Goodrich Aircraft Interior Products
Controversial Zoning Case
 
Situation:

Goodrich runs the only American military jet ejection seat manufacturing plant, operating in the same location for 30 years. During the last few years a neighborhood has developed near the plant. When Goodrich submitted a zoning application, the neighbors complained to the media, mayor and city council about Goodrich’s rocket tests and on-site storage of explosives. Their ultimate goal was to force the company to move its plant out-of-state. Ceres leadership was brought onboard to spearhead public relations and communications efforts for this controversial zoning case.

Approach:

• Implemented a perception-shifting strategy, focusing on the thousands of jobs Goodrich created in the area.
• Secured positive media coverage and focused attention on Goodrich and its employees.
• Organized hundreds of Goodrich employees and their family members to attend planning and zoning meetings.
• Developed a “Preserve Goodrich” Web site (no longer active) and a complementary newsletter to serve as neighborhood-coalition tools.

Results:

The City Council voted 7-1 in favor of Goodrich, granting its zoning application