Focus remains on job creation

Just as our children return to school to acquire the skills, knowledge and experience to enter the job market, so to does Congress and state legislatures return to work to create the environment to stimulate job growth. The Federal Agenda In Washington, Congress returns to an agenda that will focus on the "deficit debate," that Democrats will insist must also include measures to create jobs.  According to Congressional Quarterly, "Democrats, especially in the House, are pushing for theJoint Select Committee on Deficit Reduction to include jobs initiatives in the legislation that the panel is directed to produce by Nov. 23. Republicans are likely to oppose such proposals, particularly if the cost would add to the federal government’s $14 trillion debt." In fact, Rep. John Larson (D-Conn) has a bill to expand the panel's mandate to include jobs.

The 12-member bipartisan panel, created by the debt limit increase law (PL 112-25), is charged with finding ways to trim the deficit by at least $1.2 trillion over a decade. The committee is also free to seek additional savings. The committee is already limited with already established discretionary spending caps and as a result, are expected to focus on finding additional reductions through savings in entitlement programs (ex. Medicare, Medicaid) and tax changes. They will have their first meeting on September 8, the same day the President will speak to Congress laying out the Administration's jobs plan.  They have until January 15 to enact at least $1.2 trillion in deficit reduction, or across-the-board spending cuts will be triggered.

Congress also will consider a number of regulatory changes to stimulate jobs and reduce the regulatory hurdles of doing business. In fact, in August, House Majority Leader Eric Cantor (R-VA) sent a memo on what those changes will be. The President outlined 7 regulatory changes he wants, including 4 EPA rules and 3 transportation rules.  This includes:

• A delayed EPA rule restrictions hazardous emissions by coal- and oil-fired electric utility steam generators, at $10 billion.
• New emissions standards for emissions by major industrial and commercial boilers, $3 billion.
• Standards for disposal of coal ash from power plants, $0.6 billion to $1.5 billion.
• New vehicle safety regulations for rear view mirrors, $2 billion.
• Electronic on-board recorders and documents for supporting restrictions on the hours that commercial truck drivers can operate their vehicles, $2 billion.
• New hours of service rules for commercial truck drivers, $1 billion.

Republicans are focused on changing some labor regulations Finally Congress will try to work on a few bills dealing with transportation and infrastrucutre, extensions of the Federal Aviation Administration and surface transportation programs. The FAA authroization was quickly extended before Congress left for the summer until September 16 and it seems likely will be extended again as Congress will not have enough time to consider something else. A sticking point in the authorization deals with the right of airline and railroad workers to unionize. Also, subsidies to airlines flying into small airports remain a concern. If Congress fails to act, we can expenct som shutdowns of non-essential government workers at airports, as well as a number of key construction projects put on hold.

As for any movement on projects, the current extension expires September 30 and neither chamber has a bill. As a result, states will not be reimbursed for varous highway and transit projects and some may even suspend the work completely.

Other issues Congress will focus on this Fall, include:

• Alternative Minimum Tax - if current exemptions expire at the end of this year, many middle and upper-middle class tax payers will see their taxes rise.
• Defense Authorization - There are a number of questions lingering with the Defense Authorization bill which the Senate still has not acted upon, including: pay for our soldiers, potential upgrades for tanks, tirals for terrorists detained at Guantanamo Bay, potential updates to use of military force and alternatives for the F-35 engine.
• Doc Reimbursements - Doctors who take medicare patients are scheduled to have their reimbursement rates cuts unless Congress fixes it and fixes it for the long term... not another short term fix. Unless fixes, physicians may choose not to treat Medicare patients.
• Education Left Behind - Despite some action on re-authorizing education policy in this country, the law (PL 107-110) expired four years ago, with no measures emerging yet in the Senate. If Congress fails to act on implementing new education policies, states will be forced to have all their students be 100 percent proficient in math and reading by 2014 under the existing law or their schools will be labeled failures and be forced to undergo costly restructuring unless the state receives a waiver from the Secretary of Education.
• Payroll Tax Deductions - Payroll tax for Social Secrutity was reduced for employees with the employer half unchanged. Self-employed individuals also were reduceted. Unless changed, the employee half of the Social Security Tax will increase from 4.2 percent to 6.2.
• Taxes - Some tax breaks extended under a 2010 tax law expire at the end of this year. This includes tax breaks for R&D.
• Trade - Congress has yet to approve trade agreements with South Korea, Colombia and Panama. The issue is how to help American workers displaced by trade. Look out for a new trade agreement between Canada and the EU and how we can take advantage of that in Michigan.

Jobs Debate

While there is agreement between Democrats and Republicans that economic growth and job creation are crucial issues to move forward on, the government's role in that effort is up for debate.  The Democrats want new programs or tax breaks to promote growth while Republicans want regulatory changes and reduce tax burdens on business.

If you can think of any changes to the tax code or ways to improve existing regulations, please comment at the end of this blog or contact us at www.fraserlawfirm.com.  This post also appeared on Fraser Trebilcock's Blog.

Total Recall

The Michigan State Constitution, Art. II. Sec. 8, extends Michigan voters the right to recall “all elective officers except judges of courts of record” and establishes the minimum number of signatures required on a recall petition.  In fact, in Michigan, voters can work to recall elected Members of Congress.  The process by which to begin a recall is spelled out in MCL 168.951-976. Before the physical process of collecting signatures begins, the language on the petition must first be approved by the County Election Commission, which can include the County Clerk, County Treasurer and Chief Judge of the Probate Court.  The petitioners submit reasons for the recall which must be based on the elected officials conduct in office. Once approved, signatures by qualified voters can be secured. Once a sufficient amount of signatures are obtained, the petitions can fie filed with either the Governor, Secretary of State or County Clerk, depending on the office the individual holds. Petitions cannot be filed until the person serves in office for 6 months and cannot be filed in the last 6 months of their term.  The signatures are then examined to see if the signor is a registered voter in that community.

If the signature requirement is met, the signatures can be challenged as to their origin. Once the challenged signatures have been resolved ballot language is prepared.

The reason for the recall election must be stated on the ballot in 200 words or less. Once the ballot language is approved, the elected official at the center of the recall may submit a statement, justifying their conduct, which also is limited to 200 words and will also be printed on the ballot.  The Board of State Canvassers or county clerk will then decided when to hold a special election.

In the last ten years, Michiganians have acted upon their (state) constitutional right, to recall elected officials, more and more. In fact, according to the website Ballotpedia, from "2005-early 2010, 700 recall petitions were filed in just three of Michigan's counties: Wayne, Oakland and Macomb. The total of filed petitions rose each year since 2007. In Saginaw County, 141 recall attempts were launched in the 20 years from 1990-2010. Of the 141 announced recall attempts, 27 went to a vote, and 18 elected officials were removed from office."

Sometimes candidates are successfully recalled, but not without tremendous efforts on the part of all the interests involved. In Wisconsin earlier this month, the process worked for some and did not for others. Recall drives indicate a strong partisan divide in governing individual states and communities. On one hand it is great to see democracy work as a dissatisfied electorate uses a process created in the constitution to register their concern and act upon it. On the other, it seems like a distraction and unnecessary expense with some easier way to work out ones differences and find consensus through controversy.

Under a parlimentary system, where the majority party governs a nation or province, it is the Parliament that passes a motion that if passed, the head of state no longer has the confidence of the appointed government. The head of state can then ask someone else to lead and form a government or call a general election to elect a new parliament, generally within a matter of months, as is now the case in Ontario. I am not sure if this is the best process either.

It seems to me that those elected to serve should work together as an elected body and create a framework by which they can operate and work together on a common agenda. They don't have to agree to all the policies past, but they can agree on an overall path, i.e. things that create jobs, ensure financial security of the electorate and set us on path to fiscal stability. Regardless, the process by which candidates can be recalled works if precisely followed. While there is room for improvement, it is what we have to work with. This Tuesday, in Grand Blanc, Mich. we will see if the process works.

Preserving a company’s reputation in the wake of bankruptcy

*This article first appeared in the August 15, 2011 edition of Michigan Lawyers Weekly. In bankruptcy, there is more at stake than who gets paid first.

Should a company file for bankruptcy or even begin the discussion, it is important to address the public’s opinion as much as it is to deal with the legal issues.

After all, reputation matters.

Corporate failures today are front-page news. In the first quarter of 2011, 366,178 companies filed for bankruptcy. This was down 6 percent from those filed in the first quarter of 2010.

Today’s economy puts many companies and individuals in difficult positions where they must choose what needs to be done for their economic survival.

Should a company choose to file for bankruptcy, it does not mean they are going out of business or up for sale. In most cases, bankruptcy means restructuring the company to be smarter, leaner and more efficient.

An effective communications strategy provides critical information to key stakeholders at every step in the process and can help minimize risk. Therefore, managing the message as to how a company got to this point, what they are doing to address the problem, and what they plan on doing when they re-emerge are all critical to how people will perceive the company during and after bankruptcy.

In filing for bankruptcy, it is important to prioritize key constituencies and determine the best way to communicate with them. For example, communicating to investors or shareholders may be different in how you communicate with vendors or customers.

Investors want to know how sound their investment will be, if the company plans on staying public, and the plans for emerging from bankruptcy. Customers want to know if their warranties will be honored, where they can go for service or who they can call if they have an issue with the product or service.

Also, vendors want to know their place in all this — if they should continue with their current production or performance and if they will get paid and when.

In communicating a company’s approach to file for bankruptcy, it is important to carefully communicate the reasons why and possible outcomes as to avoid any misunderstanding of the company’s true intention. As a result, transparency and honesty in one’s financial situation is vital to making sure that key constituencies will not read into the companies actions.

Instead, the company must be forthright as to everything they file with the court. That’s because many people following the company — particularly a public one — will likely go online and read the documents surrounding the bankruptcy.

Once the company does file, it is equally important to constantly be in touch with your core constituencies. For example, GM and Chrysler each took us along for the ride as they filed for bankruptcy, announced their restructuring, and emerged as a new company.

Earlier this year, Borders filed for bankruptcy and sent out notices to their customers and investors, ensuring business will go on and service will continue, but changes will have to be made.

And on the day United Airlines filed for bankruptcy in 2002, its CEO flew to Chicago to meet face-to-face with employees. Other executives did the same in Denver, Washington, San Francisco, and other hub cities to reassure the public and their employees that the airline is, and will always be, a viable company.

They did not just send out a news release. After they filed, they took out full-page ads in major papers explaining what they were doing and why. Once they emerged from bankruptcy, they were a new company with their reputation intact.

In communicating messages during a bankruptcy or wherever litigation is involved, lawyers should be given the opportunity to sign off on what is being communicated. At the same time, attorneys must be able to see the big picture as to why the PR counsel is even involved and why they must communicate through the media.

Attorneys need to be open about what is being communicated with the idea that they are working to protect and, at times, enhance the public perception of their client.

At the same time the message is crafted, companies should actively monitor the online chatter about their company and their industry, and work to quell any misinformation being communicated about the company or its employees.

Today, an individual and a company are only as good as their reputation. In general, with the economy the way it is, we understand that in tough economic times, companies as well as individuals may have to file for bankruptcy.

As long as there is honesty and maturity in how you communicate your problems or situation, people will understand. Being upfront and proactive in your actions will help position your company for future success and go a long way to bolstering your individual and corporate reputation, while putting to rest any potential negative ramifications from the filing.

Lawyers savvy enough with the how the media works, and in protecting and enhancing their client’s reputation, understand the interplay between the law and legal process on one hand, and public opinion and business strategy on the other.

And there is benefit to working with experienced PR professionals in creating and delivering the right message publicly, without jeopardizing the legal process or strategy. In fact, the messages that are communicated may lead to successful settlement or reorganization.

A Few Pointers

• Tell your story first.

• Know what you want to communicate  and why.

• Call in third-party supporters to support you.

• Put a human face on the situation.

• Use all the communications tools at your disposal, such as social media and web, as well as traditional.

• Make the story about recovery, not liquidation. For example, focus on jobs and service.

• Focus on what you want the expected outcome to be and stay on message in getting there.

For the full article, visit http://milawyersweekly.com/news/2011/08/12/preserving-a-company’s-reputation-in-the-wake-of-bankruptcy/.  For more information, please contact Daniel Cherrin, an attorney with Fraser Trebilcock, at 313.965.9039 or dcherrin@fraserlawfirm.com.

Trial by Twitter, Facebook & other Social Media

A consultant hired by Casey Anthony's attorneys analyzed more than 40,000 opinions on various social media sites and blogs where her attorneys then used them to craft their trial strategy.  According to a recent article in the Orlando Sentinel, "When bloggers and others in social media sites started to attack George Anthony about his alleged mistress, the defense team beefed up their questions against him."The Casey Anthony trial has brought social media into the courtroom. While jurors may be prevented from tweeting or updating their Facebook status from the courtroom or during the duration of a trial, the jury of public opinion is running rampant, 24/7 with their opinions of the trial.

According to Amy Singer, the social media consultant in the case, her team of five individuals would scan a variety of sites, blogs and tweets to gauge opinions about the trial, wtiness testimonies, evidence and the body language of the defendant. Those opinions were given the the defense attorney where they adjusted their tactics based on what they learned on line.

With the Casey Anthony trial now over, public opinion still wages on in social media circles, but one thing is clear, Facebook and Twitter have changed the way lawyers defend or prosecute a case.  Fraser Trebilcock, through its subsidiary, Fraser Consulting, has access to public relations and public affairs experts who monitor social media on behalf of a number of clients and respond when a response is warranted. Fraser Trebilcock also recently launched a Litigation + Strategic Communications practice group to help clients manage the message in the courtroom and out.

For more information, please visit www.fraserlawfirm.com or contact Daniel Cherrinat dcherrin@fraserlawfirm.com.

Seeking Consensus Through Controversy

Why do we always have to wait for the last hour before something gets done in Washington? No, I take that back, Congress exceeds the deadline by which to decide on important issues so they or The White House pass extensions on laws, such the Transportation Equity Act or the No Child Left Behind Act or even the budget so they by time before a decision has to be made. The stalemate on what to do about the debt ceiling is no exception and just the status quo. While the Democrats and Republicans have been talking there seems to be an impasse, where no one is agreeing with anybody, even on the most basic of issues. It seems that Washington, needs the support and guidance of a neutral third party to resolve these disputes and bring some closure to a number of long standing issues, most importantly today, the debt ceiling. In public policy dispute resolution, for example, all the interested stakeholders come together with the help of a third party neutral who will assist the stakeholders in reaching consensus.  Public policy dispute resolution provides for a nonpartisan process for resolving public policy disputes, and has proven successful at all levels of government.  In fact, it is emerging as a more effective way of dealing with some of the most polarizing issues.  It leads to innovation, creative solutions and relationship enhancement.  But is that what Democrats and Republicans want?

The National Policy Consensus Center has found that legislators are becoming problem solvers, facilitators and conveners of issues vital to their state. Yet in Washington, D.C., Members of Congress fail each year to come to a consensus on health care, the budget, various re-authorizations and the debt ceiling.

Today, public policy disputes have the potential of polarizing communities with the affect of delaying important decisions on vital issues of public policy, often resulting in diluted policies or no action at all.  Facilitation or mediation helps in resolving some of the high-profile policy disputes and find resolution through controversy and clarity amidst chaos. To assist governments in resolving disputes by and between each other, the disputants need a trusted third party neutral, who is knowledgeable about the issues and the process, while being sensitive to the politics of the day.  A university provides elected leaders with an unbiased academic approach to public policy dispute resolution. Perhaps the President, the Speaker, Senate Majority Leader and their colleagues should turn to a University President or perhaps neutral world leader such as the Prime Minister of Canada or Tony Blair or perhaps co-mediators with former President’s George Bush and Bill Clinton, to help resolve the issues.

Policymakers can avoid making difficult decisions on controversial issues by creating a process by which public policy disputes can be resolved.  Through a facilitated consensual process, issues such as government shutdowns, delayed projects and other missed opportunities can be avoided and we can all move on to other issues to help our nation move forward.

Decisions that are reached collaboratively can result in high-quality outcomes that are easier to implement, receive fewer legal challenges, make better use of available resources, and better serve the public.

Collaboration is not appropriate for all decisions. It is not necessary or recommended to use a formal collaborative process for routine, simple, or urgent decisions. Collaborative processes are often effective when applied to complex policy questions that affect multiple, interdependent interests, where all the diverse parties affected have compelling reasons to engage with one another in a search for a joint policy or program outcome, and where sufficient time and resources are available to support the process.

However, the following conditions help to sustain collaborative processes:

• Clear Role and Purpose
• Transparency of Decision-Making
• Interest-Based Decision-Making
• Every Effort to Bring Affected Stakeholders into the Process
• Stakeholders Represents Organized Constituencies
• Upfront Exploration of Interests
• Common Understanding of Problems and Joint Fact Finding
• Policy and Technical Expertise
• Respectful and Authentic Process
• Transparency of Products

Washington did not have to wait this long. If the parties talked earlier and learned about the real issues underlying the bigger ones, than perhaps today, we would be talking football instead of debt ceilings. It is time we brought in neutrals to help resolve the bigger issues plaguing our nation.

For more information, please contact Fraser Trebilcock or Daniel Cherrin atdcherrin@fraserlawfirm.com.

Trial by Twitter & Facebook

A consultant hired by Casey Anthony's attorneys analyzed more than 40,000 opinions on various social media sites and blogs where her attorneys then used them to craft their trial strategy.  According to a recent article in the Orlando Sentinel, "When bloggers and others in social media sites started to attack George Anthony about his alleged mistress, the defense team beefed up their questions against him."The Casey Anthony trial has brought social media into the courtroom. While jurors may be prevented from tweeting or updating their Facebook status from the courtroom or during the duration of a trial, the jury of public opinion is running rampant, 24/7 with their opinions of the trial.

According to Amy Singer, the social media consultant in the case, her team of five individuals would scan a variety of sites, blogs and tweets to gauge opinions about the trial, wtiness testimonies, evidence and the body language of the defendant. Those opinions were given the the defense attorney where they adjusted their tactics based on what they learned on line.

With the Casey Anthony trial now over, public opinion still wages on in social media circles, but one thing is clear, Facebook and Twitter have changed the way lawyers defend or prosecute a case.  Fraser Trebilcock, through its subsidiary, Fraser Consulting, has access to public relations and public affairs experts who monitor social media on behalf of a number of clients and respond when a response is warranted. Fraser Trebilcock also recently launched a Litigation + Strategic Communications practice group to help clients manage the message in the courtroom and out.

For more information, please visit www.fraserlawfirm.com or contact Daniel Cherrin at dcherrin@fraserlawfirm.com.

Trust me, It’s Okay To Talk To The Media!

By: Daniel Cherrin In today’s media saturated environment, where we can share pictures or Tweets from our phone instantaneously with the world, that may even end up on CNN or FOX News, many clients will turn to their lawyer for advice, counsel and a response. So lawyers should have a basic understanding of interacting with the media, on line and off. In fact, in today’s litigious environment, legal issues permeate the headlines, placing brands and reputations at risk. Today, clients are demanding their lawyers not only defend them in a court of law, but also in the court of public opinion.

I am speaking before the Detroit Metropolitan Bar Association as a featured speaker during their monthly Drink n' Learn Happy Hours on the subject of media relations and the law. Here is a brief summary of my remarks:

It’s okay to talk to the media If the media is interested in your client’s story and you or your client avoid talking to them, then someone else will, and chances are you will not like what they have to say. As attorney’s it is okay to talk to the media. Just watch what you or what your client have to say and know why you are saying it.

Stick to the facts Try to stay above the rhetoric and stick to the facts of the case without revealing your legal strategy. Use the media as an opportunity to gauge the public’s interest in this case and perhaps test certain messages.

Our Top Tips For Working With The Media

• Know why you want to talk to the media & who to talk to – It should not matter whether a reporter calls you or you call the reporter. In representing clients, attorneys should look at thee big picture and see how a legal problem could quickly become a PR problem for their client. Therefor, in engaging with the media figure out first, what you hope to achieve in talking to them. Then understand who their audience is. Be familiar with their latest story and angle. Go on their website, perhaps they have a blog or check them out on Facebook, Linkedin and Twitter. This will help you craft the appropriate messages that resonate with the right audience.

• Know what you want to say – Once you know why you want to approach the media, and who the audience is, know what you want to say. Have a few key messages written out that you want to convey to the reporter and think of a few questions they may ask -- and be ready to respond. It is important to have three or four key messages that you want to make sure you get across to the reporter. These are the messages you should stick to throughout the interview.

• What not to do with the Media -- Never say “No Comment” or “Because a lawsuit was filed we cannot comment on active litigation.” Instead say something more general and stick to your messages, or “I can’t tell you that now, but what I can tell you is..." Don’t repeat a negative question or phrase. If you do, it may be attributed to you. And whatever, you do, stop using legal jargon or technical lingo – we don’t want to hear it.

• During the interview – Think of it as a debate not a conversation, unless you are on Oprah

As much as we want to be everyone’s friend, remember, a reporter has a job to do and so do you. In fact, the reporter may be using the interview to gather information or to find a story. Therefore, stay on message, don’t get diverted from the topic at hand, correct any misinformation, only answer the questions asked and remember who you are talking to and who they work for.

• Don’t hide anything you don’t want them to find later. When speaking to the media be concise and thorough and tell them everything that you can with in reason. You do not want them finding out information on their own and then confronting you when you are not prepared to answer their questions. In addition, don’t panic if you are asked a question during an interview that you do not know the answer to. Be honest and tell them that you do not know the answer but that you would be happy to look into it and get back to them. Never attempt to make something up and never lie.

• “Off the record” or “For background only” – As a general rule, if you don’t want it in print then don’t say it. However, an ethical reporter will respect what you are trying to say and will work with you to make sure what your saying is accurate. It helps to know the reporters covering the issues you are working on and have a good working relationship with them. It also helps to not be confrontational and to respect them for having a job to do and that you want to work with them in preparing their story.

• Timing – Just as a lawyer sticks to deadlines prescribed by the court, reporters have deadlines to keep and times they need to either file stories or air them. You will develop better relationships with a reporter if you are sensitive to their deadlines.

• Preparing for an ambush – If a reporter catches you by surprise, stop in your tracks, address the reporters questions (you can be vague if you want), then let them know that you have another commitment and that you will get back to them by their deadline. If a reporter calls by phone take their message, find out what they want and when their deadline is, and get back to them in a timely manner.

• Anything else? – This is always the last question in any interview, so be prepared to summarize your key messages; say anything that you forgot to say before; or clarify any statement that needs further explanation.

• Monitor the media – Know what is being said about you, your clients, your firm and your industry.

Social Media Tips Social media is becoming more than a tool for us to stay in touch with our friends or family, it is becoming a new area to look out for our client’s interests and/or a new medium to promote our practice. It also is our opportunity to control the message and to clarify misinformation. However, interacting with those using social media sites, such as Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIN or YouTube, is a little different than working with the traditional media. Therefore,

• Know the influentials – There are millions of people using a variety of social media sites everyday. Know who the ones that are followed the most and what to see who is following them.

• Monitor the chatter – Once you know who to follow you should monitor the chatter. Listen to the tone of the comments and questions and participate where appropriate. A good way to monitor the media is to create Google Alerts, Twitter feeds or Facebook updates. Even if you don’t join the conversation, be aware of what people are saying about your company on different social media platforms.

• Engage the community – Once you are able to gain an understanding of social media and how it works, go ahead and begin to engage the community. However, in using social media one’s credibility is gained through transparency, honesty, relevance and value.

Daniel Cherrin is the former Communications Director/Press Secretary for the City of Detroit and to Detroit Mayor Kenneth V. Cockrel Jr. He is now the Managing Director of Fraser Consulting – a Lansing based Public Affairs and Government Relations firm, and an attorney and Director of Marketing for Fraser Trebilcock. You can reach Daniel at dcherrin@fraserlawfirm.com or (313) 965-9039 or follow him on Twitter @DanCherrin.

Walk with me to honor my wife, with us to end MS

Four years ago this month, and after the birth of our third child, my wife was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis (MS) at the age of 30. More than 400,000 people (young & old) are living with MS in the U.S. Unlike other diseases, unless it affects your vision or your ability to walk, you would not know someone, like my wife has it. In fact, MS affects each person differently. The could loose the feeling in their arms, legs or waist, they can loose vision in one eye or both or loose their ability to walk or perhaps speak -- You Just Don't Know!. As soon as my wife was diagnosed, I joined the MS Society and now serve as a board member in Michigan. And for four years we have walked to honor my wife and the thousands of other moms, dads and children diagnosed with MS. In fact, it is now our family tradition that our children also look forward to do to help raise awareness about their mom and to build the financial support that will one day lead to a cure. We now need your help. On May 7th, I hope you will walk with us and support "Team MTC," which has raised over $20,000 in 2 countries and 3 states. If you cannot walk with us, than I hope that you make a financial contribution to help us find a cure, no matter how big or small -- Every dollar helps. And if you cannot walk with us or make a financial contribution, I hope you will visit the MS Society's website to learn more about MS. In advance, we THANK YOU and our grateful to you for your wishes. To show your support please visit http://main.nationalmssociety.org/site/TR?px=3430316&pg=personal&fr_id=16871&et=FEw8Oyp4tZEOyj_LxbT7rA..&s_tafId=190002

When They Come, Respond with the Facts

Whether we agree with them or not, they are coming. As the City of Dearborn, Mich., braces for national media attention as Terry Jones and his followers plan a protest outside an Islamic Center, the City of Dearborn is responding well, by denying a permit but providing a place to speak. For the City of Dearborn, the best strategy is to let Jones speak and protect everyone from getting hurt. At the same time, the City should also allow the Muslim American community a place to also speak and congregate if they want.

Mayor O'Reilly is doing the right thing. He is talking to the media at a local and national level in setting the record straight and dispelling any myths that may be out in the blogosphere. O'Reilly should also take his case straight to bloggers, tweeters and others, perhaps through a video posted on YouTube. If Domino's did it after their crisis and BP did it after theres, it is better to be proactive in this circumstance and make sure your messages are being heard over others. While the situations are different, the strategy should be to be proactive and available.

For the Muslim American community, the best response is a quiet response. In potentially hostile situations such as this, where one group expresses such a radical view, it is best not to add fuel to their fire. As a result, their response should be strategic and focused, working through traditional and social media channels to educate the general public and engage their base of support on this issue. Just as Jones may turn to social media, so too should the Muslim American Community with video's on YouTube and Google, iReports (CNN), Tweets, Blogs and Facebook updates.

For other religious and ethnic groups, this presents the perfect opportunity to build goodwill to show outrage to Jones and his tactics.

But in situations like this, it is important that the facts speak larger than the actions and that no further action makes this a larger story than it needs to be. Being prepared, having a plan and the relationships with key reporters and bloggers as well as remaining accessible is the best way to make sure this story does not become larger than it needs to be.

Preserving a company's trust and reputation: Communicating the right messages in wake of bankruptcy.

Today’s economy puts a lot of companies and individuals in difficult positions where they must choose what needs to be done for their economic survival. Should a company choose to file for bankruptcy, it does not mean they are going out of business or putting their company up for sale. In most cases, bankruptcy means restructuring the company to be smarter, leaner and more efficient. In communicating a company’s approach to file for bankruptcy, it is important to carefully communicate the reasons why and possible outcomes as to avoid any misunderstanding of the company’s true intention. As a result, transparency and honesty in one’s financial situation is vital to making sure that key constituencies will not read into the companies actions. Instead, the company must be forthright as to everything they file with the court since many people following the company, particularly a public company, and industry will likely go online and read the documents surrounding the bankruptcy.

As a result, perhaps companies should set up a special website or hotline to assure customers and vendors that their products will still get services, their contracts will still get honored or where they can go to learn more information in general. It also will help assure employees that the company will continue to operate.

In filing for bankruptcy, it is important to prioritize key constituencies and determine the best way to communicate with them. For example, communicating to investors/shareholders may be different in how you communicate with vendors or customers. Investors want to know how sound their investment will be; if the company plans on staying public and the plans for emerging from bankruptcy. Customers want to know if their warranties will be honored, where they can go for service or who they can call if they have an issue with the product or service. Vendors want to know their place in all this. If they should continue with their current production or performance and if they will get paid and when?

Once the company files for bankruptcy, it is equally important to constantly be in touch with your core constituencies. For example, GM, Chrysler and the federal government each took us along for the ride as they filed for bankruptcy, announced their restructuring and emerged as a new company. Yesterday, Border’s filed for bankruptcy and send out notices to their core constituency, ensuring business will go on and service will continue, but changes will have to be made. (See the attached email to Border Reward members.)

Depending on the situation, this can be done through regularly scheduled news conferences, Twitter updates, Blog postings, investor conference calls, media conference calls and the like. However, in communicating with shareholders, debt holders, investors, vendors, customers and employees, it is important to determine what the key messages will be and how you will follow up with them. In today’s social and mobile media age, companies need to often trump their own announcement by getting the information out fast and first.

Regardless of the messages, it is important to be in periodic communication with key publics. This includes before filing, during and after the bankruptcy. A company should not want key stakeholders and casual observers to read into their actions or lack thereof. As a result, communicating will be crucial to the company’s sustainability on they re-emerge form bankruptcy.

For public companies specifically, in communicating to external audiences, they are communicating the market, which can impact stock prices and the market as well as have the potential to dramatically alter the image the public has of the company. As a result, PR counselors must work with the company’s attorneys in crafting the right message and a message legally permissible under securities laws and regulations. There also is a certain protocol in communicating those messages to particular audiences.

In communicating messages during a bankruptcy or wherever litigation is involved, should be given the opportunity to sign off of what is being communicated. At the same time, attorneys must be able to see the big picture as to why PR counsel is even involved and why they must communicate through the media. Attorneys need to be open about what is being communicated and with the idea that they are working to protect and at times, enhance their public perception.

In addition, companies should actively monitor the on-line chatter about their company and their industry and work to quell and misinformation being communicated about the company or its employees. This also includes actively maintaining relationships with vendors, consumers and others and working with them throughout the bankruptcy.

Today, an individual and a company is only as good as their reputation. In general, with the economy the way it is, we understand that in tough economic times, companies as well as individuals may have to file for bankruptcy. As long as there is honesty and maturity in how we communicate our problems or situation, people will understand your situation. Being up-front and proactive in your actions will help position your company for future success and go along way to bolstering your individual and corporate reputation, while putting to rest and potential negative ramifications from the filing.

Filing for bankruptcy is not the beginning of the end for a company. It is a new beginning and a second chance for the company to better serve its customer. It also presents the company with the opportunity to re-evaluate its’ business and to re-emerge as a new company. In emerging from bankruptcy, companies also have the opportunity go back to its core, re-focus, re-brand and re-emerge leaner but stronger and refreshed to create a new beginning.

Border's Bankruptcy - Communicating the right messages

Today’s economy puts a lot of companies and individuals in difficult positions where they must choose what needs to be done for their economic survival. Should a company choose to file for bankruptcy, it does not mean they they are going out of business or putting their company up for sale. In most cases, bankruptcy means restructuring the company to be smarter, leaner and more efficient. In communicating a company’s approach to file for bankruptcy, it is important to carefully communicate the reasons why and possible outcomes as to avoid any misunderstanding of the company’s true intention. As a result, transparency and honesty in one’s financial situation is vital to making sure that key constituencies will not read into the companies actions. Instead, the company must be forthright as to everything they file with the court since many people following the company, particularly a public company, and industry will likely go online and read the documents surrounding the bankruptcy.

As a result, perhaps companies should set up a special website or hotline to assure customers and vendors that their products will still get services, their contracts will still get honored or where they can go to learn more information in general. It also will help assure employees that the company will continue to operate.

In filing for bankruptcy, it is important to prioritize key constituencies and determine the best way to communicate with them. For example, communicating to investors/shareholders may be different in how you communicate with vendors or customers. Investors want to know how sound their investment will be; if the company plans on staying public and the plans for emerging from bankruptcy. Customers want to know if their warranties will be honored, where they can go for service or who they can call if they have an issue with the product or service. Vendors want to know their place in all this. If they should continue with their current production or performance and if they will get paid and when?

Once the company files for bankruptcy, it is equally important to constantly be in touch with your core constituencies. For example, GM, Chrylser and the federal government each took us along for the ride as they filed for bankruptcy, announced their restructuring and emerged as a new company. Yesterday, Border’s filed for bankruptcy and send out notices to their core constituency, ensuring business will go on and service will continue, but changes will have to be made. (See the attached email to Border Reward members.)

Depending on the situation, this can be done through regularly scheduled news conferences, Twitter updates, Blog postings, investor conference calls, media conference calls and the like. However, in communicating with shareholders, debt holders, investors, vendors, customers and employees, it is important to determine what the key messages will be and how you will follow up with them. In today’s social and mobile media age, companies need to often trump their own announcement by getting the information out fast and first.

Regardless of the messages, it is important to be in periodic communication with key publics. This includes before filing, during and after the bankruptcy. A company should not want key stakeholders and casual observers to read into their actions or lack thereof. As a result, communicating will be crucial to the company’s sustainability on they re-emerge form bankruptcy.

For public companies specifically, in communicating to external audiences, they are communicating the market, which can impact stock prices and the market as well as have the potential to dramatically alter the image the public has of the company. As a result, PR counselors must work with the company’s attorneys in crafting the right message and a message legally permissible under securities laws and regulations. There also is a certain protocol in communicating those messages to particular audiences.

In communicating messages during a bankruptcy or wherever litigation is involved, should be given the opportunity to sign off of what is being communicated. At the same time, attorneys must be able to see the big picture as to why PR counsel is even involved and why they must communicate through the media. Attorneys need to be open about what is being communicated and with the idea that they are working to protect and at times, enhance their public perception.

In addition, companies should actively monitor the on-line chatter about their company and their industry and work to quell and misinformation being communicated about the company or its employees. This also includes actively maintaining relationships with vendors, consumers and others and working with them throughout the bankruptcy.

Today, an individual and a company is only as good as their reputation. In general, with the economy the way it is, we understand that in tough economic times, companies as well as individuals may have to file for bankruptcy. As long as there is honesty and maturity in how we communicate our problems or situation, people will understand your situation. Being up-front and proactive in your actions will help position your company for future success and go along way to bolstering your individual and corporate reputation, while putting to rest and potential negative ramifications from the filing.

Filing for bankruptcy is not the beginning of the end for a company. It is a new beginning and a second chance for the company to better serve its customer. It also presents the company with the opportunity to re-evaluate its’ business and to re-emerge as a new company. In emerging from bankruptcy, companies also have the opportunity go back to its core, re-focus, re-brand and re-emerge leaner but stronger and refreshed to create a new beginning.

Creating the infrastructure in developing stratregic relationships

Is it really true that it is not what we know, it is who we know?  When I became the Communications Director for the City of Detroit and Press Secretary to the Mayor, a client warned me, "Remember, people don't respect you in this role for who you are, they respond to you because of your title." He was right. I was the spokesperson not just for the Mayor but for the City and calls were returned immediately and action always resulted from those calls. But as a very public and senior government official I did not always know who was calling or why, so I approached each call cautiously, yet listened to see what needed to happen next. I also was accessible and responsive.

Back in the private sector, I built my practice and my reputation around relationships -- not necessarily the number of people I know, but around the quality I know them from. In the end, relationships are built around trust. In cultivating and foster relationships, it is important to create the infrastructure to support an external relations effort.  This includes:

• Creating an agenda -- What is your goal for reaching out to certain people and what do you hope to gain or offer when you talk with them?
• Set the organization's priorities - Based on your agenda, what is a priority and what issues can wait.
• Who do you know? -- Based on those priorities who do we need to know and who should we get to know....Are they running for election? If so, you need to familiarize yourself with the political landscape as well.
• Build the support -- Once you know what  you will talk about and to whom, you now need the supporting materials to help make your case. Therefore, you should develop the talking points and support materials to help you make your point.
• Know the politics -- In engaging elected officials, it is important to become familiar with the legislative, political and regulatory landscape....become familiar with their agendas and create a constant contact system to remain top-of-mind program for board members to engage your key targets.

A company also should continue to develop an ongoing media relations and PR strategy that engages its' core market in ways that positions the organization as thought leaders in the industry, trend setters and a go to organization for fulfilling a void in the community. Therefore, approach a variety of media, such as your local daily, The Huffington Post (which also covers more local issues), industry/trade publications and other media, while creating a blog through their channels or your own, to talk about your core issues. Based on your agenda and who you need to meet with, I would then create a calendar of must attend events or organizations to become familiar with and dedicate the resources for attending and perhaps sponsoring a few of those events.

Depending on your priorities and goals and the immediacy of both, in 2012, I would spend my time creating the infrastructure in developing relationships, while getting engaged in specific areas where appropriate. I also suggest joining relevant organizations where you can take an active role to learn the ropes and eventually take the lead.  Then in 2013, you will be more comfortable and confident in a more active and involved engagement strategy and help further your organization's goals. In 2012, business will continue to be built around relationships and trust. So it is important that you start today in identifying those relationships you want to build.

It is anything but business as usual in Lansing But Everything is on the table

LANSING, MICH. -- On Wednesday, when the new Speaker of the Michigan House James Bolger (R-Marshall), gaveled the  96^th session of the House to order, he used his opening address to call for the elimination of the Michigan Business Tax (MBT), a 48-month cap on welfare benefits and the completion of a two-year budget by June 1. The Republican leader's remarks broke from the platitudes and vows of cooperation that have come from opening House session speeches in recent years. Republicans control the chamber 63-47. Bolger also focused his remarks on removing barriers to things that create jobs, including reforming regulations and cutting the 'red tape.'   The bottom line, according to the new Speaker, is that spending, tax and regulatory reform will dominate the 96^th Legislature.

182 Days

One a related note, the Snyder Administration is giving itself 182 days (or to July 1), days to enact a budget, change business taxes and do other reforms. The governor does not support sales taxes on services but will look at how tax incentives are used.

How much federal funding did your school district receive?

In President Obama’s 2011 budget, he allocated:

• $1.8 billion for Michigan to develop better teachers and classrooms to meet 21st century challenges in an effort to foster educational excellence, improve student achievement and reward successful outcomes to prepare our nationa’s children for global competitiveness.
• $900 million nationwide for School Turnaround Grants to help provide the resources needed to turn around the lowest performing schools.
• $1.4 billion to enhance the President’s Race to the Top challenge$300 million in new grants to develop and implement curricula and improve teaching and learning in science, technology, engineering and mathematics.

How much federal funding did your school district receive?

In addition, Congress has yet to authorize the Elementary and Secondary Education Act and yet, the President wants to increase the number of effective teachers and principals, support student achievement, invest in the next generation of scientists and engineers and others modernize the current education system in the US. I realize that every school district is faced with a number of difficult decisions in reducing their budgets, cuttings services and programs, laying off teachers and shuttering schools. I also know the importance of collectively working to bring more federal dollars to off set the lost revenue from the state and local community.

It is time we shift our focus and turn it onto our children. We have a lot of work to do in 2011.

America's Response

With the recent publication of diplomatic emails and communications from abroad about other world leaders, The White House and State Department find themselves in a situation that a number of their counterparts have faced in the private sector ... and the response should be similar. For example, the U.S. Government should've gotten in front of the story and broken it before the media did. The government should've had advanced notice that the story would be published and should've used its social media tools to break the story, issue a statement and lay out a strategy for how it was dealing with the situation.

Now to repair its' image, the government should:

1. Admit the error and apologize.

In general, we (not just the government, but everyone) need to admit that we make mistakes, but mistakes like this, the government should say, are inexcusable and we are regret that some of these comments were made.

2. Show that you are taking corrective action.

It is important to show that you are taking steps to fix the problem and begin to repair any relationship fractured by the statements.

3. Invest in goodwill.

The United States already is invested in regions throughout the world. However, now, it needs to look at where the most damage is done and find ways of healing wounds.

4. Show the investment already being made in the region.

A lot of the damage can be undone by showing what the U.S. has already done in a particular region. By reminding others what has already been invested and accomplished, they may be more forgiving.

5. Adjust.

Unfortunately, this situation reminds each of us that we need to adopt the new way we communicate with each other and the potential for how others may share information they should not be sharing.  Our reputation can change in a 'Tweet," let alone a series of emails. Therefore, we need to be careful what we communicate and to whom, particularly those representing a government, at a local, state, federal or international level.

Now there are lessons we can learn from this experience and the best lesson here is:

"If you don't want to read about it in the paper, then don't write it down."

Emerging Market for the Great Lakes - Fresh Water Technologies

A new report by Global Water Intelligence (GWI) magazine recently issued (July 24) a report highlighting the top ten new water technologies. These technologies address some of the greatest challenges facing the water sector today. These include: Water scarcity: The world's freshwater resources are fixed, but both population and per capita consumption of water is growing. By 2025 one in three people around the world will experience either water scarcity or water stress;

Energy consumption: In some parts of the world the process of treating and moving water represents 20% of total energy consumption; Salt intrusion: Over-exploitation of our natural water resources has resulted in a build up of salt in our water systems; and,

Materials recycling: Wastewater contains materials that may be valuable if recycled, but are damaging to the environment if they are not. GWI's report has reviewed 50 existing and emerging technologies, of which the top ten are:

Aquaporins: These are membranes that replicate the way nature removes salt from water, for example in the kidneys or in mangroves. Companies developing this technology include Aquaporin, and Danfoss AquaZ.

Bio-polymers from wastewater: Bio-polymers are a great natural alternative to petro-chemical-based plastics; what is more they can be made during the biological digestion of sewage sludge. AnoxKaldnes is the leading commercial developer of this technology.

Nano-engineered membranes: Despite improvements, reverse osmosis membranes still offer disappointingly low flux rates. New developments such as nano-composite membranes and carbon nano-tubes will significantly reduce the energy required in desalination. Two firms from the University of California, NanoH2O and Porifera, are at the cutting edge of this technology.

Biogas recovery: The collection of methane from anaerobic wastewater treatment has been a reality for industrial effluents with a high biological load for some years. The challenge is to make it viable for less concentrated municipal wastewater. Leaders in this market are Paques and Biothane.

Microbial fuel cells: The next step in energy recovery from wastewater is direct electrical power generation through microbial fuel cells. Emefcy of Israel is at the forefront of commercializing this technology.

Vapour transfer irrigation: This involves low cost plastic tubes that allow water vapour through, but not water or solutes. These make it possible to grow trees and food crops using salt-water. DTi of the UK has been developing this technology.

Phosphorus recovery: Phosphorus is essential to the healthy growth of plants and animals, but it is a dwindling resource. The world's supply of phosphorus rock will be exhausted within the next 100 years, unless more is recycled from sewage. A number of companies including Unitika of Japan, DHV of the Netherlands and Ostara of Canada have been working on this technology.

Ultrasonic sludge pre-treatment: If you can break down cellular matter in sewage sludge it is easier to reclaim biogas, water and other materials. Ultrasound is a low-energy means of doing this. Hamburg Harburg University of Technology is leading research in this area.

Forward osmosis: The action of water moving through a semi-permeable membrane from a dilute solution to a concentrated solution has two interesting applications. One gives a low-energy desalination process. The other is the generation of osmotic power. Oasys, a company that has grown out of Yale University is at the forefront of using forward osmosis in desalination.

Decentralized wastewater treatment: Centralized wastewater systems are expensive to build and use a lot of water. Decentralized systems might remove the need for sewers, and make it easier to recycle the water and energy in the waste. The Lettinga Associates Foundation is one of the leading organisations promoting the practical application of decentralized wastewater.

Water is quickly becoming a scarce commodity. New technologies are being developed throughout the world to find ways to improve fresh water delivery fit for consumption. States, like Michigan, which is surrounded by the world's largest supply of fresh water could stand to benefit from this emerging market. Michigan should aggressively work to contact the above-referenced companies and encourage them to re-locate their research, labs and offices, to the Great Lakes State. (Source: PRWeb).

A little perspective about Detroit...

Over the past few weeks, I have and will have the opportunity to travel outside of Detroit. For example, last week I was in Chicago for a trade show. While in Chicago, the news that dominated the front page of the Tribune was not the indictment of former Mayor Kilpatrick, it was the trial of former Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich, and the testimony his staffers gave under oath.  In addition, people who live in Chicago know of the alleged corruption in that city, but they ignore it because their trash gets picked up, the lights are always on and the city continues to thrive with new developments. While it does not make it right, it is what that city has built its reputation on.

Tonight, I just returned from Toronto.  While I was not there for the G-20 Summit, I did read and see pictures of the the police car burning, and heard first hand stories of friends who were not allowed to leave their buildings that were in the security zone, due to violent protests, not to mention protesters breaking the windows of a number of Starbuck's and other downtown businesses. Also in Toronto, Canadian Tourism took care of the international media while visiting Toronto. In the media centre, they created a "fake lake" to resemble the lakes of Muskoka, two hours from Toronto and the site of the G8 meetings. The "fake lake" was inside the convention center and was actually the target of stories about the costs of this Summit and the length Canada was going to promote tourism in the Country at a time that they virtually shut Canada's economic epicenter down to host a two day meeting of world leaders --  As if the Winter Olympics did not accomplish that for them, during one of the busiest tourist times for Toronto, given Canada Day on July 1.  Also, they forced the Toronto Blue Jays to relocate their home game to Philadelphia, who wore their home uniform in Philly.    A city that normally never receives bad publicity certainly felt the brunt of it in just a short weekend.

In addition, on July 1, the Canadian government will institute a combined GST/PST (tax), placing up to 13 percent taxes on professional services (law, accounting), hair cuts, gym memberships, restaurant tabs, home remodeling, new construction, subscriptions etc, which has not been handled well. This frankly, is an opportunity for us to promote shopping in Detroit to our Canadian neighbors.

After the Fourth of July, I will be travelling to Cleveland, where corruption and bribes of public officials continues to rock Cuyahoga County, where several public officials and business owners have been indicted and a number of others on the way, with the federal government targeting Cuyahoga County Auditor Frank Russo and Democratic Party Chair and Chair of the Cuyahoga County Commission Jimmy Dimore  This is the same city, that in the last year or two had major issues affecting their Port Authority, involving money or the lack thereof to fund certain projects.

Next month, I will be travelling to San Francisco, where its' current Mayor (and failed gubernatorial candidate) Gavin Newsom, had an affair with his campaign manager's wife in 2007.

So, a bit of perspective -- All eyes are not necessarily on Detroit. People are really consumed with what is going on in their city and their own backyard.  As we work hard to rebuild, repair and rebrand our image, we are not alone and we should think that everyone is concerned with Detroit, or that we have such a terrible reputation. Unfortunately, we are not the only city with the problems we have. We certainly would like the Kilpatrick era to come to a close and for the headlines to change about Detroit. To do so, we need to celebrate and honor our past, but stay focused on our strengths and move on from our failures.

Detroit, like Chicago, Cleveland, San Francisco or Hartford, where another Mayor resigned after corruption charges, should not let a political scandal or their public officials failures define their city or region. It is up to the region, to work collectively to promote itself and show first hand what they are capable of doing.

There are no doubt, lessons to learn and impart from where we have been to help create the blueprint that will guide us in moving forward.  With an election upon us in just a few months, we need to elect leaders who will not just be held accountable, we need leadership will will lead by example and will not stray from taking risks at a time of tremendous opportunity.  I look forward to working with you and with our new leaders on that journey.

Best wishes for a Happy Fourth of July.

Daniel

The Red Wings new arena can be built through a land swap

There is a city, with a Mayor, who used to be a professional basketball player. This Mayor wants to build a new arena for their basketball team....DETROIT Mayor Dave Bing, you say? NOPE! Sacramento Mayor Kevin Johnson was a point guard for the Phoenix Suns n the 1990s. He was elected Mayor in 2008 and is focused on building a new basketball arena for the Kings. According to Governing Magazine, their current arena (Arco) is the oldest and smallest arena in the NBA. Its' location is far from the city centre and its has no luxury boxes. The voters do not want to raise their tax to support a new arena, and the city, like Detroit and others, faces a large budget shortfall, with the State not in any position to help. So the Mayor thought out of the box.  With the support of City Council, he negotiated a three-way land swap with a developer to help fund the arena. The city will offer land near the current arena as a new location for the state fairgrounds. The fair's current location would be sold to a developer, with the proceeds used to fund a new arena. It it all goes well, the new arena would anchor a new development in Sacramento's downtown on a brownfield site where the railyards used to be. The new arena will be part of a mixed development that will include an intermodal transportation hub with shopping, restaurants, offices and new residential units (12,000 of them). Unfortunately, the deal is still a deal and no contracts have been signed. The fair's governing board  and the legislature would both have to agree to the plan. Hmmmm....it does sound familiar.  The Detroit Red Wings want to play in a new arena and the Detroit Pistons are for sale.  Detroit Mayor Dave Bing, like Sacramento Mayor Kevin Johnson, not only played in the NBA but he also is in the Hall of Fame.  Michigan's State Fair Grounds are in the city of Detroit (be it on the edge of the city, but we do have a train station that sits vacant, near a proposed intermodal facility that is connected to two strong neighborhoods of the City (Greektown and Southwest Detroit). While I am sure the Detroit City Council, State Fairground folks and Michigan Legislature would all have to agree, I think what they are doing in Sacramento, is a slam dunk for Detroit.

We have a lot to learn from ourselves

In the June 2010 issue of Governing, writer Josh Goodman congratulates the City of Livonia (located in Wayne County, just west of Detroit) as the highest rate of return of U.S. Census applications of any city with at least 50,000 people. To what does the U.S. Census attribute it too. According to Detroit-area demographer Kurt Metzger, "it isn't what it did, but rather what it is. Livonia has a lower unemployment rate than its municipal neighbors. Foreclosures and abandoned buildings are not necessarily a problem, and 90 percent of its residents live in homes they own. Its' populations is constant, not dwindling, with a median age of 43, six years older than the national average. Livonia's mail in rate was 87%, with Detroit at 62% and the national average at 72% -- the form was just five questions. We have something to learn from Livonia and once again, Michigan sets the benchmark for the rest of the country. For more on the story, see www.governing.com.

Yelp!!!

The way-forward for web-based communications is to turn to mobile communications.  The number of smart phone users has increased dramatically over the past six-months and may increase even more, depending on Steve Job's announcement on June 7th. It is widely rumored that he will announce that he is making the iPhone available to Sprint and Verizon users. Perhaps that is why Wal-Mart is selling the iPhone for $97. Nonetheless, while we are transitioning from our desktops to our laptops and our laptops to our mobile phones, communications are not just getting shorter with every Tweet, they are getting more  local thanks to now popular apps such as Four Square and Yelp! According to the May 2010 of Inside Counsel, YELP, the on-line business review site, changed its policies as a result of a class action lawsuit charging YELP with the manipulation of content on its review pages. The plaintiffs allege that YELP would change the content based on the ad dollars from a particular company.  As a result of the lawsuit, YELP has instituted a number of issues to be more transparent. No matter how we communicate the best communication still comes from word-of-mouth and friend-to-friend.