Rivian groundbreaking in Georgia:
A Case study in strategic communications
On September 16, Rivian officially broke ground on its $5 billion electric vehicle facility at Stanton Springs, Georgia—a major milestone for our client, the Joint Development Authority of Jasper, Morgan, Newton, and Walton Counties (JDA). Cornerstone has represented the JDA since shortly after this project was announced in late 2021.
This achievement reflects years of strategic planning, proactive community engagement, and relentless media outreach to ensure accurate information reached local residents and key national, state, and community stakeholders. As we highlighted in our “Made in America, Not in My Backyard” Op-Ed, the JDA and Rivian prioritized authentic dialogue: actively listening to community concerns, addressing questions directly, and countering misinformation from opponents. This approach demonstrates how well-executed communications and stakeholder management can build trust, generate support, and advance transformative economic development initiatives. The Rivian facility will create high-tech, good-paying jobs, reinforce the region as a hub for innovation, and serve as a lasting example of how strategic communications can support complex, high-profile projects while maintaining public confidence and engagement.
From Tanks to Tweets: The New Battleground for Influence
There used to be a time when think tanks were the go-to for directly influencing policymaking. They would produce innovative policy solutions that captured attention (mostly from policy elites and beltway insiders), often with the support and influence of major companies. Yet, there has been a shift in effectiveness given the Trump administration’s desire to only lend its validity to organizations that support the values of the administration.
A recent example of this shift is the Pentagon’s decision to halt participation in research and think tank events. The Department of Defense (DOD) has decided to vet every event where national security officials are invited to speak, ensuring that these gatherings align with the values of the department. This move highlights a growing skepticism under this current administration towards think tanks and their influence, especially when it comes to national security and defense policies.
With these, the question stands: is there still a place for working with think tanks, or is it more effective and cost-efficient to invest in media channels that directly influence the audiences you’re trying to move? While think tanks have traditionally served as gatekeepers of information and policy influence, their role appears to be evolving with the growing skepticism of the administration and focus on this new digital age. Media channels, with their ability to reach and engage large audiences quickly, offer a compelling alternative.
While tanks offer a depth of expertise and a foundation of credibility that can inform and shape policy decisions over the long term, media channels provide immediacy and broad reach, making them powerful tools for shaping public opinion and driving immediate action. The future of influence may lie in integrating the strengths of both, where organizations have the chance to create a more nuanced and effective approach to influencing their target audiences.
Client Spotlight: Zeeco Oktoberfest Tulsa Repeats as USA Today’s Best in Show
Cornerstone is proud to provide strategic communications support for Zeeco Oktoberfest Tulsa, which was recently named America’s best Oktoberfest by USA Today for the second consecutive year.
The festival, which runs Oct. 16-19, is celebrating its 46th year and draws tens of thousands of visitors each year to the banks of the Arkansas River for an authentic celebration of Bavarian culture that features more than 40 live acts from across the U.S. and Germany on 11 stages of entertainment, classic German and European foods, and over 100 varieties of beer.
Cornerstone Public Affairs helped coordinate the strategic launch of a get out the vote campaign featuring Oklahoma Lt. Gov. Matt Pinnell and will provide on-site media relations and crisis communications support throughout the entire festival.
(Fun fact: Zeeco Oktoberfest Tulsa is also credited as the birthplace of “the Chicken Dance.”)