Governor John
Engler - Making Michigan #1
When Hill Research Consultants began working with Governor
Engler in 1991, his administration was mired in controversy
and very low poll ratings. But in the succeeding years,
the Governor built a reputation as a popular and one-of-a-kind
leader who has placed Michigan in the upper tier of the
states, with #1 rankings in job growth, personal income
growth and state support for public schools.
Of course, Governor Engler was probably known best for
his tax cuts. And Hill Research Consultants polling played
a key role in passage of a statewide referendum enabling
those cuts and Michigan's landmark school financing reform.
And HRC polling assisted the Governor in developing the
full range of policy initiatives he placed before Michigan's
legislature each January in his State of the State addresses.
About the Governor's leadership, Mike Barone of Reader's
Digest said: "Michigan has roared back, thanks to
a profound shift in policy – and to a stocky, plain-spoken
governor, John Engler, with the vision to see opportunities
in a state once left for dead."
Continental Airlines - "From Worst to First"
When Continental Airlines first approached Hill Research
Consultants in 1989 about conducting research on issues
facing the carrier, the airline's reputation was at low
ebb. HRC studies suggested that the airline needed a
whole new image to successfully attract the full-fare
business and international travelers that would restore
Continental to profitability. All through 1990, HRC spearheaded
an intensive research effort that evaluated a new logo,
new colors, new aircraft painting, and new airport ticketing
and gate designs.
Focus groups, in-depth interviews and telephone surveys
were conducted around the nation and the globe. The results
became evident on February 12, 1991 when Continental
introduced an entirely new "identity" to the
traveling public. But the effort to turn Continental
around did not stop with outward looks. HRC studies in
the years that followed probed everything from in-flight
dining to boarding music, from reservations systems to
electronic ticketing.
Human resources got a look, too. HRC surveyed pilots
and other employees in a full-scale effort to find out
how everything could work better for Continental and
its customers. The results have propelled Continental
from "Worst to First," in the words of the
airline's chairman. Not only has Continental improved
its service to customers, winning awards from J. D. Powers,
Air Transport World, Frequent Flyer magazine and others,
but the airline was named by FORTUNE magazine as one
of the "100 Best Companies to Work for in America" in
1998. HRC is proud to have been aboard for the ride to
success.
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