Climate Solutions

by Laura Ray Climate Change

“If 97 percent of doctors told you that you had cancer, would you wait around for the other 3 percent to agree before doing something about it?” So began Monday morning at the Climate Solutions 5th Annual Breakfast. Tom Steyer, billionaire and co-founder of Next Generation, is not afraid to raise eyebrows. His cancer analogy was in reference to political action (or rather, lack therefor of) to global warming — although 97% of climate scientists agree in global warming, some in D.C. want to wait until the other 3 percent agree before doing anything about it. But not in THIS Washington.

Everyone in the room that morning, in some way, was part of the movement toward finding solutions to what he proclaimed as one of the most significant issues facing our world today. Global warming, as he explained, is not just about the weather — it’s about food and water sources, and how intricately connected these things are to each other. But not all politicians are green naysayers. Jay Inslee, perhaps the greenest Governor in the nation, attended the event, urging the need for continued public policy. He and Steyer both agreed that the solution lay with the partnership between business and clean energy.

Talks of biofuel-powered airplanes and “poop-powered” dairy farms (did you know that ethanol form animal waste is more harmful to the world than CO2 emissions from cars?) were shared as examples of green solutions driving economy in our region. Actually using the waste from industry to power the industry itself. Companies like Boeing, Vulcan Inc. and McKinstry, and public entities such as Community Power Works, Seattle City Light and Sound Transit all participated in Monday’s breakfast — together working toward business solutions that will protect the environment as well as the economy.

Reasons to Attend a Conference Outside of Your Industry

Today I find myself attending the Oregon Healthcare Financial Management Association’s Spring Meeting at Salishan along the Oregon coast. It is a step outside of the traditional norm -we typically attend a public relations or social media conference. As a firm, we have a very strong healthcare practice. With the major changes that are occurring in the healthcare industry, this meeting will give us a new perspective to bring back to our healthcare clients. 

It also gives us an advantage in our market. No other communications professional is here – guaranteed.  Challenge yourself. Think fearlessly. Attend a conference or a meeting outside of your industry.

Media Monday: Tim Booth, Associated Press

Each Monday, we’re giving readers a chance to get to know the media a little better.

With a little flair.

Our goal is to give readers some insight into the work and work style of area journalists, and get to know a little bit about the person behind the byline. Start your week off with an online networking opportunity through our Media Monday blog post.

This Week: Tim Booth, Associated Press

Tim Booth

Tim Booth is a Seattle-based Sports Writer/Editor for the Associated Press. Although he started with the AP in 2004, he became a full-time writer in 2007 and he’s been their lone sports writer for the state of Washington Since 2010.

He covers the Seahawks, Mariners, Sounders, University of Washington and monitors contributing coverage of Washington State University, Gonzaga and Boise State. Booth graduated from Central Washington University in 2000. He has two kids.

Q: What’s your favorite kind of story?

A: I love to do profiles when I have the time to really delve into the story. When I have the time to talk with a number of different sources and really get a chance to provide a comprehensive look at a person or a topic. The kind of story I like is the one that makes people think and talk.

Q: If you could have someone else’s job, what would it be?

A: I would love to work at a golf course. You’d get to be outside and maybe get a little free golf.

Q: Finish this sentence: “A good PR person is …”

A: One who is willing to work with a journalist rather than constantly being a road block. I understand there are times when they can’t talk about a topic, but it’s another thing to be in the position of being combative and standoffish. A good PR person understands the back and forth relationship with the media and helps how they can, where they can.

Q: What skills do new journalists need?

A: You’ve got to be able to do a little of everything now. You can no longer just be a writer or an editor. You’ve got to be able to write fast, and most importantly accurately, take photos, take video, have a presence on social media and it helps to be able to speak well in case you need to do radio or TV spots. I think we’re at the point where all journalists need to understand the title “multimedia journalist.”

Q: What hidden talent or skill do you have that viewers/readers don’t know about you?

A: I don’t know if this counts, but I worked as a lifeguard/children’s swim instructor through college.

The PR Pro Takeaway: Tim Booth must be a jack of all trades covering multiple sports spanning collegiate and professional. His advice to new journalists gives a hint at how extensive his coverage can be. Keep that in mind when pitching him, make it straight forward and get down to business. Curious that he didn’t mention his golf game as his hidden talent…

Media Monday, Brandie Ahlgren, CityDog Magazine

Each Monday, we’re giving readers a chance to get to know the media a little better.

With a little flair.

Our goal is to give readers some insight into the work and work style of area journalists, and get to know a little bit about the person behind the byline. Start your week off with an online networking opportunity through our Media Monday blog post.

This Week: Brandie Ahlgren, CityDog Magazine

Brandie AhlgrenEleven years ago, Brandie Ahlgren, founder and editor of Seattle-based CityDog magazine, was introduced to an entirely new universe when Scout, an eight-week-old boxer puppy entered her life. Brandie says she’s living proof of how a dog can change your life.

The world of puppy parenting, dog-park etiquette and puppy kindergarten was a whole new experience since she didn’t grow up with dogs. Most of her information came through word-of-mouth at the dog park but she was missing a go-to resource with fresh, up-to-date content. So she developed the concept for CityDog magazine. Brandie and her team of dog-loving editors dig up the best places to sit, stay and play for you and your furry, four-legged friends.

She resides in West Seattle with her two dogs, Scout and Ziggy, and can often be found hanging out at Westcrest Dog Park.

Q: What’s the best thing about being in the Seattle media scene?

A: It’s the endless amount of stories available to share with CityDog readers. Nine years after launching, there is still no shortage of story ideas, from dog-friendly getaways to cool products to wellness and behavior tips. Plus, Seattle has a fantastic pool of freelance writers and photographers to draw from, providing the magazine with rich content and beautiful photography.

Q: How has social media changed what you do?

A: Social media is incorporated into almost everything we do, from sharing articles with readers to increasing traffic to our website. It is also an incredible tool for engaging with readers, opening a two-way dialogue versus one-way with traditional print.

Q: If you could have someone else’s job, what would it be?

A: This is tough, because I love my job, but if I had to choose, it would probably be a producer for Evening Magazine or Screaming Flea. Like publishing, video production is constantly changing, with new story ideas and fresh content. Perhaps someday there will be “CityDog TV!”

Q: Press releases: Love them or hate them?

A: Love them and definitely rely on them. However, I’m amazed at how many press releases I receive that have no relation to CityDog. It shows me that the PR person issuing the release did not bother to research the magazine — it’s a pet peeve of mine (no pun intended). I especially appreciate when a PR person takes the time to learn about CityDog, tailoring their pitches accordingly.

Q: What hidden talent or skill do you have that viewers/readers don’t know about you?

A: I’m a Scrabble junkie and quite good at finding those obscure two-letter words that rack up a bunch of points on a triple-letter square (Qi!).

The PR Pro Takeaway: Brandie is living a dog-lover’s dream, and living it well. She has launched her need for information into a viable resource. She gives great advice, and one commonly voiced on Media Monday posts; know who you’re pitching. If it doesn’t pertain to dogs, in other words if Scout and Ziggy wouldn’t care, neither would Brandie.

Media Monday: Rachel Gallaher, GRAY Magazine

Each Monday, we’re giving readers a chance to get to know the media a little better.

With a little flair.

Our goal is to give readers some insight into the work and work style of area journalists, and get to know a little bit about the person behind the byline. Start your week off with an online networking opportunity through our Media Monday blog post.

This Week: Rachel Gallaher, GRAY Magazine

Rachel Gallaher graduated from the University of Washington with distinction in the Fiction track of the English Department. She joined the publishing industry after college with an internship at Seattle Homes & Lifestyles. Rachel has written for various publications throughout the city, covering local arts, fashion, design and weddings. She joined the GRAY team with the first issue as a freelance writer, and has held various positions including regular contributor and Assistant Editor. She is now the editor of GRAY.

Rachel GallaherQ: What’s your favorite story you’ve done recently?

A: It’s hard to choose because we cover such a broad scope of Pacific Northwest design, but I have to say that I absolutely loved the article about Q Nightclub in the Capitol Hill neighborhood. I didn’t write the story, but I think it did an excellent job of showcasing the young, edgy side of design that we’re seeing more now.

Q: What skills do new journalists need?

A: There are a lot of great skills to have, but the top two in my book are organization and tenacity. You HAVE to be organized if you’re going to hit deadlines, and that’s one of the biggest things you can do to make an editor happy.  As far as tenacity goes, I can’t even tell you how many jobs I didn’t get, how many story pitches were turned down, how frustrated I got when I started out. But with each disappointment my resolve grew stronger and I just kept hitting away at meetings and submissions. That really paid off–people noticed and gave me chances.

Q: If you weren’t working at your current job, what would you be doing?

A: I would probably be in grad school working towards my doctorate in literature or getting an MFA in fiction writing.

Q: Finish this sentence: “A good PR person is …”

A: … someone who knows how to tell a story in a way that is interesting and engaging. I get dozens of press releases daily, and the ones that stand out are always unique. They go beyond just trying to “sell me” on something.

Q: What hidden talent or skill do you have that viewers/readers don’t know about you?

A: I’m really good at darts!

The PR Pro Takeaway: Great advice to new journalists from a fairly new journalist. Gallaher has come a long way fast and is a force to be reckoned with both in the design publication field, and in a game of darts.

Earth Week: It’s too easy being green

by Laura Ray

Earth Week 1Recycle. Compost. BYOB (bring your own bag). Print double sided. Use energy efficient light bulbs. Walk don’t drive.

There are countless ways to be green in our daily lives. And most are so easy we take it for granted that they can actually have an effect. But a little goes a long way (70 percent of Seattle’s residential waste is recycled with 125+ tons composted) and our combined efforts can have an outstanding impact to making the environment a safer and healthier place for our kids and grandkids, while protecting those natural resources that are tantamount to many of us who call the Puget Sound, home.

There is no denying that living sustainably-minded is today’s new mandate, and we live in the city that is leading by example to the rest of the country: where the city enforces recycling paper, cans, cardboard and bottles; where single-use plastic bags are banned; and where successful city programs like Community Power Works help homes and businesses become more green.

And it’s not just residents. Sixty percent of businesses recycle their waste. And local transformative place-makers such as Vulcan Real Estate, Sellen and  Studio Meng Strazzara are creating spaces that are not only beautiful and high-performing but sustainable in design, construction and development. The city is also home to the greenest office space in the world, the Bullitt Center.

But behavioral change doesn’t happen overnight. Remembering to unplug chargers when not in use. To turn off lights when you leave the office. To separate food waste from your recyclable (or compostable) take-out containers. To bring your own mug to your favorite coffee shop. These are all small steps that may initially seem out of place in your day-to-day life, until one day you realize that the behavior has become an entirely new — and sustainable — way of life.

Office of the Future — NAIOP

by Laura Ray

Today’s workplace culture rests on mobility

InnovationCenter_View02_FINAL

McKinstry Innovation Center

Truth be told, I geek out over the topic of workplace design. To be clear, I mean thoughtful and progressive workplace design. Think of Google, Microsoft Studio West (Xbox), Amazon.com, McKinstry Innovation Center (pictured left) — all of these workspaces were designed by experts who not only know how to create an aesthetically pleasing space, but one that can actually increase productivity, inspire people and bring groups together in unique and transformative ways.

Today, fundamental shifts are underway in workplace design, with movement away from the
80′s cube farms with overhead fluorescent lighting to open and flexible spaces flooded with natural light. Driving this shift is the need to attract and retain top talent in today’s highly competitive marketplace.

April’s NAIOP breakfast — moderated by Vulcan Real Estate’s Sharon Coleman — explored the topic of “The Office of the Future: Changing Spaces for Changing Needs” with insights from local experts who are in charge of developing and designing today’s office, and also perspectives from the tenants who use them. Some key takeaways:

  • A generational value shift. As “boomers” head to retirement, so too does the “butt in seats” 9-5 work culture. Today’s generations of workers place higher value on mobility, personalization of workspace and amenities such as bike lockers, showers and informal gathering spaces. This generation is also looking outside their workspace to an office location that offers ease of walkability, access to transit and nearby stores and restaurants.
  • Rethinking the meeting space. The concept of space for meetings is shifting from the traditional rarely accessible conference room to areas where people can meet, ideate and touch base “phone booths,” “couch rooms” and even “walking paths” for larger corporate campuses (concept credit to Brent Rogers, NBBJ).
  • Catering to a nomadic workforce. With technological advancements such as video conferencing, virtual meeting spaces, smart phones, tablets and wifi hotspots, employees are no longer tethered to a desk (or geography for that matter). Today’s workspaces are designed not to house employees, but to support them.
  • New ways of working. As our culture moves from a predominantly manufacturing society to one of creative class (think engineers, programmers), spaces are being designed to enhance collaboration and inspire ideation.  “Co-work” spaces, such as the McKinstry Innovation Centers — are increasing in popularity, especially for small companies and start-ups. These co-work spaces provide shared, centralized spaces to enable chance encounters for ideation between companies.

Re-thinking office space transcends the responsibility of a facilities manager, to HR, recruitment and marketing. It is a reflection of a company’s culture and brand and vital to attracting and retaining top talent in an increasingly mobile marketplace.