LEGAL ADVOCACY & CRISIS MANAGEMENT EXPERIENCES
Calm Under Pressure
GOVERNANCE & COMMUNICATIONS SUPPORT
If we’ve learned anything over the past year, it’s that life and business can be unpredictable. Without efficient organization in the face of conflict, a brand could take hits to its image, or worse, its finances.
In these moments, preservation takes on an entirely different meaning. Our experiences have allowed us to act quickly, often while navigating unprecedented situations.
SPEARHEADING A UNITED FRONT FOR TRIBAL GAMING ADVOCACY
In 2004, Oklahoma overwhelmingly approved a referendum to allow Class III tribal gaming. Together, the state and tribes worked to forge a government-to-government agreement that led to new revenues for education, helped preserve the Oklahoma horse industry and contributed billions of dollars for the state economy. To date, the tribes have paid the state more than $1.5 billion.
The gaming compact created between the tribes and state was set to renew automatically after its inaugural 15-year term. Despite meeting requirements necessary for renewal, the gaming compact was challenged by Oklahoma’s governor, who said the compact would expire in 2019 and called for renegotiating rates. The tribal nations were open to a rate discussion once the governor acknowledged the compact’s automatic renewal.
The governor refused to acknowledge the renewal. This led to an erosion of the partnership and goodwill the tribes had enjoyed with the state.
Solution
A coalition of gaming tribes came to us to make clear their position and build public support. We developed the brand “United For Oklahoma” and the positioning of “Strong Tribes. Strong Oklahoma.“
We knew we needed to include both tribal communities and other Oklahomans in developing this messaging. We developed a list of key Oklahomans willing to speak out, supporting the importance of tribes to the state in terms of economic impact, community impact, educational support and partnerships and quickly reached out to influentials willing to go on camera on the tribes’ behalf. Within two weeks, the United for Oklahoma site launched. Over the course of the campaign, we captured video content with over 100 influentials for use on the site and in traditional and digital efforts.
We conducted multiple waves of research to gauge consumer reaction and tracked and measured the effectiveness of all digital communications and made revisions as needed.
Results
In July 2020 the federal court ruled in favor of the tribes and against the governor’s interpretation of the compact’s automatic renewal. United For Oklahoma continued to advocate for fair rulings for all participating tribes, and it continues to be a vital platform for tribal advocacy in Oklahoma. The role we’ve had in increasing public awareness of tribal impact inspires us to continue this initiative today.
RESPONDING TO A GLOBAL PANDEMIC
We’ve spearheaded a range of public affairs initiatives, crisis management, market research efforts and campaigns for Wind Creek Hospitality, owned by the Poarch Band of Creek Indians.
When the pandemic hit, Wind Creek Hospitality, like the rest of the world, was faced with a dilemma in its reopening efforts. Instead of mirroring some of its competitors’ willingness to play it “fast and loose,” we developed the Wind Creek Standard, a communications position reflective of their strong commitment to their communities.
Solution
The campaign was centered on guest safety, a position reflective of the brand ethos, that while other properties might play by different rules, Wind Creek will always follow its own best instincts: the Wind Creek Standard. After a successful introduction in their three properties in Alabama, the Wind Creek Standard was also introduced in Pennsylvania, Aruba and Curacao. We developed the Wind Creek Standard for their website, produced a video explaining the WCS to be used on the site and in social and digital communications and worked with Wind Creek to develop on-premises signage, outdoor and other digital materials. We also conducted several waves of research to evaluate consumer reaction to the program.
