Crisis Communications: A Critique of the Charleston Chemical Spill Response
Experts in strategic communications will overview the crisis, discuss lessons learned and forecast future issues that will affect the state.
Date: Monday, March 24 The discussion will be a LiveTweet session allowing students to engage real time with panelists and peers. Topic: January 9, 2014, toxic chemicals spilled into the Elk River in Charleston, W. Va. affecting more than 300,000 residents in nine counties. These counties consisted of Boone, Clay, Jackson, Kanawha, Lincoln, Logan, Putnam, Roane counties and the Culloden area of Cabell County. The chemical that spilled into the river, MCHM, is used to wash coal and contaminated the water, preventing residents from drinking, cooking, cleaning or washing in their homes. Panelists/Topics:
Time: 5 p.m.
Location: Martin Hall, room 205
Aly Goodwin-Greg, Chief Marketing Officer for MVB Bank and crisis communications expert, will provide an overview of what happened during and following the initial notification of the spill, as well as frame some of the key issues moving forward.
Larry Messina, Communications Director, Department of Military Affairs and Public Safety, will discuss media relations, as well as the ramifications of this crisis as it relates to government relations, provide a brief relevant legislative update and overview the recent hearing.
Chris Dale, Director of Communications, Morgantown Utility Board, will discuss community relations, public information/safety and other related ongoing communication needs associated with continuing water service issues.
Jama Jarrett, Vice President of Operations and Communications for the Charleston Convention Visitors Bureau will discuss issues associated with promotion of tourism and travel.