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Crisis Communications & Reputation Management

Summary

We work with organizations in all aspects of planning, coordinating, managing and executing all components of Crisis Communications through emergent events and crisis of all scope and nature; and Reputation Management, either as part of larger Crisis Management efforts or as standalone projects.

We have worked through wildfires, floods, earthquakes, hurricanes, tornados, infrastructure failures, healthcare emergencies, shootings, and more.

From the perspective of social crises, we have supported organizations through major issues of public discourse and community polarization, employee fraud, code of conduct breaches, employee/council member misconduct, and major contentious issues within the community.

Overview

We are able to provide you Crisis Communications support in whatever capacity required for the emergent event or crisis at hand, in person or remotely. This includes:

  • Operating in a support capacity
  • Overseeing and/or managing Crisis Communications efforts
  • Executing Crisis Communications deliverables and outputs
  • Operating in the capacity of Information Officer throughout an emergent event
  • Planning and executing Reputation Management tied to a specific issue of impact

We are happy to operate as part of your EOC/ECC (or equivalent), depending on your community's needs.

We recommend either signing an MOU or an ongoing retainer agreement with our team so that we are set up and ready to go immediately in the unfortunate event that you are struck by crisis.

  • MOU: The biggest benefit of an MOU is that they do not carry an ongoing cost, until such a point that we are activated. However, the drawbacks are two-fold, with our work together being more reactive and proactive, and with an understanding that there is no absolute guarantee of availability in the event of a crisis.
  • Retainer Structures: While these agreements do carry a nominal ongoing cost, their biggest benefit is that we are available to you at the drop of a hat, with full commitment to serving you in the event that a crisis arises. Under a retainer structure, you'll also receive benefits associated with efforts to proactively ready your team, and discounts on training and Crisis Communications Plan creation, reviews, and updates.

There are times at which we are engaged to operate as an organization's permanent IO, and we are happy to discuss options around structures of that nature, as well.

Outcomes

Proactivity is key to the success of an organization through major emergent events, and most organizations don't have a deep bench when it comes to communications, or crisis communications experience. Working with Catalyst Communications means you'll have access to qualified, experienced crisis communications specialists who can support your capacity through major crises, while intentionally building trust with your residents and setting you up for post-crisis success.

This includes in all phases: pre-crisis, in-crisis, and post-crisis.

Learn more about Crisis Communications Planning

Learn more about Communications & Reputation Management Workshops 

Ben has been a trusted advisor for our organization and has always been there when we needed him. His guidance and experience have been invaluable.

Sue Howard, CAO

City of Wetaskiwin

Catalyst Communications facilitated a Crisis Communications workshop with our newly-elected Council. Ben did a great job of providing information in a relevant and interesting manner.

Megan Rawles, Corporate Services Director

District of Sparwood

Benjamin Proulx from Catalyst Communications provided invaluable training for our Administration and Council, equipping our team with the confidence needed for proactive communication. He guided our Council in understanding their role in the communications process, and expertly assisted us in navigating crisis communications during a particularly stressful period. Thanks to his expertise, we efficiently delivered a clear and effective message on a previously controversial topic. Ben’s support was instrumental in strengthening our communication strategies.

Meranda Day Chief, Executive Assistant

Town of Fort MacLeod

I’ve had the privilege of working with Ben Proulx and Catalyst Communications on several projects for our municipality. Their expertise in navigating public and media relations provided invaluable support during a challenging period. What truly sets them apart is their deep understanding of the unique challenges and complexities local governments face. They didn’t just offer generic solutions, but tailored their guidance to fit our specific needs with empathy and forethought.

Their media training session equipped our elected official with practical, hands-on skills that empowered him to manage day-to-day communications and more complex situations.

Their professionalism, meticulous attention to detail, and unwavering commitment to serving local governments have made them a valuable and trusted resource. I highly recommend Ben Proulx and Catalyst Communications to any organization looking to strengthen their communications efforts or enhance their overall strategy.

Debbie Mottus, Communications & Marketing Director

Town of Westlock

The Town of Olds worked with Ben Proulx and Catalyst Communications for the development of the Town’s Crisis Communications Plan, and ensuing Crisis Communications training. Ben’s professionalism and experience were a great help to the organization, and in getting buy-in from leadership to create a fully functioning plan for crises. Ben has a wealth of experience and knowledge, and there is always so much to learn from his presentations. Highly recommended!

Jillian Toellner, Engagement & Communications Supervisor

Town of OIds

I cannot stress enough how grateful I am for the expertise and guidance provided by Catalyst Communications during our recent emergency situations to support our internal communications professional. When our organization faced sudden and highly sensitive crises, we felt a bit overwhelmed about how to effectively communicate with our residents, businesses, and the media… Ben’s calm demeanor and quick understanding of our situations reassured us that we were in capable hands. His knowledge in navigating delicate and challenging situations enabled us to effectively manage the crisis with minimal negative impact on the Town’s reputation… The peace of mind, expert guidance and positive outcomes that Catalyst Communications brought to the table was priceless.

Christine Beveridge, CAO

Town of Edson

Working with Catalyst Communications, Ben has brought a calm to local issues with the approach of both formal and informal communications pieces… Ben is personable, considerate, responsive and thorough in approaching issues which support the sincerity of information provided in all communications.

Jennifer Thompson, CAO

Town of Onoway

When I stepped into the role of mayor through a by-election, the transition came in the midst of an ongoing social crisis within our community. I was in need of media relations training, and some high-level insight into how I could best navigate the wider media landscape. Ben took time to understand my needs and the nuances of our situation, and was able to plan out a session that was tailored to my strengths and personality.

Far from a “cookie cutter” program, Ben entered into my world and led me through some training that left me feeling calm and prepared for what lied ahead. I know that Ben had a genuine interest in my growth and future success. Following our session, Ben was always happy to engage when I had questions or needed a quick call of encouragement and support. I highly recommend Catalyst Communications. The Town of Westlock will continue to look to them when future needs arise.

Mayor Jon Kramer

Town of Westlock