Communica proves 'best in show' at annual Stampede Party

Despite some threatening skies and a few brief minutes of wind and rain, for the most part Mother Nature cooperated to ensure that the fourth annual Communica Stampede Party was another outstanding success. More than 150 clients (past, present and future), suppliers, colleagues and friends turned out to celebrate the Calgary Stampede with Communica staff (lead by CEO Doug Ford, above, at left) and family members. This year, Red Tree Catering again turned out some amazingly fine food. A caricature artist captured guests at their best (or not) and old and new friends had a terrific opportunity to meet and catch up (at stand-up tables or in the sit-down tents, below), and the proverbial good time really was had by all. 

New faces strengthen Communica's capacity to provide quality services to clients

Communica continues to add to its bench-strength, and its ability to meet client needs with a number of recent staff additions. The additions reflect the rebounding economy and client requirements (and pending additions) on a number of new projects for us.

In Calgary, we have added Michelle Harries as Senior Counsel.  Michelle has more than 20 years experience in communications, as a journalist, a corporate communicator and a consultant. Her experience spans oil and gas (including oil sands, which is an important part of Communica’s current client work) and heavy industry, politics, non-profit and environmental communications.

We have also brought Laurie MacDonald on board as a full-time Data-Management Specialist. Data management (and specifically data entry) has increasingly become a core competency and service pillar for Communica, supporting files for clients such as TransAlta, Enbridge, Northern Gateway and Encana. Laurie will oversee the consistency of our overall approach and service delivery for this growing part of Communica’s suite of service offerings. Read More...

Snail mail still has an important role to play

Despite the many online communications options that are now available, there are still times when the old tried-and-true method of mailing printed materials is not only the best way to go – it’s the required way.

“Snail mail” is required by regulatory agencies for a variety of reasons, including initial notification of a proposed project, or updating an existing project that is under way. Initial notifications are provided to landowners, occupants and residents and detail the project specifics, including a description of the project, information about the need for the project, and potential issues that may arise. Update letters can be sent quarterly or as needed, either providing information on the status of the application or on the construction or operation of the project.

It can be confusing as to what form of mailing is the best for the project, but based on Communica’s experience, we have created a simplified explanation of what form of consultation needs to take place, and what form of regulatory mailing best suits the requirements. As a basic rule of thumb, landowners, occupants and residents living within 500 metres of the project, require personal consultation and confirmation of nonobjection. Local authorities, government and regulatory bodies, special interest groups and crown disposition holders within 1500 metres require notification of the project. Read More...

Energy News Digest

Communica ‘s Energy News Digest – END – is an electronic summary of the most relevant, timely, and interesting new stories about the energy business, sent to your inbox every morning. You can also find links to these articles on our website. To subscribe to this service please visit our website – www.communica.ca – then go to Energy News Digest, add your email and click “Save”.