Client: The Oklahoma Bioenergy Center is a research and economic development collaboration among the University of Oklahoma, Oklahoma State University and the Noble Foundation. A state-funded initiative of Gov. Brad Henry and the Oklahoma State Legislature, the OBC is taking an orchestrated approach to advancing the research and development of cellulosic ethanol from crops like switchgrass, sweet sorghum and milo. This includes developing new techniques for growing, harvesting and transporting energy crops, as well as creating new technologies for converting biomass into transportation fuel.

Goals: In a state known for fossil fuels, Anglin Public Relations was retained to help launch a new idea -- how to grow transportation fuels in the future.

Objectives included:

• Educating the public about the OBC's role in helping develop Oklahoma's biofuel economy
• Aiding in the public's understanding of cellulosic biofuel and the role this renewable transportation fuel can play in reducing dependence on foreign oil, stimulating economic growth and attaining environmental sustainability
• Fostering public support for Oklahoma's investment in bioenergy research

Actions and outcomes: Anglin worked with the Oklahoma Department of Energy, OSU, OU and the Noble Foundation to develop a statewide program to help position the Oklahoma Bioenergy Center as the research catalyst needed to push Oklahoma to the forefront of America's bioenergy industry. In doing this, we would demonstrate why the time for developing this industry is now, and why the place for developing this industry is Oklahoma.

 Optimal results included:

• A strategic plan with branding effort and development of a display booth, support materials and a website www.okbioenergycenter.org
• An op-ed and news features in local and national media

Anglin Public Relations coordinated an announcement of the OBC's 1,000-acre switchgrass demonstration project near Guymon. A reporter from the Amarillo NBC affiliate collected interviews at the media field tour (right).

• Participation in regional and statewide community forums, conferences and events
• At least one personal visit with state legislators on behalf of the OBC to help them stay current on new developments, studies and the Oklahoma effort that affects their constituents