You are to assume the role of the director of public relations for Gemini Products, a company that produces consumer goods. The president of the company wants you to create a company statement in response to public backlash over a company event and determine how to communicate with staff about providing information to reporters.
Gemini Products was late to the sustainability effort made by many other major corporations but made it a focus the last three years. Gemini Products started with its headquarters office, manufacturing plants and distribution centers by switching to eco-friendly lighting, heating, replacing single use plastics and limiting corporate travel. Now Gemini Products has focused on its consumer products and changed most product packaging to recycled or recyclable materials and on reducing its carbon footprint overall.
Last week, Gemini Products threw a high-profile event to announce its new line of eco-friendly products and packaging and inform guests of the efforts made company wide. Gemini staff, family, investors, partners, potential partners, stockholders and special guests were invited to the event.
While the event was meant to showcase the company’s commitment to sustainability, significant resources were spent on non-sustainable practices. Employees, investors and partners were flown in from across the globe, single-use plastics and disposable products were used in catering and in the lavish decorations and the special lighting used throughout the evening were very energy intensive.
A news reporter wrote an article in a major newspaper about the event and how it contradicts Gemini Products efforts in sustainability. The reporter was provided with copies of private financial information detailing costs and spoke to two anonymous employees about the extravagant event. The article has created backlash from the public.
The president wants you to analyze the situation and create a company statement in response to the article and wants you to determine how to communicate with staff regarding the leak of confidential information.
