Successes Page

SUCCESSES:

• Chaired a consortium of the state’s health care industry that secured an $8.4 million rural health broadband award from the Federal Communications Commission. Ongoing efforts have raised an additional $1.3 million in state and philanthropic funding. Hosted announcement events with U.S. Senator Jay Rockefeller. Click to see project's web site and to read press releases (Nov. 30, 2007 and Sept. 28, 2009).

• Worked with executives of a major coal company on a community-based, grass-roots campaign in 2007 that resulted in the preservation of coal production and mining jobs against an environmental group’s legal challenge in federal court. Instrumental in linking the state’s business and labor leaders to support the company’s position. Click to read W.Va. Chamber/W.Va. AFL-CIO op-ed.

• As a trade association chief, directed a natural gas industry lobbying effort in the mid 1990s that helped to enact a “balanced” multi-billion- dollar coalbed methane development act against an alliance of the coal industry and the United Mine Workers of America. Also, developed strategy and shepherded efforts that stopped new state regulation and legislation that would have imposed substantial costs related to abandoned wells.

• In 2009-2010 developed a public relations campaign for the West Virginia Chamber of Commerce that showcased how the U.S. EPA's regulatory efforts would be detrimental to West Virginia's energy industry and the state's economy. (Click to see "War On Energy" and Federal Issues Report.)

• Serving as project manager for a statewide transportation group, and since 2006 the campaign’s public relations, grass-roots, and education efforts have helped to secure $200+ million more in state transportation funding. The campaign’s coalition development efforts now number 300 partner organizations, labor groups and businesses. Campaign received national recognition in 2008 by the Associated General Contractors of America and two PRSA awards. Click to see campaign's web site.

• Developed a statewide public relations and education campaign for the West Virginia Chamber of Commerce that, in conjunction with a U.S. Chamber of Commerce effort, was instrumental in unseating a veteran political icon in a hotly contested state Supreme Court election. Click to hear campaign radio spot and view viral e-video.

• Helped lead a communications and grass-roots campaign for a statewide business coalition that prevented a multi-million-dollar premium increase in Workers’ Compensation rates. Also provided communications services to a grass-roots network of local chambers and trade groups that worked to defeat pro-union legislative proposals.

• Developed an integrated public relations/community affairs/advertising campaign (Click to view advertisement) that generated substantial external visibility for corporate employer and established an enduring positive community image. Campaign was recognized by the Independent Petroleum Association of America.

• Increased public participation and generated extensive positive media coverage as part of a company-backed citywide bone marrow blood typing drive held with NASCAR’s top race team (Hendricks Motorsports) and the National Marrow Donor Program. (Click to see community campaign advertisement)

• Coined the name for a Halliburton e-business venture – "GrandBasin" -- that the company was forming in 2000-2001.

• Scored an upset victory by defeating a long-term (30+ year) incumbent in first attempt at elected political office.

• Spearheaded a city infrastructure improvement project that resulted in a $6 million cost-sharing agreement among the state of West Virginia, CSX Corporation and the city of Charleston.