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Waggener Edstrom Grows Environment Practice; Adds New Expertise, Clients
Waggener Edstrom Grows Environment Practice; Adds New Expertise, Clients
Published 10-21-08
Submitted by Waggener Edstrom
SEATTLE, Oct. 21 /PRNewswire/ -- Waggener Edstrom Worldwide (WE) has strengthened its growing Environment Practice with two new clients and the addition of Jon Coifman (http://www.linkedin.com/pub/dir/jon/coifman) as vice president. Coifman, who has deep communications expertise in the environmental sector, joined the agency from the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC) (http://en.ndrc.gov.cn), where he was most recently director of media relations. The two new clients added to the WE roster are NatureWorks LLC (http://www.natureworksllc.com), a developer of Ingeo(TM) bioplastics, made entirely from renewable resources, and Ener1 Inc. (http://www.ener1.com), a developer of advanced lithium-ion batteries to power the next generation of hybrid and electric vehicles.
Coifman brings more than 15 years of experience in public affairs, strategic communications and stakeholder engagement on environment, energy, and clean technology innovations and issues. He has worked at both the national and international levels on global warming and carbon policy, corporate partnerships, renewables, resource conservation, and many other issues, and has appeared widely in print and broadcast media.
"The practice works with companies that deliver the game-changing innovations we need to meet the energy and environmental challenges of a growing global economy. Cleaner, more efficient solutions are critical today if we are to continue thriving as a civilization," Coifman said. "Businesses need knowledgeable advice to help navigate a marketplace that is evolving rapidly and is ripe with both opportunities and pitfalls. Waggener Edstrom Worldwide's unrivaled experience with leading-edge technology companies is a perfect fit."
Coifman is leading the Environment Practice in partnership with WE Vice President Brandy Bishop. He is responsible for new-business development, as well as collaboration with WE leaders to provide expertise and counsel to existing and potential clients that have an environmental value proposition. He will also be responsible for driving stakeholder relations and issues management programs for existing clients.
WE Environment's two newest clients, NatureWorks and Ener1, are bringing innovations to market that measurably reduce our environmental footprint globally through resource efficiency, green chemistry and renewable energy technologies:
- NatureWorks. NatureWorks' Ingeo bioplastics are made from plants instead of oil, representing a vital step in the journey toward a more sustainable future -- one that reduces petroleum dependency, cuts emissions and gives consumers environmentally superior options. Waggener Edstrom Worldwide supports the NatureWorks business globally.
- Ener1. Ener1 is driving significant environmental progress in developing sustainable battery solutions for hybrid and electric vehicles. Through its commitment to meeting the world's escalating need for alternative energy, Ener1 is on track to provide the lithium-ion battery solution for the world's leading electric car in 2009.
Further rounding out Waggener Edstrom Worldwide's environmental credentials are two additional account staff members who have been hired to support Microsoft's environmental initiatives:
- Michael Tebo (account director, Microsoft account). Tebo brings 13 years of public affairs and media relations experience to Waggener Edstrom Worldwide. Key specialties include providing strategic counsel in campaign planning, message development and media training of organizational spokespersons; establishing networks of third-party advocacy; and managing sensitive issues or emerging crises. As manager of corporate affairs for American Honda Motor Co., Tebo successfully enhanced the company's position as a thought leader in technological innovation and environmental responsibility.
- Jennifer Kelly (account manager, Microsoft account). Kelly brings extensive experience in communicating initiatives for corporate, social and environmental responsibility, with an emphasis on electronic waste issues. Her background includes work with top brands such as HP, Motorola Inc. and American Standard Companies Inc., conducting international media relations and communicating environmental initiatives both internally and externally.
The mission of WE Environment is to provide strategic business and communications counsel for companies and organizations with innovative business strategies, technologies, systems, products and services that have the potential to measurably improve or mitigate impact on the environment. WE Environment works with companies that are driving business advantage through sustainability and innovation of products, solutions and programs that address systematic environmental issues such as renewable energy, resource efficiency and green chemistry.
About Waggener Edstrom Worldwide
Waggener Edstrom Worldwide (WE) is a global, integrated communications agency. For the past 25 years, the independently owned firm has developed strategic communications programs for innovative and world-changing clients, working to influence markets, inspire people and improve lives. In 2008, WE was named European Technology Agency of the Year and in 2006 was named Best Large Agency to Work For by the Holmes Report. WE has also earned numerous honors for its outstanding work on behalf of clients, for its exceptional people and for its innovation in communications. The agency has more than 800 employees in 16 offices around the world, and its Global Alliance program expands the agency's reach to 13 additional international markets. WE offers six global practices: Consumer Marketing, Corporate Communications, Environment, Healthcare, Public Affairs and Technology. More information can be found at http://www.WaggenerEdstrom.com
Waggener Edstrom and Innovation Communications(SM) are either registered service marks or service marks of Waggener Edstrom Worldwide Inc. in the United States and/or other countries. The names of actual companies and products mentioned herein may be the trademarks of their respective owners.
