Hi Readers: And welcome to your daily update of The Caseys, and boy is today's update going to be spicy. Now, I'm not going to spoil anything, but I am going to make sure that things are well done. Hope you guys like it and let me know what you think of this chapter.
Chapter Two Hundred and Eighty-Seven
The Press Conference
Casey Headquarters – 8th Floor: Andrew Darden Memorial Press Room
He was still nervous as hell, as he stood in the hallway right outside the press room; the press room where he was going to be speaking on behalf of the company for the first time, but for the best of reasons. There are no doubts in his mind that this is the right thing to do, as he would want Matt to do the same thing for his family if he were in the same position as him. But of course, he hopes that he will never be in this situation with Jane; the love of his life, and the woman who just sent him a nice text message (which Rafael was in the middle of reading). 'You got this Raf. Me and Matteo are watching. -XO Jane' And that was all he needed right now, her support. Because if Jane thought that he could do this, then he knew that he could do it; and that he could always do it, now to just do it.
And that was when he was finally brought back to the present, by the woman who owns his room on a regular basis, the Senior Executive Vice-President and Chief Communications Officer of Casey, Ms. Heather Darden. After all, she was the one who needed to speak first; that way, she could introduce the entire team and make sure that the press knew who was going to be speaking today. But first, she needs to get her boss' attention. "Rafael." Turning his head in the direction of Heather, Rafael smiled. "Yes, uhm…" Heather smiled, as she could tell that he was nervous; after which, she proceeded to remind him of her name. "Heather Darden, the Executive Vice-President and Chief Communications Officer." Rafael agreed with Heather, before realizing what she was trying to tell him.
And that would be that she had to go first, as she was going to be speaking first; after all, she is the one who needs to introduce them. "Right." Smiling at him, Heather then put her hand on his arm to give him reassurance. "Rafael, just take a breath and relax. I promise you right now, that everything will go okay; you'll do fine, and everything will go smoothly as you aren't doing this alone. Just remember to breathe and take it easy." Rafael smiled as he heard Heather say that, before watching as Christie made her way over to him. "She's right Rafael. You got this. Matt chose you for a reason, and he is going to make sure that you do everything right." Rafael smiled as he heard both of the women say that, as that was exactly what he needed as a reassurance that it'll all be okay.
And right now, that was especially what he needed when he was about to address the press. "Okay, let's do this. But first, let me take a look at everybody and just double check that we all look good." Everybody agreed, before turning to look at Rafael; after which, he smiled as they all looked good. "Okay, can someone just check me now?" Walking up to him, Christie smiled as she proceeded to adjust his tie so that it was straight. "You're going to do fine Rafael, and you have nothing to worry about. Just take a breath and take it easy today." Rafael agreed with Christie as she said that, before smiling as he did just that; after which, he turned to look at everybody. "Are we all ready to go?" Everybody nodded in agreement, as they most certainly are ready to go. They're ready to do this together.
Walking up to the podium shortly after everybody walked into the press room and stood in order at the back of the stage; Heather Darden took a deep breath and smiled as she looked ahead at the media that was assembled, as she knew that she can't screw up. But at the same time, she knew that she could never let Matt down; they are still learning to do this, and they are not professionals at it yet. In the future, they will be. But for now, they just need to take it easy and relax. And that's exactly how she's going to approach this. She's going to take it easy, and just relax for the duration of the press conference. But first, she actually needs to start it. And that's exactly what Heather Darden went ahead and did, she started the press conference where they would appeal to the public.
"Good morning."
All of the assembled press agreed and replied the same as Heather when she said that. "Good morning." Taking one last breath, Heather went ahead and started today. "Before we begin, I want to say this first." Turning around, Heather smiled as she looked at the rest of the group. "Today, we have gathered you as we need to say some things with regards to what has happened lately." The entire press agreed with Heather. "However, I want to add this caveat to that. While we may be here as executives, we are also here as friends and family. So please, I ask you to remember what was said in the press releases that were sent out should you ask questions; and that you moderate what you ask, and please do not ask too many offensive questions." The press just agreed with Heather.
After which, she added on. "As well, I am going to just say this right away. These statements that will be delivered today are delivered with heavy hearts and are not to be taken lightly. Here at Casey, we are not just a business; we're family, because that's what we are at the end of the day. My husband was Matt Casey's brother-in-arms, and he died for our country as a firefighter. And I am telling you right now, I am watching you all; and press passes will be revoked should need be, as we do not need a circus." The entire press agreed, as that most certainly is not what they need today. "Now, what do you say we get on with it." Everybody agreed and was ready to hear what the company had to say today; even though they already know what they are going to be hearing about.
"To begin, we're going to start with the announcements that were released in the press release sent out by the office of Mr. Matthew Casey, the Chairman and CEO; Ms. Gabriela Casey, the Vice-Chairwoman and Deputy CEO; Mr. Rafael, Solano the Interim Chairman and CEO; and Ms. Christie Casey, the Interim Vice-Chairwoman and Deputy CEO." Taking another breath, Heather then continued. "Due to the premature birth of Mr. and Ms. Casey's twin daughters, Mr. Casey is currently on paternity leave and with his family in the hospital…" The press nodded as they heard that. "…during his hospital stay, Mr. Casey has appointed Mr. Rafael Solano to be the Interim Chairman and CEO, and Ms. Christie Casey to be the Interim Vice-Chairwoman and Deputy CEO." Turning her head, Heather invited the two of them to step forward so that they can show who they are as they are not in the press as often as Matt.
"Mr. Rafael Solano has worked for Casey since the start and is Mr. Casey's Principal Deputy Chief Executive Officer-at-Large, assisting with the oversight of the entire corporation as well as anything that Mr. Casey designates him to take charge of." Rafael smiled as he heard Heather say that. "While Ms. Christie Casey is Mr. Casey's sister, and she is also the President and Chief Brand Officer for Casey. And she will continue in those roles, while also being the Interim Vice-Chairwoman and Interim Deputy CEO of Casey Creations." Turning to look at the press once more, Heather got ahead of the questions that were going to come with her mentioning Casey Creations. "Now, Casey Creations is not a new division of the company; rather, it is the former ELLA Creations. Mr. and Ms. Casey have decided to re-brand the fashion line as Casey Creations to bring it in line with the rest of the company's advertising."
Smiling, the press agreed; meanwhile, Heather decided to make a joke. "God, it'll make my job easier." Everybody then laughed. "As of now, we please ask that you use that name when you refer to the clothing line; however, please note that the legal name of the company has yet to change. But that doesn't mean that the person in charge of the company will change, rather she would just like to use her marital name for business; prior to this change, the Deputy CEO used her maiden name as a business name. However, she will now be using her marital name as she is proud of it; so, as of now, please refer to Ms. Gabriela Dawson as Ms. Gabriela Casey. And please to do label her as the wife of the Chairman and CEO, as she is the Vice-Chairwoman and Deputy CEO of Casey Creations. A position which she does on a daily basis, while also raising her children." Everybody agreed with Heather and smiled.
"Now, onto the next part. As you could read in the press release, we recently made some leadership changes in the company; but we have also made some in some of our divisions, which are as follows…" Taking another breath, Heather continued. "We are saddened to announce that Ms. Stella Severide has been suspended from her position as Chief Creative Officer for the time being. In the interim, Ms. Casey has the pleasure to announce the appointment of Ms. Jane Solano to be the Interim Chief Creative Officer for Casey Creations until the relationship between Ms. Casey and Ms. Severide has been repaired. However, Ms. Severide will retain her position as co-founder and designer for the company per the express wishes of Ms. Casey; after all, she is a co-founder."
Looking down, Heather saw that personal announcements were next. "Now, for some more personal announcements: The Office of the Chairman and CEO please asks for privacy in this time of health emergencies, which are affection multiple members of his immediate family, which is the reason why he is on leave at the moment. We therefore ask that you please refrain from hounding the family at the hospital and allow them time to heal and just take it easy with their children during this hard time." Heather then proceeded to look at the next paragraph. "With regards to the health of Ms. Casey, as well as Miss Bella, and Miss Sofia; we can inform the press that the three of them are doing well and recovering in Hospital at the moment. However, we have a warning."
Taking a breath, Heather sighed as she hated to threaten; however, she believes that the situation warrants it. "Mr. and Ms. Casey want to make sure that the press knows just how serious they take their privacy, and how serious they are in protecting it. Which is why I am here to tell you that we will consider legal action if the press bothers their family, especially after what happened the last time Ms. Casey gave birth. Now, that is all on my end." Turning her head, Heather smiled as she looked at Antonio. "I now invite Mr. Antonio Dawson to speak with regards to his own press release." Antonio agreed with Heather as she said that, before walking up to the podium so that he could speak; because if there was one thing that he was going to do, it was speak here today.
Taking a breath as he stood at the podium, Antonio Dawson looked out at the media as he prepared to speak; speak from the bottom on his heart on behalf of a couple people. "Hello. Before we begin, I want to thank Ms. Darden for what she said about my sister and brother-in-law. I know that you have been a true friend to them for years, and it warms my heart to know that people like you are by our sides each and every day. I am pretty sure that Andy would be very proud of you, as you stand in his memorial press room and delivered that speech for his best friend." Heather agreed, and smiled as she heard Antonio say that as she believes the same; she believes that her husband would be proud of her and would continue to be proud of her each and every day.
But now, it wasn't her time to shine anymore; rather, it was Antonio's time to shine. "Now, I am just going to be brunt. The way Heather said that, she was a lot more diplomatic; however, I am not going to be as diplomatic as I am her brother. So, believe me when I say this. I am echoing the pleas that Ms. Darden already spoke about. I believe that as hospital patients, my sister, and brother-in-law; as well as their children have every right to privacy during this hard time for our family, especially after what happened last time. And while Ms. Darden touched on it, I am going more in depth. Last time, my brother-in-law was in pain as he had to watch his wife in the hospital while dealing with what you were putting his family through." The entire press gathered nodded, as they remembered.
"Now, with regards to my statement; I want to say that we truly do believe that we see our friends as our extended family, and I want to thank them for all the press releases that they have released. They mean the world to our family, to see just how loved my brother and sister are. More specifically, I want to thank Mr. Solano for stepping in for my brother-in-law, and I want to thank Mr. Jay and Ms. Alex Halstead; as well as Dr. William, and Dr. Natalie Halstead for the kind words that they said in their press releases. And just like in the statement, I want to reinforce the fact that…Matt and Gabby, we love you and continue to pray for you each and every day. We want nothing more for you guys to bring those babies home, and it will make us really happy when that finally happens."
Smiling, Antonio then took a breath before getting ready to speak about Stella. "However, I also need to speak about something else; or more specifically, someone else. And that's why I am really here. I am here to talk about the woman who started this entire situation, and I am here to praise the decisions that were made by the board to keep her away from the company. Her name would be Ms. Stella Severide, and I am appalled at the actions that she took that day; for her to be so ungrateful, when my sister gave her a job that she was not qualified for. And then for her to hurt my baby sister like that, that's something that is unforgivable in my books. But I am not the one that has to forgive her, as that would be my sister." Taking another breath, Antonio then continued.
"And speaking of my sister, I want to remind the media that my family are not celebrities; we are not musicians, nor are we actors. We are a family, who are trying to make a difference in the world by providing jobs to people around the world. And so far that's exactly what we've done. We are making a difference, but we are not celebrities." Antonio then added on. "We are human, and we make mistakes. But what Ms. Severide did was no mistake, and that is why I want to express gratitude to all the members of the Board who voted correctly in my opinion to suspend Ms. Stella Severide from the board." Taking one last breath, Antonio looked at the media. "And now that she's suspended, she can no longer do as much harm to my family; harm that you all can do as well."
Sighing, Antonio continued. "I once again please ask you for privacy in this time, and to not bother my family at the hospital; rather, please let us release what we wish to release, when we wish to release it. That is how we are going to do this, and we hope that you can understand that we need to do it at our own time. They will either be sent through the Office of the Chairman and CEO, Mr. Casey; or they may be sent through my office. Thank you very much for your time." Antonio then looked at Jay to see whether he wanted to speak. "Jay?" Jay nodded as he walked up to Antonio, before going to hug him; after which, they switched places. "My name is Jay Halstead, and I do not have much to say other than this." Taking a breath, Jay then went to speak from a health standpoint.
"Mr. Casey and I share a few things in common. We are both fathers, to children who were born prematurely under very hard circumstances; and we are also fathers, who have PTSD. I know how hard it is, being in a hospital with your children in those beds. It breaks your heart, and you're always on your toes. You're always worried, and you never know what might happen." Taking a breath, Jay continued. "Matt and Gabby, I hope you know just how loved you are; and not just by your family, but by everybody here at the company. We are all thinking about you, and we all want the best for you. We want you to come back stronger than ever." The entire group agreed with Jay as he said that, as that most certainly is the truth. "But we want you to also take the time you need."
The entire group agreed again. "We have everything under control, so that you can concentrate on what really matters; and that would be your children, whom you need to keep safe. We will do whatever we can to make sure that the company is taken care of, so that you can relax and take it easy." Smiling, Jay then turned to look at Rafael and whispered. "Anything else?" Looking around, Rafael shook his head before getting close to Antonio and Christie; after which, he whispered to them. "Do you want to do questions? It's up to you." Antonio thought about it, before going to look at Christie. "Questions?" Smiling, Christie agreed. "Might as well set the record straight. But we're doing it." Everybody agreed, as Rafael walked back up to the podium to announce the Q&A Session.
"This includes the statement portion of the press conference. However, we would once again like to invite Mr. Dawson, and Ms. Casey up to the podium. They will be taking questions." Everybody agreed, ready to take questions.
Questions from the Press
Honolulu Star-Advertiser: First of all, we would like to send our best from the media. But with regards to questions, we remember the last time that this happened; and we all remember how Mr. and Ms. Casey left the state, will that happen again this time? And should your employees here at the company be worried as to whether they'll continue to have jobs for the future.
Antonio: I can already say this with confidence, that Casey and our families are here to stay in Hawaii. And while we did it last time, we all realized that we were not happy in California; and that was due to the media that they have there, and we believe it's worse there than it is here. Hawaii is much more relaxed, and that's what our entire family needs. A place where we can relax and just take it easy. Now, with regards to our employees. I can guarantee you that they have nothing to worry about; and that's due to the fact that we will always have an office here in Hawaii. In fact, we have an office in California and continue to employee people there as we speak. Our company will continue to grow, and jobs will be created around the world. Thank you for your question.
Los Angeles Times: With regards to the health aspect that comes with this, we all know that recently Mr. Casey has been diagnosed with PTSD. Can we ask whether this has been affecting him, and whether it will affect his position here at the company?
Christie: While I will say that my brother has been diagnosed with PTSD, I will not go into too much detail with regards to what he's thinking at the moment. However, I can tell you this. My brother used to be a firefighter, and he's been under a lot more stress than he is at the moment. No, he hasn't had kids at the time; but he's always been a surrogate father in my eyes, as that's what he is to my daughter Violet. He has gone through a lot of hard times in the past, and he will get through this stronger. However, to do so; my brother and his family need time to themselves, and they need to have time to really just concentrate on what exactly has happened in the past while. And that's why I once again ask you to please not bother them at the moment and let them rest.
New York Times: As was stated by your company, Ms. Casey was hurt and sent into premature labor by an employee here. Can we ask whether that employee has been terminated? And whether they are going to be pressing charges against said employee?
Antonio: At this moment, my sister hasn't had a chance to hold her daughters; let alone have a chance to think about whether she wants to pursue criminal charges against the woman who attacked her, whom is also her friend. And that's why we cannot comment on this at the moment, as there is no way to know what my sister will do. However, they can know that we will support them in whatever decision they make. Whether they decide to press charges, we will support them as I believe that they are warranted; but if they decide that they instead want to repair their relationship, which is something that my sister seems to want to do…then we will support them. At the end of the day, this isn't a decision we can make. But no, she has not been terminated; but simply suspended.
And her suspension will continue until after Ms. Casey's return to the office, which will be a long-term goal. At the end of the day, we need to respect my sister's timeline when it comes to work; and we do not want her rushing back to work. So we will take it one day at a time, and we will see what happens. But for now, I can confirm this; the employee is suspended, nor are we pursuing charges at the moment. However, that doesn't mean that they are in the clear; as it depends on how things turn out at the hospital, and whether everything is okay. Other than that, we would please not like to speak about this again; after all, that brings up bad thoughts, which we would not like to think about at the moment. This is a hard time on our family, like we already told you in the statements.
Chicago Sun-Times: With regards to business, there were previously rumors that Casey would be soon announcing an expansion, with a larger presence in the City of Chicago? Can you confirm or deny those rumors, and maybe give us a timeline?
Rafael: We can definitely do just that. I am proud to say that we have recently opened two new offices for Casey. We have opened an office in Chicago, as well as Puerto Rico; and we are still hiring for positions there. We believe that it is a good idea to have offices in cities of interest so that we can support the local economies, especially that of Chicago with it having been Mr. and Ms. Casey's pervious city of residence. And it is also their hometown, so they want to provide jobs there in the city. However, we are still working on those plans; and we do not believe that we have any announcements with regards to those offices right now, and we will have to put a pin in that. But thank you for asking, and we can definitely get you more information over e-mail communications.
The Daily Mail: We have been hearing rumors of international expansion as well, can you confirm or deny those rumors?
Rafael: For the time being, we are going to be doing things domestically. However, that doesn't mean that we don't offer services to international customers. We do have representatives in Europe for sales, and we can ship there anytime; however, we are not looking to actively expand with regards to an office to Europe. If those plans change, then there will be an announcement from Mr. Casey's office. But like I just said, we are still trying to grow from the business that we already have. But please, feel free to e-mail us and we can see whether we can get you any more information; and whether we can give you a timeline in the future. But for now, I believe that this is the end of the press conference. Thank you once again everybody, and have a good day.