<p class="MsoNormal">This week the Brighton High School (Colorado) administration decided that students with the Grenade Gloves <a href="http://i180.photobucket.com/albums/x91/camaroboyz28/offroadrace054.jpg">sticker</a> on their automobiles will receive severe disciplinary action if they were not removed immediately. School Administrators called it “offensive” and a “symbol of terrorism”.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">To begin, this is in direct conflict with our freedom of speech, not to mention that the owner of Grenade Gloves, Danny Kass, is a two-time Olympic silver medalist. Grenades slogan is actually “<a href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3241/2437773036_8c51b9ba84.jpg?v=0">Make Gloves Not War</a>”.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">The school eventually reversed its decision and allowed the students to park their cars on school property with the Grenade stickers on the windows. This has resulted in a great opportunity for Grenade Gloves to get some free national media attention. The window is closing fast on this story and Grenade needs to proactively respond I a positive fashion. They have an opportunity to bring their company and products to the forefront of controversy and all national media sources.<span> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Grenade Gloves was just served up a softball pitch right over the plate and did not seize the opportunity. This is any company’s dream: a story that you did not have to create by doing anything besides make the product that you sell.<span> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Public relations is a very effective piece of every strategic marketing plan. We understand the important media impact of a story, good or bad. Please give us a call to talk about public relations and how it can play a strategic role in your company’s external image.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><em>Written by Mike Slife.</em></p>