program that integrated grassroots relationships, state and local government outreach and media relations to reach key stakeholders, including landowners, community leaders, elected officials and regulatory agencies.
Results
- County, state and federal approvals to build the first three phases of Keystone Pipeline, which has safely delivered more than one billion barrels of oil.
CMS Energy
Guardian Pipeline
Objectives
- Generate support for and minimize opposition to regulatory approval and construction of a 150-mile natural gas pipeline project through four northern Illinois counties.
Solution
- Developed and managed a public affairs program that included media and government relations at local, county and state levels.
- Managed congressional liaison activities for Guardian Pipeline, whose proposed route bisected the districts of several members of Congress, including the Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives.
Results
- The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission approved Guardian Pipeline ahead of schedule.
- The project earned the editorial support of local newspapers and had no significant opposition.
- FERC cited Guardian Pipeline’s public/community affairs program as a model for similar projects.
Alzheimer’s Association
Global Media Relations
Objectives
- Earn global media coverage of the 8th International Conference on Alzheimer’s Disease, which was held in Stockholm, Sweden and presented by Chicago-based Alzheimer’s Association.
Solution
- Implemented a multi-message media relations program that focused on key research in lifestyle, diagnosis and treatment.
- Managed an integrated team based in Chicago, New York and London; provided onsite supervision in Stockholm.
Results
- Generated 500 million media impressions worldwide, which was significantly more media attention than previous Conferences received.
- Achieved prominent story placements in USA Today, Wall Street Journal, Washington Post, New York Times, The Economist, as well as coverage by Associated Press (London) and CNN, among other worldwide media.
Illinois Department of Transportation
“Operation Kennedy”
Objectives
- Reduce traffic on the Kennedy Expressway by 25 percent during a three-year reconstruction project.
- Encourage the use of public transit.
- Keep media and affected communities informed and respond to concerns.
Solution
- Developed and managed “Operation Kennedy,” a multi-phase media and community relations program that featured intensive media relations and community relations.
Results
- Traffic on the Kennedy was reduced by more than 25 percent in each of the three years of the program.
- Media coverage of Operation Kennedy was factual and informed and contributed to reduced traffic volumes and increased use of public transit each year.
- Operation Kennedy received a Silver Anvil, the highest honor in the public relations industry.
Illinois Toll Highway Authority
I-PASS Relaunch
Objectives
- Reintroduce I-Pass, the authority’s electronic toll collection system, to existing users and expand its use to more drivers.
Solution
- Developed and managed an integrated communication program that included strategic paid media and aggressive earned media.
Results
- I-Pass users surpassed the program’s first year objectives.
TransCanada
Illinois Government Relations
Objectives
- Represent TransCanada’s operation of two natural gas pipelines and one crude oil pipeline in Illinois and build relationships with state and local government elected officials, regulatory agencies; business, energy and environment groups; and education institutions.
Solution
- Ongoing collaboration regarding energy-related legislation and identifying opportunities to advance TransCanada’s business interests and reputation.
Results
- TransCanada has made a four-year financial commitment to support a junior college program to provide training for the next generation of skilled workers needed in the pipeline and energy-delivery industry; the program is strongly supported by local legislators.
- No significant anti-pipeline legislation.
Golub & Company
Lake+Forest Project
Objective
- Secure government and community approval for a mixed-use residential-commercial development in downtown Oak Park IL, not far from the historic home and studio of architect Frank Lloyd Wright.
Solution
- Provided counsel and direct contact with village officials through a lengthy review process that included multiple public meetings, intensive media coverage and shifting political and economic dynamics.
Results
- Approval of a redevelopment agreement between Oak Park and the development team in 2014, groundbreaking in 2015 and grand opening of the project in 2016.
Consumer Energy Alliance
Energy 101
Objective
- Educate existing and incoming legislators in Illinois, Wisconsin, Missouri and Ohio on issues in the energy industry.
Solution
- Coordinated “Energy 101” briefings that provided an opportunity for elected officials to hear the latest information current and long-term issues.
Results
- Strong turnout and response by legislators and regulators.
