As part of a new ongoing series, Industry Spotlight, we talked to our Agency A-List Top 100 agencies focused on CBD and cannabis about what it’s like to work in this emerging and ever-changing space, as well as the challenges and opportunities.
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American Cleaning Institute Recalls Year of Crisis Communication
February 19th, 2021 by Nicole SchumanWhile cleanliness was on most peoples’ radar, the threat of COVID-19 elevated concerns about germs to a more common topic of conversation. Enter the American Cleaning Institute, whose communication team suddenly found itself at the center of a hot topic. Here’s how it handled a bevy of queries from media and the public and spread its message.

Communicating Coronavirus: Messaging the Vaccine, Variants and Masks
February 18th, 2021 by Seth ArensteinHave we turned the corner on coronavirus? If not, what dangers are ahead? How can brand communicators help spread accurate information to employees and the public about vaccination, mask wearing and the importance of doing as much as possible before variants go widespread, probably in mid- to late-March?

NFL, Tampa Communicate COVID Protocols: Will Super Bowl Fans Listen?
February 4th, 2021 by Nicole SchumanOn Feb. 7, the U.S. will see a first during the pandemic—22,000+ ticket holders attending the Super Bowl, in-person, at the actual venue, Raymond James Stadium, which holds 75,000 people. This of course, brings a whole new set of challenges—maintaining the health and safety of attendees.

Chobani’s First Corporate Affairs Chief Sees a Reckoning on CSR Issues in 2021
February 2nd, 2021 by Seth ArensteinIn light of the Jan. 6 violence at the U.S. Capitol and the social, racial and economic unrest of 2020, we asked Cristina Alesci, Chobani’s first chief corporate affairs officer, how CEOs are thinking about promises many companies made last year, as well as what a veteran journalist brings to a corporate setting.

Female and Male Mentors are Keys to Success for Many Top Women in PR
February 2nd, 2021 by Erika BradburyWe talked to PRNEWS Top Women in PR honorees about the advancements of women in the workforce, the importance of mentorship and how the industry can help tackle the challenges of working women.

Communicators Need to Place Fallout from Capitol Violence into Larger Corporate Narrative
February 2nd, 2021 by Seth ArensteinOne thing economic historians likely will include in their accounts of Jan. 6, 2021, is the reaction of some of the country’s largest companies. It started with several blue-chip firms denouncing the violence and the 147 lawmakers who voted in favor of overturning election results.

Using Research to Prepare for Quick Reaction to Emotional Situations
February 2nd, 2021 by Mark WeinerFor some in financial services the late-January phenomena of GameStop represented an existential threat. For others, it was a chance to take a position. In response, courageous executives acted. This was not possible without prior planning and consideration.

Public Goals and Regular Updates Provide Higher Accountability for Promises of Inclusivity
February 2nd, 2021 by Nicole SchumanSocietal unrest during the summer of 2020 led many businesses to take a hard look at what they represented to their audiences in terms of diversity and inclusion. Since then we’ve seen many organizations make statements and promises to practice greater inclusivity on everything from hiring to campaign content and representation. Whether or not these promises resulted in real change remains to be seen.

Brands That Posted Once about DEI Received High Engagement, But Will They Act?
February 2nd, 2021 by Erika BradburyIn the wake of calls for social justice last summer, it seemed as though every brand issued a statement or a black square. Indeed, there were plenty of brand posts about diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI).