Responsible Corporations? Honest Politicians? Where do I fit in?

Venezuela's Oil to China

2007-05-01T19:00:00.000-05:00

I am more and more worried about the geopolitical position of the United States. Today, the Wall Street Journal (WSJ) reported that Venezuela has teamed up with China to provide oil for future growth. Venezuela controls the largest oil reserves outside of the Middle East; the country has historically been one of our most reliable energy sources. Today Chavez of Venezuela will be taking over four large oil projects, and in doing so he hopes to sideline the United States in the world energy market. The WSJ reports: “Today’s nationalization ceremony pushes out U.S. companies Exxon Mobil Corp, ConocoPhillips, and Chevron Corp, along with Britian’s BP PLC, France’s Total SA and Norway’s Stanoil ASA” (Luhnow, David and Millard, Peter). Chavez hopes to increase oil exports to its new allies (and American enemies) Iran and China.
The United States other major energy sources include the politically unstable and America-unfriendly Middle East. For obvious reasons this is NOT settling; I am (and if you’re not, you should be) extremely worried about the United States AND its position in the global network. It seems that we have made many enemies. It seems that we have lost our influence and power. I do believe that we are slipping further and further from the role of leader. We need to act and we need to act now.

Luhnow, David and Millard, Peter. Chavez Moves to Reshape Oil Ties. The Wall Street Journal; May 1, 2007.

More about Venezuela's oil takeover can be found online.
http://www.time.com/time/world/article/0,8599,1616644,00.html

Suggested Reading: The End of Oil by Paul Roberts (2005)

Clean China?

2007-05-01T18:49:00.000-05:00

Increasingly I am wary of the Bush Administration’s unwillingness to do anything China doesn’t do, though I am beginning to question how long this policy will be effective. China is making strides in adopting clean energy.
China has already begun to experience the “dirty” effects of coal-powered industrialization. Iceland has stepped in to help China develop cleaner technologies, specifically energy producing technologies. Time Magazine reports: “It's the Chinese government that has committed the country to tapping its geothermal potential. But as is often the case, it's newly entrepreneurial citizens who are making things happen” (Bryan Walsh).
http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,1607246,00.html

Monday April 30

2007-05-01T18:39:00.000-05:00

I took yesterday off for the purpose of attending a baseball game, going to see a movie, and studying for finals. It was too cold for the baseball game so we left. The movie “Dream Girls” was terrible so we left. I was well prepared for my two final exams today –one in Environmental Ideas and Policy, the other in Natural Resources Administrative Law. So I’m one for three. That’s alright.
Today was my last day of classes as an undergraduate student at SUNY ESF. This semester I really enjoyed all of my courses and felt that I learned a lot and also greatly contributed to class discussions. Over the past week my professors have complimented me on being “well read” and “broadly informed” as well as honoring me by inviting me to take their masters classes. It is quite unbelievable, really—the strides I have made in four years.
I am not at all sad for college to be over because I am only excited for what the future holds. I am currently taking three online courses through University of Phoenix and I will be taking one May-mester course at Syracuse University to complete my undergraduate degree. On June 11 I will be taking the LSAT – note to self: I should probably buckle down and study now. On July 2 I will be starting my Masters in Public Administration at the Maxwell School. I absolutely can not wait for this next academic year to begin.

FRONTLINE

2007-04-27T15:27:00.000-05:00

Professor Bob Wilson provided me with this link to a PBS FRONTLINE special about the politics of global warming. In his words, "Its excellent". I agree.
http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/pages/frontline/hotpolitics/view/

Optimism about developing nations?

2007-04-27T10:54:00.000-05:00

Case Closed: the Debate about Global Warming is Over
http://www.brookings.edu/views/papers/easterbrook/20060517.pdf

For anyone interested in climate policy this is definatly worth a read, particularly pages 8-11. If you are well-versed in climate science already the first eight pages will be a restatement of facts you already know, but the final pages addresses policy implications and implications of developing nations (China and India) in a way that seems optimistic.

Response to IPCC report

2007-04-27T10:43:00.000-05:00

Extra Credit Assignment for...
GEO 356: Environmental Ideas and Policy
Professor Bob Wilson

The recently issued IPCC report regarding the impacts of climate change is worrisome at the very least. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change is made up of the best climate scientists in the world; scientists by nature are generally level-headed individuals, not “doomsayers”. We can assume that these individuals are speaking conservatively when they discuss the profound impacts that a small change in temperature will have on our environment. To speak conservatively about something and still have the report come across as it did (worrisome) makes the issue even more upsetting/scary. As an environmentalist, environmental policy student, and future MPA student extremely familiar with the climate change debate I can not help but sense the urgency in these statements. I also can not help but sit at home, as I often do, thinking I hate the United States! No, no. I hate politics, specifically those of the environment; I hate republicans (who voted for Bush); I HATE GEORGE W. BUSH, specifically his anti-environment pro-energy agenda. I could go on and on about the things I hate – to summarize, after reading this and other reports I become angry and determined to be an agent of change. I recognize that we have three options: mitigation, adaptation, or to suffer. I am excited for the opportunity to attend the Maxwell School, to get involved in politics, and be that agent of change. I propose mitigation and adaptation, as well as making policies that reflect sustainable values. ...I want to be the agent of change and I don’t want to be personally (or as a nation or as a generation) responsible for the collapse of the human race.

Written in response to: Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change: Climate Change Impacts, Adaptation and Vulnerability—Summary for Policymakers (2007), found at: http://www.ipcc.ch/SPM6avr07.pdf

Time: "Environmental Hazard"

2007-04-26T21:28:00.000-05:00

In an article describing the difficulties had by Sanyo, a Japanese electronics maker who tried to “go green”, Time Magazine reports: “The economics of green products still does not make sense for many items” (Walsh 2007). When we speak of economics we refer to neoclassical economics where natural capital and waste are ignored as are taxes and subsidies. It is not that the economics does not make sense for these items, but instead it is that when other non-green items are subsidized by government the free market operates as one might expect: the lower priced item gets purchased. The perverse subsidies working in modern economies are unsustainable and must be eliminated.

Suggested Literature:
Perverse Subsidies: How tax dollars can undercut the environment and the economy, by Norman Myers and Jennifer Kent. Island Press, Washington DC: 2001.

The article referenced was found in the April 30, 2007 edition of Time Magazine in the Global Business section.

TV Segment on Community Supported Agriculture staring ME

2007-04-25T17:31:00.000-05:00

WHTV Special Resports
Syracuse News Channel 5

Apr 25, 2007 - How much organic produce is in your refrigerator? These pesticide-free products are healthy for our families, but shipping melons from Chile to Syracuse uses a lot of fossil fuels, so they're not helping the planet much. But our Maureen Green found one local woman who is conducting her own form of 21st century sharecropping, growing crops, and saving mother earth at the same time. Click below to see her special report.

Video

Proxy Season 2007

2007-04-25T15:42:00.000-05:00

I will be searching www.secinfo.com for additional shareholder resolutions regarding sustainability and other environmental issues. If you come into posession of one or more of these proxy statements, please leave a comment with the name of the corporation soliciting proxies and also the proposal number. Thank you for your help.

Follow Up - Comcast

2007-04-25T15:34:00.000-05:00

I respectfully request that all shareholders of Comcast Corporation vote FOR this shareholder proposal. I have attempted to contact The United Methodist Church, the producer of Proposal 5: To require a sustainability report. I left a message with the Investment Team at 847-869-4550. I hope to gain an understanding of their rationale for this proposal as well as knowledge of any other corporations in which they are stakeholders.

This type of resolution is on the rise! For more information: Green Biz

Proxy Season 2007 - Comcast

2007-04-25T15:30:00.000-05:00

Pages 20-22 of Comcast's Proxy Material
PROPOSAL 5: TO REQUIRE A SUSTAINABILITY REPORT

The following proposal and supporting statement were submitted by the General Board of Pension and Health Benefits of the United Methodist Church, 1201 Davis Street, Evanston, IL 60201-4118, which has advised us that it holds 658,209 shares of our common stock.

WHEREAS:

Investors increasingly seek disclosure of companies’ environmental and social practices in the belief that they impact shareholder value. Many investors believe companies that are good employers, environmental stewards, and corporate citizens are more likely to generate better financial returns, be more stable during turbulent economic and political conditions, and enjoy long-term business success.

Sustainability refers to endeavors that meet present needs without impairing the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. According to Dow Jones, “Corporate Sustainability is a business approach that creates long-term shareholder value by embracing opportunities and managing risks deriving from economic, environmental, and social developments. Corporate sustainability leaders achieve long-term
shareholder value by gearing their strategies and management to harness the market’s potential for sustainability products and services while at the same time successfully reducing and avoiding sustainability costs and risks.” (http://www.sustainability-index.com/htmle/sustainability/corpsustainability.html)

We believe that improved reporting on environmental, social, and governance issues will strengthen our company and the people it serves. Furthermore, we believe this information is necessary for making well-informed investment decisions as it speaks to the vision and stewardship of management and can have significant impacts on our company’s reputation and on shareholder value.

Globally, over 2,000 companies produce reports on sustainability issues (www.corporateregister.com). Several telecommunications companies have already produced sustainability or corporate responsibility reports, including AT&T and Verizon.

The GE 2006 Citizenship Report provides a compelling rationale for sustainability reporting: “Investors are increasingly interested in evaluating companies based on a broader set of criteria than just financial performance... The strength of reputation, trust in brand and governance, and the ability to perform as a good corporate citizen, all impact GE’s valuation and shape the perception of the Company’s worth. In fact, according to a recent study, 70% of institutional asset managers believe the Company’s citizenship factors will be part of mainstream analysis in the next 3 to 10 years... GE’s focus is on providing transparent communications relating to the Company’s citizenship performance.”

RESOLVED: Shareholders request that the Board of Directors issue a sustainability report to shareholders, at reasonable cost, and omitting proprietary information, by December 31, 2007.

Supporting Statement

The report should include Comcast’s definition of sustainability, as well as a company-wide review of policies, practices, and indicators related to measuring long-term social and environmental sustainability.

We recommend that Comcast use the Global Reporting Initiative’s Sustainability Reporting Guidelines (“The Guidelines”) to prepare the report. The Global Reporting Initiative (www.globalreporting.org) is an international organization with representatives from the business, environmental, human rights, and labor communities. Over 900 companies use or consult the Guidelines for sustainability reporting.

Company Response to Shareholder Proposal

We recognize the importance of social and environmental practices, as well as economic performance, to our shareholders. We are committed to being a good citizen in all communities in which we operate. Our Board believes that our current policies and practices concerning social, environmental and economic issues already address the concerns behind this proposal, and our current disclosure already provides shareholders with meaningful information regarding several of our activities in these areas.

Our social practices are evident in our community engagement. We are committed to improving the quality of life in local communities where our subscribers and employees live and work. We work with existing local organizations to positively impact each community we serve while using our resources to bring visibility to important local issues. In 2006, our charitable support exceeded $100 million. The Comcast Foundation provided more than $11.2 million in grants to more than 550 local non-profit organizations and other charitable partners across the country. In addition, more than $90 million of in-kind contributions (mostly in the form of televised public service announcements) and $2.0 million in corporate contributions were distributed to more than 180 organizations. To maximize our impact, we focus our community investment efforts in four important areas where we believe that we can make the most significant and measurable impact: youth leadership, volunteerism, diversity and literacy. For more information on our commitment to community investment, please review the “In the Community” section of our Web site at www.comcast.com.

We believe that our conduct and reputation are among our best assets. We are committed to the practice of good ethics and conduct among our officers, directors and employees. In that regard, we maintain our code of ethics and business conduct which represents the core of our business philosophy and values and which defines how the company conducts itself. All of our officers, directors and employees are expected to carefully read and adhere to the policies set forth in our code of ethics and business conduct, which we invite shareholders to review in the “Governance” section of our Web site at www.cmcsa.com or www.cmcsk.com. Our code of ethics and business conduct covers many sustainability issues, including such topics as Compliance with Laws, Privacy, Non-Discrimination, Equal Opportunity and Non-Harassment, Environment, Health and Safety and more.

Given the nature of our services-oriented businesses, as opposed to, for example, a manufacturing business, environmental practices do not play a significant role in our operations. Nonetheless, we are committed to conducting our businesses in compliance with all applicable environmental laws and regulations, and we strive to avoid adverse impact and injury to the environment and to the communities in which we conduct business. We believe in reducing greenhouse gases and are reviewing the use of fuel efficient vehicles, energy efficient emergency generators and energy efficient appliances and devices at our facilities. Our new corporate headquarters, which we plan to move into beginning in the fourth quarter of 2007, hopes to achieve a “Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design” certification from the U.S. Green Building Council.

The Board believes that our track record demonstrates that, wherever we operate, we work hard to be a good corporate citizen and to promote social, environmental and economic issues. Therefore, the Board believes that conducting a special review on social, environmental and economic issues and preparing a sustainability report for shareholders is unnecessary and would not be an effective use of our resources. The time and expense involved in preparing such a report would detract from our focus on our business and operations and would not be in the best interests of our shareholders.

FOR THESE REASONS, OUR BOARD UNANIMOUSLY RECOMMENDS THAT SHAREHOLDERS VOTE “AGAINST” THIS PROPOSAL.

Updates

2007-04-24T22:30:00.000-05:00

The Wall Street Journal has not come for two days. It occurred to me this afternoon that my subscription has ended. I will renew it tomorrow and resume posting here as soon as possible. Meanwhile, I suggest picking up a copy of this months Vanity Fair magazine; it is their second green issue. I am slowly working through it and I have so far enjoyed it.

On page 52, Robert F. Kennedy Jr, president of the Waterkeeper Alliance, is quoted discussing American politics regarding the environment: "Kennedy says, 'It's time that America's traditionally Republican hunters, fishermen, and ranchers took stronger leadership roles in the conservation movement and recognized that the biggest threat to the wildlife, waterways, and landscapes they love is the White House policies that are transferring those assets to coproate cronies from the lumber, mining, and energy industries.'" Clearly he is referring to President Bush's rolling back of environmental regulations which I find pathetic and depressing.

On a different note, the segment about Community Supported Agriculture aired on News Channel 5 this evening. I was quite pleased with the way it turned out. To view it, please visit http://www.wtvh.com/

sustainable economy?

2007-04-23T20:27:00.000-05:00

I have recently read and re-read State of the World 2006 published by The WorldWatch Institute. My current project draws my attention to Chapter 10: Transforming Corporations by Erik Assadourian. Here I would like to highlight my findings and open them up for discussion.
It is well known among environmentalists and economists that neoclassical economics does not account for natural capital nor does it account for externalities associated with production. Instead neoclassical economics is represented by a closed system of house holds and businesses. Unfortunately the economy is no so simple or predictable, there is exploitation of resources and much waste associated with production. Ecosystem degradation is an unaccounted-for byproduct of industrial societies. Today, as ecosystems decline business has become riskier and costlier; Assadourian reports “Key resources and ecosystem services, such as fresh water and climate regulation [are] less available” and he predicts “It will heighten regulatory oversight; it will alter customer and investor preferences; and it will jeopardize the availability of capital and insurance” (Assadourian 2006).
Few businesses have taken a proactive approach to protecting their interests and the interests of the Earth, however the majority of corporate America continue to operate in their own short-sighted self-interest. Corporations are now the dominant force in American business; it is necessary that they sign on to sustainability efforts to encourage and enable other, smaller businesses to follow the lead. Corporations must act in an ecologically sustainable manner; they must be willing to invest in long-term beneficial technologies and policies. Unfortunately corporations are apparently unwilling to do, even when it may prove advantageous to their bottom line. Assadourian argues that “Corporate responsibility is worth the investment” citing a study that demonstrates “a positive relationship between financial performance and social and environmental performance” (Assadourian 2006).
How do we price for environmental goods and services? How do we induce a bottom-up policy change? If some corporations have already begun to act responsibly and have been successful at doing so, how do we encourage others to do the same? How do we create breeding grounds and training grounds for environmentally responsible shareholders, employees, and executives? When many shareholders are short-term investors, how do we encourage costly investments for the future? These are just a couple of the many questions that one could pose after reading such a chapter.

just look at the numbers!

2007-04-20T18:58:00.000-05:00

Sue Me -- I am a couple of days behind when it comes to reading my Wall Street Journal (WSJ). On Wednesday April 18, 2007, the WSJ published an article an article entitled “Clean-Energy Firms Make a Pitch to Asia: U.S. Trade Mission Aims to Capitalize on Growing Commitment in China, India” (Page A9). I was thinking about summarizing this article but I find that my summary would likely be biased and controversial in-and-of-itself. To anyone interested in international energy policy I would strongly suggest a careful reading of this article.
I am now going to address the issues I take with the matters that are described in the article. Following the recent Supreme Court decision President Bush made it quite clear that we will not do anything that China or India will not do. The graph whose title is “Front-Burner Issue” and whose caption reads “American renewable-energy companies hope to turn profits while helping China and India reduce greenhouse-gas emissions. Primary energy supply by type for 2004, in millions of metric tons of oil equivalent” (Spencer 2007) depicts a clear picture of what is happening elsewhere and what is NOT happening in the United States. China and India’s total energy usage are recorded at 1,609.9 and 572.7 respectively; their renewable energy usage values are recorded at 250.9 and 222.0 respectively. The United States on the other hand energy usage equals a total of 2,324.9 total and our renewable value is only 105.3. These numbers make for quick calculations – even my two-year-old Verizon cellular phone can compute these numbers! China and India use 15.6 percent and 38.8 percent renewable energy respectively, whereas the United States uses a measly 6.5 percent renewables. If we are not going to do what India and China won’t, can we please do what they are doing or have done?

Reference: Spencer, Jane. Clean-Energy Firms Make Pitch to Asia: U.S. Trade Mission Aims to Capitalize on Growing Commitment in China, India. The Wall Street Journal: Wednesday April 18, 2007.

Channel 5 Debut

2007-04-20T18:51:00.000-05:00

Today I was interviewed by Maureen Green for News Channel 5. We taped at my home and then went to the Stones Throw Farm to speak with Brian, the farm owner. The segment will air on the 11 oclock news on Tuesday April 24, 2007 and will discuss the logistics and benefits of community supported agriculture (CSA) compared to mainstream or organic foods. The segment will be available online for a couple months following its airing.

To learn more about CSA programs and Stones Throw Farm please visit http://www.stonesthrowfarm.biz

Buying Local

2007-04-19T21:24:00.000-05:00

While I am on my soap box: It is very important to support local agriculture. Buying local reduces your "footprint" by reducing the amount of fossil fuels used and emissions associated with fuel-use in delivery of your products. I think that buying local is more environmentally friendly than buying organic! And it is great to know your farmer! This summer and fall I will be participating in a CSA (Community Supported Agriculture) program nearby. I will be working (share-cropping, if you will) at the Stones Throw Farm in Nedrow, outside of Syracuse. For about twenty-five dollars per week I will be provided with fresh seasonal fruits and vegetables, herbs, and flowers! I will be speaking about locally produced foods on the Channel 5 News on Tuesday or Wednesday. I am taping tomorrow at noon time. If you have any suggestions for topics please let me know. I will keep you posted about date and time of broadcast, so Don’t Forget to Tune In!

Until then, a link you may find interesting.
Time Magazine Article

Current Projects and Interests

2007-04-19T12:22:00.000-05:00

To those of you who are becoming readers of my blog, I feel that we are still in the introductory phase. I would like to update you on some of my work. I am currently in the process of doing the following:
1. Completing my undergraduate career. Courses on-campus include: Government and The Environment, Environmental Ideas and Policy, Natural Resources Administrative Law, Environmental Law and Policy, and Technology, Politics, and the Environment. I am taking several online courses (mostly general education requirements) including American History, Humanities, and Western Civilization. This spring I will be enrolled in Negotiation: Theory and Practice and a graduate economics course.
2. Working on a new venture related to shareholder activism and corporate responsibility. I am contacting individuals and organizations who I feel would be beneficial to the implementation of my project.
3. Preparing to attend (and present at) the EPA Community Involvement Conference. For more information regarding the conference please visit: http://www.epa.gov/ciconference/
4. Organizing an Environmental "Think-Tank" for the incoming cohort of Maxwell School graduate students and other interested parties in the Syracuse area. I expect that we will meet once a week beginning in July. I expect we will discuss possible solutions to environmental problems instead of discussing the problems in which we are already well-versed. If you are located in the Syracuse area and wish to become part of this group or present to our group, please feel free to contact me at cwnolan@syr.edu.

My interests generally include politics, domestic and international environmental policy, energy and climate change policies, grassroots activism, the greening of corporate America, and others.

Knowledge

2007-04-18T18:02:00.000-05:00

No one shares identical views about everything. I do not expect you to share my beliefs or ethics, or even to allow me to influence your morals. I do think it is necessary to seek knowledge and keep oneself informed. So in the spirit of abandoning willfull ignorance I ask that you watch this movie.

Additional Resources/Readings
www.meetyourmeat.com
The Jungle : by Upton Sinclair
Animal Liberation : by Peter Singer
Fast Food Nation : by Eric Schlosser

shades of green... disappointments

2007-04-18T17:20:00.000-05:00

After leaving New York City to return to my undergraduate studies at SUNY Environmental Science and Forestry I developed a need-for-knowledge related to the environment and environmental policy. Since that time I have taken multiple courses related to these issues and read dozens of policy related books, published both in the United States and abroad. I read the Wall Street Journal every morning or afternoon. In addition I read every environmental article in Syracuse’s Post Standard and the New York Times. I have become quite knowledgeable about the issues our world is facing and the suggested solutions to “climate change” (GLOBAL WARMING) and other environmental problems. I have also learned about our (President Bush/ the United States) unwillingness to act. I have become fearful of the future of our planet, our country, and corporate America.
This Sunday the New York Times magazine published an article entitled “The Power of Green” by Thomas L. Friedman (See Link Below) about the greening of geopolitics.
I have multiple thoughts since reading his article and discussing it in my Technology, Politics, and The Environment course. In the past I have dreamed of leaving the United States behind because everyone seems so unhappy and so disconnected. Then I started thinking I would leave the United States for a more environmentally-friendly home. Now, I find myself sitting around thinking that the United States is acting like a plant – no brain, no thoughts, no movement. I get angry. I think that the action (read: lack of action) the United States is taking is foolish and is going to harm our economy as we fall behind the nations who taking innovation to another level. The Kyoto Nations have said F*you and moved on with out the United States. We have been left behind to be criticized and to continue on our path. Unfortunately carbon dioxide emissions can not be curbed and global warming can not be stopped with out the United States involvement. Nor can it be stopped with out China’s help. Innovation is necessary so that China, India, and other developing nations can leap-frog from dirty coal exploitation to something cleaner and more efficient.
What is the United States really good at? INNOVATION! Science and technology! Why are we allowing other nations to be innovative? Why are we allowing ourselves to be left out of the loop? Why do we hold out and allow Bush to say “We won’t do anything China won’t do!”? We need to harness the talent we have and dedicate it (read: some of it) to greenness and make greenness not just economically viable, but economically attractive. But first we need to eliminate the perverse incentives working in our economy. We need political leadership. We are waiting for political leadership.
If we jump on the global warming bandwagon we will not be the “laggard” as we have been called for very long. China will become the “laggard”! The criticism that we are experiencing will then be focused on those developing nations, whom with out their help we will be unable to attain our goals. I am certain that with the right leadership and incentive programs, corporate America will innovate and move our country and economy forward, again into the role of leader. We must recapture our position and reputation as “Leader” as “Number One.”

http://www.nytimes.com/2007/04/15/magazine/15green.t.html?em&ex=1177041600&en=bee4ce25af3accba&ei=5087%0A

Is this "corporate america"?

2007-04-18T17:05:00.000-05:00

I began e-mailing a good friend (an older man who works in "corporate america") about a project/venture I am working on related to corporate responsibility and information campaigns. During the e-mail I asked a stupid question about why a proxy was not available on the SECinfo page. I knew the answer to this question (that it was not yet published), but he answered in a way I did not expect. He wrote, "Shareholders vote on the proxies and firms want as little time as possible between the receipt of proxies by shareholders and the vote date. Boards don't really want shareholders to be part of the firms management process, they just want their money. However, they are required to send proxies" (****).
I think this quote speaks for itself; for those who may not "get it," e-mail me and I will try to explain. Honestly, I dont know if it can be dumbed-down anymore.

Basic Resume

2007-04-17T21:06:00.000-05:00

C. Whitlock Nolan

Education
Syracuse University -Maxwell School Syracuse, NY
Masters of Public Administration Expected Graduation Date: June 2008

SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry Syracuse, NY
B.S. Environmental Studies GPA 3.669 Expected Graduation Date: June 2007
Major: Environmental Policy Minor: Management Studies
Honors: Presidents List
National Deans List
SUNY ESF Merit Scholar

Background

Intern NYPIRG, Syracuse Chapter January 2007 – Present
Proposed new project to NYPIRG Board of Directors – new task aims to purchase ownership in Honeywell Corporation and formulate a shareholder resolution to clean up Onondaga Lake and adopt more “eco-friendly” business practices
Worked as Consumer Protection division project leader, focusing on housing issues in Syracuse as well as travel related (Spring Break focused) privacy protection

Research Intern ****** December 2006-March 2007
Conducted research and formulated literature review related to lands managed by the United States Forest Service under Wild and Scenic provisions, specifically the restriction of hand powered boats.

Research Project SUNY ESF Fall 2006
Performed independent research regarding the aspects of risk relating to trans fatty acids and public health, namely risk assessment, risk management, risk perception, and risk communication.

Customer Service ******
Representative February 2006- April 2006
Engaged in correspondence with shareholders, also responsible for recording shareholder’s proxy votes.

Additional Experience since 2003: Administrative Assistant/ Fashion Model/ Retail Sales Associate/ Waitress/ Waterfront Lifeguard/ Swim Instructor/ Camp Counselor

Background Skills
Knowledge of environmental issues and policy short-comings
Familiarity with principles of policy administration and policy making strategies
Ability to working in groups/teams or independently
Enjoyment of public interaction and public speaking

****** - Name of employer withheld for online use.
References Upon Request.
Contact: cwnolan@syr.edu

Proxy Solictation ... a place to start

2007-04-17T17:12:00.000-05:00

Background
Last year about this time I moved to New York City to pursue a modeling career; actually I wanted to pursue anything but school. I had changed my major a thousand times from pre-med to chemistry, back to pre-med, to pre-law, and finally to business. I had been accepted to the Whitman School of Management at Syracuse University but I was determined not to enroll. In the days following the New Year (2006) I moved to a not-so-nice part of New York City (Bedford-Stuyvesant in Brooklyn, though I told my protective parents the area was called Clinton Hill). Already having signed with one modeling agency, I started working as a model here-and-there. I signed with another agency and lost interest quickly. Seemingly my heart was not in that either, though I thought for my whole life I wanted to be a model. I began work as a photographer’s assistant and later moved into serving drinks at a night club and working as a proxy solicitor (read telemarketer).

“Financial Services”
I often find myself having a laugh with friends about my experience working in “financial services” in Jersey City, NJ. I was a temp. I was a proxy solicitor being paid 14 dollars an hour to sit in an uncomfortable chair and call and harass people who had a “vested interested.” I was paid 21 dollars an hour in over-time, and gosh, there was plenty over-time because we can call shareholders as early as 9 am, as late as 9 pm, Monday morning thru Sunday evening.
As a proxy solicitor I was trained to explain proposals made by the board and other individual shareholders to shareholders who had not yet submitted a vote. I would call and say “Hello, I am calling for ______. My name is so-and-so. I am calling from [insert “financial services company”] on behalf of the board of directors of [insert corporation name]. We have not yet received your vote for this year’s annual shareholder meeting.” Before explaining anything the question I would pose is: do you wish to vote with the boards recommendations? And did I tell you that I can securely enter a vote over the phone! Many shareholders simply agreed to this “voting with the board’s recommendation” (which was good for my “numbers”), never questioning what it was that they were voting for. If shareholders did ask I provided information, biased information but information none-the-less. In actuality, as I learned over time, I was trained to coerce people into voting against their better judgment. Companies pay what some would pay huge sums of money to have us manipulate their shareholders and to further their agendas.
For example, this year Honeywell has reported “Honeywell pays the cost of preparing, assembling and mailing this proxy-soliciting material. In addition to the use of the mail, proxies may be solicited by Honeywell officers and employees by telephone or other means of communication. Honeywell pays all costs of solicitation, including certain expenses of brokers and nominees who mail proxy material to their customers or principals. In addition, Georgeson & Company Inc. has been retained to assist in the solicitation of proxies for the 2007 Annual Meeting of Shareowners at a fee of approximately $12,500 plus associated costs and expenses.” This information is available in their 2007 proxy statement which can be found at their website www.honeywell.com under investor relations. Please take note of the “plus associated costs and expenses” which include all of Georgeson & Company Inc.’s employee’s salaries, costs of telephone calls, re-mails, etc. For each time they get a shareholder on the phone, they get paid!

There is one man, a shareholder of one of the corporations by whom we had been hired who stands out in my mind and who I feel truly sorry for. I remember calling him the first time and he was very friendly but declined to vote. Three days later (that’s the rule) I called again. He was again very friendly and again declined to vote. Three days later a colleague called. The man was not so pleasant but again declined to vote. Again we called. We called every three days until three days before the meeting. Why? Well three days before an annual shareholder meeting, the three day rule goes out the window. The board was still not happy with the outcome, or expected outcome, of the vote and therefore we continued calling. We called every day, many times more than one time a day. This man, an Indian man from the Midwest I think, became so angry at the tenth phone call of the day that he threatened to sue me. I hung up the phone without a vote and handed his information to a colleague. It became amusing, harassing this man. I admit this was not nice, however one must find a way to amuse oneself when in front of the computer all day. And I am sure my employer didn’t mind because we were paid for every phone call!

Well anyway, to anyone who receives a call from the proxy solicitor, please heed my warnings (the same ones I provided my father):
Do not admit to not having received the material. Again, they will send another copy. Or they may even try to keep you on the phone and explain it to you.
Do not admit to not having read the material. They will send another copy.
Do not admit to needing more time to look over the material. They will call back.
Do not ask them to call you back so you can get off the phone quickly. They will.
Do not say “He/She is not in.” The will ask “When?” and call back.
Do not say “Don’t call again.” They will.
Do not hang up. They will call back.
Instead, do the following:
If you have not read and do not plan on reading the information, and you really want to be left alone, say “I would like to vote to ABSTAIN.” From here, there is no option but to enter your vote in that way. The calls will stop. You will have saved your company money in solicitation fees. And… You will be free!