5104 Caroline, Houston, Texas 77004 Phone: 713-529-3076 Fax: 713-528-3538 E-mail: wrc@wxresearch.org

In helping The Weather Museum develop an accelerated growth strategy, The Hall Group, Inc. conducted a series of interviews with leaders from a diverse group of organizations. The following are the top 10 benefits gleaned from the transcripts of those discussions.

1. Promotes Houston’s future. Organizations who donate time or money to build The Weather Museum are making an investment in the community. "It only makes sense for us to support the community."
2. Involves children. "These days, anything that involves children is a great thing. It must be something that can attract the attention of public and media."
3. Enhances education. Children and adults alike benefit from the programs available from The Weather Museum. "Educational programs are important to me…It is important that the cause have an important link with what the individuals are doing."
4. Increases awareness about the weather and its impact. "Yesterday, we had heavy rain and hail. People couldn’t get to work or go home. When there is a tornado warning, we must have the right procedures in place. So, the biggest impact would be the flow of people…" "Weather has an impact on event planning." "It is very important. We have to prepare for it. We have a contingency plan for different weather conditions."
5. Increases awareness about the science of meteorology. "I get friends and the company involved through public affairs shows, events with news coverage, or feature stories. The station is physically at the event." "I think the Weather Museum should come to us – to the schools. Our school just opened a science lab and would love to get that type of curriculum."
6. Supports a unique public institution – the only one of its kind in the country. Supporting the museum is a way to add to the rich fabric of Houston-area cultural life. "I am of that generation that I want to be involved where my money goes."
7. Promotes conservation and energy-awareness. "Environmental and wildlife causes. These two causes are by far the two most important causes."
8. Creates a path for encouraging new meteorologists. "There should be science contests where school groups and/or community people can participate in the contest. It is a way to get people engaged in science."
9. Promotes the study of weather – this is especially important for companies that trade in commodities or weather derivatives. "Well, since we trade commodities, the weather drives the market."
10. Benefits the power industry, offshore drilling companies and refineries. We are in the refining business. The weather affects our driving. We sell gasoline and diesel…We pay attention to weather forecasts to maintain and prepare for safe driving conditions."