Elmets Communications
CS :: Issue Advocacy
Public policy decisions can have a powerful affect on organizations and individuals. Through strategic campaigns consisting of media relations, grassroots, and coalition building we are able to present your issues to ensure they are heard.
Case Study: San Diego County Water Authority
In early 1997, the San Diego County Water Authority retained Elmets Communications to inform key public officials, members of the water industry and other targeted groups about the Authority, water transfers, water exchange agreements and other related issues. Since the Water Authority has contracted with Elmets Communications, a number of significant accomplishments have been made, including: the Imperial Irrigation District-San Diego County Water Authority Water Conservation and Transfer Agreement (April 29, 1998); the Water Authority-Metropolitan Water Exchange Agreement (November 10, 1998); and the securing of state funding in Senate Bill 1765 (signed September 25, 1998).
CS :: Coalition Building
A coalition is comprised of individuals or organizations working together for a common goal. Building strong coalitions is a powerful tool that can make your issues known. Elmets Communications is adept at organizing effective political allies that influence decision makers and shape public opinion.
Case Study: Allies for California's Cities, Counties, and Special Districts
For three years, Elmets Communications worked with Allies for California's Cities, Counties and Special Districts, a broad coalition formed with the intent of undoing much of the damage done to local governments by the shift of billions of dollars of property taxes to the state that began during the 1992-93 and 1993-94 fiscal years. Elmets Communications implemented a coordinated effort to influence 1999-2000 budget negotiations to gain support for the restoration of ERAF dollars to local government. As part of the coordinated effort, Elmets Communications successfully reinvigorated the Allies coalition, formulated a message, educated reporters, and arranged press events and press materials.
CS :: Crisis Communication
Elmets Communications provides skilled preparation and communications planning geared toward helping clients manage messages during crisis situations.
Case Study: California Financial Service Providers
In 1999, a California legislator introduced legislation that would change regulations on the payday loan industry. As the representative of payday loan providers through the state, the California Financial Service Providers retained Elmets Communications to clarify misperceptions of the industry at the Capitol and among the media and public. Elmets Communications wrote press materials, including opinion editorials and letters to the editor, created information packets and scheduled editorial board meetings with the state's largest newspapers (Los Angeles Times, Sacramento Bee, Orange County Register, San Francisco Chronicle, Fresno Bee). Elmets Communications also conducted focus groups, prepared facts sheets on the industry and association, wrote letters in opposition to the legislation, and prepared direct mail items for members of the association. These efforts helped to defeat two bills in 1999. Elmets Communications continued to represent the California Financial Service Providers until 2002, the year in which modified legislation passed, allowing for the continuation of the payday loan industry.
CS :: Media Relations
Elmets Communications writes and distributes news material, arranges one-on-one interviews, and actively pitches story ideas and speaker proposals to the media.
Case Study: Pala Band of Mission Indians
Elmets Communications began working with the Pala Band of Mission Indians when the tribe was negotiating a historic tribal-state gaming compact with Governor Pete Wilson. Elmets Communications conducted a media relations campaign centered on publicizing the benefits of the Pala Compact, which the Legislature passed and the governor signed during the summer of 1998. The Pala Compact led the way for other tribes to negotiate similar compacts, including those negotiated with Governor Gray Davis and signed in September 1999. Elmets Communications also created the media relations strategy for unveiling the Pala Band of Mission Indians' management agreement with Anchor Gaming and continues to provide communications strategizing on legislation, coordinate media activities and write speeches for tribal council members. The Pala Casino opened in April 2000 and recently completed an expansion project to include a resort and spa.
CS :: Brand Identification
The corporate brand is a valuable asset. By developing this asset our clients are able to obtain a competitive advantage. Building a brand consists of brand awareness, comprehension of a product or service, and change in consumer attitudes. The end result of a successful brand is a growth in membership base or a stronger voice in the political arena.
Case Study: CMTA & CRA
In 1996, Elmets Communications began assisting the California Manufacturers and Technology Association (CMTA) bolster its image as a powerful insider in the Capitol business climate debate through the use of a bi-monthly publication. Elmets Communications developed editorial content and wrote articles on political hot topics, elected officials, member organizations and other issues of importance to the association. Recognizing the heightened awareness of CMTA, and hoping to strengthen it's own image, the California Restaurant Association (CRA) retained Elmets Communications in 1999. Elmets Communications recommended that CRA reach out to its membership and to Sacramento insiders through the use of a magazine and assisted with the creation of California Restaurateur. For 2 years, Elmets Communications contributed articles for CRA’s publication and provided guidance on other means to heighten the association’s brand.
CS :: Government Relations
To implement strategic communications plans that effectively influence policy makers, Elmets Communications builds support for a client’s cause by monitoring issues, tracking and understanding emerging legislation and policy initiatives, preparing for meetings with government officials, and building alliances and coalitions.
Case Study: United Auburn Indian Community
Since 1998, Elmets Communications has represented the United Auburn Indian Community (UAIC), performing government affairs and media relations activities. Elmets Communications arranged meetings between tribal representatives and local and state elected officials that resulted in the signing of a historic Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the Tribe and County. As part of the MOU – heralded as a model – the Tribe agreed to mitigate off-reservation impacts from their economic development project and the County requested that the federal government place property into trust for the Tribe. In 2002 the United States Department of Interior accepted a 49-acre parcel of property in the unincorporated portion of Placer County into trust for UAIC. With assistance from Las Vegas-based Station Casinos, UAIC opened Thunder Valley Casino in June 2003. Elmets Communications continues to communicate with the region’s elected officials and media on current and future mitigation projects.
CS :: Community Relations
Elmets Communications is adept at developing proper communication strategies that lead to working and productive relationships among those in the community.
Case Study: Del Monte Foods
In March 1999, Del Monte Foods announced plant expansions in Kingsburg, Hanford and Modesto. In preparation for these announcements, Elmets Communications designed and distributed invitations to local officials, state legislators, constitutional officers, and Del Monte staff; wrote media advisories, press releases and remarks; and coordinated all other event planning services. Elmets Communications assisted Del Monte Foods with other announcements including the company's 34,000-pound donation of canned food to the Sacramento Food Bank in March 2000 as well as its Hanford Plant Grand Opening, celebrating a 50-acre expansion project, in July 2000.
