Avon Taking SidesAvon Taking SidesAs a member of Aluminum Inc.’s business management team, my responsibility is to ensure that the company adheres to all federal and state policies and procedures. In particular, I focus on preventing allegations of environmental dangers and losses, and to preserve the company’s public image. The nature of this industry lends itself to frivolous lawsuits. In most cases, individuals who bring the suits, drop them before they become problematic. However, there are occasions where individuals choose to pursue the company with aggressive and accusatory tactics. Such is the case of Kelly Bates. Ms Bates’ claim alleges that Aluminum Inc directly or indirectly caused her daughter to develop leukemia due to carcinogenic effluents that they deposited in to Lake Dira.
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As a member of Aluminum Inc., I also work closely with the Environmental Protection Agency in developing policies to protect the environment, as well as working with other environmental organizations. In addition to my work under the auspices of the Oil & Gas Production Council, I serve as an attorney with the American Petroleum Institute, an environmental think tank, and an industry consultant.’ I also served as the Chief Counsel of a non-profit business venture called AirBnB Inc., a subsidiary of Suez & Gas Inc. It has more than 400 locations and operates a pipeline to transport industrial liquids (H2O) from East Coast ports to New York City. AirBnB’s employees include many local and regional residents who have a special interest in preventing the environmental loss or damage that would result in an industry merger. While there is no question that, at the end of the day, aluminum is the primary cause of a person’s cancer, it does create a greater risk for people to get lung cancer, it also does raise concerns for public safety, and a higher percentage of those who don’t reach their target have lower incomes. Moreover, at any time, a natural gas project can take the oil that was injected into the Lake Dira estuary causing pollution that would raise health concerns for the communities of Lake Dira and Port Elizabeth. A single incident is sufficient to be held accountable for a number of deaths. Even for an individual with so little or no involvement in a situation relating to aluminum, the number of deaths is still the greatest factor in determining which way the company does business, whether the company directly or indirectly through its parent, or whether it’s an intermediary. An aluminum spill can have a far greater impact on the environment than any other water source in the country. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, the average number of confirmed cases of thyroid cancer was 22 in 2010. This is considered to be a significant decline from the pre-OECD era. The actual number of thyroid cancer cases dropped by more like 14,000 annually (from 18,300 in 2007). It is estimated that between 2000 and 2004 the prevalence rate in Texas tripled. It is estimated that between 2003 and 2010, the average annual exposure to radiation was 40 to 80 percent lower than the reference level. In the United States, the number of exposed humans rose by 11 percent per year from 2000 to 2002, and many women were exposed to less radiation than their male counterparts. I have discussed many related issues, like a growing prevalence of cancer among women in particular, with the EPA as well as the FDA. I believe that there is a fundamental and necessary dialogue that needs to occur about the environmental damage caused by aluminum in the general community since this would lead to a major increase in the risk for this particular industry without any possible changes that would alter the economics of the natural gas industry. I also believe that it should be a goal to improve environmental regulation in general. As with all discussions of safety, I believe that if there is the necessary dialogue, the public has the right to determine how they feel about the issue, not just through public forums but through the process of voting on proposals. This discussion deserves broad
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As a member of Aluminum Inc., I also work closely with the Environmental Protection Agency in developing policies to protect the environment, as well as working with other environmental organizations. In addition to my work under the auspices of the Oil & Gas Production Council, I serve as an attorney with the American Petroleum Institute, an environmental think tank, and an industry consultant.’ I also served as the Chief Counsel of a non-profit business venture called AirBnB Inc., a subsidiary of Suez & Gas Inc. It has more than 400 locations and operates a pipeline to transport industrial liquids (H2O) from East Coast ports to New York City. AirBnB’s employees include many local and regional residents who have a special interest in preventing the environmental loss or damage that would result in an industry merger. While there is no question that, at the end of the day, aluminum is the primary cause of a person’s cancer, it does create a greater risk for people to get lung cancer, it also does raise concerns for public safety, and a higher percentage of those who don’t reach their target have lower incomes. Moreover, at any time, a natural gas project can take the oil that was injected into the Lake Dira estuary causing pollution that would raise health concerns for the communities of Lake Dira and Port Elizabeth. A single incident is sufficient to be held accountable for a number of deaths. Even for an individual with so little or no involvement in a situation relating to aluminum, the number of deaths is still the greatest factor in determining which way the company does business, whether the company directly or indirectly through its parent, or whether it’s an intermediary. An aluminum spill can have a far greater impact on the environment than any other water source in the country. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, the average number of confirmed cases of thyroid cancer was 22 in 2010. This is considered to be a significant decline from the pre-OECD era. The actual number of thyroid cancer cases dropped by more like 14,000 annually (from 18,300 in 2007). It is estimated that between 2000 and 2004 the prevalence rate in Texas tripled. It is estimated that between 2003 and 2010, the average annual exposure to radiation was 40 to 80 percent lower than the reference level. In the United States, the number of exposed humans rose by 11 percent per year from 2000 to 2002, and many women were exposed to less radiation than their male counterparts. I have discussed many related issues, like a growing prevalence of cancer among women in particular, with the EPA as well as the FDA. I believe that there is a fundamental and necessary dialogue that needs to occur about the environmental damage caused by aluminum in the general community since this would lead to a major increase in the risk for this particular industry without any possible changes that would alter the economics of the natural gas industry. I also believe that it should be a goal to improve environmental regulation in general. As with all discussions of safety, I believe that if there is the necessary dialogue, the public has the right to determine how they feel about the issue, not just through public forums but through the process of voting on proposals. This discussion deserves broad
We evaluated the details associated with the case of Kelly Bates vs. Aluminum Inc.Our evaluation led us to the following:To determine the various strategies for resolving the challenges.To discover the path that would have the least damaging effect on company’s image.To explore business regulations that may prove dangerous for private businessesWe reviewed the following two strategies under the Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) system:Mediation —–A mediator enters when the two parties cannot reach an agreement on their own. In this process a third party, called a mediator, attempts to assist the disputing parties in resolving their differences. The mediator must be neutral, that is, he or she cannot have any personal interest in the case. The process of mediation requires some basic procedures, such as making an opening statement, preventing interruptions, allows each party to state their views, initiates talking between parties, and ultimately assists in getting to a solution. We chose this as a potential strategy because it was an informal and controlled environment for two parties to resolve their disputes. Another strategy we used was Arbitration. This approach enabled us to empower a third party to resolve the dispute. Selecting an arbitrator we provide a quick and in expensive resolution of disputes; helps parties avoid expense of litigation, while avoiding the formalities of the courtroom. It’s a private proceeding that doesn’t provide public records to the press or others. While the other two strategies were convincing, we ultimately chose to exercise our rights under the Freedom of Information Act, which was to withhold confidential information. Under the Freedom of Information Act, companies can limit the amount and type of information the public can access. To avoid the appearance of guilt, we found this path to be the least aggressive, yet most appropriate way to handle this case.
As we discussed the ramifications of the claim, we decided to take into account the CEO’s position. As a business management team, part of our role was to take into consideration, the positions of senior executives, namely the CEO. Chris Blake, the CEO, optioned for additional site studies by the EPA. Historically, he has a blunt personality and can be very influential.