It was a tough day for Wells Fargo. The banking giant got “caught” planning a luxurious 12-day employee-recognition event in Las Vegas just weeks after accepting a taxpayer-funded $25 billion bailout. Every PR person in town knew immediately how it would end, but it still took five hours (and a nearly infinite number of Internet/blog/twitter news cycles) to play out:
“Recognition events are still part of our culture. It’s really important that our team members are still valued and recognized.”
– Wells Fargo spokeswoman Melissa Murray, quoted in an AP article, 1:50 am MST
We are “reconsidering the event.”
– Wells Fargo spokesman Kevin Waetke, quoted in a Reuters article, 5:04 pm MST
“In light of the current environment, we have now decided to cancel this event.”
– Wells Fargo statement, 6:34 p.m. MST
Perception can be public relations best friend or its worst enemy.
I wouldn’t have minded if everyone travelled in stage coaches.
I don’t know where the 12-day thing came from, but it was to be a four-day event. And no, we don’t do public relations work for Wells Fargo. No company that I know of would have a 12-day getaway.
I assume that it was a rolling event, with three groups of honorees being brought in over the 12 days.