tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27992402539503540722024-03-13T08:21:28.764-04:00The Public Affairs LawyerBusinesses often find themselves navigating a complex environment that requires dealing simultaneously
with litigation, governmental and regulatory actions, media scrutiny, and public perception. Often times, business strategy demands a multi-disciplinary approach of legal action, public relations and government relations. Knowing where these issues collide can help protect your reputation and enhance your position in the marketplace.Daniel Cherrinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13418693495913790101noreply@blogger.comBlogger44125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2799240253950354072.post-79620640380769471262010-04-01T21:00:00.002-04:002010-04-01T21:02:40.348-04:00North Coast StrategiesThanks for visiting "The Public Affairs Lawyer." We have consolidated our blog and our website and integrated our social media at <a href="www.northcoaststrategies.com">www.northcoaststrategies.com</a>.Daniel Cherrinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13418693495913790101noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2799240253950354072.post-20727355255842108792010-01-12T21:27:00.001-05:002010-01-12T21:27:39.240-05:005 principles of breakthrough success in the "Relationship Era" - iMediaConnection.com<div style='width: 300px; max-height: 234px; padding: 8px; margin: 0 auto auto 2px; overflow-y: auto;'><div style='float: right; width: 113px; height: 100px; padding: 0; margin: 0;'><a href='http://www.share-server.com/view/content/37f79916-ffeb-11de-21bc-c75400000000'><img src='http://share-server.com/view/post/37f79916-ffeb-11de-21bc-c75400000000'/></a></div><div style='font: 12px Tahoma; color: #2f2f2f; padding: 0; margin: 0 123px 0 0;'>Until recently, there were only two eras of marketing. But times are changing. Here are some approaches that successful brands are using to push past the rest of the pack. </div><div style='font: 11px Tahoma;padding: 0; margin: 8px 0;'><a style='color: #005cff;' href='http://www.share-server.com/view/content/37f79916-ffeb-11de-21bc-c75400000000'>View >></a></div></div>Daniel Cherrinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13418693495913790101noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2799240253950354072.post-82289934067511354642009-12-29T23:47:00.003-05:002009-12-30T00:05:50.890-05:00Audacity to WinDuring this holiday break, I read "Audacity to Win" by President Obama's Campaign Manager David Plouffe. Whether you are a Blue Dog or Gingrich Republican, I recommend this book to any public relations professional (I saw it today for half-off at <a href="http://barnesandnoble.com">Barnes and Noble</a>). Not only is it a well documented history of the 2008 Campaign, with insider views and frank discussions about what actually went on behind the scenes, but it is a blue print for how we, as PR professionals, can create memorable campaigns for our clients. <div><br /></div><div>Plouffe and then-candidate Barack Obama did not just run a campaign, they created a movement. They did not follow the typical guidebook that comes with running for President, they set their own rules. They built a grassroots movement by talking to people and taking there message person-to-person, block-by-block, town-by-town. They started a dialogue, absorbed their ideas, developed a message and shared it. People wanted to do something for Barack Obama and the Obama Campaign had plenty for them to do. You could volunteer in a campaign office, go to a battleground state, raise money online, or join the discussion on-line.</div><div><br /></div><div>The volunteers came because they were interested. That interest turned into action, then to passion. And throughout their involvement, not matter at what level, they felt a part of that movement -- Making President Obama's victory, was their victory.</div><div><br /></div><div>Following the election, the President kept and continues to keep that movement alive, through Organizing for America (OFA), now run through the Democratic National Committee (DNC).</div><div><br /></div><div>In the book, Plouffe tells us that "in politics your two main pillars are message and electoral strategy." The message is what the candidate offers voters in terms of vision, issues and biography. Plouffe tells us that you can adjust the tactics, but never deviate from your core message and strategy -- Have one slogan, and stick to it. Make decisions based on strategy and have a clear road map to know what is important, and commit to that map. </div><div><br /></div><div>Plouffe also tells us that technology should also be the core of the campaign from day one. Use social media to raise money, move the message and organize. Create lists and sublists to keep key groups in the loop and a part of the campaign. </div><div><br /></div><div>Important lessons for how we can help our clients create movements. A good book, a great read and important lessons for us all to know. </div>Daniel Cherrinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13418693495913790101noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2799240253950354072.post-41124474912663642502009-12-13T21:23:00.005-05:002009-12-13T21:28:23.626-05:00The Tooth FairyToday my daughter lost her tooth. Although she believes that I am the tooth fairy, she still believes in tooth elves. It is good to believe. Here is a copy of the letter the "tooth fairy" left under her pillow:<div><br /></div><div><!--StartFragment--> <p class="LetterBody"><span style="font-size:14.0pt;">My Dearest XXXX,<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="LetterBody"><span style="font-size:14.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count:1"> </span>You were such a brave girl today when you lost your front tooth.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>I heard all about how your mommy pulled it out – Wow! <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="LetterBody"><span style="font-size:14.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count:1"> </span>I am so proud of how you take care of your teeth, especially this one that I found under your pillow. I left something under your pillow in exchange for your tooth.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Thank you!!! I can’t wait to add it to my collection. I heard you are also learning about counting money, so I left some change for you to count. <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="LetterBody"><span style="font-size:14.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count:1"> </span>I also understand that you think I am your father.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>I get that a lot, so I included a picture of me – It is a drawing because fairies don’t take good pictures.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoClosing"><span style="font-size:14.0pt;">Love, </span></p> <p class="LetterSenderName"><span style="font-size:14.0pt;">The Tooth Fairy</span></p> <p class="MsoSignature" style="margin-left:.5in"><span style="font-size:14.0pt;">P.S. I am pleased to see that you enjoy brushing and flossing your teeth.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Keep up the good work!</span></p> <!--EndFragment--> </div>Daniel Cherrinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13418693495913790101noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2799240253950354072.post-89579469885515052842009-12-10T17:06:00.003-05:002009-12-10T17:17:06.328-05:00Congressional Expectations in 2010Congress is not even close to finishing the issues it began this past January, and when they return following their brief winter break, they will face a number of regulatory issues, including:<div><ul><li>Federal Trade Commission (FTC) -- Expect the FTC to get more involved in consumer financial protection. Under new proposed regulations, the FTC will be given more authority to levy fines and investigate firms doing with others know to violate FTC rules. Privacy will also be an issue, in terms of how media companies, retailers, advertisers and others collect and use consumer information. THOUGHTS??? Contact your Member of Congress.</li><li>Food and Drug Administration (FDA) -- Next year Congress also will look at our nation's food safety laws. </li><li>Transportation -- Congress will look at two major bills next year, including the new proposed "Jobs" bill and the re-authorization of the Transportation Equity Act which expired this past September but was extended into next year. Another issue however, will be an issue that a number states have already considered -- TXTing while driving. But these regulations will be geared toward truck drivers. </li><li>Environment -- Congress will continue their debate on climate change and air emissions while also looking at our nation's fresh water system. </li><li>Taxes -- Congress will also address tax issues that are set to sunset in the coming year. </li></ul><div>Regardless of the issues, next year proves to be a busy one. On top of the packed Congressional agenda, 2010 also is an election year so by definition each issue is a political issue and will be weighed in the context of how it is perceived back home. Therefore, it is vital that you make your views known, advocate for or against issues important to you and your business, and ask for money for various programs and projects. In this economy, we all can use a little help from Congress and the Federal government. </div></div>Daniel Cherrinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13418693495913790101noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2799240253950354072.post-5859185484861727912009-12-09T08:34:00.002-05:002009-12-09T09:06:32.769-05:00Today's Legal Market Demands Broad Business Solutions<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 13px; color: rgb(55, 55, 55); "><p style="padding-top: 5px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 5px; padding-left: 0px; margin-top: 2px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 2px; margin-left: 0px; line-height: 19px; ">*Story Originally Posted in the <a href="http://www.abanet.org/genpractice/newsletter/lawtrends/09_fall/pm-feat3.html">American Bar Association's Law Trends and News, Fall 2009, Vol. 6, No. 1. </a></p><p style="padding-top: 5px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 5px; padding-left: 0px; margin-top: 2px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 2px; margin-left: 0px; line-height: 19px; ">Today’s legal market demands a broad range of business solutions lawyers can provide their clients. A strategic communications plan can prove to be an extremely helpful tool law firms can provide their clients. For example, in today’s 24/7 media culture, companies lack access to and control over the media who cover their industry and to the people that talk about them online.</p><p style="padding-top: 5px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 5px; padding-left: 0px; margin-top: 2px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 2px; margin-left: 0px; line-height: 19px; ">In addition, businesses often find themselves navigating a complex environment that requires dealing simultaneously with litigation, governmental and regulatory actions, media scrutiny, and public perception. Oftentimes business strategy demands a multidisciplinary approach of legal action, public relations, and government relations. Knowing where these issues converge can help protect your reputation and enhance your position in the marketplace.</p><p style="padding-top: 5px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 5px; padding-left: 0px; margin-top: 2px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 2px; margin-left: 0px; line-height: 19px; ">For example, new court rules were recently unveiled in Michigan directing jurors not to Twitter about the case before them or to turn to the Internet for information beyond that which was presented to them in the court. Social media is becoming more than a tool for us to use to stay in touch with friends: it is becoming a new area to look out for our clients' interests and/or a new medium to promote our practice.</p><p style="padding-top: 5px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 5px; padding-left: 0px; margin-top: 2px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 2px; margin-left: 0px; line-height: 19px; ">Also, in just seven months, Congress has passed a number of key bills that have been enacted by the president, including the economic stimulus package, expansion of SCHIP, Pentagon acquisition reforms, and other key reforms. Congress is in the midst of tackling a number of difficult issues, including energy and climate legislation, health care reform, FY 2010 appropriations, the reauthorization of the transportation bill, financial regulation, food safety, and immigration reform—all of which will affect our legal practice.</p><p style="padding-top: 5px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 5px; padding-left: 0px; margin-top: 2px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 2px; margin-left: 0px; line-height: 19px; ">As a result, attorneys should extend their services beyond the courtroom and into the court of public opinion or legislature. If attorneys will not provide such services, then they should build strategic partnerships with public relations firms and/or lobbyists. To meet the needs of today’s businesses, lawyers will need skilled advice regarding how to position their clients before the media or in front of the legislature, while legally protecting their clients.</p><p style="padding-top: 5px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 5px; padding-left: 0px; margin-top: 2px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 2px; margin-left: 0px; line-height: 19px; ">For example, seeking PR counsel is an important aspect of representing clients in high-profile cases. Even if the issue is a small matter, there is no way we can tell how public opinion can or will shape the outcome of a case. Therefore, in engaging PR counsel:</p><ul style="margin-top: 3px; margin-left: 20px; "><li style="font-size: 13px; padding-bottom: 3px; padding-top: 4px; ">Have the lawyer retain the PR firm as opposed to your client directly, to try to preserve attorney-client privilege;</li><li style="font-size: 13px; padding-bottom: 3px; padding-top: 8px; ">The PR counsel should consult with the client only in the presence of an attorney and first talk things over with the attorney to seek their support and buy-in for the PR strategy.</li></ul><p style="padding-top: 5px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 5px; padding-left: 0px; margin-top: 2px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 2px; margin-left: 0px; line-height: 19px; ">Once a PR firm is engaged, they will (depending on the strategy):</p><ul style="margin-top: 3px; margin-left: 20px; "><li style="font-size: 13px; padding-bottom: 3px; padding-top: 4px; ">Asses the situation, review any media to date;</li><li style="font-size: 13px; padding-bottom: 3px; padding-top: 8px; ">Create key messages;</li><li style="font-size: 13px; padding-bottom: 3px; padding-top: 8px; ">Create talking points for key audiences including, staff, vendors, clients, and the media;</li><li style="font-size: 13px; padding-bottom: 3px; padding-top: 8px; ">Using the key messages, educate and sensitize the media to mitigate damage or control the story;</li><li style="font-size: 13px; padding-bottom: 3px; padding-top: 8px; ">Facilitate interviews; and</li><li style="font-size: 13px; padding-bottom: 3px; padding-top: 8px; ">Diligently work to preserve and protect your client’s image in the public eye.</li></ul><p style="padding-top: 5px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 5px; padding-left: 0px; margin-top: 2px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 2px; margin-left: 0px; line-height: 19px; ">“An attorney’s duties do not begin inside the courtroom door. He or she cannot ignore the practical implications of a legal proceeding for the client.” See<em style="font-style: italic; ">Gentile v. State Bar of Nevada</em> (Kennedy opinion) 510 U.S. 1030, 1043 (1991). Just as an attorney may recommend a plea bargain or civil settlement to avoid the adverse consequences of a possible loss after trial, so too an attorney may take reasonable steps to defend a client’s reputation in the court of public opinion</p><p style="padding-top: 5px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 5px; padding-left: 0px; margin-top: 2px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 2px; margin-left: 0px; line-height: 19px; ">In today’s fast-paced environment, where it may take years to build up one’s reputation and only seconds to destroy it, a lawyer’s role as advocate extends to managing his or her clients’ reputations inside and out of the courtroom.</p><p style="padding-top: 5px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 5px; padding-left: 0px; margin-top: 2px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 2px; margin-left: 0px; line-height: 19px; "><em style="font-style: italic; ">Daniel Cherrin, an attorney, is the former communications director/press secretary for Detroit and to Detroit Mayor Kenneth V. Cockrel Jr. He is now president of North Coast Strategies, which provides cutting-edge practical advice where government action or inaction, litigation vulnerability, or complex regulatory requirements will impact your reputation and bottom line. You can reach Cherrin at <a href="http://www.abanet.org/genpractice/newsletter/lawtrends/09_fall/dcherrin@NorthCoastStrategies.com" style="text-decoration: none; color: rgb(130, 36, 116); background: inherit; ">dcherrin@NorthCoastStrategies.com</a> or 313-300-0932.</em></p></span>Daniel Cherrinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13418693495913790101noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2799240253950354072.post-54089416098390466292009-12-08T14:53:00.002-05:002009-12-08T15:03:59.222-05:00Lessons for Baltimore, from DetroitBaltimore has been used as an example many times by <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Detroiters</span> about what it did as a city to turn around its downtown, to revamp its waterfront and breathe life back into a city. Now, with its Mayor recently convicted of taking gift cards as bribes and using gift cards that should have been used as gifts for the needy, Baltimore can and should learn from Detroit.<div><br /></div><div>The Mayor of Baltimore refuses to resign after her conviction last week, saying she still has Baltimore's interest at heart. If the Mayor truly had Baltimore's interest at hear she would step down as Mayor, end the drama and let the city move forward without her. If she does not step down, then a cloud will continue to hover around the city. </div><div><br /></div><div>With the Mayor staying in office, the city cannot move forward. Businesses will not want to do business with the city, its bond rating could be in jeopardy due to the volatile situation in the city, with a lack of uncertainty as to what may happen with or with out the Mayor, and the continued scrutiny of the Mayor. </div><div><br /></div><div>There is no doubt that the Mayor's attorneys are advising the Mayor to stay put. It provides leverage in negotiating a settlement and a platform for her to speak. But her speech will be limited by what her attorneys tell her she can or cannot say, pending the legal action against her. </div><div><br /></div><div>Now it is easy for me to sit here in Detroit and be critical of a Mayor who I don't know in a city that I have only visited. But, I can speak from experience about what a city needs to do to move forward and beyond the negative stories that have traumatized a city, a region and a state. </div><div><br /></div><div>The Mayor of Baltimore and the President of Baltimore's City Council should learn from Detroit. Step down as Mayor. If she is not going to step down, then the President of Council should ask for her resignation, being to create a transition plan, meet with local business, community, labor and faith-based leaders. Travel to Annapolis and meet with the state <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">legislative</span> and executive leadership and begin to make the plans for taking Baltimore back and shift the focus from scandal to hope and opportunity, faith and transparency, accountability and action. </div>Daniel Cherrinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13418693495913790101noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2799240253950354072.post-39581095876016008272009-12-08T11:28:00.003-05:002009-12-08T11:54:59.032-05:00Creating Jobs, Investing in Transit, Roads and other Infrastructure<span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:Times, serif;"> <!--StartFragment--> <p class="MsoNormal">Each year, the federal government allocates a significant portion of the overall Federal Budget to expenditures that have a direct impact on the states. This includes monies to support programs such as Medicare, food stamps, unemployment compensation, transportation and infrastructure, Medicaid support, job training and education amongst others.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">According to the (Michigan) State Fiscal Agency, “Michigan’s share of Federal expenditures has lagged behind the amount of most other states.” (See State Fiscal Report, May/June 2009).<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>The report finds that “Michigan’s total per-capita expenditures ranked 45<sup>th</sup> among the states and 41<sup>st</sup> among the states in grants to state and local governments.” <i>Id.</i><span style="font-style:normal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>This means that Michigan is receiving less than its fair share of Federal expenditures <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal">In terms of transit/transportation dollars, Michigan taxpayers lose about $100 million a year in federal transit aid because the state and its major cities have failed to plan for and invest in world-class bus and train service. In fact, 34 counties in Michigan with little public transit service.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Given the current economic climate in Lansing, there are a number of opportunities for Michigan businesses, organizations and institutions to secure support from Congress and the federal government. For example: States are hoping that a new jobs bill outlined by the President will include money for infrastructure projects.</p><p class="MsoNormal">Despite the possibility of having these funds available, Michigan may be ineligible for $475 million in federal highway money next year because it can’t find $84 million in matching state funds. This means that the state may lose out on nearly have a billion dollars in federal highway money in 2010 and even m ore through 2014. </p><p class="MsoNormal"><!--StartFragment--> </p><p class="MsoNormal">Despite Michigan's potential shortfall, there is time to advocate for change in Congress and find the resources to fund shovel-ready projects, to help create jobs, boost our state's infrastructure and jump-start our ailing economy. </p><p class="MsoNormal">While Congress chose to delay reauthorizing the Transportation Equity Act, they are allowing authorities and road commission’s time to shape the debate and the outcome of the legislation, including positioning such entities to secure federal funding through the reauthorization. With a lack of funding coming from the state, now is the perfect opportunity to turn to Washington for federal support and seek modifications to exist laws and regulations that would prevent Michigan from capturing additional federal support. </p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">For example, the current surface transportation law, the Safe, Affordable, Flexible, Efficient Transportation Equity Act (SAFETEA-LU, P.L. 109-53), was adopted in 2005 and expired on September 30, 2009.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>To give you some idea of how political this bill was -- When Congress finally passed the last transportation bill in 2005, it took two years and 12 extensions to complete it. </p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">At stake is the dwindling Highway Trust Fund, financed by a federal gas tax that pays for repairs to the nation’s crumbling infrastructure.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>At issue is an effort by Congress and the President to set the nation’s transportation policy for the rest of the decade and perhaps for decades to come.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>The outcome will be critical to state and local governments that depend on federal assistance to maintain and improve their transportation systems.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">The end game will be the creation of a funding mechanism that will ensure the national transportation system will meet the demands of an expanding population while also accommodating the environmental priorities of those who want to see less road congestion, less accidents and more transit options.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal">For transportation planning organizations it could mean a modern, sustainable and seamless surface transportation network, that fully integrates and connects the nation’s small urban and rural regions with global, metropolitan and neighboring markets. It could also mean increased federal investments in existing and new rural public transportation system, with an emphasis on establishing stronger incentives and program flexibility across the spectrum.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">While we will wait almost a year before Congress will <i>most likely</i><span style="font-style:normal"> pass a transportation bill, Congress continues to debate issues of transit and transportation and will soon debate a “jobs” bill that will contain federal funding for local infrastructure projects.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>For example, the U.S. House of Representatives passed the “American Clean Energy and Security Act” (H.R. 2454) in June, and the Senate is still debating their bill.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Both bills contain provisions affecting transit, transportation, infrastructure projects and jobs. </span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-style:normal">Although Congress will not pass a transportation bill until next year, there are still opportunities for transit agencies and organizations to secure resources for a variety of projects through existing bills, and help shape funding for future projects by taking a proactive role in advising Congress on what is important to your agency and community. We need advocates in Washington to support projects in the State of Michigan. We need effective leadership to create a collaborative group of like-minded agencies to support what is necessary to bring the requisite resources to re-build Michigan and create opportunities for us to get back to work. </span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Therefore, if you have certain projects that need to be funded or policy related issues that can benefit your program, it is important that you meet with your planning organizations; MDOT, the Governor and your Congressional Delegation to ensure their priorities are your priorities. Then it is important to work with your chambers and other community organizations to build a solid base of support for your projects. Despite a full agenda, Congress needs to hear from you and what you need to provide valuable resources to your community. With limited funds from the state and dwindling budgets all around, it seems that Congress is our only option.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span></p> <!--EndFragment--> <p></p></span>Daniel Cherrinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13418693495913790101noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2799240253950354072.post-67999546500247335332009-11-19T17:19:00.002-05:002009-11-19T17:22:40.894-05:00When the states can’t pay for schools, Just ask Congress!<!--StartFragment--> <p class="MsoNormal">With funding diminishing from the State of Michigan for schools, opportunities exist in Washington to secure federal funding.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>For example, the following school districts received federal funds in FY 2009: </p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p> <ul style="margin-top:0in" type="disc"> <li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1;tab-stops:list .5in">School District of Lancaster (PA) and Philadelphia School District each received $100,000 Project IMPACT, for abstinence education and related services. <o:p></o:p></li> <li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1;tab-stops:list .5in">Troy High School (PA) received $247,000 for removal and/or replacement of non historic windows, infill, louvers, windows, and fan lights. <o:p></o:p></li> <li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1;tab-stops:list .5in">The Logan Elm School District (OH) received $48,000 for water infrastructure improvements.<o:p></o:p></li> <li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1;tab-stops:list .5in">The Hesperia Unified School District, Hesperia, CA, received $98,000 for an after school program for middle school students. <o:p></o:p></li> <li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1;tab-stops:list .5in">The Independence School District (MO) received $347,000 for before- and after-school programs. <o:p></o:p></li> <li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1;tab-stops:list .5in">The Washoe County School District (NV), received $248,000 for an online assessment and accountability instructional programs and an additional $248,000 for an English Instructional program. <o:p></o:p></li> <li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1;tab-stops:list .5in">The Springfield School District (IL) received $94,000 for a middle school history experience. <o:p></o:p></li> <li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1;tab-stops:list .5in">The City School District of New Rochelle (NY) received $422,000 for after school and summer school programs, faculty professional development, and parent education workshops. </li></ul> <p class="MsoNormal">These are just some examples of how schools benefited from Congressional appropriations and governmental advocacy in securing additional funds for their schools. With limited funding from the state and a declining tax base, the federal government has some funds to support Michigan’s schools. </p><p class="MsoNormal">However, to obtain funding from Congress, the local school districts need to request the funding. At times, it is not enough to ask your local member of Congress. It is important to build support for your issues and requests, meet with Congressional staff, invite your member to experience schools and perhaps even make it an educational experience for the students by involving them in the legislative process.<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, serif; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1"> </span><span style="mso-tab-count:1"> <span style="mso-tab-count:1"> </span><span style="mso-tab-count:1"> </span></span></span></p>Daniel Cherrinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13418693495913790101noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2799240253950354072.post-43051785555073376022009-11-19T10:13:00.003-05:002009-11-19T10:28:41.314-05:00What's Next For Congress?Members of Congress are planning on working through the Thanksgiving holiday in an effort to try to wrap up a number of outstanding issues, including health care and climate change legislation. However, it seems that these issues will be carried over into the next session and will remain relevant going into 2010 and the mid-term elections. Here is a look into some of the issues Congress will keep their eye in 2010:<div><br /></div><div>HEALTH CARE REFORM -- Despite passage in the House, the Senate is working diligently to find a compromise. Expect this issue to continue on into February before anything is resolved. </div><div><br /></div><div>CAP-AND-TRADE -- Again, despite passage in the House, the Senate is finding difficulty in addressing a number of issues in this bill, including pressure from manufacturing states and the potential impact on jobs. </div><div><br /></div><div>FINANCIAL REFORM -- Banks and other financial firms are already gearing up for a the debate on financial reform. Although this issue remains a priority, it took a back seat during the health care and climate change debate, but is starting to gain traction in committee. </div><div><br /></div><div>TAXES -- A number of tax relief measures passed in 2001 and 2003 are set to expire by the end of 2010. Expect this issue to become a polarizing issue as members of Congress prepare for the election season.</div><div><br /></div><div>IMMIGRATION -- Another priority of the administration, this issue will have the potential to be another political issue. </div><div><br /></div><div>STIMULUS II -- Communities are still struggling despite the influx of funds from the federal government. In an election year, Members of Congress may look to bring more immediate relief to their districts. </div><div><br /></div><div>TRANSPORTATION -- Congress punted on addressing the expired and Transportation Equity Act for an additional 18 months. However, Congress will still hear testimony on reforming or nation's aging infrastructure and how to address its shortcomings.</div><div><br /></div><div>FEDERAL FUNDING -- With a lack of funding from state governments, going to local governments, social service agencies and other organizations, people will be looking to Congress for financial support. </div><div><br /></div><div>Regardless of the issues Congress considers in the coming months, it will no doubt be political as their think about their election. </div>Daniel Cherrinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13418693495913790101noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2799240253950354072.post-78429145768732824582009-11-18T11:00:00.004-05:002009-11-18T11:05:28.612-05:00Stop Looking at Lansing: Schools need to focus on support from Congress<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: medium; "><div><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Arial;">With funding diminishing from the State of Michigan for schools, districts statewide should shift their focus to Washington. </span></span></div><div><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Arial;"><br />For example, the following school districts received federal funds in FY 2009:</span></span></div><ul class="MailOutline"><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; ">School District of Lancaster (PA) and Philadelphia School District each received $100,000 Project IMPACT, for abstinence education and related services. </span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; ">Troy High School (PA) received $247,000 for removal and/or replacement of non historic windows, infill, louvers, windows, and fan lights. </span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; ">The Logan Elm School District (OH) received $48,000 for water infrastructure improvements.</span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; ">The Hesperia Unified School District, Hesperia, CA, received $98,000 for an after school program for middle school students. </span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; ">The Independence School District (MO) received $347,000 for before- and after-school programs. </span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; ">The Washoe County School District (NV), received $248,000 for an online assessment and accountability instructional programs and an additional $248,000 for an English Instructional program. </span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; ">The Springfield School District (IL) received $94,000 for a middle school history experience. </span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; ">And the City School District of New Rochelle (NY) received $422,000 for after school and summer school programs, faculty professional development, and parent education workshops. </span></li></ul><div><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Arial;">These are just some examples of how schools benefited from Congressional appropriations and governmental advocacy in securing additional funds for their schools. With limited funding from the state and a declining tax base, the federal government has the funds available for local districts. </span></span></div><div><br /></div><div>With very limited budgets, school districts need to be careful where they spend their resources. It may prove helpful to work through an intermediate school district or perhaps even build a regional collaboration with the county, chambers and other entities to secure federal funding. <span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span></div></span>Daniel Cherrinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13418693495913790101noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2799240253950354072.post-82631001510652504352009-11-18T10:56:00.002-05:002009-11-18T11:00:03.267-05:00Funding for Food Banks<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: medium; "><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 16px; margin-left: 0px; text-indent: 16px; "><span style="font: normal normal normal 16px/normal Times; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Arial;font-size:100%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 12px; ">With 35 million individuals either experiencing hunger or teetering right on the verge of hunger each year, the American people expect Congress to take every reasonable action possible to address food shortages, particularly here in Michigan. Last year, Congress passed a bill designed to encourage federal agencies to regularly donate surplus food to organizations that feed the hungry and each year, the providing funding to a number of organizations that help distribute food. </span></span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 16px; margin-left: 0px; text-indent: 16px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, serif; font-size: 12px; ">In addition, each year, Congress passes appropriations for food banks/pantries. The following organizations received federal appropriations in the past:</span></p><div style="text-indent: 16px; "><div class="MsoNormal"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Arial;font-size:100%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 12px; "><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in; text-indent: -0.25in; "><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Arial;font-size:100%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 12px; ">-</span></span><span style="font: normal normal normal 7pt/normal 'Times New Roman'; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Arial;font-size:100%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 12px; "> </span></span></span></span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Arial;font-size:100%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 12px; ">Bay Area Food Bank</span></span></span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Arial;font-size:100%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 12px; ">. Bay Area Food Bank, which distributes food donated by grocery stores, restaurants and the like to soup kitchens and homeless shelters received $245,000 for the construction of a commercial-size kitchen (FY 2008) (Jo Bonner).<br /></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Arial;font-size:100%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 12px; "><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in; text-indent: -0.25in; "><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Arial;font-size:100%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 12px; ">-</span></span><span style="font: normal normal normal 7pt/normal 'Times New Roman'; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Arial;font-size:100%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 12px; "> </span></span></span></span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Arial;font-size:100%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 12px; ">Tucson Community Food Bank</span></span></span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Arial;font-size:100%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 12px; "> (TCFB) -- Rep. Gabrielle Giffords requested $200,000 for “solar panels” at the TCFB in the FY 2009 budget.<br /></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Arial;font-size:100%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 12px; "><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in; text-indent: -0.25in; "><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Arial;font-size:100%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 12px; ">-</span></span><span style="font: normal normal normal 7pt/normal 'Times New Roman'; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Arial;font-size:100%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 12px; "> </span></span></span></span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Arial;font-size:100%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 12px; ">Second Harvest Food Bank</span></span></span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Arial;font-size:100%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 12px; "> received $700,000 in 2007.<br /></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Arial;font-size:100%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 12px; "><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in; text-indent: -0.25in; "><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Arial;font-size:100%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 12px; ">-</span></span><span style="font: normal normal normal 7pt/normal 'Times New Roman'; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Arial;font-size:100%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 12px; "> </span></span></span></span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Arial;font-size:100%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 12px; ">In 2006, Sen. Obama requested $2,499,400 for the Food Stamp Participation Project </span></span></span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Arial;font-size:100%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 12px; ">of the Illinois Department of Human Services. The Food Stamp Participation Project is development of new technology projects, which are designed to increase the access to the food stamp program. One is designed for use by the general public and the other is a web based application designed for use in food pantries. [Obama Request Letter to the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Agriculture, Rural Development, and Related Agencies, 3/31/06].<br /></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Arial;font-size:100%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 12px; "><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in; text-indent: -0.25in; "><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Arial;font-size:100%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 12px; ">-</span></span><span style="font: normal normal normal 7pt/normal 'Times New Roman'; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Arial;font-size:100%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 12px; "> </span></span></span></span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Arial;font-size:100%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 12px; ">For FY 2009, Sen. Sherrod Brown (D-OH) requested $368,500 for renovations at the Akron-Canton Regional Food Bank</span></span></span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Arial;font-size:100%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 12px; "><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in; text-indent: -0.25in; "><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Arial;font-size:100%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 12px; ">-</span></span><span style="font: normal normal normal 7pt/normal 'Times New Roman'; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Arial;font-size:100%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 12px; "> </span></span></span></span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Arial;font-size:100%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 12px; ">The South Texas Food Bank</span></span></span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Arial;font-size:100%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 12px; "> will receive $136,670.48 in conjunction with the 2008 Farm Bill should it be signed into law.</span></span></span></p><div class="MsoNormal"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Arial;font-size:100%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 12px; ">Although this list is not comprehensive, you can see, federal funding is available for a wide variety of needs, including: infrastructure improvement, child nutrition programs, food stamps and childhood obesity prevention, among other things. This funding is requested directly through Congress and is unrelated to a grant. </span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Arial;font-size:100%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 12px; "> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Arial;font-size:100%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 12px; "><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Arial;font-size:100%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 12px; ">With a lack of funding from the state, organizations such as those with food banks, should turn their attention to Washington for support. <span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span></span></span></span></div></div></span>Daniel Cherrinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13418693495913790101noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2799240253950354072.post-35959412575969673832009-10-27T11:16:00.004-04:002009-10-27T11:27:50.155-04:00<span class="Apple-style-span" style=" white-space: pre-wrap; font-family:Arial, 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">With funding diminishing from the State of Michigan for local governments, including school districts, municipalities, townships, school districts and other authorities should focus their attention in securing federal funds for their programs, projects and services, instead of wasting their time in Lansing. </span></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Arial, 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" white-space: pre-wrap;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" white-space: pre-wrap; font-family:Arial, 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">For example, federal funds are available for local governments for a variety of programs ranging from new buildings to communications equipment for first responders. In FY 2009, the following communities received federal funding: </span></span></div><div><ul><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" white-space: pre-wrap; font-family:Arial, 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Negaunee, MI for the Croix Street Reconstruction and completion of Phase I. </span></span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" white-space: pre-wrap; font-family:Arial, 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Park City, UT for a Feasibility Study that would bring water from Reclamation facilities. </span></span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" white-space: pre-wrap; font-family:Arial, 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Boise, ID, for design and construction of Boise's geothermal system expansion. </span></span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" white-space: pre-wrap; font-family:Arial, 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Jackson, MS for a Transitional Job Project for job training and employment programs for the Homeless. </span></span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" white-space: pre-wrap; font-family:Arial, 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Oakland, CA for a Green Jobs Initiative. </span></span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" white-space: pre-wrap; font-family:Arial, 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Baltimore, MD, for construction for Healthcare for the Homeless center. </span></span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" white-space: pre-wrap; font-family:Arial, 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Miami, FL for the Miami Green Initiative, to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and fuel consumption in the city. </span></span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" white-space: pre-wrap; font-family:Arial, 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Milwaukee, WI to improve access to and utilization of primary and preventive health care among low-income residents. </span></span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" white-space: pre-wrap; font-family:Arial, 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">The City of Beech Grove, IN, to enhance public safety with in-car cameras and at hot spots in the City to provide real-time feeds to the police command center. </span></span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" white-space: pre-wrap; font-family:Arial, 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Holyoke, MA, to develop a full-service community school pilot project. </span></span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" white-space: pre-wrap; font-family:Arial, 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">The City of Shelbyville, IN, to complete the interoperable wireless public safety communications system for first responders.</span></span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" white-space: pre-wrap; font-family:Arial, 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Medford, OR, to provide for the merging of two existing 9-1-1 dispatch centers for police officers. </span></span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" white-space: pre-wrap; font-family:Arial, 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">City of Sioux City, Sioux City, IA for meth related training. </span></span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" white-space: pre-wrap; font-family:Arial, 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Moultrie, GA, for technology upgrades, including purchase of equipment and professional development </span></span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" white-space: pre-wrap; font-family:Arial, 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">City of Haverhill, MA for various Downtown Streetscape Improvements. </span></span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" white-space: pre-wrap; font-family:Arial, 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Stamford, CT, Waste-to-Energy Project, to convert dried sludge into clean, renewable energy. </span></span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" white-space: pre-wrap; font-family:Arial, 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">City of Yonkers, NY Police Department, to reduce non-emergency 9-1-1 calls through the creation of a new public hotline. </span></span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" white-space: pre-wrap; font-family:Arial, 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Albuquerque, NM for their Transit Facility Rehabilitation. </span></span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" white-space: pre-wrap; font-family:Arial, 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">City of Ashland, MO Main Street Redevelopment Project. </span></span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" white-space: pre-wrap; font-family:Arial, 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Crystal City, VA Bus Rapid Transit. </span></span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" white-space: pre-wrap; font-family:Arial, 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">City of Tuscaloosa, AL Downtown Revitalization Project University Blvd. and Greensboro Avenue. </span></span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" white-space: pre-wrap; font-family:Arial, 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Trenton, NJ for a Renewable Energy Feasibility Study, to examine possible renewable energy sources. </span></span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" white-space: pre-wrap; font-family:Arial, 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Quincy, IL for Hydroelectric Power Generation, and their city's efforts to install hydroelectric plants at locks and dams. </span></span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" white-space: pre-wrap; font-family:Arial, 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Oklahoma City, OK, to continue replacement of Oklahoma's aging communication system. </span></span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" white-space: pre-wrap; font-family:Arial, 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Cincinnati, OH for the complete property acquisition, demolition, and remediation to create an urban industrial park. </span></span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" white-space: pre-wrap; font-family:Arial, 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Craig, AK for the redevelopment of the abandoned cannery property. </span></span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" white-space: pre-wrap; font-family:Arial, 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Milwaukee, WI for the development of supportive housing units for homeless. </span></span></li></ul></div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Arial, 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" white-space: pre-wrap;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" white-space: pre-wrap; font-family:Arial, 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">In addition, the following school districts will receive federal funding through appropriations: The School District of Lancaster (PA) and Philadelphia School District each received $100,000 Project IMPACT, for abstinence education and related services. Troy High School (PA) received $247,000 for removal and/or replacement of non historic windows, infill, louvers, windows, and fan lights. The Logan Elm School District will receive $48,000 for water infrastructure improvements in Circleville, Ohio. The Hesperia Unified School District, Hesperia, CA, received $98,000 for an after school program for middle school students. The Independence School District, Independence, MO, received $347,000 for before- and after-school programs. The Washoe County School District, NV, received $248,000 for an online assessment and accountability instructional programs and an additional $248,000 for an English Instructional program. The Springfield School District, Springfield, IL, received $94,000 for a middle school history experience. And the City School District of New Rochelle, New Rochelle, NY, received $422,000 for after school and summer school programs, faculty professional development, and parent education workshops. These are just some examples of how local governments and local schools benefited from Congressional appropriations and governmental advocacy in securing additional funds for their community. With limited funding from the state and a declining tax base, the federal government has funding available. It just needs to be identified and advocated for. In fact, cities throughout the country have been receiving federal funds, through grants and earmarks, to help offset the lack of funding from their state. While a number of communities here in Michigan have retained lobbyists to fight for a limited amount of money from the state government, only a few have recognized that more money exists from Washington. To help off set costs associated with retaining a lobbyist, communities can pool their resources, work through their chambers or local economic development organizations and find other creative ways to secure the funding they are no longer receiving from Lansing.</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Arial, 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" white-space: pre-wrap;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Arial, 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" white-space: pre-wrap;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">While we sit here in Michigan, trying to convince legislators that one program is more worthy of funding at the sacrifice of another, local government leaders should retain a lobbyist to secure federal funding from Congress. Now is the time to start planning for the next fiscal year and secure the funding necessary to govern. If we do shift our focus to Washington, other communities in other states will. </span></span></span></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>Daniel Cherrinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13418693495913790101noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2799240253950354072.post-22634951133945201602009-10-26T14:13:00.004-04:002009-10-26T14:25:18.074-04:00Congress to debate energy reform this week<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">U.S. Senator Barbara Boxer (D-CA), Chairman of the Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works, today released the text of the Chairman's Mark of the Clean Energy Jobs and American Power Act (S. 1733), this past Friday. </span></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman', times;color:#2B404D;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:11px;"><p style="margin-top: 5px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; "><span style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000000;">New and revised language in the Chairman's Mark released include:</span></span></span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 5px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; "><span style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; "><span style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000000;">• Specifies distribution of emissions allowances;<br />• Ensures that the majority of investments in the bill are for consumer protection;<br />• Includes new provisions to address clean coal technology;<br />• Increases investments in energy efficiency and renewable energy;<br />• Reduces greenhouse gas emissions and increases investments in the transportation sector;<br />• Enhances agriculture and forestry provisions;<br />• Directs assistance to rural communities;<br />• Includes greater assistance for small and medium refineries;<br />• Enhances the role of tribes;<br />• Increases the size of the market stability reserve; and<br />• Promotes advanced renewable fuels.</span></span></span></span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 5px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; "><span style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000000;">To see a copy of the bill, find it </span></span></span><a href="http://epw.senate.gov/public/index.cfm?FuseAction=Files.View&FileStore_id=ee5c67bb-a5a7-453d-a4e0-4c8f2908c0cf"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000000;">here</span></span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000000;">. To find the d</span></span></span><a href="http://epw.senate.gov/public/index.cfm?FuseAction=Files.View&FileStore_id=0a5c8998-3ec9-4c7a-a9d7-c597dd920929"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000000;">ifferences</span></span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000000;"> between the earlier version</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000000;">? For more information on the bill and hearings scheduled for this week, beginning, contact dcherrin@cherrinlawgroup.com</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000000;">. </span></span></span></span></p></span></span></span></div>Daniel Cherrinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13418693495913790101noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2799240253950354072.post-20458337992235002772009-10-22T23:11:00.003-04:002009-10-22T23:23:13.055-04:00Communications gap between lawyers and the mediaEarlier this week, <a href="http://www.montiethco.com/">Montieth & Co.</a>, a special situations management advisory and communications consultancy released the results from their 2009 "Media and the Law Survey."<div><br /></div><div>The results show, that reporters are trying to cover more litigation than ever (60% of reporters polled), and the need help understanding the core issues of the cases, especially in securities actions." </div><div><br /></div><div>In today's litigious environment, journalists need to be able to explain complex legal matters to audiences outside the courtroom. Lawyers have a real opportunity, not to affect a legal outcome, but to help protect their clients reputation in the court of public opinion. </div><div><br /></div><div>However, the survey also found that only 31% of the respondents said that lawyers were effective in helping them understand the cases and the legal issues involved -- and most found plaintiff's attorney were more helpful. </div><div><br /></div><div>Reporters surveyed also said they "wish lawyers were more open to talking to reporters about their cases." And others would like more background on cases. </div><div><br /></div><div>Lawyers have an important role in protecting their clients. At the same time, that should not come as a sacrifice to protecting their client's reputation in the public eye. In some cases, one's reputation is more important than any legal outcome. </div><div><br /></div><div>As a result, lawyers should either become more media savvy or retain a public relations firm that is, because the chances are, if you are not talking to the media ... your opponent is. </div><div><br /></div><div>*For the record, only half of those surveyed found PR firms to be helpful. So we all have to step-up our game. </div>Daniel Cherrinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13418693495913790101noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2799240253950354072.post-49133350111582921832009-10-19T10:50:00.001-04:002009-10-19T10:50:06.332-04:00Group homes reduce obstacles | detnews.com | The Detroit News<a href="http://detnews.com/article/20091019/METRO02/910190336/Group-homes-reduce-obstacles">Group homes reduce obstacles | detnews.com | The Detroit News</a><br /><br />Shared via <a href="http://addthis.com">AddThis</a><br />Daniel Cherrinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13418693495913790101noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2799240253950354072.post-9802690862080246152009-09-29T23:15:00.001-04:002009-09-29T23:17:51.636-04:00Delays in Transit Expected<!--StartFragment--> <p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style="text-align: left;margin-left: -12pt; text-indent: 0.5in; "><b><br /></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal">There is no doubt that Congress has a full agenda.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Health care reform has been dominating their time, followed by climate change legislation and issues in the Middle East.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>The end of its fiscal year is just a few days away and they, like the Michigan Legislature, have yet to pass their funding bills.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal">For example, the current surface transportation law, the Safe, Affordable, Flexible, Efficient Transportation Equity Act (SAFETEA-LU, P.L. 109-53), was adopted in 2005 and expires on September 30, 2009.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>To give you some idea of how political this bill was -- When Congress finally passed the last transportation bill in 2005, it took two years and 12 extensions to complete. Although Congress has a bill now drafted, the President wants to put off this measure until after the midterm elections in 2010. A delay in the re-authorization will hinder the planning of transportation projects and perhaps put them in jeopardy of ever getting completed.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">At stake is the dwindling Highway Trust Fund, financed by a federal gas tax that pays for repairs to the nation’s crumbling infrastructure.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>At issue is an effort by Congress and the President to set the nation’s transportation policy for the rest of the decade and perhaps for decades to come.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>The outcome will be critical to state and local governments that depend on federal assistance to maintain and improve their transportation systems.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">The end game will be the creation of a funding mechanism that will ensure the national transportation system will meet the demands of an expanding population while also accommodating the environmental priorities of those who want to see less road congestion, less accidents and more transit options.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal">For transportation planning organizations it could mean a modern, sustainable and seamless surface transportation network, that fully integrates and connects the nation’s small urban and rural regions with global, metropolitan and neighboring markets. It could also mean increased federal investments in existing and new rural public transportation system, with an emphasis on establishing stronger incentives and program flexibility across the spectrum. </p> <p class="MsoNormal">While we will wait for almost a year before Congress will <i>most likely</i><span style="font-style:normal"> pass a transportation bill, Congress continues to debate issues of transit and transportation.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>For example, the U.S. House of Representatives passed the “American Clean Energy and Security Act” (H.R. 2454) in June, and the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee is currently developing their version.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Both bill contain provisions affecting transit. Although Congress will not pass a transportation bill until next year, there are still opportunities for transit agencies and organizations to secure resources for a variety of projects through existing bills, and help shape funding for future projects by taking a proactive role in advising Congress on what is important to your agency and community.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Therefore, if you have certain projects that need to be funded or policy related issues that can benefit your program, it is important that you meet with your planning organizations, MDOT, the Governor and your Congressional Delegation to ensure their priorities are your priorities. Then it is important to work with your chambers and other community organizations to build a solid base of support for your projects. Despite a full agenda, Congress needs to hear from you and what you need to provide valuable resources to your community. With limited funds from the state and dwindling budgets all around, it seems that Congress is our only option.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:10.0pt"><b>Daniel Cherrin</b></span><span style="font-size:10.0pt"> is the former Communications Director/Press Secretary for the City of Detroit and to Detroit Mayor Kenneth V. Cockrel Jr. He is now President of North Coast Strategies, which provides cutting edge practical advice where government action or inaction, litigation vulnerability or complex regulatory requirements will impact your reputation and bottom-line.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>You can reach Cherrin at <a href="mailto:dcherrin@NorthCoastStrategies.com">dcherrin@NorthCoastStrategies.com</a> or (313) 300-0932.</span></p> <!--EndFragment-->Daniel Cherrinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13418693495913790101noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2799240253950354072.post-25822527130746981692009-09-29T23:11:00.001-04:002009-09-29T23:12:42.684-04:00Restoring stability, gaining trust and rebuilding Detroit’s future.<!--StartFragment--> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold; ">By Daniel Cherrin</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal">One year ago, then Detroit City Council President Ken Cockrel became Detroit’s 61<sup>st</sup> Mayor, after Kwame Kilpatrick resigned.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Then Mayor Cockrel, assumed the leadership of a city very much in trouble. At the time, the magnitude of Detroit’s budget problems were unknown, people sat in city hall pushing paper, our auto industry’s infrastructure was crumbling, the Nation was about to elect its first African American President, America’s economic climate worsened, and the world would soon be coming to Detroit for the NCAA Final Four Men’s Tournament.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Ken Cockrel inherited a city in shambles, not as the “elected mayor,” but as a public servant, called to duty and asked to serve. At the time, his 11-year political-career as a Wayne County Commissioner, City Council Member and City Council President prepared him to assume his new role as Mayor.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>As Mayor, Cockrel, looked forward to creating an open and transparent culture, stabilizing a city, restoring trust in city government and the office of mayor.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">In the brief eight months he served as Detroit’s Mayor, Cockrel was often criticized for moving to slow. But moving slow was the most appropriate strategy for coming into the middle of an established administration at a time when he had to campaign for office twice, while still trying to run the city. Slow, calculated and strategic moves, based on facts and sound public policy, rather than politics or pressure, was how Cockrel stabilized the city.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>It took time to get a handle of the city’s finances and come up with a plan to not just reduce the deficit, but to eliminate it, balance the budget and turn in all of the city’s financial reports in on time, to help restore Detroit’s credit rating lost due to so much uncertainty in the city.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">He began to create a process to repair and rebuild a fractured and aging city government and change the corporate culture, to restore stability in our city and restore our tainted image.</p><p class="MsoNormal"> As we have all seen, as city council president, as mayor, and again as city council president, Cockrel is a person with tremendous integrity.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>As Mayor, he put substance before showmanship and worked to secure meaningful reform for Detroit.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Cockrel served as our Mayor at the perfect time. As mayor, he shifted our region’s focus from the scandals of the past to rebuilding for our future. At the time he became mayor, he did not seek the position, and yet he rose to the challenge.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">As Cockrel’s Communications Director and Press Secretary, I was given the opportunity to participate in a number of discussions and decisions affecting our city.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>I was always impressed, when Cockrel made decisions not because of politics, but because it was good public policy … Not because it would get him elected, but because it made sense … Not because it was what someone wanted, but because it was what the city needed.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">This past May, the voters (or lack thereof) did not give Cockrel the opportunity to act on his plans to restore financial stability to the city, to restore the trust back in the Office of Mayor and to find new hope and opportunity to secure Detroit’s future for the next generation. <br /><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal">Although Cockrel’s work continues as President of the Detroit City Council, there is no doubt in my mind of Ken Cockrel’s place in Detroit’s history.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>He became Mayor not out of desire, but out of need.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>He served as Mayor with honor, integrity and class.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>His agenda is Detroit’s agenda.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Cockrel remains at the base of Detroit’s foundation and best represents the City’s future. Ken Cockrel was the right person at the right time to lead this city and created the process by which fiscal stability could be restored, trust, and set the tone for Detroit’s new beginning.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops:364.5pt"><span style="font-size:10.0pt"><b>Daniel Cherrin</b></span><span style="font-size:10.0pt"> is the former Communications Director/Press Secretary for the City of Detroit and to Detroit Mayor Kenneth V. Cockrel Jr. He is now President of North Coast Strategies, which provides cutting edge practical advice where government action or inaction, litigation vulnerability or complex regulatory requirements will impact your reputation and bottom-line.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>You can reach Cherrin at <a href="mailto:dcherrin@NorthCoastStrategies.com">dcherrin@NorthCoastStrategies.com</a> or (313) 300-0932.</span></p> <!--EndFragment-->Daniel Cherrinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13418693495913790101noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2799240253950354072.post-38633513812386520252009-09-29T23:09:00.001-04:002009-09-29T23:10:33.183-04:00Detroit will benefit when Chicago lands the 2016 Olympics<!--StartFragment--> <p class="MsoNormal">On October 2, the City of Chicago will appear before the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and plead its case to host the 2016 Olympic games. They are competing against Rio de Janeiro, Madrid and Tokyo.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal">In the past, Detroit also appeared before the IOC, and bid for the 1944, 1952, 1956, 1960 and 1968 Olympics. While we lost each bid, we moved on to enhance a number of buildings throughout the city, including many of those at Wayne State University.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">While Detroit competes to restore its public image, we should work with Chicago to support their bid to win the right to host the 2016 Olympics.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>If they win, we win. While hotels along Chicago’s Magnificent Mile and along their Lakeshore Drive will sell out, there is a good chance that Detroit and the State of Michigan will reap some benefit. For example, while Chicago’s O’Hare and Midway Airports may be crowded, some travelers, including those on Delta/Northwest, may just choose to fly-in to Detroit Metro, rent-a-car and perhaps check out our region’s cultural, culinary and athletic treasures.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>We could also host a number of Olympic delegations, as they need a place to train and get acclimated to the time changes and American culture. Facilities at any of our state’s universities not to mention our diverse topography make Michigan a great place to train and prepare for the Olympics in 2016.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Chicago has a lot to gain economically from hosting the Olympics. Studies show the Games could generate $13.7 billion in economic activity from 2011-2021.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>But Detroit and the State of Michigan also have a lot to gain. It is our chance to be a co-host, along America’s North Coast, and welcome the world to the region and to the Great Lakes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>So let’s support our neighbor to the west.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>We often compare ourselves to the Windy City as a place we would like to be.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>So for now, let’s offer our support and resources to win the games, not just for Chicago and the Great Lakes but also for the United States of America.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:10.0pt"><b>Daniel Cherrin</b></span><span style="font-size:10.0pt"> is the former Communications Director/Press Secretary for the City of Detroit and to Detroit Mayor Kenneth V. Cockrel Jr. He is now President of North Coast Strategies, which provides cutting edge practical advice where government action or inaction, litigation vulnerability or complex regulatory requirements will impact your reputation and bottom-line.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>You can reach Cherrin at <a href="mailto:dcherrin@NorthCoastStrategies.com">dcherrin@NorthCoastStrategies.com</a> or (313) 300-0932. </span></p> <!--EndFragment-->Daniel Cherrinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13418693495913790101noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2799240253950354072.post-2980475723316027362009-08-12T17:01:00.005-04:002009-08-12T17:11:58.020-04:00Seizing the debate on health care reform to promote your interestsMost of us have seen the <a href="http://www.rollcall.com/issues/55_19/news/37557-1.html">town hall meetings</a> that <a href="http://www.congress.org/congressorg/home/">Members of Congress </a>are having on <a href="http://www.businessweek.com/blogs/money_politics/archives/2009/08/health_care_ref.html">health care insurance reform</a> and the heated discussions (or chants) now taking place. While individuals take issue with the legislation, organizations should seize the opportunity to share their story, to highlight their organization's mission as it relates to the debate and to feature or highlight their members to show by example, what works and what doesn't, or what should be done as a result of the debate. <div><br /></div><div>While debating the contents of the legislation is important, it also is a great opportunity to use the debate to promote your organization, your members or your individual company. </div><div><br /></div><div>While print media is becoming more and more limited, it helps to have a story that is timely, that is relevant and that is interesting. Now is the time to invest in public relations, issues management and relationship building activities to promote your cause and help position your organization for further resources down the road. </div>Daniel Cherrinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13418693495913790101noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2799240253950354072.post-11221973956663559982009-08-05T22:16:00.003-04:002009-08-05T22:29:23.473-04:00FEDERAL FUNDING IS AVAILABLE FOR LOCAL GOVERNMENTS, BUT FIRST YOU NEED TO ASK!<span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">Last year the President said to the nation’s mayors at their annual conference, "we need to promote strong cities as the backbone of regional growth….we also need to stop seeing our cities as the problem and start seeing them as the solution…strong cities are the building blocks of strong regions, and strong regions are essential for a strong America…" And earlier today in a speech in Indiana the President said, "</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">The battle for America's future will be fought and won in places like Elkhart and Detroit, Goshen and Pittsburgh, South Bend, Youngstown –- in cities and towns across Indiana and across the Midwest and across the country that have been the backbone of America. It will be won by making places like Elkhart what they once were and can be again –- and that's centers of innovation and entrepreneurship and ingenuity and opportunity; the bustling, whirring, humming engines of American prosperity.</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">"</span></span></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">In fact, President Obama, commonly referred to the Nation's first Mayor President (because he hails from Chicago) created the Office of Urban Affairs and this week, began a national conversatio</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">n to engage cities and metropolitan areas with an eye towards what works, and a call for an interagency review of how federal policies are impacting local communities. </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">The President has said, "Our job is to advance a new federal vision that recognizes cities and metropolitan areas as dynamic engines for our economy, and develop federal policy built on these strengths."</span></span></span></div><div><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><br />Yet, municipalities throughout the country have been plagued by cuts in revenue sharing, triggering layoffs, unfunded programs and projects, uncut parks, and reduced or eliminated services. Revenue sharing pays for police officers, fire fighters, road maintenance, water systems, parks and other essential local services. In the past eight years, the State of Michigan has reduced revenue sharing by $3 billion, causing the layoffs of thousands of police officers and fire fighters and cuts to other critical services. Last month, President Obama announced the next phase in developing a new urban agenda including a national conversation to engage cities and metropolitan areas with an eye towards what works, and a call for an interagency review of how federal policies are impacting local communities. Cities throughout the country have been receiving federal funds, through grants and earmarks, to help offset the lack of funding from their state. While a number of communities here in Michigan have retained lobbyists to fight for a limited amount of money from the state government, only a few have recognized that more money exists from Washington. For communities such as Charlevoix, Negaunee, Birmingham, Battle Creek, Detroit, Oakland County and Wayne County have each retained a lobbyist to help them secure funding in Washington. A number of chambers, including the Detroit Regional Chamber, Kalamazoo Chamber, Battle Creek Chamber and Ludington Chamber, have also retained federal lobbyists, as well as a number of DDAs and economic development agencies throughout the country.<br /><br />While I realize that a majority of local governments do not have the resources to retain a lobbyist, nor is it the most politically correct thing to do, there are still creative ways to secure federal funding for local communities through partnerships with other organizations in the region. <br /><br />For example, in FY 2009, the following communities will receive federal funding (as an example):<br /><br /></span></span> <ul><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">Negaunee, MI for the Croix Street Reconstruction and completion of Phase I.</span></span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">Park City, UT for a Feasibility Study that would bring water from Reclamation facilities to the Park City, Utah area -- Funding would provide additional non-construction support. </span></span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">Boise, ID, for design and construction of Boise's geothermal system expansion.</span></span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">Jackson, MS for a Transitional Job Project for job training and employment programs for the Homeless.</span></span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">Oakland, CA for a Green Jobs Initiative.</span></span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">Baltimore, MD, for construction for Healthcare for the Homeless center.</span></span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">Miami, FL for the Miami Green Initiative, to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and fuel consumption in the city.</span></span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">Milwaukee, WI to improve access to and utilization of primary and preventive health care among low-income residents.</span></span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">The City of Beech Grove, IN, to enhance public safety with in-car cameras and at hot spots in the City to provide real-time feeds to the police command center.</span></span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">Holyoke, MA, to develop a full-service community school pilot project.</span></span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">The City of Shelbyville, IN, to complete the interoperable wireless public safety communications system for first responders.</span></span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">Medford, OR, to provide for the merging of two existing 9-1-1 dispatch centers for police officers.</span></span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">City of Sioux City, Sioux City, IA for meth related training.</span></span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">Moultrie, GA, for technology upgrades, including purchase of equipment and professional development 100k</span></span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">City of Haverhill, MA for various Downtown Streetscape Improvements.</span></span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">Stamford, CT, Waste-to-Energy Project, to convert dried sludge into clean, renewable energy.</span></span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">City of Yonkers, NY Police Department, to reduce non-emergency 9-1-1 calls through the creation of a new public hotline.</span></span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">Albuquerque, NM for their Transit Facility Rehabilitation.</span></span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">City of Ashland, MO Main Street Redevelopment Project.</span></span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">Crystal City, VA Bus Rapid Transit.</span></span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">City of Tuscaloosa, AL Downtown Revitalization Project University Blvd. and Greensboro Avenue.</span></span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">Trenton, NJ for a Renewable Energy Feasibility Study, to examine possible renewable energy sources.</span></span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">Quincy, IL for Hydroelectric Power Generation, and their city's efforts to install hydroelectric plants at locks and dams.</span></span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">Oklahoma City, OK, to continue replacement of Oklahoma's aging communication system.</span></span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">Cincinnati, OH for the complete property acquisition, demolition, and remediation of the Queen City Barrel area to create an urban industrial park.</span></span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">Craig, AK for the redevelopment of the abandoned cannery property.</span></span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">Milwaukee, WI for the development of supportive housing units for homeless.</span></span></li></ul></span></div><div style="text-align: right;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">(Source Office of Management and Budget)</span></span></span></div><div><span style="font-size:12.0px"><span style="font-family:Arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><br />Federal funding is available for a wide-variety of projects, from putting more police officers on the street, fighting gang violence, reducing drug use, updating aging 911 systems, building intermodal facilities, rehabilitating properties or after school programs, the federal government has resources through grants and earmarks available for cities such as yours. As one Congressman once said, "I do not know why various organizations do not ask Congress for help and support of a number of programs." Where an entity has a program that meets a community need, the availability of federal funding is a strong possibility. But first you need to ask. </span></span><br /></span></span> <!--EndFragment--> </div>Daniel Cherrinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13418693495913790101noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2799240253950354072.post-63613389266246590202009-07-30T10:19:00.003-04:002009-07-30T10:30:58.454-04:00Law Firms Must Adjust To Meet Client DemandsFrom the boardroom to the bedroom, government affects everything we do. So its time to embrace it and learn how we make government work for us. And perhaps more important, in addition to providing our clients with a legal remedy, we must also provide them the opportunity to seek legislative remedies or use the court of public opinion to reach their business objectives.<br /><br /> Many clients are turning to law firms to assist in the public policy process, yet many firms are ill equipped to handle government relations and are not well versed in public relations as a legal tactic. Yet it is the lawyer who knows the law and knows what laws would best benefit their clients as well as how to best position their clients in either a court of law or court of public opinion. It is the lobbyist that knows how to effect legislative change and to assist in drafting the right laws. And it is the brand manager, who knows how to position the issue and the client so that everyone emerges a winner.<br /><br /> In addition, with government getting bigger and more complex, and government funding becoming sparse, regional mid-sized law firms are well equipped to create a practice that blends law, media and public relations with the legal expertise many mid-sized firms have.<br /><br /> Also, with budgets getting tighter, the government is seeking greater partnerships with the private sector. With a solid client base, law firms are well-positioned to assist clients in finding creative opportunities within the government and sound private sector solutions for public problems.<br /><br /> More and more issues in Congress and the state legislatures are having a direct impact on business. Businesses are learning that they can no longer sit on the sidelines when government decisions directly impact their future. Likewise, with tough economic times, businesses are looking for new areas to expand. And despite tough economic times, securing a government contract remains one of the most sought after business development opportunities.<br /><br /> Businesses today cannot afford to ignore the legislative process and adjust to new laws once they are passed. To be successful, business must stay current on legislative issues that could have repercussions on their business or industry. They must also seek to effectuate change where appropriate making lobbying, government relations and public affairs a natural extension of the legal services law firms are already providing. <br /><br /> By integrating strategic communications and public affairs into the practice, combining law, policy, politics and strategic communications, attorneys will provide new and existing clients and integrated approach to their legal problems. This practice group will provide firms with new channels to cross-sell firm services and maintain core clients by expanding into new areas to complement your firm’s legal practice. A successful public affairs and strategic communications group will not only help stand out from other law firms, but it will enhance their core practice groups, advance client relations and increase firm profits, while developing new business.Daniel Cherrinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13418693495913790101noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2799240253950354072.post-57158002198706208732009-07-27T23:46:00.006-04:002009-07-28T00:05:48.036-04:00Congress poised to reauthorize transportation bill despite calls to wait<!--StartFragment--> <p class="MsoNormal"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">With a number of items on their plate, such as:<br /></span></span></span></p><ul><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Climate Change;</span></span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Health Care;</span></span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Financial Market Reform; and</span></span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Immigration Reform</span></span></li></ul><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><o:p></o:p></span></span><p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Congress also is debating how much to spend fixing the nation's transportation system. According to </span></span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Roll Call</span></span></i></span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">, Rep. Jim Oberstar (D-Minn.), has been pushing a six-year, $500 billion bill (highway bill) to repair highways, bridges, airports and mass transit systems, among other things. But President Barack Obama and some Members of Congress instead support a smaller, $20 billion extension of current spending that would delay an overhaul for at least another 18 months.</span></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:9.0pt;mso-pagination:none;mso-layout-grid-align:none;text-autospace:none"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">The House Transportation and Infrastructure (T&I) Committee wants to move the transportation authorization bill forward and pass a bill the President will sign before it expires on September 30, 2009. </span></span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> </span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">As a result, the T&I Committee is working hard this week to approve a $3 billion infusion for the Highway Trust Fund. Passing a bill out of committee this week, would set the stage to avoid an extension and continue to keep various projects funded. They argue the reauthorization will create jobs, and allow for the construction of badly needed bridges and roads. Any extension, committee members argue, will leave states unsure as to how to move forward on any project. </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:9.0pt;mso-pagination:none;mso-layout-grid-align:none;text-autospace:none"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">The Senate also is poised to pass a bill before their August recess. </span></span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> </span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">But the Senate could spoil Oberstar’s plans by passing a bill that provides a short-term fix until they could pass a more comprehensive bill sometime next year. </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">The President supports waiting.</span></span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> </span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">He has a number of priorities that his Administration is working on and want resolved before tackling this important piece of legislation.</span></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:9.0pt;mso-pagination:none;mso-layout-grid-align:none;text-autospace:none"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Regardless of the outcome, America’s transportation policy is set on a path that favors sustainability and “intermodal” transport. Nonetheless, creative financing must be found to ensure state's like Michigan get their fair share and that funding is secured for projects such:</span></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:9.0pt;mso-pagination:none;mso-layout-grid-align:none;text-autospace:none"></p><ul><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial, -webkit-fantasy; font-size: small; ">The M1 Rail project; </span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial, -webkit-fantasy; font-size: small; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 16px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">B</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">us improvements in Saginaw; </span></span></span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial, -webkit-fantasy; font-size: small; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 16px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">New buses for the Branch Area Transit Authority; or,</span></span></span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial, -webkit-fantasy; font-size: small; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 16px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">New buses for the Muskegon Area Transit System; </span></span></span></li></ul><p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:9.0pt;mso-pagination:none;mso-layout-grid-align:none;text-autospace:none"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">According to </span></span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Roll Call:</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></i></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:9.0pt;mso-pagination:none;mso-layout-grid-align:none;text-autospace:none"></p><ul><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">The National Highway System carries 40 percent of all U.S. traffic and 75 percent of truck traffic.</span></span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">America relies on trucks to deliver nearly 100 percent of our consumer goods and 70 percent of our nation’s freight tonnage.</span></span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Over the past 25 years, the number of registered vehicles has increased more than 50 percent, yet new road miles have grown by less than 5 percent and lane capacity has increased by just 6 percent.</span></span></li></ul><p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:9.0pt;mso-pagination:none;mso-layout-grid-align:none;text-autospace:none"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">According to the Texas Transportation Institute:</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:9.0pt;mso-pagination:none;mso-layout-grid-align:none;text-autospace:none"></p><ul><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Congestion annually costs the U.S. economy $87.2 billion in the form of 4.2 billion lost hours and 2.8 billion gallons of wasted fuel.</span></span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">If key congestion bottlenecks were eliminated, the trucking industry alone could save 4.1 billion gallons of fuel over 10 years and 45.2 million tons of carbon dioxide emissions.</span></span></li></ul><p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:9.0pt;mso-pagination:none;mso-layout-grid-align:none;text-autospace:none"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">The federal government, in consultation with state and local government and private-sector stakeholders, should tie federal funding to the fulfillment of broad national goals in order to ensure that federal investments are consistent with national priorities. While organizations have been consulting and lobbying Congress for more than a year, it is not to late to join the discussion and offer suggestions as to what the nation's transportation policies should be for the next six years, and how it should be funded. Those affected by transportation policies should work through their trade association and/or individual lobbyists to represent their interests. </span></span><o:p></o:p></span></p> <!--EndFragment-->Daniel Cherrinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13418693495913790101noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2799240253950354072.post-49464562724435495402009-07-27T22:59:00.004-04:002009-07-27T23:15:56.647-04:00Emerging Market for the Great Lakes - Fresh Water Technologies<span class="Apple-style-span" style=" font-style: italic; font-family:Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:12px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; ">A new report by </span>Global Water Intelligence<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; "> (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:</span></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:100%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:12px;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; "><p></p><ul><li><b>Water scarcity</b>: 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;</li><li><b>Energy consumption</b>: In some parts of the world the process of treating and moving water represents 20% of total energy consumption;</li><li><b>Salt intrusion</b>: Over-exploitation of our natural water resources has resulted in a build up of salt in our water systems; and,</li><li><b>Materials recycling</b>: Wastewater contains materials that may be valuable if recycled, but are damaging to the environment if they are not.</li></ul><p></p><p><i>GWI's</i> report has reviewed 50 existing and emerging technologies, of which the top ten are:</p><p></p><ol><li>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 <a href="www.aquaporin.dk">Aquaporin</a>, and <a href="www.danfoss-aquaz.com">Danfoss AquaZ</a>.</li><li>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. <a href="www.anoxkaldnes.com">AnoxKaldnes</a> is the leading commercial developer of this technology.</li><li>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.</li><li>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 <a href="www.paques.nl">Paques</a> and <a href="www.biothane.com">Biothane</a>.</li><li>Microbial fuel cells: The next step in energy recovery from wastewater is direct electrical power generation through microbial fuel cells. <a href="www.emefcy.com">Emefcy</a> of Israel is at the forefront of commercializing this technology.</li><li>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. <a href="www.dti-r.co.uk">DTi</a> of the UK has been developing this technology.</li><li>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 <a href="www.ostara.com">Ostara</a> of Canada have been working on this technology.</li><li>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.</li><li>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.</li><li>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<a href="http://www.blogger.com/www.lettinga-associates.wur.nl"> Lettinga Associates Foundation </a>is one of the leading organisations promoting the practical application of decentralized wastewater.</li></ol><p></p><p>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. <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><i>(Source: </i></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><i>PRWeb</i></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><i>).</i></span></p></span></i></span></span></div>Daniel Cherrinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13418693495913790101noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2799240253950354072.post-5673749928905473922009-07-27T22:33:00.007-04:002009-07-27T23:24:36.244-04:00Raising cash through social media<span class="Apple-style-span" style=" line-height: 16px; "><span style="text-decoration: none; "><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">In 2008,</span></span></span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> </span></span><a href="http://www.blogger.com/www.columbusfoundation.com/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">The Columbus Foundation</span></span></span></a></span></span><span><span style="font-weight: normal; "><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> pioneered a new online giving resource, called </span></span><a href="http://www.columbusfoundation.org/find/what_is_powerphilanthropy/index.aspx"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">PowerPhilanthropy</span></span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">, connecting central Ohio nonprofit organizations with potential donors. Nonprofits interested in being included provide information on their organization and activities through the online Nonprofit Toolkit located on the Foundation’s website. Potential donors search the PowerPhilanthropy database and read profiles of nonprofits in their community, which include information on their programs, finances, management, and services. Access to this information improves donors' understanding of the organization and helps them decide where to give. Soon, there will be a similar effort underway among Detroit nonprofits. It comes at a time when fundraising is down and the need for additional resources is up. </span></span></span></span></span></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" line-height: 16px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" line-height: 16px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">To improve the efforts of various nonprofits to profit from social media fundraising, </span></span><a href="http://www.change.org/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">NonProfit 2.0 </span></span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> (Change.org) offers the following </span></span><a href="http://nonprofits.change.org/blog/view/10_twitter_tips_for_nonprofit_organizations"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">tips</span></span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> (which I am posting verbatim here):</span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" line-height: 16px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 17px; "><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Newsweek</span></span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> said it best: "Suddenly, all the world is a-Twitter." Simple and powerful, Twitter is a must for nonprofit organizations. I created and manage a portal to nonprofits on Twitter </span></span><a href="http://twitter.com/nonprofitorgs" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; outline-width: 0px; outline-style: initial; outline-color: initial; vertical-align: baseline; background-image: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-attachment: initial; -webkit-background-clip: initial; -webkit-background-origin: initial; background-color: transparent; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">@nonprofitorgs</span></span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> and based on my experience using site, I have crafted ten of my favorite Twitter Tips for beginners:</span></span></span></div><div><ol><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" font-weight: bold; line-height: 13px; font-family:arial, Helvetica, Arial, 'Lucida Sans Unicode', Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif;font-size:small;">Authenticity before marketing. Have personality. Build community. -- <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; ">Those nonprofits who are most successful at utilizing social networking Web sites like Twitter, Facebook, and MySpace know from trial, error, and experience that a “marketing and development approach” on social networking sites does not work. Simply put, it comes across as lame. Traditional marketing and development content is perfectly fine for your Web site and e-mail newsletters, but Web 2.0 is much more about having personality, inspiring conversation, and building online community. Nowhere is this more true than on Twitter. Relax, experiment, let go a bit… find your voice. Be authentic.</span></span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" font-weight: bold; line-height: 13px; font-family:arial, Helvetica, Arial, 'Lucida Sans Unicode', Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif;font-size:small;">Be nice. Be thankful. Reply and Retweet! -- <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; ">Twitter functions much like Karma. The nicer you are to people in the Twitterverse, they nicer they are to you in return. The more you ReTweet (RT) others, the more they will RT your Tweets in return. And whether it’s Twitter, MySpace, Facebook or YouTube, if someone does something nice for you in the public commons of Web 2.0, it is always a good practice to send them a message of “Thanks… much appreciated!”. Kindness and appreciation will make you stand out from the others and makes an excellent impression.</span></span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" font-weight: bold; line-height: 13px; font-family:arial, Helvetica, Arial, 'Lucida Sans Unicode', Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif;font-size:small;">Follow everyone who follows you. -- <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; ">This is a hard one for a lot of nonprofits. They want to keep their “Home” view clutter free and controlled and only follow a select few. Honestly, they only want to follow those whose Tweets that they are really interested in reading. But I say this often… “This time it is not about you, it is about them.” Web 1.0 communications is all about us and our messaging i.e, your Web site and e-mail newsletter. Web 2.0 is all about your supporters and their messaging. It’s better to create a personal Twitter profile in order to only follow those select few you are interested in reading, but if you are going out on Twitter behind your organization’s logo a.k.a. avatar, it is a mistake to not follow all your followers in return. Why?</span></span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" font-weight: bold; line-height: 13px; font-family:arial, Helvetica, Arial, 'Lucida Sans Unicode', Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif;font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold; ">Twitter is about conversatio<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; ">n -- You can’t have a conversation on Twitter if you are not following your followers. It is a one-sided relationship. They can’t message you on Twitter if you are not following them. It’s a snub. Let’s face it… people on Twitter want to be followed. That’s what the site is about! How can you build community on Twitter if you won’t even participate with your followers? Have a look around Twitter… you will see the most successful, ReTweeted nonprofits follow everyone who follows them.</span></span></span></span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" font-weight: bold; line-height: 13px; font-family:arial, Helvetica, Arial, 'Lucida Sans Unicode', Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif;font-size:small;">Use “Favorites” to organize the chaos and feature your most important Tweets! -- <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; ">So, if you are going to follow everyone who follows your organization (which is hopefully thousands of people) then “favorite” Tweets by those who you are most interested in reading and favorite your most important Tweets. The favorites option on Twitter is a simple, excellent tool to help you organize the chaos.</span></span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" font-weight: bold; line-height: 13px; font-family:arial, Helvetica, Arial, 'Lucida Sans Unicode', Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif;font-size:small;">Don’t tweet about your coffee (unless it is fair trade), the weather, or how tired you are. Provide value to your followers, not chit-chat! -- <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; ">It’s one thing to chit-chat about the weather, your headache, or how you need coffee to wake up in the morning on your personal profile on Twitter, but it’s quite another if you are active on the Twitterverse via your organizational profile. The messages you send reflect upon your organization. Example of what not to Tweet: “Such-and-such Nonprofit got stuck in traffic this morning. Ugh! I need coffee and a vacation… and I think I am getting a headache!” No one likes a whiner and this just makes it sound like Such-and-Such Nonprofit is not a fun place to work. People follow you because they want good content from your organization on subjects relevant to your mission. Make sure your Tweets provide value and are Re-Tweetable.</span></span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" font-weight: bold; line-height: 13px; font-family:arial, Helvetica, Arial, 'Lucida Sans Unicode', Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif;font-size:small;">Don’t only Tweet your own content -- <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; ">Twitter is a news source. Participate in news. Tweet articles or blog posts by your favorite newspapers, bloggers, or other nonprofits (yes... other nonprofits! Find allies, build relationships). If it is a good read or a good resource, it reflects well upon your organization that you Tweeted it. There is also a good chance you might get ReTweeted if the article is deemed timely and worthy by the Twitterverse.</span></span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" font-weight: bold; line-height: 13px; font-family:arial, Helvetica, Arial, 'Lucida Sans Unicode', Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif;font-size:small;">Send messages, but not via auto-responders --<span class="Apple-style-span" style=" font-weight: normal; font-family:'Lucida Grande', Helvetica, Arial, 'Lucida Sans Unicode', Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif;font-size:-webkit-xxx-large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">There are tools out there that will automatically message your new followers. Don’t use them. It’s Spam. It’s not authentic. It’s not human. It's lazy marketing. I think </span></span></span><a href="http://blog.hubspot.com/blog/tabid/6307/bid/4514/Making-Friends-LinkedIn-vs-Facebook-vs-Twitter-cartoon.aspx" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; outline-width: 0px; outline-style: initial; outline-color: initial; vertical-align: baseline; background-image: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-attachment: initial; -webkit-background-clip: initial; -webkit-background-origin: initial; background-color: transparent; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">this cartoon</span></span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> sums up auto-responders perfectly.</span></span></span></span></span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" font-weight: bold; line-height: 13px; font-family:arial, Helvetica, Arial, 'Lucida Sans Unicode', Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif;font-size:small;">Don’t worry about those that “unfollow” you -- <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; ">It’s easy to feel slighted when someone stops following you. What did I say? Did I do something wrong? Let it go. Who knows why they followed you in the first place. Give it no more than 3 seconds thought and then move on.</span></span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" font-weight: bold; line-height: 13px; font-family:arial, Helvetica, Arial, 'Lucida Sans Unicode', Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif;font-size:small;">Limit your Tweets to 5 per day, and no more than 6! -- <span class="Apple-style-span" style=" font-weight: normal; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family:'Lucida Grande', Helvetica, Arial, 'Lucida Sans Unicode', Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif;font-size:-webkit-xxx-large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">I have been polling on Twitter and the Twitterverse has revealed that less is more when it comes to Tweeting.</span></span></span></span></span></li></ol></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 17px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" line-height: 13px; font-weight: bold; font-family:arial, Helvetica, Arial, 'Lucida Sans Unicode', Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" font-weight: normal; font-family:'Lucida Grande', Helvetica, Arial, 'Lucida Sans Unicode', Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif;font-size:-webkit-xxx-large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" font-weight: normal; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family:'Lucida Grande', Helvetica, Arial, 'Lucida Sans Unicode', Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif;font-size:-webkit-xxx-large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-weight: bold; font-family:'Lucida Grande', Helvetica, Arial, 'Lucida Sans Unicode', Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif;font-size:-webkit-xxx-large;"><em style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; outline-width: 0px; outline-style: initial; outline-color: initial; vertical-align: baseline; background-image: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-attachment: initial; -webkit-background-clip: initial; -webkit-background-origin: initial; background- background-position: initial initial; font-size:13px;color:transparent;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; ">Twitter <span class="Apple-style-span" style=" color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-weight: bold; font-family:'Lucida Grande', Helvetica, Arial, 'Lucida Sans Unicode', Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif;font-size:-webkit-xxx-large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"> is what you make of it. You get out of Twitter what you put into it. </span></span></span></span><em style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; outline-width: 0px; outline-style: initial; outline-color: initial; vertical-align: baseline; background-image: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-attachment: initial; -webkit-background-clip: initial; -webkit-background-origin: initial; font-size:13px;color:transparent;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;">This is the same of all Web 2.0 social networking sites. </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;">T</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;">witter is a fun, valuable tool that can drive significant traff</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; ">ic to your Web site (start watching your Web site referral logs!) and help build and strengthen your brand in the online world of Web 2.0, but just like Facebook and MySpace, Twitter requires time and energy to produce results. You get out of it what you put into it. If you do one Tweet a week, you will get the results of one Tweet. But if you Tweet 4 times daily Monday through Friday… you will get the results of 20 Tweets weekly.</span></span></span></span></em></span></span></span></span></span></em></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, Helvetica, Arial, 'Lucida Sans Unicode', Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" line-height: 13px;font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 17px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" line-height: 13px; font-weight: bold; font-family:arial, Helvetica, Arial, 'Lucida Sans Unicode', Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" font-weight: normal; font-family:'Lucida Grande', Helvetica, Arial, 'Lucida Sans Unicode', Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif;font-size:-webkit-xxx-large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" font-weight: normal; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family:'Lucida Grande', Helvetica, Arial, 'Lucida Sans Unicode', Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif;font-size:-webkit-xxx-large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-weight: bold; font-family:'Lucida Grande', Helvetica, Arial, 'Lucida Sans Unicode', Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif;font-size:-webkit-xxx-large;"><em style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; outline-width: 0px; outline-style: initial; outline-color: initial; vertical-align: baseline; background-image: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-attachment: initial; -webkit-background-clip: initial; -webkit-background-origin: initial; background- background-position: initial initial; font-size:13px;color:transparent;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; ">Again, it’s about community building around your mission and programs. Just having profile on Twitter (or MySpace, or Facebook) does not magically produce any results. You have to work these profiles. Find the person on your staff who loves Web 2.0 and enjoys working the sites and/or find a marketing/pr intern from your local university that needs to do a senior project! If they are getting college credit, then you know they have to stay around for at least a semester.</span></span></span></span></em></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, Helvetica, Arial, 'Lucida Sans Unicode', Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" line-height: 13px;font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 17px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" line-height: 13px; font-weight: bold; font-family:arial, Helvetica, Arial, 'Lucida Sans Unicode', Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" font-weight: normal; font-family:'Lucida Grande', Helvetica, Arial, 'Lucida Sans Unicode', Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif;font-size:-webkit-xxx-large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" font-weight: normal; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family:'Lucida Grande', Helvetica, Arial, 'Lucida Sans Unicode', Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif;font-size:-webkit-xxx-large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-weight: bold; font-family:'Lucida Grande', Helvetica, Arial, 'Lucida Sans Unicode', Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif;font-size:-webkit-xxx-large;"><em style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; outline-width: 0px; outline-style: initial; outline-color: initial; vertical-align: baseline; background-image: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-attachment: initial; -webkit-background-clip: initial; -webkit-background-origin: initial; background- background-position: initial initial; font-size:13px;color:transparent;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family:'Lucida Grande', Helvetica, Arial, 'Lucida Sans Unicode', Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif;font-size:-webkit-xxx-large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">The advice outlined below is general advice applied to for profits as it is not-for-profits. To all of us, now is the time to experiment and become comfortable with social media. In fact, it is time we embrace it. We should learn to say what we need to say, not just in 30 second or 90 second elevator pitches, but in 140 characters or less. We need to refine our key messaging into the screen of our cell phone, we need to learn to verbalize what we can tweet. And we need to become familiar with how messages are conveyed now and well into the future. Just as my 6 year old can pick up my </span></span></span><a href="http://www.apple.com/iphone"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">iPhone</span></span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> to use one of the apps I downloaded for her, soon she will be sending tweets to her friends.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></em></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div>Daniel Cherrinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13418693495913790101noreply@blogger.com0