Case Studies

Our firm worked with Colorado Springs Utilities (CSU) for almost four years supporting its communications, public affairs and stakeholder engagement programs for the SDS project. In working with the client, Sigler has provided strategic counsel, planning and program implementation to help CSU achieve development milestones including the Environmental Impact Statement, Record of Decision, Pueblo County 1041 Permit, Fremont County Special Use Permit, El Paso County permits, as well as secure CSU board approvals of the project/financing plan, land acquisition and the commencement of construction. Sigler wrote and managed the design of the project website; produced a video showcasing project needs; helped develop key messages; and produced dozens of fact sheets, PowerPoint presentations, press releases, e-Newsletters and other communications materials directed at a variety of audiences.

Results: The project has been fully permitted and construction is underway.

Our firm is providing counsel and implementation support for stakeholder outreach, permitting public involvement, strategic communications planning and development of e-Newsletters.

Results: Ongoing

For the past 10 years, our firm has assisted with messaging and communications around key issues including water security, emerging contaminants, cryptosporidium, endocrine disruptors, hydrofracking, water-energy nexus and climate change effects on drinking water quality and quantity. We also assisted with a number of writing projects, including the Foundation's complete rebranding of its informational tool kit, brochures, website, annual report, annual review and e-Newslettters. Additionally, we support the Foundation's media relations programs by placing local and national stories that showcase its research efforts.

Results: The Foundation has successfully positioned itself as a worldwide leader and is increasingly elevating its awareness through electronic, social media and media relations efforts.

Sigler Communications managed communications and public involvement for the ASARCO remediation site from 1996 to 2002. Our efforts included launching an award-winning community information center and community hotline that served as the information hubs for residents. The program educated Globeville residents about the cleanup to increase their participation in the program. Program components include producing bilingual fact sheets, brochures, a quarterly newsletter, public meetings, special events and ongoing briefings for community leaders and public officials.

Results:
The company successfully completed it environmental obligations under its order with the state of Colorado. Due to our extensive outreach campaign, it also was able to mend relationships with neighbors and re-establish itself as a socially responsible corporate neighbor. Despite activist claims that prompted an EPA environmental justice investigation, the charges were dropped when the company demonstrated its comprehensive community involvement program.

Our firm managed communications for the company’s Superfund activities in Leadville, including writing and producing a quarterly newsletter, managing media relations, as well as developing a comprehensive community relations and public involvement plan. Our communications strategy addressed the pro-mining stance of the community and the EPA’s charge to proceed with the cleanup.

Results:
Remediation obligations under CERCLA were fulfilled and the company maintained a positive working relationship with regulators, elected officials, community leaders and residents. The company’s ongoing communications efforts helped position it as a key part of the solution to the issues in Leadville.

Sigler Communications developed a comprehensive communications plan that involved identifying key messages, preparing written materials and training spokespeople on message delivery on water security issues. We disseminated information to trade media to position AwwaRF as a leader in the development of a security methodology, as well as to subscribers to support their efforts to increase funding and membership for the organization.

Additionally, our firm developed written materials that were used with members of Congress to communicate AwwaRF’s leadership role in protecting the nation’s water supply. With the help of this information, legislation passed to provide continued funding for water security research.

To help AwwaRF members communicate their role in water security, we developed a communications tool kit that included pattern news releases, fact sheets, key messages and potential questions and answers to use with media and water utility customers. Additionally, we helped develop and distribute layman summaries congressional leaders of key water safety issues including arsenic in water.

Results:
Through its proactive information campaign, AwwaRF received congressional funding to continue with its water security research. The organization also has been lauded by its subscribers as taking a leadership role on the issue of water security, and keeping its members abreast of pertinent industry and legislative news.

Sigler Communications developed a communications strategy to help the city inform neighbors about the proposed redevelopment and encourage their input on the process.

This effort including hosting a series of community meetings, in conjunction with the city’s neighborhood outreach program, to inform residents of the importance of their cooperation during the environmental investigation.

Additionally, our firm worked with several local elementary schools to involve students in planning and creating a vision for future land use. To help attract bankers and developers with possibility investing in the area, we created a video, brochure and information Web site that could be used with these and other interested audiences.

Results:
Thanks to the involvement of nearby neighbors and investors, the city secured partners to redevelop the property and are working with key stakeholders to move the project forward. Community participation was considered a key role in the successful redevelopment.

Sigler Communications performed the day-to-day management of the public involvement program on behalf of the state health department. Our responsibilities included:

• Explaining the scientific approach to calculating potential health risks in lay terms (as it was not scientifically known the effects of low-level exposure to plutonium on the human body);


• Putting Rocky Flats health risks into context for residents so they could weigh the level of risk from being exposed to off-site contamination to other risks in life, e.g., smoking, driving a car;


• Broadening awareness and understanding of the studies’ purpose, process and results; and,


• Encouraging and expanding public outreach and involvement.

Our firm assisted members of the 12-person Health Advisory Panel and the technical staff to communicate complex technical information to local elected officials, community opinion leaders, the news media and the public. This included creating the study’s overall strategic communications and public involvement plan, developing and refining key messages, creating presentations and training those Panel members responsible for public outreach to sharpen their communications and presentation skills.

In just one year, we placed speakers in more than 40 civic and community groups. As part of the outreach, we also concepted and launched an advertising program that increased awareness about the study and public involvement opportunities.

Additionally, we leveraged existing forums to communicate information to key audiences, and invited key groups with an interest/stake in the study to share their opinions and participate directly. In addition, our firm planned the topics and coordinated quarterly public meetings and specific workshops. To supplement these meetings, we wrote and managed the design and production of related collateral materials including a quarterly newsletter, citizen summaries of study activities and technical topic papers that explained scientific components of the study in lay terms.

Most importantly, our firm worked directly with a team of experts to put the anticipated health risks into context for surrounding neighbors.

Results:
Despite intense activist opposition of the study and Rocky Flats in general, the Historical Public Exposures Studies were completed with far-reaching public acceptance of the results. Due to the extensive outreach campaign, we were able to:

• More than double public meeting attendance for quarterly meetings to an average of 80 people;


• Encourage positive press coverage on the studies credibility; and,


• Educate and engage more than 2,000 community members to attend presentations given by representatives of the Health Advisory Panel.

The final meeting generated positive front-page stories in both Denver daily newspapers and positive editorials. Neighboring communities who expressed health concerns about past exposure to Rocky Flats reported a better understanding of the issue in follow-up public opinion research. Ultimately, it was the ongoing communication with nearby communities and involvement of key stakeholders throughout the comprehensive study that made the study credible and successful.

Our firm was retained to help announce the cleanup partnership between Newmont and California State Parks as well as remediation measures under regulatorapproved work plans. We developed an initial communications strategy that included a targeted mailing to residents within a one-mile radius of the Empire Mine Park. The mailing announced the onset of work and the availability of informational materials at the park and the public library. We prepared and trained staff to conduct informational briefings with state park employees and docents to prepare them to be gatekeepers of information. We prepared visitor cards providing park visitors with information on areas that would be temporarily closed for cleanup measures.

In addition, we conducted a press conference/media tour, showcasing the environmental work planned at the facility for the 2006-07 construction season. Sigler also worked with the project management team to prepare for and conduct one-on-one briefings with key NGOs and California legislators whose district included the Empire Mine. The goal was to provide them with an overview of the planned work and to create a platform for ongoing dialogue.

Following the announcement of the work plans, Sigler Communications developed a public participation plan for California State Parks and Newmont. To gather information for the plan, the firm conducted 30 interviews with stakeholders representing various groups. The plan is primarily being implemented by California State Parks with strategic counsel and support provided by our firm.

Results:
By taking a unified approach to public education and involvement, technical work has proceeded at Empire Mine without NGO or public opposition. Newmont and California State Parks have exceeded their regulatory requirements for communications and have received positive feedback for their proactive communications approach. To date, the site’s lack of public concern has aided the technical work’s completion.

Sigler Communications’ involvement included spearheading public information sessions, producing bilingual fact sheets, serving as a liaison between medical and real estate experts and the community, coordinating personal briefings with key officials, conducting community relations interviews to identify information gaps and needs, briefing local media, implementing a direct-mail program to keep neighbors abreast of developments, and creating a 24-hour information hotline. Moreover, we helped create internal communications strategies to keep plant employees and corporate executives informed on the issues.

Results:
Hamilton Sundstrand successfully completed its remediation efforts and was issued a No Further Action status by the state and EPA in 2007. In 2007, Sigler Communications helped the company announce its plans to sell the property to Carma Colorado, a local developer that is creating a Brownfields redevelopment to include homes and commercial retail. The communications efforts were credited with helping the company settle a class-action lawsuit that sought more than $400 million for less than $2 million.

In developing the communications strategy for the Idarado Legacy, Sigler Communications assessed public opinion about the land transfer, managed media relations and interacted with various stakeholders including county officials and the non-profit Trust for Public Lands. Our firm developed presentations and speaking points for meetings with the county and city officials and residents. We orchestrated two public forums as part of the land use application in which residents were encouraged to learn more about the project and provide public comment. We managed media relations during the land application process, which included interaction with two local newspapers and radio stations.

Results:
As a result of winning the necessary approvals from the city and the county, in April 2004, Idarado concluded its final transfer of high-country land to the Trust for Public Lands. Through this sale, more than 5,500 acres of private land formerly owned by Idarado became public. The land includes 402 historic mining claims and the remains of buildings from the 19th century. The land transfer ensures this wilderness area will remain undeveloped and open to the public, creating sustainability for the area through tourism and recreation.

Protecting the high country and preserving elements of mining history were important steps in closing this chapter of the company’s long history in Telluride. Idarado retained 120 acres of its land on the valley floor and has successfully started the infrastructure and construction on 37 home sites with approval from San Miguel County.

Idarado Mining asked Sigler Communications to conceptualize and write the entry on the Idarado Legacy project that was submitted to the US Department of the Interior’s Bureau of Land Management 2006 Reclamation and Sustainable Mineral Development Awards Program. The Idarado Legacy won the Hard Rock Mineral Director’s Award, BLM’s highest honor.

Sigler Communications has worked with Metro Wastewater since the late 1990s to conduct public opinion research, and provide communications and engagement strategies to help diffuse negative public opinion regarding its MetroGro biosolids operation. Our firm conducted in-person interviews with key stakeholders twice in both 2003 and 2006 to assess public opinion about biosolids use and disposal, and develop associated response strategies.

Results:
The results of the baseline survey conducted in 2003 found there was still a considerable level of distrust concerning Metro’s farm property, and that the company was not communicating effectively or frequently. Resulting from significant public involvement and communications outreach, by comparison, a subsequent survey conducted in 2006 with some of the original respondents and newly elected officials found that despite some continuing feelings of distrust, there were marked improvements in communications and engagement programs as result of the input gathered.

Sigler Communications’ strong working relationship with the CDPHE helped Molycorp work with the state to develop a sensible approach to communications and community involvement. Our team conducted community involvement interviews that served as the basis for the communication plan. The plan was tailored to ensure the company communicated with those who were potentially most impacted by Molycorp’s past operations, to ensure they were informed and to gauge their level of concern/questions. A second objective of the plan was to ensure opinion leaders were informed early in the process, and to get them to serve as gatekeepers of information in the event activist activity ensued.

Sigler Communications developed key messaging, possible questions and answers and handouts for briefings we attended with company representatives to the Titan Industrial businesses, the Highlands Ranch water district, state and local elected officials and community leaders.

Results:
The preemptive communications approach effectively worked to diffuse public outrage/concerns and mitigate activist involvement on the site. The community benefited from hearing about the issue directly from Molycorp versus reading about it in the newspaper or hearing misinformation from environmental activists. The company maintained a productive working relationship with the CDPHE public information officer and was able find the middle ground to avoid derailing the good relationship it had built around the technical work. Neutralized public opposition allowed the company to conclude its cleanup activities and sell the property for other land use.

Our firm developed the overall communications strategy to reach residents affected by environmental sampling in their homes. We conducted one-on-one interviews with community members in conjunction with the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment to serve as the foundation for a comprehensive community relations plan. We briefed elected officials and leaders of two neighborhood homeowners’ associations at various stages of the environmental investigation and cleanup, and maintained a hotline and Web site (www.redfieldsite.org) to provide up-to-date information about related activities.

Throughout the program, our team planned and conducted 26 public/community meetings and briefings, managed interface with news media, served as the company’s local representative and fielded more than 1,600 phone calls from residents/neighbors and other concerned stakeholders.

We also were responsible for conceptualizing, drafting and designing all written materials including letters, fact sheets, newsletter articles and letters to neighbors. We consulted with a physician/toxicologist to address residents’ health questions and concerns and to develop health-related posters and handouts. We also devised a real estate/property value communications strategy, tracked real estate transactions using a broker subcontractor, and met with Realtors and neighbors about property values and transactions.

Results:
Brown successfully completed its remediation efforts in the homes and continues to address on-site cleanup. The communications efforts helped the company meet and surpass its regulatory communications requirements. It also played a major role in a jury verdict rendered in 2004 of approximately $1 million for non-economic damages versus the $450 million requested by the plaintiffs.

To guide the company’s community involvement program, our firm conducted briefings with media and elected officials, and solicited public input and feedback on the cleanup measures. Using this information, we developed a strategy that included one-on-one briefings, a community newsletter and supporting local community causes. Our firm concepted, drafted and designed a community-wide newsletter to update Leadville stakeholders on the cleanup program.

To help preserve Leadville’s rich mining history, on our recommendation, Resurrection partnered with the Lake County Library and The Herald Democrat, Leadville’s 125-year-old newspaper, to provide financial support and archival expertise to microfilm records of original Leadville newspapers found in the newspaper’s basement. The newspapers, which dated from 1879- 1987, represented the only remaining issues of these historic documents in existence; they needed to be preserved on microfilm before they were lost forever. We wrote the grants that allowed the Library to hire a local archivist and worked with the Colorado Historical Society to manage the archiving process.

Results:
Resurrection successfully completed, on schedule, remediation at all four Operable Units/cleanup areas it was responsible for at the Leadville Superfund site. Resurrection demonstrated to the community the effectiveness of its remediation efforts by sharing data showing that trout density numbers in the Arkansas River had increased. Using community support as a critical component of the Record of Decision (ROD), Resurrection is working with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to enact a ROD that will predominantly include monitoring of the remediation activities in place.

On the preservation front, in November 2005, Resurrection delivered 40 rolls of microfilm, representing 108 years of Leadville history as chronicled by The Herald Democrat, to the Lake County Library and the Colorado Historical Society. Resurrection was recognized publicly as being instrumental in preserving these historic documents for future generations.

Sigler Communications conducted extensive interviews with community leaders, elected officials, environmental activists and residents to assess attitudes and opinions about RMSM and obtain input for the public involvement plan. We implemented the plan, which outlined strategies to communicate environmental information and forge community relationships. Program components included active community involvement and participation in neighborhood groups and organizations, a tour program, written and Web communications, presentations to local civic groups, media relations and elected official outreach.

We also developed communications materials pertaining to the air settlement and the company’s Solid Waste Management Unit program. Our firm provided guidance on the company’s requirement to fund Supplemental Environmental Program money negotiated through settlements with the EPA and state of Colorado. We screened applicants, developed criteria for funding, and developed a process for communications and ongoing accountability with the funded organizations.

Results:
RMSM resolved its outstanding issues with the state and re-established its relationships with the regulatory agencies. Engagement programs with activist groups were conducted including plant tours, involvement in reviewing technical studies and results, and ongoing dialogue. The business community was successfully engaged and educated about how RMSM was working to resolve its environmental issues, and the continued important role the plant played in the Pueblo economy.

Our firm worked with the client and the technical contractor to develop key messages and manage initial crisis communications resulting from the proposed testing. We provide strategic counsel on how to respond to media requests and coverage that aired on a national TV news magazine program, as well as monitored media coverage daily. To explain the indoor air remediation program to affected residents, our team planned and prepared for an open house information meeting to convey test results.

Prior to the meeting, we worked with the technical contractor to develop posters, written materials and press materials, as well as provided coaching on how to engage attendees and the media. On behalf of Carrier, we also worked with a Community Advisory Group and the Brantford County Health Unit to develop strategies for communicating with lenders and Realtors about the perceived impact of environmental cleanup on local real estate. Following the initial open house, we also provided ongoing communications with residents on the progress of the testing and remediation efforts.

Results:
After learning of results from the indoor air testing program, the MOE has issued a "no further action" status for the site. A lawsuit regarding diminution of property values and nuisance also was dropped by a group of neighbors. Thanks to the comprehensive communications and outreach program, Carrier has maintained its reputation in the community and successfully been able to close the site and evaluate alternative land uses.

In 2003, Sigler Communications began drafting Newmont’s first corporate sustainability report, as well as individual reports for each of the company’s 18 mine operations located on five continents. These reports detailed Newmont's approach to sustainability and measurable progress the company has made in strengthening community relations, environmental stewardship, worker health and safety, and employee well-being.

To accomplish this, our team conducted one-on-one interviews with mine management and staff around the world and reviewed internal reporting documents, external audits, as well as environmental, human resource, health and safety, and community investment data. We also distilled the information to reach a broad group of stakeholders including shareholders, employers, community residents, government leaders, host governments, NGOs, news media and other interested audiences.

In 2006, Newmont decided to transition its sustainability reporting to a Web format (see www.BeyondtheMine.com), enabling the company to more broadly communicate its social, environmental and economic contributions and impacts. Our firm worked with Newmont’s management team to develop the overall concept and approach for the Web site. In addition to writing and editing all Web content and case studies, we worked with the site development contractor, MediaVisions, to produce and build the site.

Results:
Newmont has been lauded as a leader in corporate social responsibility reporting and continues to receive positive feedback by external auditors and stakeholders.

Our firm began by identifying potential issues and barriers to the initiative’s successful implementation through research and by consulting with those affected by the implementation: from hospital executive teams to end users. Next, we developed communications plans and strategies to help roll out the new technology business solutions in a logical and appealing manner. The plans outline target audiences, key messages, communications strategies, tools and techniques, and program measurement.

We developed a name, brand and identity for the project, called CHI Connect. The branding and graphic design provide a memorable, professional and high-quality look on all communications and helped visually communicate the main purpose behind the initiative.

Results:
CHI Connect began implementation in 2006 after a comprehensive awareness campaign began more than 28 months prior to its launch. Using multiple communications forums—ranging from national conferences to hospital staff meetings, demonstrations to electronic newsletters and training sessions—the first wave of hospitals was ready for installation. At each hospital, CHI Connect is being implemented in phases to give it 12-18 months to learn about, prepare for and train users. The ongoing communication and preparation has been critical to building not only awareness, but also acceptance of the complex technology. Thanks to the program’s extensive branding and promotional campaign, users across the system are extremely aware that CHI Connect has arrived—or is coming very soon.

Developed a comprehensive groundbreaking public relations plan that included public outreach, media strategy and message development with the goal of differentiating Exempla Good Samaritan from surrounding hospitals in an extremely competitive market. We developed collateral and supporting materials for the hospital’s grand opening including displays and media kits with an interactive CD ROM. Sigler also assisted with developing advertisements for the hospital opening to ensure congruity between public relations and advertising efforts. We organized and hosted a press conference and media tour of the new hospital that was attended by 15 reporters and photographers. A total of 24 print articles (Denver Post, Rocky Mountain News, Boulder Daily Camera, Denver Business Journal and various local newspapers), eight online articles and one national magazine article were published on the hospital opening. In addition, four Denver television stations reported a total of 10 television segments on the hospital opening that aired for a total of 13 minutes.

Developed and implemented a multi-faceted research project to determine attitudes toward the hospital and its programs, identify opportunities for improving services and develop recommendations for future actions based on research results. The research methods included focus groups, interviews and a community survey. Audiences included former and current patients, new mothers, physicians and nurses. Developed marketing/communications plans to support research findings.

Revamped the logo and image of the 125-year-old hospital. Conducted community and internal focus groups that served as the foundation of a strategic marketing communications campaign. Developed the plan, which was designed for staff implementation.

Since 1999, Sigler Communications has managed national media relations for ACVIM to encourage the pet-owning public to seek the assistance of veterinary internal medicine specialists. Our team develops the annual media kit, identifies story topics, and manages pressrooms and press conferences in association with the organization’s annual ACVIM Forum held in a different U.S. city each year. Our firm created two media events in conjunction with the Forum that are designed to heighten awareness of veterinary specialty medicine—"Pet Survivor" and "Cutting Edge of Animal Health." Pet Survivor highlights local dogs and cats whose lives were save through advances in specialty veterinary medicine. We have secured extensive media coverage for ACVIM in veterinary trade and consumer media including USA Today, Dog Fancy, Dog World and DVM Newsmagazine, Top Vets Talk Pets and Steve Dale’s Pet World.

Sigler Communications provided Newmont an evaluation of the newsletter to determine how we could improve its credibility and readability. Our design team developed a new layout and graphics to generate visual appeal. We also recommended to newsletter editors that they assign bureau chiefs from each mining region to be responsible for gathering and submitting interesting and newsworthy updates from each mine. Our team edited articles as they were submitted and sought additional information if it was warranted. We also worked with corporate staff to develop an editorial calendar of articles that would highlight company initiatives as well as commentary on industry news.

Results:
Our team integrated a professional but fresh look to the newsletter, and brought much-needed organization to the content. Instead of a random layout, we organized stories by categories: Exploration; Employees; Business; External Relations; Environmental Stewardship; Executive Viewpoint; Investor Relations; Legislative Affairs; and Industry and Mine News. By establishing new working relationships with regional bureau chiefs, newsletter content was vastly improved, which caused readership to increase.