Alex English, MBA

CALIFORNIA

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Sending out your regularly scheduled social posts and e-blasts to people in Los Angeles right now only hurts your brand. Any organization, whether a business, nonprofit, or government agency, communicating in the greater LA region right now needs to focus on value. Use your brand and platform to provide resources, expertise unique to your work, and actionable information that help people navigate this moment. Talk about how you’re caring for your community, whether your employees, clients, or the public. The messages that people will receive right now are the ones with meaning. Anything else right now risks being ignored—or worse, doing damage. Communication and PR professionals, be intentional and find the unique ways your organization can contribute. Actions and words make a difference in times like these.

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Day Two of Outdoor by ISPO is a wrap- heading to the barn. Insights here?👇 Core trends are continuing: 🏕️The outdoors is a beloved antidote for global unrest and today, more so- especially for mental health 🏞️Consumers want convenient, easy ways to pursue their outdoor adventures - chargeable, packable, and foldable 🗝️ Next gen technology is the key to driving performance for all skill levels; it was certainly on dazzling display here - especially in the ISPO awards gallery 💚♻️🌍 Louisa Smith in her presentation on textile trends offered: there is significantly more “green hushing”, meaning brands are not shouting about their sustainability work, “they are just getting on with it.” 🔜🔜🔜 Regulations are coming. Buckle up. In the U.S., there are the added challenges of every state doing something different. The talk of this show was the EU's Digital Product Passport mandating transparency in product lifecycles, fostering sustainability and circular economy practices by 2026. 👗🥾👕👚 Style is definitely a thing but absolutely do more with less less - do we really need those shorts in 8 colors? 😃 There is no substituttion for surprise and delight moments at a trade show - running into old friends, making new connections or having a theory validated at an educational session like this one👉: during three sessions yesterday, the critical role the consumer plays in the sustainability equation rose to the top: brands and their component partners must do a much better job at explaining things ⁉️During the segment hosted by The Outdoor Industry Compass, “Eco-Consumers Separating Hype from Reality” Fredrik Ekström from Above The Clouds Communication shared, “Consumers do not have the tools to evaluate choices and it is hard for them to know what is good- they can’t evaluate labels or certifications.” 💚Louisa Smith outlined three megatrends: 👉POWER UP: greenhushing, circular is the new norm, keep the message simple. She mentioned Decathlon for their simple tags and Ripcurl for its wetsuit recycling collection bins. 👉COMMUNITY: better together, sharing resources and data, and car sharing 👉REVOLUTION: automation, sensor technology, more 3D printing 🐟🐟🐟🐟Sobering fact: By 2050- there will be more plastic in the ocean than fish Parting thoughts 🌞🌞The sun finally came out. 🇺🇸 The U.S. has the second largest number of exhibitors at ISPO behind Germany. 👍Loved NEMO Equipment ‘s lightweight camping chair. 💛💛Vibram Group continues to shine with its distinct collaborations and its Megagrip sole. 🚲🚲 VENTETE’s inflatable micro- collapsible offers a departure for bike helmets. 🐑Südwolle Group was showing its ActiveYarn Happy to say hello to Mark Held, Tobias Gröber, Sara Esposito of NATIVA™ and Andrej Zwer from ORTOVOX and Tudor Dragomir from Lowa. Next stop: Outdoor Retailer 👍.

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In this recent article with Authority Magazine, I discuss the barriers women face in advancing to leadership roles and share actionable strategies to overcome these challenges. It's an honor to be part of this conversation and to continue advocating for a future where equity is not just an aspiration but a reality. Read the full article: https://lnkd.in/dXx-XWxK 💪🏽 #Leadership #WomenInLeadership #Equity #DEI #HopeForTheFuture #AmiraBarger

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Got to talk about California, Los Angeles - and specifically Santa Monica - in terms of retail, crime and social impact. Retail crime and other challenges have more than tarnished the Golden State's reputation. Many have seen the impact on San Francisco with the departure of numerous stores and San Francisco Center owners Unibail-Rodamco-Westfield handing back the keys in June 2023. (It's now owned by Trident Pacific). Two things further to this state's retail reputation story. First, on Friday (16 August 2024) California Governor Gavin Newsom signed a blizzard of paperwork creating new and strengthening past legislation in regards to organized retail theft - specifically retail crimes and sale of stolen goods. As part of that he's asked that stores be able to get temporary restraining orders against repeat offenders. Speaking at a news conference at a Home Depot store in San José in the state, Gov. Newsom said: "These bills will strengthen existing laws. They'll enhance other laws, and they will address the challenges that are well outside the purview of previous initiatives and laws. That's the issue of organized retail theft, the issue of serial theft, the issue that is front and center in the consciousness of so many Californians." This is welcomed but there also seems to be a strong feeling that it's too late and too little. What has been clear is that doing nothing is just exacerbating an already dire situation. Which leads me to another - and very visceral - assessment in regards to retail crime and its impact on California destinations: Santa Monica's Third Street Promenade. I have strong family connections with the Los Angeles beachside community of Santa Monica and love going back there. The Victor Gruen-inspired Promenade that emerged in the 1960s had its major 'reincarnation' in 1989 and was the result of architectural vision of Jon Jerde one that evolved into the present-day entity only in 2010. It was a fun destinational place. Today however it's where trouble - as much as products - may sadly be in store. A video from property investor Graham Stephan, who grew up in Santa Monica and who walks the Promenade - explains with great clarity - what the impact of not just retail crime, but on-line retailing, Covid and failing social policy - has been. I'm sure there will be those who either disagree or who may not like Mr. Stephan's reasoning - but if you want a realistic and, to my mind, really effective - situational explanation from one who knows his numbers, then get a cup of tea or coffee and spend 18 minutes or so viewing this video (also released this past week)! https://lnkd.in/d4CvRayA #retail #crime #shoplifting #socialpolicy #SantaMonica #Sanjose #GrahamStephan #ThirdStreetMall #ThirdStreetPromenade #Property #shoppingmall #customerjourney #JonJerde #community #design #legislation #California #GavinNewsom #VictorGruen #HomeDepot #urbanregeneration #UnibailRodamcoWestfield #TridentPacific

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https://lnkd.in/ect5e6Tb Fascinating application of AI to consumer marketing - even ring shopping! Joann S. Lublin Kay Jewelers The George Washington University - College of Professional Studies WSJ: How will artificial intelligence expand Signet’s e-commerce sales? DROSOS: AI is becoming increasingly important in how we do business because it’s personalizing everything. 

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I've been having a lot of conversations about branded apparel lately. ➡ First, my 2.5-year-old is obsessed (and I mean OBSESSED) with brands. He knows the brand of car his auntie drives (Chevrolet), his grandma's favorite store (Target), mom's favorite coffee (Starbucks), and his favorite lunch spot (Dairy Queen). He excitedly shouts them out when he sees them on commercials, on printed goods, or along our daily drives. 𝘚𝘰 𝘸𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘥𝘰 𝘸𝘦 𝘨𝘦𝘵 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘵𝘰𝘥𝘥𝘭𝘦𝘳 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘊𝘩𝘳𝘪𝘴𝘵𝘮𝘢𝘴? 🎁 Customized apparel with what is perhaps his favorite brand (and daddy's employer), Cornerstone Banks! Toddler attire was not included in their staff apparel catalog, so we contacted one of their preferred vendors to order this adorable hoodie and tee (mom may have snuck in a sweatshirt, too!). Much thanks to Patti Shelkey at Country Hillside Designs for helping us find what we need and getting it shipped fast! ➡ Second, an administrator asked me my preferred t-shirt brand. Hands down, it's BELLA+CANVAS. 👕 𝘞𝘩𝘰 𝘪𝘴 𝘮𝘺 𝘱𝘳𝘦𝘧𝘦𝘳𝘳𝘦𝘥 𝘷𝘦𝘯𝘥𝘰𝘳 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘰𝘳𝘥𝘦𝘳𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘣𝘳𝘢𝘯𝘥𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘣𝘳𝘢𝘯𝘥'𝘴 𝘢𝘱𝘱𝘢𝘳𝘦𝘭? Business Essentials. Always. No exaggeration, I've worked with them to produce 1,000+ branded items and they are top-notch. 😍 ➡ Third, an educator and I discussed the chaos that can occur when an organization is seeking a vendor to produce branded apparel. 𝘞𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘪𝘴 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘱𝘳𝘪𝘤𝘦 𝘱𝘰𝘪𝘯𝘵? 𝘐𝘴 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘲𝘶𝘢𝘭𝘪𝘵𝘺 𝘰𝘧 𝘱𝘳𝘰𝘥𝘶𝘤𝘵 𝘢𝘱𝘱𝘳𝘰𝘱𝘳𝘪𝘢𝘵𝘦 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘱𝘳𝘪𝘤𝘦? 𝘋𝘰 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘺 𝘰𝘧𝘧𝘦𝘳 𝘢 𝘷𝘢𝘳𝘪𝘦𝘵𝘺 𝘰𝘧 𝘱𝘳𝘰𝘥𝘶𝘤𝘵𝘴 𝘵𝘰 𝘮𝘦𝘦𝘵 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘤𝘰𝘮𝘱𝘭𝘦𝘹 𝘯𝘦𝘦𝘥𝘴 𝘰𝘧 𝘢 𝘥𝘪𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘴𝘦 𝘤𝘰𝘯𝘴𝘶𝘮𝘦𝘳 𝘨𝘳𝘰𝘶𝘱? 𝘞𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘭𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘭 𝘰𝘧 𝘤𝘶𝘴𝘵𝘰𝘮𝘦𝘳 𝘴𝘦𝘳𝘷𝘪𝘤𝘦 𝘥𝘰 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘺 𝘱𝘳𝘰𝘷𝘪𝘥𝘦? 𝘏𝘰𝘸 𝘢𝘳𝘦 𝘪𝘵𝘦𝘮𝘴 𝘴𝘩𝘪𝘱𝘱𝘦𝘥, 𝘴𝘰𝘳𝘵𝘦𝘥, 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘥𝘦𝘭𝘪𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘦𝘥? Within these conversations, I am continually reminded about the importance and ease to which organizations can provide staff with opportunities to become a brand advocate. One of the best investments in time and money is to work with a preferred vendor to create an online staff catalog that allows staff to purchase apparel for work uniforms, casual dress days, or for their personal wardrobe. And don't stop at adult clothing - offer apparel items for all ages! An organization with a positive culture should strive to be part of their employees' family's identity. Significant others and children are proud to advertise such brands, so don't eliminate the opportunity for them to show pride and support in your organization. 𝘋𝘰𝘦𝘴 𝘺𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘤𝘶𝘳𝘳𝘦𝘯𝘵 𝘴𝘵𝘢𝘧𝘧 𝘤𝘢𝘵𝘢𝘭𝘰𝘨 𝘯𝘦𝘦𝘥 𝘢 𝘮𝘢𝘬𝘦𝘰𝘷𝘦𝘳? 𝘋𝘰𝘦𝘴 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘱𝘳𝘰𝘴𝘱𝘦𝘤𝘵 𝘰𝘧 𝘩𝘢𝘷𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘢 𝘤𝘢𝘵𝘢𝘭𝘰𝘨 𝘴𝘰𝘶𝘯𝘥 𝘣𝘰𝘵𝘩 𝘢𝘮𝘢𝘻𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘈𝘕𝘋 𝘥𝘢𝘶𝘯𝘵𝘪𝘯𝘨? Contact Hansen Public Relations!

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I first saw Duncan Meisel present "The Pledge" and the work they're doing at Clean Creatives at Sustainable Brands last year. He was on a panel with Paul Moinester of The Outdoor Policy Outfit, and Kate Ogden at Seventh Generation (both of whom I'd also like to have on this show! 😁). It was one of the sessions where I went, "Wow, that's a fresh topic/concept that wasn't really on my radar..." I hit him up after the panel, we planted a seed, and eventually pinned down a time for a chat. Clean Creatives is a movement of advertisers, PR professionals, and their clients cutting ties with fossil fuels. Their pitch to creatives: fossil fuel clients represent a threat to our shared future. And since their founding, over 900 agencies have pledged to not work with them. Dive in and hear how the movement started, why pledging not to work for fossil fuels polluters is the best way to show you are committed to a sustainable future for the creative industry, and about the real reputational risks associated with working with problematic industries. Lots to unwrap in this one - thanks for the time, Duncan! Got a guest or a topic we should consider? Hit me up! #sustainability #cleanenergy #pr #advertising #marketing #nonprofit #cleancreatives #inspiringperspectives #podcast #esg

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CALIFORNIA

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My early takeaway from PRSA Oregon #CommCon2024 is that the public is facing a real trust issue when it comes to innovations like AI and other emerging tech (and in general). Which raises the question: how do we address the trust crisis in a way that is both authentic and effective? #communications #publicrelations

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It’s 7 am and I’m walking to my office in downtown San Francisco – eager to get the morning copy of the Wall Street Journal because the CMO of my favorite (though somewhat controversial) client was interviewed for a piece that was slated to hit that morning. (Yes, in an actual, tangible newspaper!). I get the paper, flip to the business section and there is a hedcut of the CMO. Ooh, that’s cool. Then, right next to it - despite our prep with the client, history with the reporter and a true business story to tell - a headline worse than my anxiety had even allowed me to imagine! Instant panic. I imagine the day ahead: A day of damage control, reasoning, explaining. ALL OF THE THINGS. What do I do immediately? I grab my Nokia orange cell phone (man, did I love that thing!) and called my Dad. My voice was shaking. I told him what happened. He listened. He asked a few questions. And then he said, “You know Mand, some days you get the bear. And some days the bear gets you.” I’ll never forget those wise words from my Daddio. It changed my whole day, my whole perspective – and the way I have managed many stressful situations – in work and in life – since then. So, I hope everyone gets the bear today, but if you don't - there's always tomorrow! #PR #Mediarelations #PRlife #PRAgency P.S It turned out while the headline was a sensational torpedo, the article itself wasn't so bad and the client was understanding and awesome. (See “favorite client” mention above.) 

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Eye-opening, thought-provoking presentations and discussion yesterday at Sustainable Brands 2024 San Diego session on “Quantifying and reducing GHG emissions from marketing and advertising workstreams.” Industry and data experts explored the framework and methodology used to estimate brands’ greenhouse gas emissions, as well as some early days strategies and tactics for making differences. The excellent roster of speakers included Bill Wescott, Managing Partner at BrainOxygen LLC, Rachel Schnorr, Ad Net Zero’s USA Membership Director, Martin Bryan, Global Chief Sustainability Officer for IPG Mediabrands, Jason Melbourne, Chief Data Officer at Fairglow, and Kelly A. Burton, Founder and CEO of The ESG Shop, who moderated the panel discussion and Q&A. Key takeaways:  - Estimates are that when it comes to digital advertising, media delivery accounts for 55% of attributable GHG emissions.  - Measurement is a critical first step, and soon will be table stakes for all members of the digital media and marketing supply chain. - Sustainability and profitability are not enemies. They go hand in hand. Sightly is proud to be a member of Ad Net Zero US and to help drive real-time advertising and marketing outcomes for brands that value sustainability through our patented Brand Mentality® decision-intelligence platform. #SB24SanDiego #sustainability #brandmentality #decisionintelligence #contextualadvertising 

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"Broken Windows Hall of Shame Award" Unmasks Toxic Retail Brands: Bestselling Business Author Michael Levine Calls Out Retailers Failing to Protect Consumers: Is your favorite retailer toxic? In a powerful and eye-opening announcement, bestselling business author Michael Levine has unveiled the "Broken Windows Hall of Shame Award," exposing major retail brands for failing to address toxic chemicals in their products. This negative accolade graded 50 prominent retailers across the U.S. and Canada based on Toxic-Free Future's annual Retailer Report Card. Only four retailers earned an A, while a staggering 17 flunked entirely — raising serious concerns about consumer safety. Top offenders earning Fs include Chipotle, Subway, Trader Joe's, Publix, McDonald's, Macy's, 7-Eleven, Five Below, LL Flooring (Lumber Liquidators), Nordstrom, Sally Beauty, Sherwin-Williams, and Sobeys, a major supermarket chain in Canada. Inspire Brands, the parent company of popular chains like Arby's, Baskin-Robbins, Buffalo Wild Wings, Dunkin', Jimmy John's, and Sonic, also failed the report card. Yum! Brands, which owns KFC, Taco Bell, and Pizza Hut, as well as Ahold Delhaize (owner of Stop & Shop) and Alimentation Couche-Tard (owner of Circle K), were also given an F grade. "With PFAS chemicals contaminating our drinking water and toxic substances found in everyday items like black plastic spatulas, it's alarming how many top retailers are ignoring their responsibility to consumer health," said Levine. Cheri Peele of Toxic-Free Future commented, "Retailers must do more to eliminate hazardous chemicals from their supply chains and protect public health." Mike Schade, director of the Mind the Store program, added, "Banning toxic chemicals isn't enough. We need real transparency and safer, non-toxic alternatives." For more information on the book "Broken Windows, Broken Business" ---- visit ---- www.BrokenWindowsBook.com

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Auto Brands Reshaping Affordability & Luxury By GERMAN R. CAYABYAB, JR. Freelance Writer & PR Expert Automotive industry has always been a dynamic battlefield, with brands vying for attention, innovation, and customer loyalty. But lately, the competition has hit unprecedented levels, turning the spotlight toward a surprising trend—high-end and electric vehicle manufacturers are breaking barriers by redefining affordability without compromising on safety or quality. Recent advertisements from two automotive titans, Rolls-Royce and Tesla, demonstrate this seismic shift. Rolls-Royce, a brand synonymous with opulence and exclusivity, recently announced a new model priced at a jaw-dropping $20,000—far below its typical stratospheric price tags. Meanwhile, Tesla, the champion of electric innovation, unveiled a new vehicle priced at just $7,000, cementing its position as a brand that’s both forward-thinking and accessible. Historically, Rolls-Royce catered to an elite audience, with its vehicles considered unattainable for the average consumer. This latest move suggests the brand is recalibrating its strategy, aiming to tap into younger, aspirational buyers. While the new $20,000 offering is still a significant investment, it challenges the perception that luxury must always come at exorbitant costs. Tesla, on the other hand, is doubling down on its mission to make electric vehicles (EVs) mainstream. The $7,000 price point is a game-changer, especially in a market where EV adoption often faces hurdles due to high upfront costs. Tesla’s ad campaign highlights the vehicle’s robust safety features, including collision-avoidance technology and reinforced battery systems, ensuring that affordability doesn’t equate to compromises in reliability. This pivot toward affordability from luxury and EV leaders reflects broader trends reshaping the automotive industry: 1. Expanding Market Reach: Both Rolls-Royce and Tesla are targeting untapped markets. 2. Evolving Customer Priorities: Safety and value have become paramount for consumers, regardless of whether they’re buying a luxury vehicle or an EV. 3. Economic Pressures: Rising costs of living and increased competition are pushing brands to innovate within narrower price margins. 4. Sustainability and Efficiency: The push for environmentally friendly, cost-effective transportation options has encouraged manufacturers to rethink their pricing and design strategies. The juxtaposition of these two announcements underscores how unpredictable—and exciting—the automotive landscape has become. Who would have imagined Rolls-Royce making a play for affordability, or Tesla introducing EVs at a price point that rivals used vehicles? As competition intensifies, other players in the industry will be forced to adapt or risk losing relevance. Will Ferrari follow suit with an entry-level supercar? Will legacy automakers like Ford and Toyota step up with equally bold pricing strategies?

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Some exciting news out of Ernest today.

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Google’s $250M pledge to fund California journalism is making waves, but is it really a win for publishers, or just another strategic play to avoid regulation? 🤔 With AI-driven search reshaping the landscape and Big Tech under scrutiny, this move raises big questions about the future of news. Explore how this deal impacts local journalism, AI, and the power balance between tech and media. Discover the full story on AdMonsters and how it could affect the future of digital publishing. #AdTech #Publishing #Journalism #Google

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The outdoor industry continued to grow so we’re excited to see what adventures the summer 2024 Outdoor Retailer event has in store. Here are 5 trends we’re expecting to spot there. Brand Expeditions: Expect an increase in brand-led adventure experiences that build deeper consumer connections through immersive outdoor activities. Bridging the Outdoor/Indoor Gap: Anticipate innovations in multifunctional gear that seamlessly transition from indoor comfort to outdoor performance, catering to hybrid lifestyles. Sport growth spurt: Look for a surge in popularity and product development for emerging outdoor sports, driven by increased interest in adventure and fitness. Tech in nature: Prepare for a rise in tech-enhanced outdoor gear, integrating advanced features like GPS tracking, solar charging, and smart fabrics to enhance the nature experience. Unexpected category merging: Watch for non-traditional outdoor products, such as beauty and wellness items, becoming staples in outdoor retail stores, reflecting a holistic approach to outdoor lifestyles. #health #wellness #outdoor #summer #retail #adventure #lifestyle #sport #tech #nature #holisitic #beauty 

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