"I know I'm not supposed to say this, since I live in Oklahoma, but I'm really enjoying the low gas prices and hope they stick around for a while."
These words from my millennial friend illustrate the challenge faced by America's energy sector. The sector needs to convince the general public that high commodity prices drive economic opportunity in all areas of the economy, including schools, social services and even PR firms.
My friend knows her economic best interests are tied to a growing, robust energy economy, especially in Oklahoma, but low gas prices are an immediate, real benefit to her pocketbook. How do you compete with that?
By any measurable standard, the shale revolution in the US has created more jobs than every other industry combined. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, from 2007 to 2012, the total annual average employment in all industries decreased by 3.7 million, or 2.7 percent, while U.S. oil and natural gas industry employment increased 31.6 percent.
Oklahoma, Colorado, North Dakota, Ohio, Pennsylvania and Texas have been the direct beneficiaries, but the impact is broader than any one state. Those jobs are white and blue collar opportunities.
These are pretty impressive statistics, but they describe something that the average American, like my friend, cannot see yet she pays for it. The economic activity generated by the energy sector is largely discounted and even resented. If anything, people feel it has brought them pain at the pump.
PR firms that understand the industry could do a real service to energy companies of all stripes and help them use this pause in growth to engage with the social-media-fed, bite-sized-information-loving average American.
Whether the subject matter is transportation, exports or environmental, the energy industry faces many communication challenges and has been on the defensive too long.
Occasional spills, lack of transparency and environmental mishaps tarnish the reputation for all. For every company that has strong communications practices, there are five others that literally have no one in charge of communications. Some lack even basic websites.
Energy is a complicated and emotional business, but it’s also the backbone of the American economy. During this growth pause, let’s get to work as communicators to re-establish recognition of the energy industry as a vital part of our nation’s economy
Renzi Stone is CEO of Oklahoma City-based Saxum, which represents American Petroleum Institute, Williams, American Energy Partners, Pentair Valves & Controls and Enable Midstream Partners.
Maggie Moran, who is well-connected in New Jersey and New York Democratic politics, has established Moxie Strategies in Asbury Park, NJ.
Husch Blackwell Strategies has added FleishmanHillard alum Michael Slatin as a principal in its public affairs group.
Rory Cooper, a veteran Republican operative and policy specialist, has joined Teneo’s Washington office as senior managing director in its strategy & communications practice.
Brian Fallon, who served as national press secretary for Hillary Clinton’s 2016 presidential run, is signing on next month as Vice President’s Kamala Harris’ campaign communications director.
TikTok is nothing more than a Chinese propaganda tool that poses “a grave threat to America’s national security and, in particular, impressionable children and young adults,” say two Congressmen who want the platform registered as a foreign agent.
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