Food Product Recall
ISSUE
A well-known, family-owned meat company with distribution across 15 states announced a product recall after an investigation by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration indicated possible contamination.
APPROACH
The team committed to communicate openly and honestly with media and the public about the situation. This would ensure consumers had access to the right information and the media was able to provide accurate updates. The company immediately launched an event-specific website providing details about which products were part of the recall and who to contact for questions or additional information. The website was updated regularly with letters from the company owners and the CEO expressing sincere concern for the situation and a commitment to investigate, mitigate and come back stronger than before. The event was brought to closure by announcing a new path for the company and ensuring customers that safe, quality products will continue to be available.
RESULTS
The company's rapid response resulted in positive media coverage and overwhelming customer support. Throughout the investigation process, customers appreciated the company's response and expressed their loyalty to the products. When products returned to stores, sales immediately returned to pre-event levels.
A well-known, family-owned meat company with distribution across 15 states announced a product recall after an investigation by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration indicated possible contamination.
APPROACH
The team committed to communicate openly and honestly with media and the public about the situation. This would ensure consumers had access to the right information and the media was able to provide accurate updates. The company immediately launched an event-specific website providing details about which products were part of the recall and who to contact for questions or additional information. The website was updated regularly with letters from the company owners and the CEO expressing sincere concern for the situation and a commitment to investigate, mitigate and come back stronger than before. The event was brought to closure by announcing a new path for the company and ensuring customers that safe, quality products will continue to be available.
RESULTS
The company's rapid response resulted in positive media coverage and overwhelming customer support. Throughout the investigation process, customers appreciated the company's response and expressed their loyalty to the products. When products returned to stores, sales immediately returned to pre-event levels.
Emergency Notification System
ISSUE
The Environmental Protection Agency established a mandate as part of its community right-to-know laws that required industrial facilities to develop Risk Management Plans and share them with their communities. As a result of this exercise, industrial companies in the Southeast Texas area identified the need for a public emergency notification system that could inform the community quickly and effectively about situations requiring public action. Additionally, they saw a need for parallel communications between industry and local emergency management about natural disasters and other types of non-industrial events. The industry trade group, Industry of Southeast Texas, engaged HDA to develop and implement a system that would satisfy regulatory requirements and improve upon traditional systems.
APPROACH
HDA conducted an opinion survey in the area, which concluded that the public expects to be notified of an incident within 15 minutes of its occurrence - and they held industry and emergency management responsible for communicating. This and subsequent surveys continue to show an upward trend in public reliance on the Internet and text messaging for information. Local emergency management officials, the Industry of Southeast Texas and local media partnered to develop a system through which industry and emergency management could post notifications about plant operations, weather and traffic conditions and other important information onto a single system, called the Southeast Texas Alerting Network. Those notifications can be retrieved by the general public by calling the STAN line or visiting the STAN website, where all recent messages are available. If the event requires public action, such as an evacuation or a shelter-in-place, the media distributes the message across all channels to ensure the public is informed. The public can also register online to receive text message alerts regarding situations that require public action. An awareness campaign was implemented to inform the public about the STAN and encourage them to visit the website and register their cell phones for emergency notifications.
RESULTS
The STAN is a critical communication tool used every day by emergency management, industry and the public. Hundreds of area residents have registered their cell phones to receive alerts and visit the STAN website daily to review messages from industry and emergency management officials.
The Environmental Protection Agency established a mandate as part of its community right-to-know laws that required industrial facilities to develop Risk Management Plans and share them with their communities. As a result of this exercise, industrial companies in the Southeast Texas area identified the need for a public emergency notification system that could inform the community quickly and effectively about situations requiring public action. Additionally, they saw a need for parallel communications between industry and local emergency management about natural disasters and other types of non-industrial events. The industry trade group, Industry of Southeast Texas, engaged HDA to develop and implement a system that would satisfy regulatory requirements and improve upon traditional systems.
APPROACH
HDA conducted an opinion survey in the area, which concluded that the public expects to be notified of an incident within 15 minutes of its occurrence - and they held industry and emergency management responsible for communicating. This and subsequent surveys continue to show an upward trend in public reliance on the Internet and text messaging for information. Local emergency management officials, the Industry of Southeast Texas and local media partnered to develop a system through which industry and emergency management could post notifications about plant operations, weather and traffic conditions and other important information onto a single system, called the Southeast Texas Alerting Network. Those notifications can be retrieved by the general public by calling the STAN line or visiting the STAN website, where all recent messages are available. If the event requires public action, such as an evacuation or a shelter-in-place, the media distributes the message across all channels to ensure the public is informed. The public can also register online to receive text message alerts regarding situations that require public action. An awareness campaign was implemented to inform the public about the STAN and encourage them to visit the website and register their cell phones for emergency notifications.
RESULTS
The STAN is a critical communication tool used every day by emergency management, industry and the public. Hundreds of area residents have registered their cell phones to receive alerts and visit the STAN website daily to review messages from industry and emergency management officials.
Industry Health Initiative
ISSUE
A group of refining and chemical companies in Corpus Christi were looking for a way to contribute collaboratively to the local community. HDA's historical polling in the area showed that residents were very concerned about the health of their community. Because of both lifestyle and genetics factors, the Coastal Bend population was pre-disposed to a higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes, a disease that was already widely affecting the area. The community was well aware of the issue, but needed the resources and guidance to promote healthy lifestyles and start to fix the problem.
APPROACH
Local industry knew the high occurrence of diabetes in the community affected them directly. It meant their workforce wasn't as healthy as it could be, and that affected the companies' health insurance costs. On the back of a napkin, the team developed a plan to fight diabetes in the Coastal Bend area and work toward reducing the rate of diabetes among residents. Local industry pledged more than $500,000 to start a two-year effort called the Coastal Bend Diabetes Initiative. CBDI was a partnership of the medical profession, media, community leaders and representatives from the industrial sponsors. CBDI distributed grants to projects that shared the initiative's mission to reduce diabetes in the Corpus Christi area.
RESULTS
Due to extensive community interest and great success, the two-year initiative lasted nearly seven years. The sponsors continued to contribute funding to the initiative, resulting in nearly $1 million in grants distributed to projects focused on prevention and management, with emphasis on audiences including children, teens, students mothers, uninsured patients, underserved populations or the community in general.
A group of refining and chemical companies in Corpus Christi were looking for a way to contribute collaboratively to the local community. HDA's historical polling in the area showed that residents were very concerned about the health of their community. Because of both lifestyle and genetics factors, the Coastal Bend population was pre-disposed to a higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes, a disease that was already widely affecting the area. The community was well aware of the issue, but needed the resources and guidance to promote healthy lifestyles and start to fix the problem.
APPROACH
Local industry knew the high occurrence of diabetes in the community affected them directly. It meant their workforce wasn't as healthy as it could be, and that affected the companies' health insurance costs. On the back of a napkin, the team developed a plan to fight diabetes in the Coastal Bend area and work toward reducing the rate of diabetes among residents. Local industry pledged more than $500,000 to start a two-year effort called the Coastal Bend Diabetes Initiative. CBDI was a partnership of the medical profession, media, community leaders and representatives from the industrial sponsors. CBDI distributed grants to projects that shared the initiative's mission to reduce diabetes in the Corpus Christi area.
RESULTS
Due to extensive community interest and great success, the two-year initiative lasted nearly seven years. The sponsors continued to contribute funding to the initiative, resulting in nearly $1 million in grants distributed to projects focused on prevention and management, with emphasis on audiences including children, teens, students mothers, uninsured patients, underserved populations or the community in general.
Facility Inauguration Events
OPPORTUNITY
Golden Pass LNG, a liquefied natural gas import terminal in Southeast Texas, was completing final commissioning of the new import facility and expecting its first LNG cargo. This was an important and exciting milestone for the facility, as the construction team had experienced significant challenges when the area was hit by Hurricanes Rita and Ike. HDA supported Golden Pass LNG in the facility siting process beginning in 2003 and was engaged to plan an event to celebrate the arrival of the first LNG carrier at the new facility, the Al Khuwair Q-Flex.
APPROACH
Positioned the arrival of the first LNG cargo as a positive community and project milestone. A viewing deck and reception was set up adjacent to the facility on the Sabine-Neches Waterway, providing an excellent vantage point for the ship's arrival. Invited local and national media, elected officials, state agencies, community leaders and fellow energy businesses to attend a viewing of the arrival of the Al Khuwair. Conducted a media pre-briefing on the day of the event to provide background information on the company and the new facility as well as media packets with fact sheets, photos and b-roll. Developed an agenda and talking points for representatives who would speak at the event, including the company president, vice president of human resources and public affairs as well as representatives from the U.S. Coast Guard, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, and the county. Facilitated the program on the day of the event and handled managed media interviews.
RESULTS
The celebratory event was followed with significant, positive local and national media coverage of Golden Pass LNG and its role in the LNG market. The community, including elected officials and key local leaders, expressed pride and support for the company and its achievements.
Currently, HDA serves as the public affairs arm of Golden Pass Products, a proposed project to add LNG liquefaction capabilities to the existing Golden Pass facility and export LNG to world markets.
Golden Pass LNG, a liquefied natural gas import terminal in Southeast Texas, was completing final commissioning of the new import facility and expecting its first LNG cargo. This was an important and exciting milestone for the facility, as the construction team had experienced significant challenges when the area was hit by Hurricanes Rita and Ike. HDA supported Golden Pass LNG in the facility siting process beginning in 2003 and was engaged to plan an event to celebrate the arrival of the first LNG carrier at the new facility, the Al Khuwair Q-Flex.
APPROACH
Positioned the arrival of the first LNG cargo as a positive community and project milestone. A viewing deck and reception was set up adjacent to the facility on the Sabine-Neches Waterway, providing an excellent vantage point for the ship's arrival. Invited local and national media, elected officials, state agencies, community leaders and fellow energy businesses to attend a viewing of the arrival of the Al Khuwair. Conducted a media pre-briefing on the day of the event to provide background information on the company and the new facility as well as media packets with fact sheets, photos and b-roll. Developed an agenda and talking points for representatives who would speak at the event, including the company president, vice president of human resources and public affairs as well as representatives from the U.S. Coast Guard, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, and the county. Facilitated the program on the day of the event and handled managed media interviews.
RESULTS
The celebratory event was followed with significant, positive local and national media coverage of Golden Pass LNG and its role in the LNG market. The community, including elected officials and key local leaders, expressed pride and support for the company and its achievements.
Currently, HDA serves as the public affairs arm of Golden Pass Products, a proposed project to add LNG liquefaction capabilities to the existing Golden Pass facility and export LNG to world markets.
Development of the Southwest Louisiana Workforce Resource Guide
THE ISSUE
Sasol, an international integrated energy and chemical company, is a world leader in the commercial production of liquid fuels and chemicals from natural gas. Sasol has been a member of the southwest Louisiana community for more than a decade and communicates regularly with local leadership. After the announcement of Sasol's major expansion projects, ministerial leaders made a special request. Members of their congregations, some of whom were lacking education credentials, and some of whom had criminal records, needed a step-by-step guide on how to get a job in industry.
APPROACH
Sasol would sponsor an effort to develop a resource guide to serve as a road map for local job seekers to get from point A to point B on their workforce preparation journey. The first step was to gather workforce development group leaders in the area as well as the local state-sponsored business and career solutions center, the one-stop shop for getting a job in Calcasieu Parish, to begin gathering information on what resources were available for job seekers. With a focus on craft and skill positions for industrial manufacturing facilities and related service providers, the resource guide would include a six-step model that helps individuals choose a career, get the training and certifications required, prepare a resume, acquire basic life skills and ultimately, land a job. The guide also seeks to connect job seekers with the right people to help guide them in the right direction. Because community leaders, faith-based and service organization leaders were the trusted mentors for the target population, Sasol encouraged the mentors to take on the implementation and rollout of the guide. Mentors were trained on how to use the guides efficiently and effectively.
THE RESULTS
Tremendous positive feedback was received from the community, the service providers named in the book, and other key community members in the parish. While Sasol acted as sponsor of the document and drove the schedule, this effort was embraced and supported by local government, economic and workforce development groups, industry, academic institutions and the general public. A number of people and groups have sweat equity invested in this guide. The initiative was an example of public and private entities coming together to answer a community need. A sustaining success of the effort was the grassroots mentor circuit that was cultivated. Mentors plan to meet on a regular basis to discuss progress of the effort with their individual constituencies and continue to make enhancements to the guide. Discussions are currently underway to replicate the resource guide model across the state.
Sasol, an international integrated energy and chemical company, is a world leader in the commercial production of liquid fuels and chemicals from natural gas. Sasol has been a member of the southwest Louisiana community for more than a decade and communicates regularly with local leadership. After the announcement of Sasol's major expansion projects, ministerial leaders made a special request. Members of their congregations, some of whom were lacking education credentials, and some of whom had criminal records, needed a step-by-step guide on how to get a job in industry.
APPROACH
Sasol would sponsor an effort to develop a resource guide to serve as a road map for local job seekers to get from point A to point B on their workforce preparation journey. The first step was to gather workforce development group leaders in the area as well as the local state-sponsored business and career solutions center, the one-stop shop for getting a job in Calcasieu Parish, to begin gathering information on what resources were available for job seekers. With a focus on craft and skill positions for industrial manufacturing facilities and related service providers, the resource guide would include a six-step model that helps individuals choose a career, get the training and certifications required, prepare a resume, acquire basic life skills and ultimately, land a job. The guide also seeks to connect job seekers with the right people to help guide them in the right direction. Because community leaders, faith-based and service organization leaders were the trusted mentors for the target population, Sasol encouraged the mentors to take on the implementation and rollout of the guide. Mentors were trained on how to use the guides efficiently and effectively.
THE RESULTS
Tremendous positive feedback was received from the community, the service providers named in the book, and other key community members in the parish. While Sasol acted as sponsor of the document and drove the schedule, this effort was embraced and supported by local government, economic and workforce development groups, industry, academic institutions and the general public. A number of people and groups have sweat equity invested in this guide. The initiative was an example of public and private entities coming together to answer a community need. A sustaining success of the effort was the grassroots mentor circuit that was cultivated. Mentors plan to meet on a regular basis to discuss progress of the effort with their individual constituencies and continue to make enhancements to the guide. Discussions are currently underway to replicate the resource guide model across the state.
Corporate Social Responsibility
A Fortune 500 Company Establishes Community Relations Model for Global Operations
A Fortune 500 Company Establishes Community Relations Model for Global Operations
THE ISSUE
In the world of corporate America, corporate social responsibility is business sustainability. For one of HDA's Fortune 500 company clients, the measure of success in this area is being listed on the Dow Jones Sustainability Index, a mechanism created to track the performance of the world's largest companies in terms of corporate sustainability. The company was not even listed on the index when HDA was engaged. The client had manufacturing and sales operations across the globe and many had advanced community relations programs; however, there was no mechanism in place for sites to capture and report activities completed.
APPROACH
Poll site leadership across the country on best practice community relations activities. Based on these discussions and HDA's experience, a base level of engagement activities was established for sites globally. These activities were required but additional activities were developed on a site-by-site basis based on their respective resources and community needs. Three select nonprofit organizations, with missions aligned to company values, were designated and matching funds were provided for sites to dedicate in their local communities.
THE RESULTS
The company's new community relations program was implemented globally and in addition to the employee retention and community goodwill benefits, the investment resulted in the company being listed on both the Dow Jones Sustainability World Index and North America Index the following year.
In the world of corporate America, corporate social responsibility is business sustainability. For one of HDA's Fortune 500 company clients, the measure of success in this area is being listed on the Dow Jones Sustainability Index, a mechanism created to track the performance of the world's largest companies in terms of corporate sustainability. The company was not even listed on the index when HDA was engaged. The client had manufacturing and sales operations across the globe and many had advanced community relations programs; however, there was no mechanism in place for sites to capture and report activities completed.
APPROACH
Poll site leadership across the country on best practice community relations activities. Based on these discussions and HDA's experience, a base level of engagement activities was established for sites globally. These activities were required but additional activities were developed on a site-by-site basis based on their respective resources and community needs. Three select nonprofit organizations, with missions aligned to company values, were designated and matching funds were provided for sites to dedicate in their local communities.
THE RESULTS
The company's new community relations program was implemented globally and in addition to the employee retention and community goodwill benefits, the investment resulted in the company being listed on both the Dow Jones Sustainability World Index and North America Index the following year.
Louisiana REALTORS Stay Tax Free campaign, 2011
ISSUE
In 2011, HDA assisted the Louisiana REALTORS® with an effort to prohibit real estate transfer taxes in the state. Passage of a constitutional amendment through the Louisiana Legislature as well as a majority vote of registered voters were required.
APPROACH
HDA formulated a legislative outreach and lobbying effort to clear the first constitutional hurdle — a two-thirds vote of the Legislature — in order to advance the amendment to the ballot. HDA then managed a statewide multi-media campaign internally among LR members as well as externally to Louisiana voters.
RESULTS
This represented the first time in the U.S. a constitutional amendment to prohibit real estate transfer taxes was put on the ballot via the legislative process. Final legislative passage occurred on a 101-0 vote in the Louisiana House of Representatives and a 34-0 vote in the Louisiana State Senate. On November 19 in the general election, the amendment passed overwhelmingly with nearly 81 percent of the vote, one of the highest vote totals ever achieved in Louisiana for a constitutional amendment.
In 2011, HDA assisted the Louisiana REALTORS® with an effort to prohibit real estate transfer taxes in the state. Passage of a constitutional amendment through the Louisiana Legislature as well as a majority vote of registered voters were required.
APPROACH
HDA formulated a legislative outreach and lobbying effort to clear the first constitutional hurdle — a two-thirds vote of the Legislature — in order to advance the amendment to the ballot. HDA then managed a statewide multi-media campaign internally among LR members as well as externally to Louisiana voters.
RESULTS
This represented the first time in the U.S. a constitutional amendment to prohibit real estate transfer taxes was put on the ballot via the legislative process. Final legislative passage occurred on a 101-0 vote in the Louisiana House of Representatives and a 34-0 vote in the Louisiana State Senate. On November 19 in the general election, the amendment passed overwhelmingly with nearly 81 percent of the vote, one of the highest vote totals ever achieved in Louisiana for a constitutional amendment.
CF Industries explosion, May 2000
THE ISSUE
An Ascension Parish chemical manufacturing facility experienced an explosion in May 2000 that ultimately resulted in three fatalities and eight injuries.
APPROACH
Having already been integrated into the company’s crisis management team after extensive crisis communications planning, training and drills, HDA personnel immediately responded to the scene, spending the better part of the next few weeks on-site. HDA assisted the company with internal and external communications as well as state agency relations and outreach to local elected officials. HDA also participated alongside the company in the subsequent investigation and litigation support.
THE RESULTS
Response from and support in the nearby community was favorable, particularly in response to the company’s care and consideration for employees directly impacted by the event. Efforts to build and maintain relationships among several key audiences paid dividends as the company was able to withstand the event and emerge stronger in the long run. Media coverage was fair and balanced for the duration of the coverage.
An Ascension Parish chemical manufacturing facility experienced an explosion in May 2000 that ultimately resulted in three fatalities and eight injuries.
APPROACH
Having already been integrated into the company’s crisis management team after extensive crisis communications planning, training and drills, HDA personnel immediately responded to the scene, spending the better part of the next few weeks on-site. HDA assisted the company with internal and external communications as well as state agency relations and outreach to local elected officials. HDA also participated alongside the company in the subsequent investigation and litigation support.
THE RESULTS
Response from and support in the nearby community was favorable, particularly in response to the company’s care and consideration for employees directly impacted by the event. Efforts to build and maintain relationships among several key audiences paid dividends as the company was able to withstand the event and emerge stronger in the long run. Media coverage was fair and balanced for the duration of the coverage.
Rally for Economic Survival
ISSUE
After the April 2010 Deepwater Horizon accident, the federal government issued a moratorium on all deep water drilling in the Gulf of Mexico impacting 33 rigs operating in the Gulf. The financial impact the moratorium brought to the state of Louisiana was significant since more than 80 percent of oil and gas produced from the Gulf of Mexico is drilled from deep-water rigs. At the time, Louisiana’s oil production from the Gulf of Mexico was 33 percent and employed nearly 30,000 residents directly with more than 300,000 residents employed by the state’s energy industry. It was estimated that the government moratorium cost the 33 rigs $8.25 – $16.5 million per day, in addition to the financial losses of the nearly 16,000 Louisiana small businesses affiliated with the offshore drilling industry.
APPROACH
HDA, working with the Louisiana Oil and Gas Association, Louisiana Association of Business and Industry, the Louisiana Mid-Continent Oil and Gas Association and the Lafayette Chamber of Commerce, organized a massive event called the Rally for Economic Survival for a Wednesday in mid-July in Lafayette, Louisiana to garner national media attention surrounding the fiscal impact the federal moratorium was having on the state and to send a united message to President Obama, “Lift the Moratorium.” The event featured a wide spectrum of local, state and national speakers all opposing the moratorium including Governor Bobby Jindal, Lt. Gov. Scott Angele, Dave Welch, CEO of Stone Energy Corp., Plaquemines Parish President Billy Nungesser, Louisiana Restaurant Association President Jim Funk, Louisiana Seafood Promotion & Marketing Board Executive Director Ewell Smith and many more. HDA staff assisted with coordination of logistics for the event including event management, onsite set-up, all media relations – pre, during and post-event, speaker coordination, and trouble-shooting the day of the event.
RESULTS
More than 11,000 people attended the Rally for Economic Survival at Lafayette’s Cajundome. More than 200 media outlets including local, state, national and international outlets covered the event. All of the major cable networks ran live feeds of the event, including C-SPAN, which ran the event in its entirety. Several local and national cable morning shows ran segments with guest speakers from the event prior to the start of the Rally. The Rally, its speakers and many of its participants were featured in segments including Rush Limbaugh’s radio program for days following. The White House was forced to address the Rally, the subjects to come up during the event, and the moratorium itself for several days following the event. The Rally was featured in many news segments about the federal moratorium until the federal government lifted the ban in October 2010.
After the April 2010 Deepwater Horizon accident, the federal government issued a moratorium on all deep water drilling in the Gulf of Mexico impacting 33 rigs operating in the Gulf. The financial impact the moratorium brought to the state of Louisiana was significant since more than 80 percent of oil and gas produced from the Gulf of Mexico is drilled from deep-water rigs. At the time, Louisiana’s oil production from the Gulf of Mexico was 33 percent and employed nearly 30,000 residents directly with more than 300,000 residents employed by the state’s energy industry. It was estimated that the government moratorium cost the 33 rigs $8.25 – $16.5 million per day, in addition to the financial losses of the nearly 16,000 Louisiana small businesses affiliated with the offshore drilling industry.
APPROACH
HDA, working with the Louisiana Oil and Gas Association, Louisiana Association of Business and Industry, the Louisiana Mid-Continent Oil and Gas Association and the Lafayette Chamber of Commerce, organized a massive event called the Rally for Economic Survival for a Wednesday in mid-July in Lafayette, Louisiana to garner national media attention surrounding the fiscal impact the federal moratorium was having on the state and to send a united message to President Obama, “Lift the Moratorium.” The event featured a wide spectrum of local, state and national speakers all opposing the moratorium including Governor Bobby Jindal, Lt. Gov. Scott Angele, Dave Welch, CEO of Stone Energy Corp., Plaquemines Parish President Billy Nungesser, Louisiana Restaurant Association President Jim Funk, Louisiana Seafood Promotion & Marketing Board Executive Director Ewell Smith and many more. HDA staff assisted with coordination of logistics for the event including event management, onsite set-up, all media relations – pre, during and post-event, speaker coordination, and trouble-shooting the day of the event.
RESULTS
More than 11,000 people attended the Rally for Economic Survival at Lafayette’s Cajundome. More than 200 media outlets including local, state, national and international outlets covered the event. All of the major cable networks ran live feeds of the event, including C-SPAN, which ran the event in its entirety. Several local and national cable morning shows ran segments with guest speakers from the event prior to the start of the Rally. The Rally, its speakers and many of its participants were featured in segments including Rush Limbaugh’s radio program for days following. The White House was forced to address the Rally, the subjects to come up during the event, and the moratorium itself for several days following the event. The Rally was featured in many news segments about the federal moratorium until the federal government lifted the ban in October 2010.
Louisiana State Uniform Construction Code/ Constructing A Stronger Louisiana
ISSUE
Following Hurricanes Katrina and Rita, much emphasis was placed on Louisiana to look for solutions to mitigate future storm damage. The federal government, especially, was looking to the state to show responsibility in rebuilding after the disasters. Insurers were still reeling from the enormity of the hurricanes and were looking to the state to take positive steps to ensure rebuilding efforts focused on minimizing future losses.
APPROACH
During the first legislative special session after the 2005 hurricanes, HDA organized a coalition of statewide trade associations and business leaders, called Constructing A Stronger Louisiana, to support legislation for a much-needed uniform statewide building and residential code. HDA managed coalition and public officials meetings, assisted in drafting legislation, coordinated lobbying strategy and kept coalition members informed during the entire process.
RESULTS
Overwhelming passage of one of the nation’s best statewide uniform construction codes established to govern the design, construction, and inspection of residential and commercial buildings based on nationally recognized standards of the International Residential Code. HDA continues to manage the coalition and work with members of the 19-member Louisiana State Uniform Construction Code Council to insure adequate funding and support for the construction code.
Following Hurricanes Katrina and Rita, much emphasis was placed on Louisiana to look for solutions to mitigate future storm damage. The federal government, especially, was looking to the state to show responsibility in rebuilding after the disasters. Insurers were still reeling from the enormity of the hurricanes and were looking to the state to take positive steps to ensure rebuilding efforts focused on minimizing future losses.
APPROACH
During the first legislative special session after the 2005 hurricanes, HDA organized a coalition of statewide trade associations and business leaders, called Constructing A Stronger Louisiana, to support legislation for a much-needed uniform statewide building and residential code. HDA managed coalition and public officials meetings, assisted in drafting legislation, coordinated lobbying strategy and kept coalition members informed during the entire process.
RESULTS
Overwhelming passage of one of the nation’s best statewide uniform construction codes established to govern the design, construction, and inspection of residential and commercial buildings based on nationally recognized standards of the International Residential Code. HDA continues to manage the coalition and work with members of the 19-member Louisiana State Uniform Construction Code Council to insure adequate funding and support for the construction code.
