Van Meter Consultants was formed in 2007 by public relations specialist Jennifer E. Mercer with the mission of providing world class solutions delivered to meet clients’ unique, and at times unexpected, communications needs.

Dedicated to program excellence in strategic communications, Van Meter professionals have a sophisticated understanding of media and markets and proven expertise meeting challenges across numerous communication situations, outlets and techniques. Van Meter Consultants has managed projects of varying scope and scale from drafting website editorial for start-ups to leading multi-faceted media initiatives for global leaders.

Recent engagements include:

DIY Holiday, Hawaiian Telcom, International Aluminum, Mesa Air Group, Samsonite Company Stores, Solyndra, Source Interlink Companies, TOUSA, Turtle Wax and Woodside Homes.

Representative assignments include:

Crisis and Restructuring Communications for Telecom Company
Challenge: Major telecom provider in the midst of a severe liquidity crisis needed to undergo a financial restructuring to reduce its debt and deleverage its balance sheet, improve employee morale, and increase brand support by customers. A comprehensive communications plan targeting all critical constituents including media, and government officials was necessary to support the Company’s in-court reorganization. Project: In concert with Company management and its advisors, created a strategic communications plan that would reduce customer churn, increase employee confidence, garner support from vendors and suppliers, and be reported accurately and fairly in the media. Results: Through seamless and strategic outreach, business continued in the ordinary course, all constituents received ample notice prior to hearing news reports; customers, vendors and employees received personal notification, eliminating panic and speculation, and reinforcing the “business as usual” message.

Bankruptcy Communications for National Homebuilder
Challenge: Publicly held homebuilder needed immediate expertise to safeguard its reputation and manage messaging to all company stakeholders as part of a Chapter 11 reorganization. Project:  Worked closely with company management, legal and financial advisors to proactively communicate with employees, investors, media and other constituents throughout the restructuring process. Results: Ensured soft landing into Chapter 11 with minimal disruption to the business, its employees, vendors and customers. Homebuilding and sales continued uninterrupted, employee attrition was low, and customer loyalty remained high.

Targeted Awareness Program for Asian Manufacturers
Challenge: A consortium of Asian technology manufacturers needed to elevate their collective profiles among U.S. technology customers. Project: In this 3 month project, managed the strategy development and execution of a high-visibility awareness campaign, including executive presentations, product demos, press releases, media interviews and the staging of successful /first-ever trade show in Silicon Valley. Results: Established meaningful awareness among key industry and media players.

Crisis Preparedness Training for Technology Leader
Challenge: A Fortune 500 technology leader wanted to train employees to understand and prepare for various crises scenarios to prevent the negative spiral of events that can erupt with the unexpected. Project: Created and led a 2-day workshop to role play and resolve numerous crisis situations, ranging from natural disaster to cyber terrorism. Work involved senior management interviews, development of scenarios, scripts, templated news releases, as well as auditing and analysis of real-time crisis simulations. Results: Heightened awareness of roles, responsibilities and strategies to mitigate negative impact to the business.

Image Building for Mobile Phone Pioneer
Challenge: Global technology company sought to showcase its mobile phone technology used in the context of the U.S. presidential election process. Project: Conceptualized sneak peek program for key media to get executive access and advance briefings on new technology in conjunction with the Democratic National Convention. Results: Dedicated media coverage in major outlets enhancing company’s image as civic participant and product innovator.

Strategic Public Outreach in Connection with Sensitive Litigation
Challenge: The Archdiocese of a major U.S. city needed to reach out to potential claimants as part of a complex, high profile litigation matter. Project: Researched print, broadcast, Internet outlets in designing targeted, cost-effective media strategy for delicate communication. Results: Affidavit filed with the Court substantiating the comprehensiveness and effectiveness of media targeting.

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