Fleishman-Hillard Launches Worldwide Sustainability Practice, Commits to Carbon Neutrality

ST. LOUIS, Sept. 19 /PRNewswire/ -- Fleishman-Hillard International Communications today announced the creation of its worldwide Sustainability Communications practice. The practice is designed to counsel clients on policy and work with them to articulate views and actions on critical resource management issues such as fossil fuel consumption, water conservation, and CO2 emissions. The global effort will be led by co-chairs in Europe and Asia.

In addition to launching the new practice, Fleishman-Hillard pledged to reduce its global energy consumption, decrease the CO2 it produces, and become carbon neutral by the end of 2007. With over 80 offices and more than 2,500 employees worldwide, the company is currently measuring its worldwide carbon footprint and developing a plan to earn neutral status while simultaneously taking steps to reduce its energy consumption. These global initiatives expand upon similar efforts already under way by the firm's European offices.

"Fleishman-Hillard's sustainability practice offers more than just green or environmental communications," said Dave Senay, president and chief executive officer of Fleishman-Hillard. "We will counsel clients on the most effective ways to deal with substantive resource issues related to their operations. The goal is to enable companies and institutions to continue to grow and prosper while recognizing and dealing effectively with limited resources, climate change, and the very real need to preserve the earth for future generations."

Senior Vice President Malin Jennings, who has handled natural resource and sustainability issues along with financial services and business communications for more than 25 years, leads Fleishman-Hillard's Sustainability Communications practice. Jennings has represented the U.S. Army, CarbonFund.org, and The Alliance to Save Energy on sustainability issues. In addition to Jennings, co-chairs in Europe and Asia will lead the practice:

-- Teresa Calvano and Sophie Pim lead the European practice from Fleishman-Hillard's Brussels and London offices, respectively. Calvano and Pim handle environmental and climate change policy for clients and have spearheaded Fleishman-Hillard's own environmental programs in Great Britain and on the European continent. -- Joanne Wong, who is based in Fleishman-Hillard's Hong Kong office, leads the practice in Asia. Wong, who specializes in corporate and financial communications and corporate social responsibility, handles a wide range of client management responsibilities throughout Asia Pacific.

"Sustainability is not only a critical issue for literally hundreds of companies, NGOs, and government agencies around the world," said Paul Johnson, vice chairman of worldwide growth and president of Fleishman-Hillard public affairs, "it is also a priority for our firm and our employees. The sustainability initiatives we undertake as a company will contribute to our depth of experience. That depth is evident in Europe where our colleagues have already achieved carbon neutral status and in our practice co-chairs who, in aggregate, have decades of sustainability experience."

Johnson went on to note that sustainability cuts across all industry groups. While normally associated with the environment and energy, sustainability issues can be applied to many other industries as well.

"Based on what we are seeing and what other experts are corroborating, the industries most affected by climatic change and declining resources are energy, transportation, and food," said sustainability practice chair Malin Jennings. "But within a few years, virtually every sector and industry in our global economy will be dealing with these issues. The good news is that many corporations and governments have turned climate change and sustainability problems into new economic opportunities for their stakeholders. It is important that others share and learn from their accomplishments. Fleishman-Hillard's sustainability practice is poised to help our clients do just that."

On September 25-26, 2007, Jennings will discuss "Sustainability is Strategic" as part of a panel at the "Corporate Climate Response" conference in Chicago. She also will moderate a panel discussion on "Brokering a Public Partnership" at the "PRWeek Target Green: Collaborating for Change" conference on October 3 in Washington, D.C. The Fleishman-Hillard Sustainability Communications practice is a sponsor of both conferences.

Fleishman-Hillard Inc., one of the world's leading public relations firms, has built its reputation by using strategic communications to deliver what its clients value most: meaningful, positive, and measurable impact on the performance of their organizations. The firm is widely recognized for excellent client service and a strong company culture founded on teamwork, integrity, and personal commitment. Based in St. Louis, the firm operates throughout North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Middle East, South Africa, and Latin America through its 80 owned offices. For more information, visit the Fleishman-Hillard Web site at http://www.fleishman.com/.

Fleishman-Hillard is a part of Omnicom Group Inc. (http://www.omnicomgroup.com/). Omnicom is a leading global advertising, marketing and corporate communications company. Omnicom's branded networks and numerous specialty firms provide advertising, strategic media planning and buying, interactive, direct and promotional marketing, public relations and other specialty communications services to over 5,000 clients in more than 100 countries.