Ogilvy Public Relations flexes community spirit

On Friday, 7^th August, five team members across Ogilvy PR joined forces and gardening tools to show our involvement and commitment to the local community by spending a day with Mosman Council weeding and planting new trees to encourage the regeneration of local shrubs and wildlife.

For a bunch of inexperienced and clueless ‘gardeners’ there was a lot of gardening advice flying around. We tackled the day with much enthusiasm, energy and laughter so despite the blood, sweat and tears (only of laughter) we were able to proudly look at all the trees we planted. All of which we are sure will grow tall and proud – keeping in line with the Ogilvy excellence trademark!

Our aching muscles, sun burnt faces and blistered hands were rewarded with a great lunch and as well as a great day had by all, we now had some newly acquired gardening skills  to add to our resumes!

Making a positive difference felt fantastic – the day in the sun was merely a bonus. Another successful SO INSPIRED day!

Howorth helps Telstra cement the link between sustainability and ICT

Telstra and WWF launched a sustainability white paper outlining climate change, its implications for Australian industry and how information and communications technology (ICT) can help organisations reduce their carbon footprint. The white paper also included a set of tools for organisations to evaluate the environmental and financial benefits of ICT investments.

Howorth invited key business, technology and environmental writers to attend the launch, conducted via high definition video conferencing. Over 15 journalists in Sydney, Melbourne, Canberra and Adelaide attended, with key spokespeople including:

• Senator the Hon Penny Wong, Minister for Climate Change and Water
• Greg Bourne, Chief Executive Officer, WWF Australia
• David Thodey, Group Managing Director, Telstra Enterprise & Government
• Hugh Saddington, General Manager, Market Strategy and Analytics, Telstra Enterprise and Government

Howorth maximised media interest by leveraging the Australian Government’s proposed Carbon Pollution Reduction Scheme effective in 2010. The proposed changes in carbon pricing will also encourage organisations to seek alternatives to energy use and travel. Howorth recognised the implications for businesses and used this as an avenue for Telstra’s white paper to make headlines. This also helped to position Telstra as a credible technology supplier in helping business reduce their carbon emissions.

High impact targeted coverage appeared following the event including pieces in the following outlets:

• SBS
• The Australian Financial Review
• The Sydney Morning Herald
• The Age
• ABC News Radio