WPNT ended the year with a flourish of communications training activity, much of it focused on helping clients enhance their relationships with key external stakeholders. Whether it's a town hall meeting with concerned community leaders, an exhibit booth at a high-profile conference, or direct meetings with government officials, the quality of your communications efforts can impact the success of your organization.
In this time of economic challenge, we are grateful to our clients both longstanding and new, who supported WPNT in the fourth quarter and throughout the year. Thank you for placing your trust in us. We look forward to serving all again in 2010.
- WPNT helped an industrial client prepare for contentious town hall meetings and media inquiries related to an environmental investigation and cleanup. A prominent environmental activist has focused on the client's efforts, resulting in widespread media attention.
- In the wake of a client's nationally publicized acquisition, WPNT managed the operational and reputational repositioning of one of the world's largest kosher meat processing plants. Through Strategy Sessions and Media Communication Training, WPNT developed strategy, messaging and prepared for a Media Event with national, regional and local media outlets.
- A leading maker of mining equipment retained WPNT for Executive Media Training & Issues Management. Ten members of the worldwide senior leadership team participated in the day-long program conducted near Milwaukee. An industry-specific scenario was created to address potential issues faced by leadership and the industry. In addition, two members of the WPNT Press Corps assisted with implementation of the scenario.
- We conducted two Stakeholder Engagement Training sessions for a client in Washington, D.C. seeking to improve its standing with a wide range of audiences interested in company operations. The programs included two new WPNT associates: one a former official with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, and one with a Ph.D. in risk communications.
- The economic downturn has forced many companies to downsize. WPNT counseled two global manufacturing companies forced to close manufacturing plants in the Midwest. Through strategic communication and training, company executives were able to develop communication strategies and effectively and respectfully share closure information to employees and key stakeholders.
- In preparation for the release of a landmark water scarcity study, WPNT supported this global business consultancy with Executive Media & Presentation Training. The client partners were prepped for a series of media interviews with national news media, as well as for the presentation of findings to government leaders, NGOs and others. The program was conducted in Washington, D.C.
- Working in London for a European client, WPNT provided Executive Speech Coaching for a senior leader in advance of a keynote address at a global conference. We also conducted Presentation Skills Training for a group of mid-level European managers.
- WPNT conducted a series of Media Communication Trainings for a major west coast health system located throughout California. Participants included key leaders and physicians. They learned to leverage media opportunities to increase the hospital's profile and reputation in their markets. Participants were interviewed in a variety of settings including live television, satellite and print.
- The final session in a series of Executive Communications Coaching programs for a C-suite leader of a Fortune 100 company was conducted in the Midwest. WPNT has been requested to return in 2010 for board meeting preparation and rehearsal.
- An electric utility pursuing a major transmission project associated with the development of wind energy called on WPNT to provide Stakeholder Engagement Training for its representatives. The company is reaching out to government officials, landowners and local media outlets. On-camera exercises simulated each of these communication formats.
- WPNT conducted an intense Executive Media Communication Training for a southern Wisconsin hospital. Healthcare reform thrust this hospital into the national media for its ground breaking end-of-life program. Training exercises prepared participants to manage the media during local and high-profile national interviews. A series of private Physician Media Communication Sessions prepared participants as hospital spokespersons. All are in high demand from the media because they simultaneously work as both executives and practicing physicians. The one-on-one sessions helped them create a positive net impression and business advantage in a competitive market.
- To support the corporate public affairs department of this Fortune 10 company, WPNT conducted an Advanced Executive Presentation Training program near Washington, D.C. The team prepared and rehearsed presentations to internal audiences around the world. The program also provided private, 1:1 coaching for the participants.
- In Alaska, WPNT provided Presentation Skills Training, Crisis Communications Training and Executive Speech Coaching for a client with a growing presence in the state. A customized scenario gave the crisis training added impact.
- This quarter, our team encountered numerous leadership changes with several of our international clients. WPNT provided Executive Leadership Communication Training to executives transitioning from the role of COO to CEO. The training focused on the nuances of becoming and acting as a chief executive officer as opposed to leading operationally.
- For the 14th consecutive year, WPNT is providing 24-hour communications counsel and support in the event of a crisis to a global manufacturing client. Under the service, WPNT is available by phone or on-site at the affected location to assist the client during any unforeseen event with potential life/safety threats to employees and customers, operational disruptions or negative financial implications.
- A high-tech client brought WPNT in to sharpen skills of technical managers who are frequently involved in trade media interviews and meetings with industry analysts. The client is repositioning itself after undergoing a major strategic shift in its market focus.
- Twenty-five supervisors and managers from a manufacturing company in Los Angeles participated in a half-day Media Awareness Program. Purpose was to provide guidance to personnel who may be the first point of contact with the news media in a crisis situation.
- In Ohio, WPNT conducted Crisis Communications Training for incident commanders who may be involved in press briefings or activities associated with a Joint Information Center (JIC) through the Unified Command Structure. Also reviewed was the concept of the "virtual" JIC.
- The vice president of global procurement for a Houston-based firm and three department managers participated in WPNT's Executive Presentation Skills Training to strengthen individual skills.