There are many costs to doing business; including communications and advertising. In 2008, we were getting hundreds of requests from residents who wanted to show their support for Cherokee Horn with a yard sign that promotes a favorable opinion about natural gas. We designed and built three versions of yard signs so residents can express the message that best fits their support philosophy.
We justify the fees paid to residents in lieu of media buying on billboards or TV commercials. As residents choose to express their opinion, we think it is reasonable to compensate them for displaying a positive message. Some of our opponents, who haven't yet requested a sign, think this money should go to a charity instead.
We have already made this available to those who request a sign. The signs are completely optional, but if a resident chooses to display a yard sign and wants to see the funds used for a cause instead, we will donate the amount to a charity on their behalf.
More importantly, when residents are uniting through their support, it shows commitment and appreciation
for the clean energy effort we are making...that is, the process of
getting the natural gas out of the ground and bringing it to market.