2008 Parade of Lights for Children

The lights are on and the Parade is a "go".

Media and local dignitaries are invited to attend the official kickoff taking place Tuesday, November 4 at 1 p.m. at the Manitoulin Transport yard at 161 Main Street.

Our new website has gone live and we've even added the capability to donate online for those that aren't able to come out on Parade night.

Utilizing the full power of the web, we've also added a Facebook Group and Event. Social networking is a complement to other forms of communication and its power should not be underestimated.

E. coli cases dropping in North Bay, Ont.

This is why every organization needs a Crisis Communications Plan. Over time, an investigation will determine the root cause(s) of this outbreak. But today, Harvey's has its logo on television and is mentioned over and over again in articles like this one.

So, if you are the owner of a local restaurant, hotel or grocery store, and despite your best intentions something like this happens, what do you do? Who will speak to the media? What will say when the throng of reporters arrives on your doorstep (and they will show up)? Reacting the wrong way or failing to respond can permanently damage your reputation.

A Crisis Communications Plan is developed by a communications professional with these situations in mind. What does your plan look like?

From the "What Was He Thinking?" file...WARNING: If you are offended by foul language, DO NOT CLICK ON THIS LINK

Again, do not read the story or listen to the audio if you are offended by foul language.

There are some stories that speak for themselves so my words here are few.

Advice from clear comms: do not do this at your news conference.

Maple Leaf Foods - Crisis Communications Story

When crisis strikes, you have about 30 minutes to prepare and deliver a response to a crisis affecting your organization. What will you say?

Failure to deliver will leave the media in a position where they will write your story for you. Will it read the way it should? The first stories to break are the ones the public and your stakeholders will remember. What will they say?

Ideally, you pull out your Crisis Communications Plan and the appropriate spokeperson (not always the senior official) reacts accordingly. When was your Crisis Communications Plan last reviewed?

Click on the link below to read the CBC story on how Maple Leaf Foods has handled their recent crisis.

In times of crisis, clear comms can prepare a "holding statement" that can be used while a broader response is prepared. Call 807-620-0358 IMMEDIATELY.