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After the Valdez oil spill, one of the world's largest oil companies wanted to test its emergency response and crisis management capabilities. On one month's notice, we helped plan and execute one of the largest crisis simulations ever undertaken in private industry.
Hundreds of responders were mobilized in three North American locations. We put together a team of mock journalists, activists and politicians to test the company's ability to respond to a major oil spill.
We built on the success of this project and conducted many large exercises for this valued client and others.
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In the early days of the electromagnetic field (EMF) issue, a power company asked us to conduct a risk communication seminar for selected spokespeople. We produced a "Standard Operating Procedure" binder, reviewed legal cases and other literature and delivered a top quality seminar. This utility has been a valued client for training ever since.
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The challenge was to design and deliver a training programme for outgoing Heads of Mission and Ambassadors. These top career diplomats are posted all over the world, must cope with other cultures and deal with reporters in totalitarian regimes, military dictatorships, emerging democracies and developed countries.
Our programme had to be culturally sensitive, multi-lingual and literate. We had to have detailed knowledge of the economics, politics and culture of the entire world.
We succeeded and enjoyed our fifteenth year being of service to this elite group.
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The first and largest land claim settlement in the Province of Ontario was going to be the subject of public consultations. We were retained by all four parties to the negotiations simultaneously. We worked with the Federal Government, Province of Ontario, the First Nation and The Indian Commission of Ontario to provide training so that all parties could participate in public forums in front of potentially hostile cottagers, landowners and business people. After the training we monitored progress, managed the media relationship and conducted follow up training as needed. The historic tripartite settlement has been reached and we continue to work regularly in the land claims area and for all parties in the process.
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At the height of the Cold War, Canada was testing cruise missiles and considering buying nuclear powered submarines. Activists organized public forums and demonstrations. We conducted training for about 1500 senior military officers at most Canadian bases and at National Defence Headquarters to give them the skills they needed to speak with these groups. While we can't take any credit for ending the Cold War, we are proud of the research and training we did to have our clients succeed in challenging forums.
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A new head of government was about to take office. Untested, staff sought out training. The session went so well that after swearing in ceremonies, we went on to conduct similar training for the entire cabinet as well as for dozens of political staff members. Media, political and public success has followed for years.
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A major international law firm with offices in North America, Asia and Europe sought out communications training for their lawyers. We designed and delivered a training day for lawyers. The original contract to train 12 lawyers grew to include training for over 90 because of the excellent reception our work received.
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A multi-national pharmaceutical company had to launch a new formulation of a life-saving product. As with all change, resistance was expected from pharmacies, physicians and patients. We were retained to media train the President to create an effective spokesperson on a contentious issue. Based on the success of that training, we were retained to train the medical director and the entire national sales force to speak confidently when under tough questioning. Success has led to this company being a valued regular client.
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The Government of Hong Kong faces more contentious issues in one day than most governments face in one year. Border incidents, nuclear safety, maintaining investor confidence, refugees and other challenges surface weekly. We were retained to provide both crisis management and media training. These were so well received that we have provided training for virtually every entity within the government structure.
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We were called in by a prominent lawyer when a client was accused of sexual harassment. This call began 18 months of diligent investigation, training and response to media inquiries. We worked daily and closely with the lawyer to manage what was said to reporters and stakeholders. Our goal was to protect the personal, professional and organization reputations involved. Combining our detailed knowledge of how editorial decisions are made with the lawyer's expertise in libel law worked! This false accusation has never hit the press.
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