“Glass elevators? That would make me nauseous,” someone says.
“Not if you face toward the doors,” Josh answers. “Anyone else?”
“Are we okay?” asks Tracy. “As a company, I mean? I’m concerned about our financial picture.”
“West and I have talked about our financial situation extensively. Stock in Élan International has had a bit of a downward slump, but the plunge has plateaued and is back on the rise, thanks in part to our PR folks; where are they?” Josh looks around.
A woman waves, puts her hand down quickly.
“Thanks, Pamela,” Josh says. “West has assured me the building will be fully complete by the grand-opening party, shopping mall open, all offices full functional and completely furnished. The only thing that won’t be open just yet are some of the lower condos in the South Tower. As for the parking structures, well, there aren’t many. New developments in New York don’t really allow for them anymore, so unless you’re an executive, you’ll probably need to commute like a New Yorker if you don’t already. Right now, the parking structures we do have give better access to the interior contractors, and the elevators are reserved for the same. For now. That will all change the closer we get to opening.”
“Well, the whole structure is magnificent,” Tracy says. “I’ve never seen anything like it.”
“Thanks, Tracy; I agree,” Josh says. “I ask if most of you have toured the place because our CEO James West wants high-profile clients to have guided tours. Do we have someone from Talent here?”
“Chris Dixon, North American Talent. We have an updated list for you there on your podium. Rest assured we have highlighted the A-list, and vetted tour guides will be provided during reception.”
“Great. Onto the theme of the event. I appreciate you guys bearing with me with the change in focus. People, this just isn’t about the right celebrities to advance our image, we did that with the party last August. This event is about celebrating progress, not only for Élan International, but for the extraordinary people who stand up and stand out in this country, from philanthropists to activists.” Josh flips through the list. “These people are the true leaders of the world, and I want them taken care of. What about the former vice president Roger Maddox, and his Green Planet Initiative? Do we have to deal with Secret Service?”
“Jamal Cooper, Security. Green Planet is coming separately from Maddox, who is attending with his wife. It seems former vice presidents do not have Secret Service after six months of leaving office, unless they are major presidential candidates. Since Maddox left office three years ago and has dropped out of the presidential race, all Secret Service has been suspended. He will have two bodyguards, and they will coordinate with our team.”
“Thanks, Jamal. That’s a relief, right?”
“Oh, hell yes,” Jamal says with a laugh. “Had to google that shit before I verified with Maddox’s people. Security will be tight, rest assured. They are finishing up the install of the building’s state-of-the-art security system this week. It’s an incredible piece of software, I’ve never seen anything like it. We’ve updated our plans this morning, they should be in your inbox.”
“Perfect. Okay, PR and Marketing. Let’s have an update.”
“Pamela Gunter, PR. Invitations to over six thousand went out a couple of months ago, and we already have a thirty-two percent positive response rate, which is pretty good, especially in light of our fluctuating stock and tarnished reputation. Photographers are secured, social media plan is underway. We’ve highlighted some additional budgetary needs here.” She slides a thick stack of stapled papers toward Josh. “It looks like a lot, but it’s very detailed. Marketing couldn’t be here today, but they said the artwork for the new logo has been approved by Mr. West, so all the reprints for the directional signage are in the works.”
“Good. Mr. West hates that the invitations went out with the old logo.”
“The new logo looks a little too much like Cooper Harlow’s, don’t you think?” Pamela says. “We’re gonna be sued.”
“Mr. West doesn’t care,” Josh says. “He wanted to—how did he put it—‘spit in their faces’?”
Pamela shakes her head. “How about the giant logo on the main building? I couldn’t help but notice it as I was walking up. The sun was catching that scratchy accent point on the E, highlighting it, almost. It’s hideous.”
“He’s replacing it,” Josh replies. “I think the bill on the revised sign with the new logo is about three million. They’re installing it before the grand opening.”
“Jesus,” Pamela says.
Many mumblings follow.
Josh interjects. “But I understand there’s a press release on the new branding?”
“Yes, it’s part of the media plan building up to the event.”
“Great. I’ll look at this new budget. Thank you, Pamela.” Josh turns to the tiny elderly woman to his left. “Miss Harriet, you sweet woman, I love that you made it up those stairs.”
“I’ve run the Boston, you know.”
The whole room fills with laughter.
“We know, we know.” Josh smiles, pats her on the shoulder. “How are we on donors?”
“Harriet Theisen, Donor Relations. We are doing splendidly. I’ve been in the philanthropy realm for over forty years with many different companies, and with your change in focus, Mr. Josh, we’ve raised more than I’ve ever seen this far from an event. Over thirty-two million dollars toward your goal already, and they’re still boot-scootin’ in.”
She thrusts her hands over her head and begins clapping. Everyone joins in.
“Thank you, Miss Harriet. Mr. West will be happy to hear that. The Élan Foundation is extremely close to his heart, and by partnering with the different celebrity charities, he hopes this will help elevate Élan’s reputation at the moment. Speaking of reputation, Tracy, how are we on the special issue of Press?”
“Tracy Heissman, Press Editorial. We’ve been coordinating with Talent and PR to bring to life these incredible stories of our VIPs. Stunning photography, a slew of
