“Fake news is a U.S. phenomenon with seven in ten informed respondents worried about false news as a weapon, and 59% uncertain about what is real and what is fake,” said veteran public relations counselor Will Ludlum, who leads Edelman’s Pacific Northwest region. He reported key takeaways from Edelman’s respected annual Trust Barometer, an acclaimed worldwide survey. Citing a decline in trust for "big data" platforms such as Facebook and Google, he is hopeful for a rise in trust in traditional journalism, saying, “you simply can’t convey true thinking in a tweet.”Trust in government is at all-time lows, with more support for CEO and corporate involvement in tackling tough problems. “The rise in business trust comes from a crisis in government - that has lost the trust of its citizens,” he said. “If we hit a pocket of turbulence you look at the pilot.”
He told Rotarians how the Trust Barometer measures reactions from 33,000 informed citizens across 23 countries about four key areas: government, media, business and NGOs (non-governmental organizations). “Business leaders have a mandate to lead with purpose beyond shareholders to have an impact in the product that is their communities,” he continued. Trust Barometer findings put business in line with NGOs, providing an opening for business leaders to provide valuable insight from technology to the C-suite. Standing up beyond shareholders speaks to engaging employees and their values.
He cited the well-received decision by REI to not participate in "Black Friday" sales so employees could enjoy the Thanksgiving holiday as an example of positive employee-value based reputation development. Similarly, Nike has sold 61 percent more merchandise since the controversial ad campaign featuring former NFL player Colin Kaepernick appeared and ended two-quarters of sagging sales.
“Employers can seize the advantage by acting to define who they are, educate and advocate, activate allies, and create connections,” he concluded. “I am more optimistic and live in a community that fosters solutions, from Jeff Bezos recent $2 billion contribution to help kids and end homelessness to Paul Allen’s investment in education.”Will Ludlam is general manager of Edelman Pacific Northwest which has more than 250 communications professionals in the Seattle and Portland offices. Edelman is a global communications marketing firm and owns specialty firms including Edelman Intelligence (research) and United Entertainment Group (entertainment, sports, experiential), a joint venture with United Talent Agency.
To open the meeting, President Cindy rang the bell, launched the weekly greet-n-grin, then asked David Woodward to lead the day’s song accompanied by Trish Bostrom on the banjo. Trish’s lyrics to the tune of You are My Sunshine focused on the SRSF and value of its grants. Bill Center then offered the day’s invocation followed by the introduction of visiting Rotarians and guests.
Past president Tim Bendokas showcased "Legend" Don Kraft who has been a Rotarian for 70 years and boasts perfect attendance! He acknowledged Don’s many contributions to Rotary, including serving as president and holding countless other leadership positions.Alex Mummery provided the day’s "Foundation Flash" that focused on the Peacebuilder committee and this week's project to place a peace pole at the Seattle Public Schools headquarters. Virginia McKenzie also presented a check for $16,500 to the Seattle Against Slavery organization. The grant was funded in part by SRSF and championed by the Peacebuilders committee.
President Cindy adjourned the meeting with her weekly thought an Arabian proverb: “Trust in Allah, but tie your camel.”