Cortland Coleman

An unfortunate but revealing data point confirms what many of us all already know: telecommuting programs are not supported nor endorsed at work. There is a silent yet undeniable hesitation to support a program that, admittedly, would give employers less control. Of course, on the flip side of middle managers having less control, companies that actively support telecommuting experience reduced costs, enhanced productivity amongst their workforce and less "sick time" abuse. Of course, telecommuting holds huge environmental benefits since it takes cars off the streets, reducing greenhouse gas emissions and fuel consumption while making our highways safer. As if that weren't enough, employees who telecommute are happier, committed and more loyal to their employers.

I think it's time for a telecommuting revolution!

You want your business to do the right thing for the environment, but you can't afford a high-priced consultant to come poke around your office to determine what to do first. If this sounds familiar, or you just want your workplace to be a little more environmentally-friendly, then take a look at NRDC's Greening Advisor. It is a one-stop shop to green up your operations. The Advisor focuses on specific areas of opportunity like purchasing, water use, air quality, etc. It's a great way to green your operation, enhance productivity and decrease expenses.

Often the things we do have consequences we could never imagine nor intend. Therefore, it's essential that our actions conform to the highest, most ethical and honest standards.

Simplicity is essential to your message being heard, remembered and acted upon. What are you doing to simplify your message, evoke feelings in your audience and lead them to action? Listen to CortlandCast #2 for more information.

I am considering a daily podcast about public relations, media and the environment, so I thought I'd give it a try via utterz and see how I like it. Here is episode #1 in experimental mode. Enjoy.

Chesapeake Energy CEO Aubrey McClendon doesn't mind a fight. In fact, he's tangled with governors, environmentalists and NBA fans. McClendon is not a typical CEO and Chesapeake is not a typical natural gas company. The business he co-founded with $50,000 has seen massive shifts in the market and stock price, but is now worth $25 billion. Chesapeake is in a fortuitous spot thanks to the anticipated decline of coal, booming international development and smart choices early on in natural gas. But, McClendon's not finished yet. Read this entertaining article to learn more about his plans for clean energy, the (Oklahoma!) Sonics and your bank account.

A great video about the drive to open up the music industry and redefine the business of music to the benefit of artists and fans. What a concept.

Google is about to simplify an industry that's ripe for change and in need of an ease-of-use
revolution. Early next week, the company will unveil a new automation system for running radio stations. The software, known simply as Google Radio Automation, is backed by a SQL database and features useful widgets that greatly simplify on-air production and processes, including recording, library searching and more. The system also features one-touch podcasting ability and sharing that allows stations to easily and quickly share media with local outlets, syndicators, etc.

Google Radio Automation looks like a great system that will make tons of radio engineers, board operators and producers very happy, in addition to making tons of money for Google since AdSense for Audio is baked into the system. Well done.

AOL may do what Microsoft has been unable to: buy Yahoo. Meanwhile, News Corp. may join Microsoft in their bid for the big Y in the sky. Both companies seem to be thrashing about a bit in an effort to buy some innovation and interest. That's certainly been the strategy at Yahoo. It will be fun to see how this plays out. I certainly wouldn't count out Microsoft just yet, especially with the assistance of Murdoch and Co.

This is a summary of an email I sent to someone regarding a big, upcoming oppportunity for clean tech communications or green PR. I thought it would make a nifty blog post. I hope you agree.

There is a big opportunity for PR firms with clean tech divisions in the upcoming auctions for carbon allowances. The first auctions to be held here in the US next year will be implemented by the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI) - an 11-state effort in the mid-Atlantic and Northeast region. These auctions will generate resources for states to invest in renewable energy, reducing carbon emissions and, of course, public outreach, education and marketing efforts.

Innovative firms should consider positioning themselves on the front-end and begin engaging companies and communities that stand to gain from these auctions. The states that make up RGGI are currently writing the rules and criteria that will ultimately determine distribution priorities, project scoring standards, etc. This is the first wave of carbon auctions to be held domestically and RGGI is not only blazing a path that others, including the Western Climate Initiative will most likely follow, their efforts are also informing the federal policy discussion, and with all three major Presidential candidates supporting limits on greenhouse gas emissions, a national cap-and-trade program with carbon allowances as its centerpiece is as close to an inevitability as you can get.

Bottom line...early clean tech investments will pay big dividends to firms that are pro-active and engage in the process sooner rather than later.