Regional Networking NC3Crsquos trying something new A free lunch with your peers in a region near you

Are You Excellent Show your boss peers and citizens that you are amp apply for the Excellence in Communication Awards

Should I Join NC3C and get recognized

Volume Six Number Six

NC Com|NC3Crsquos Magazine for Communication ProfessionalsFall 2012

Congrats Savvy Winners NC3C members showed they were savvy at winning national awards

NC ComNC3Crsquos Magazine for Communication Professionals

published by the Pitt County Oce of Public Information for NC3C

NC Com magazine established in 2011 is published quarterly in Pitt County North Carolina by the Pitt County Oce of Public Information for the North Carolina City andCounty Communicators (NC3C) Subscriptions visit wwwnc3ccom or the site of any executive ocer for your free subscription Magazine is published online only To request a high-quality printed version call 2529022955 or e-mail pittinfopittcountyncgov Allow 10-15 days for delivery For costs contact the Oce of Public Information Advertising Rate card available upon request from Publisher

copy 2012 Pitt County Oce of Public Information for NC3C (All Rights Reserved)

nc3c executive ocers

president Mandy Pitts City of Hickoryvice president Gary Herman Alexander Countysecretary Kiara Jones Pitt Countytreasurer Joshua Harris City of Morgantonpast president Steve Hawley City of Greenville

contributors

writers Mandy Pitts City of Hickory Joshua Harris City of Morganton Gary Herman Alexander County

images Digital Juice httpgooglecom httpwwwcistatesvillencus httpwwwapexncorg httpwwwcijacksonvillencus

Volume Six Number Six

|reg

Ahh fall owers Donrsquot youjust LOVE this season

In This Issuecover stories

7

9

The Regionals Are free lunches that promote networking and NC3C membership growth considered championships Maybe

13 Congrats Savvy Winners NC3C members are savvy all right and they have nationalawards to prove it

xtures

8 Should I6 Presidentrsquos Message

18 Shop Talk

leaves turn red from food thatrsquos trapped inside science schmience - theyrsquore just beautiful right

NC3Crsquos Magazine for Communication Professionals

Volume Six Number Six

NC Com|reg

Are You Excellent You do great work - now apply for an Excellence in Communications Award so others can see that

wwwnc3ccomVisit us Then join us

NC3CNorth CarolinaCity amp CountyCommunicators

Presidentrsquos Message

Dear NC3C Members

As we roll into the holidays NC3C has exciting updates to share in this edition of NC|COM

We have regional meetings in December and January NC3C Award of Excellence entries are due the first of February and the 2013 annual conference will be held in March The board continues to focus on the four goals listed below

1 For the NC3C membership to use the communications tools in place to help members network and seek advice from peers throughout the year 2 Increase participation in the ldquoExcellence in Communicationsrdquo awards program 3 Increase NC3C retention and membership4 Hold three regional meetings

We are thrilled about holding our first regionals and hope that you will be able to attend and bring a prospec-tive member with you This is a great opportunity to network with peers and learn something new As our organization grows we learn more as we have communicators for cities and counties transit systems police and fire departments economic development experts in government television and video and more

We also had many North Carolina cites towns and counties bring home awards from the annual 3CMA (City-County Communicators and Marketing Association) conference in Portland that was held in September and we congratulate all the winners many were NC3C award winners too Speaking of NC3C Award of Excellence I know that all of you have been a part of spectacular projects in your organization so start writing your entries and nominate as many as you would like

I wish all of you blessed holidays and look forward to connecting with you soon

All my best

dDear NC3C Members NC3C President Mandy Pitts

a

7

The RegionalsWe made it No not to a championship but to a series of lunches that can make you a communications champion

All NC3C members and prospective members are invited to attend the first series of NC3C Regionals There is no cost to attend and lunch is provided The lunches provide an opportunity for members to get together between annual conferences and catch up on the latest projects best practices and experiences that only fellow communicators share

Some of these locations are more than an hour away from members but hopefully you can find a way to go to a meeting connect and reenergize Though the idea was to select common areasregions to make travel easy donrsquot feel restricted to attend a session nearest you If that date doesnrsquot work for you choose a lunch that does Make a day of it if yoursquore able after all this is a professional investment And the lunches are not only for NC3C members - feel free to invite potential members so they can see just how much our great or-ganization has to offer

A special thanks to those whorsquove volunteered to host our first ever Regionals If yoursquore interested in hosting one in the future please contact NC3C President Mandy Pitts at mpittshickoryncgov See below for the schedule See you there

StatesvilleHosts Nancy Davis (Statesville) and Annette-Privette Keller (Matthews)When Thursday December 6 20121100a ndash 200pWhere Historic Statesville City Hall 227 S Center St Statesville NCSpecial topic Engaging Citizens in the Budget Process What Works in Your CommunityRSVP by December 3 to Nancy Davis at ndavisstatesvillencnet or 7048783586

ApexHosts Stacie Galloway (Apex) and Deanna Boone (Cary)When Wednesday December 12 20121100a ndash 200pWhere Apex Town Hall 73 Hunter Street Apex NC (ample parking at Town Hall)Special Topic Emergency Communications with a Focus on Social MediaRSVP by December 5 to Stacie Galloway at 9192491135 or staciegallowayapexncorg

JacksonvilleHost Glenn Hargett (Jacksonville) Friday January 11 20131100a ndash 200pWhere Jacksonville City Hall 815 New Bridge Street Jacksonville NCSpecial Topics Whatrsquos New in Video Production and Staff Assignments in a Small ShopRSVP by January 4 to Glenn Hargett at 9109385220 or ghargettcijacksonvillencus

8

Should IWell of course

Join NC3C and get recognized

Why join NC3C Well for one thing at only $5000 for a membership itrsquos really affordable Also NC3C helps you network and build relationships with other communicators in North Carolina And in addition to those two excellent reasons a membership in NC3C gives you the opportunity to participate in our Excellence in Com-munications awards program

The NC3C Excellence in Communications awards program is designed to foster achievement among mem-bers showcase high-quality work and promote sharing and learning The program is modeled on the national City-County Communications and Marketing Association (3CMA) Savvy Awards The application process is very similar and the hope is that once you have applied for and won an NC3C Award of Excellence you will be prepared to apply for and win a Savvy

You can apply for recognition in categories including TV and Videos Printed Publications Communication Technology Marketing Tools Special Events Citizen Participation Community Visioning Most Creative Activ-ity with Least Dollars Spent and more Entries are judged by government communication professionals who have previously won first or second-place in the national Savvy Awards And perhaps most importantly win-ning an NC3C Excellence in Communication award isnrsquot easy Awards are only given to entries that merit the recognition

NC3C Secretary Kiara Jones has firsthand experience on how our Excellence in Communications awards pro-gram can prepare members to get recognized on the state and national level Kiara has been a member since 2008 and she has won four Excellence in Communications awards hellip so far

Here is a quick QampA about the awards program

Q Kiara why did you join NC3C

A Back in 2008 Steve Hawley told me about a new organization for communicators like us I felt it was impor-tant to be part of a group of your peers who can provide professional support and help you be successful at your job especially since I was just starting out as the PIO for Pitt County

OK that wasnrsquot about the awards program That was a plug for NC3C Here is the QampA about the awards pro-gram

Q What did you think of the application process

A Itrsquos pretty rigorous I had to learn the importance of documenting my achievement Although you may have a great product you need to be able to articulate why itrsquos great and how you set and reached your goals The first time I submitted an application we didnrsquot win anything After I learned how to document our projects we started winning

Q Did the Excellence in Communications awards program help you better prepare for the 3CMA Savvy Awards

9

Are You ExcellentWell let somebody know it Apply for a statewide award

Joshua Harris|City of MorgantonJoshua is NC3Crsquos Treasurer

A ABSOLUTELY The Excellence in Communications awards application questions mirror the 3CMA application questions so I was pretty much able to use the same info for both The Excellence in Communications awards program was built to prepare members for the Savvys and it does just that I have no doubt that my experi-ence applying for NC3C awards helped us win the Savvy No doubt

Q How does it feel to win a Savvy

A Great Itrsquos funny because when I went before our Board of Commissioners to report that wersquod won two statewide conference awards our chairman told me to bring back a national award next Well we were able to do that Wersquove been so blessed

Q What recommendations would you give to members who are applying for one of our an Excellence in Communications awards or a Savvy

A Prepare well before itrsquos time to submit When you start a project begin documenting milestones achieved goals ndash everything that makes your project successful Believe that your project is award-worthy and learn from the past If you applied and didnrsquot place in a category last year then review your materials the judgesrsquo comments and the winning projects to see how you can improve next time

Remember itrsquos not just about getting the award because you may be able to better serve your citizens by incorporating what you learn from your review

And hellip apply You will never win if you donrsquot submit an application

Winning an Excellence in Communications Award and any of the Savvy awards is a big deal The awards re-inforce the fact that you are doing good work The awards remind your supervisor that you are doing going work And the awards give you a goal to work towards Since no one is likely to toot your horn for you you might as well join NC3C and win a few Excellence in Communications awards It does feel good to have your work recognized and awards will almost always impress your supervisor Itrsquos a win-win

NC3C began the Award of Excellence program almost five years ago to help us sharpen our skills and win more awards on the national level NC3C uses the same principles as the 3CMA Savvy competition and this gives North Carolina government communication professionals a chance to nominate a project on the state level and then the application is almost ready for the national level All NC3C nominations are sent to juries of past 3CMA winners outside of North Carolina which makes the process fair and equal

In 2011 more than 60 projects were nominated for NC3C awards and this year letrsquos surpass this by at least 15 ndash to make it 75 100 would be even better Itrsquos a simple process and gives us an opportunity to think through projects done throughout the year and promote their successes as well as include lessons learned All of us have several projects we are really proud of from 2012 so start thinking about them today - you have until the first week of February 2013 to turn them in

10

11

12

Congrats Savvy WinnersLetrsquos see who brought home national awards

13

eEach year 3CMA recognizes the top three entries in each category with the highest award named the ldquoSavvyrdquo the second place named ldquoSilver Circlerdquo and third place is named ldquoAward of Excellencerdquo Most categories are bro-ken up by population depending on the number of entries This year NC governments brought home one Savvy one Silver Circle and three Awards of Excellence We hope to have even more winners in 2013

Marketing and Tools ndash BrandingNew LogoGovernment Service Delivery SavvyTracy Dawson ndash Community Relations Coordinator - New Hanover County NCElementary School Civics Program ndash New Hanover County Serving our Community ndash New Hanover County Government plays a strong role in the community and provides many services upon which citizens depend New Hanover County had attempted various outreach efforts to educate and inform the community but de-cided a unique approach was needed to complement these efforts Elementary school students were recog-nized as an audience that had yet to be engaged and could potentially inform and influence their parents An interactive workbook with an accompanying PowerPoint presentation is used to teach students about New Hanover history geography budget municipalities county departments mandated services and citizenship Concepts such as maps percentage and graphs are also included This successful program was introduced to over 2600 students this school year Judgesrsquo Comments Outreach to students is excellent Great idea The letters from teachers and students helped show program success Very impressive

Most Creative Activity with Least Dollars SpentSilver CircleAnthony Perrone ndash Marketing Coordinator - Buncombe County NCVoter Lookup Campaign 2012 ndash In 2011 the General Assembly passed an Act that would substantially change the way our Board of Commissioners in Buncombe County was previously constituted With these new chang-es it was obvious that Buncombe County needed to come up with some sort of campaign that would help explain what was going on In early 2012 we decided to launch the 2012 Voter Lookup Campaign The cam-paign was designed to inform educate and assist all citizens with the 2012 election Judgesrsquo Comments Excellent example of blending new technology with traditional tools for a desired result Very good graphics lent to strong branding too

TV amp Videos ndash Regular Scheduled Programming Award of ExcellenceKiara Jones ndash Director of Public Information amp Media Relations - Pitt County NC A Walk in My Shoes ndash A Walk in My Shoes hellip and the supporting PSAs were produced to inform the public about the 2011 MS Walk MS Awareness Week and to raise awareness about multiple sclerosis The pieces highlight a Pitt County sheriffrsquos deputy and teacher who have the disease and how they cope with it Judgesrsquo Comments Raises awareness for disease and event good editing very stylistic choices nice videog-raphy and lighting Great production quality Serious dramatic style is appropriate for submit lighting is also very cinematic

TV amp Videos ndash Public Service AnnouncementAward of ExcellenceMark Boyer ndash Community Relations Coordinator New Hanover County NC

14

Savvyrsquos continued

Flu Shots ndash The New Hanover County Health Department was concerned about the low numbers of residents seeking free flu shots due to media reports about vaccine safety The series of three public service announce-ments also aired on the local NCB affiliate which also donated several thousand dollars in airtime By mid-January all doses of the vaccine had been distributed Judges Comments ndash Entertaining use of word art hellip quick and to the point (pun intended) hellip lotta fun

Overall WebsiteAward of ExcellenceApril Craddock ndash Technology Trainer - Greensboro NCGreensboro Website ndash The City of Greensbororsquos website provides an updated compelling visual design and information architecture while meeting the needs of local residents and businesses Driving principles of our community website include a focus on the needs of our target audiences the ability to showcase the resources and services the City of Greensboro provides and a web experience on par with other leading municipalities Judgesrsquo Comments Judges love the use of the sliding icons on the front page This system allows backend users to easily change out icons as new important topics arise that need to be marketed Navigation is sound and allows for ample information which is easily accessed through the drop-down menus The ldquoFind Servicesrdquo tab allows users to search the site in multiple ways What a great tool The color scheme chosen is warm and inviting Terrific use of logo used throughout site

2013 Conference UpdateA quick lowdown on what you can expect at next yearrsquos annual conference

Mandy Pitts|City of HickoryThis ldquoexpert in trainingrdquo is Hickoryrsquos Communications DirectorBrand Manager

mMake plans now for the Spring 2013 NC3C Conference to be held in Greensboro from March 20-22

NC3C Board Members recently met with representatives from the City of Greensboro (Donnie Turlington and Jake Keys) and the Greensboro Tran-sit Authority (Kevin Elwood) to discuss plans for the annual conference

The 2013 event is sure to be an exciting conference in the statersquos fourth largest city The host representatives have a lot of great ideas for topics accommodations restaurants and morehellip but of course we want YOUR feedback In the coming weeks we will email a Survey Monkey link to the membership to determine what topics yoursquod like to see included in the 2013 agenda

Please mark your calendars for this worthwhile conference As always we will learn a lot and have a lot of fun See you in Greensboro

Gary Herman|Alexander County Garyrsquos the VP of NC3C and helps plan the conference

15

MiscellaneousJobs invites and more

You are invited to attend The North Carolina Forum ndash All-America City Awards RevisitedCo-hosted by David Bradley Statesville NC Chamber of Commerce Mandy Pitts City of Hickory NC Hardin Watkins Town Manager Town of Garner NC and NCL Board member Dr Jarvis A Hall Director Institute for Civic Engagement and Social Change at North Carolina Central University

December 11 2012 Tuesday 11-2 pm at White Deer Park Nature Center - 2400 Aversboro Road Garner North Carolina (7 miles from Raleigh-Durham)

A gathering of North Carolina-area All-America Cities and prospective All-America City applicants

Learn about the promising practices of North Carolina All-America Cities Come tell us your story of success Share how you have succeeded since your All-America City bid If you are looking for new ideas you belong here If you are going to apply for the All-America City Awards you will get insights into the benefits of the program Lunch will be provided by the Town of Garner

RSVP by November 28 2012 to aacnclorg to register for the event and to reserve a lunch Space is limited Reserve your spot today For more about the All-America City Awards see wwwallamericacityawardcomCall Gloria Rubio-Cortes at 3035714343 or email gloriarcnclorg - Mandy Pitts City of Hickory

NC Baptist Men Disaster Relief is adding a new component to their volunteer leadership structure Public Information Officer Each year NCBM goes quietly about its business of sending teams to feed construct and care for people who are suffering from natural disasters usually along the Eastern seaboard and overseas

Everything is funded by donations - usually through churches in NC The organization only has a few staff members Their work is done by volunteers with the focus on getting as much of every dollar donated to the people who need it - not using it for administrative costs The organization has never tooted its own horn Now they would like to begin using volunteers to help them with media contacts at the scene of the disasters or from the origin of where teams are dispatched from They are asking us as Communication Professionals to attend a focus group to help them discuss this idea and how it might work for their organization If yoursquod like to be part of this effort see below and let me know if you would like to participate If you could not attend the focus group but would like to be a volunteer to help in the future - let me know as well Your help would be greatly appreciated

Please indicate all of the following dates that you could participate in a focus group to help shape the strategy goals and objectives of this position Dec 13 Dec 14 Dec 20 or Dec 21 The meetings will most likely be in Asheboro since itrsquos centrally located However the location may change depending on the location of the majority of participants The time will likely be 10ndash 2pm with lunch provided - Annette Privette-Keller Town of Matthews

Senior Public Affairs Specialist Public AffairsWater ManagementUnder general direction of the Office of Public Affairs and Water Management Department primary duties for this customer-focused role include development amp implementation of social media strategies and mes-sages for various departments throughout the City of Durham using appropriate media platforms This role also leads the employee and public information efforts for Water Management development planning and communication about the department and its various programs services and activities through appropriate media channels - Beverly Thompson City of Durham (see more jobs at nc3ccom)

reg copy para secttrade

In This Issuecover stories

7

9

The Regionals Are free lunches that promote networking and NC3C membership growth considered championships Maybe

13 Congrats Savvy Winners NC3C members are savvy all right and they have nationalawards to prove it

xtures

8 Should I6 Presidentrsquos Message

18 Shop Talk

leaves turn red from food thatrsquos trapped inside science schmience - theyrsquore just beautiful right

NC3Crsquos Magazine for Communication Professionals

Volume Six Number Six

NC Com|reg

Are You Excellent You do great work - now apply for an Excellence in Communications Award so others can see that

wwwnc3ccomVisit us Then join us

NC3CNorth CarolinaCity amp CountyCommunicators

Presidentrsquos Message

Dear NC3C Members

As we roll into the holidays NC3C has exciting updates to share in this edition of NC|COM

We have regional meetings in December and January NC3C Award of Excellence entries are due the first of February and the 2013 annual conference will be held in March The board continues to focus on the four goals listed below

1 For the NC3C membership to use the communications tools in place to help members network and seek advice from peers throughout the year 2 Increase participation in the ldquoExcellence in Communicationsrdquo awards program 3 Increase NC3C retention and membership4 Hold three regional meetings

We are thrilled about holding our first regionals and hope that you will be able to attend and bring a prospec-tive member with you This is a great opportunity to network with peers and learn something new As our organization grows we learn more as we have communicators for cities and counties transit systems police and fire departments economic development experts in government television and video and more

We also had many North Carolina cites towns and counties bring home awards from the annual 3CMA (City-County Communicators and Marketing Association) conference in Portland that was held in September and we congratulate all the winners many were NC3C award winners too Speaking of NC3C Award of Excellence I know that all of you have been a part of spectacular projects in your organization so start writing your entries and nominate as many as you would like

I wish all of you blessed holidays and look forward to connecting with you soon

All my best

dDear NC3C Members NC3C President Mandy Pitts

a

7

The RegionalsWe made it No not to a championship but to a series of lunches that can make you a communications champion

All NC3C members and prospective members are invited to attend the first series of NC3C Regionals There is no cost to attend and lunch is provided The lunches provide an opportunity for members to get together between annual conferences and catch up on the latest projects best practices and experiences that only fellow communicators share

Some of these locations are more than an hour away from members but hopefully you can find a way to go to a meeting connect and reenergize Though the idea was to select common areasregions to make travel easy donrsquot feel restricted to attend a session nearest you If that date doesnrsquot work for you choose a lunch that does Make a day of it if yoursquore able after all this is a professional investment And the lunches are not only for NC3C members - feel free to invite potential members so they can see just how much our great or-ganization has to offer

A special thanks to those whorsquove volunteered to host our first ever Regionals If yoursquore interested in hosting one in the future please contact NC3C President Mandy Pitts at mpittshickoryncgov See below for the schedule See you there

StatesvilleHosts Nancy Davis (Statesville) and Annette-Privette Keller (Matthews)When Thursday December 6 20121100a ndash 200pWhere Historic Statesville City Hall 227 S Center St Statesville NCSpecial topic Engaging Citizens in the Budget Process What Works in Your CommunityRSVP by December 3 to Nancy Davis at ndavisstatesvillencnet or 7048783586

ApexHosts Stacie Galloway (Apex) and Deanna Boone (Cary)When Wednesday December 12 20121100a ndash 200pWhere Apex Town Hall 73 Hunter Street Apex NC (ample parking at Town Hall)Special Topic Emergency Communications with a Focus on Social MediaRSVP by December 5 to Stacie Galloway at 9192491135 or staciegallowayapexncorg

JacksonvilleHost Glenn Hargett (Jacksonville) Friday January 11 20131100a ndash 200pWhere Jacksonville City Hall 815 New Bridge Street Jacksonville NCSpecial Topics Whatrsquos New in Video Production and Staff Assignments in a Small ShopRSVP by January 4 to Glenn Hargett at 9109385220 or ghargettcijacksonvillencus

8

Should IWell of course

Join NC3C and get recognized

Why join NC3C Well for one thing at only $5000 for a membership itrsquos really affordable Also NC3C helps you network and build relationships with other communicators in North Carolina And in addition to those two excellent reasons a membership in NC3C gives you the opportunity to participate in our Excellence in Com-munications awards program

The NC3C Excellence in Communications awards program is designed to foster achievement among mem-bers showcase high-quality work and promote sharing and learning The program is modeled on the national City-County Communications and Marketing Association (3CMA) Savvy Awards The application process is very similar and the hope is that once you have applied for and won an NC3C Award of Excellence you will be prepared to apply for and win a Savvy

You can apply for recognition in categories including TV and Videos Printed Publications Communication Technology Marketing Tools Special Events Citizen Participation Community Visioning Most Creative Activ-ity with Least Dollars Spent and more Entries are judged by government communication professionals who have previously won first or second-place in the national Savvy Awards And perhaps most importantly win-ning an NC3C Excellence in Communication award isnrsquot easy Awards are only given to entries that merit the recognition

NC3C Secretary Kiara Jones has firsthand experience on how our Excellence in Communications awards pro-gram can prepare members to get recognized on the state and national level Kiara has been a member since 2008 and she has won four Excellence in Communications awards hellip so far

Here is a quick QampA about the awards program

Q Kiara why did you join NC3C

A Back in 2008 Steve Hawley told me about a new organization for communicators like us I felt it was impor-tant to be part of a group of your peers who can provide professional support and help you be successful at your job especially since I was just starting out as the PIO for Pitt County

OK that wasnrsquot about the awards program That was a plug for NC3C Here is the QampA about the awards pro-gram

Q What did you think of the application process

A Itrsquos pretty rigorous I had to learn the importance of documenting my achievement Although you may have a great product you need to be able to articulate why itrsquos great and how you set and reached your goals The first time I submitted an application we didnrsquot win anything After I learned how to document our projects we started winning

Q Did the Excellence in Communications awards program help you better prepare for the 3CMA Savvy Awards

9

Are You ExcellentWell let somebody know it Apply for a statewide award

Joshua Harris|City of MorgantonJoshua is NC3Crsquos Treasurer

A ABSOLUTELY The Excellence in Communications awards application questions mirror the 3CMA application questions so I was pretty much able to use the same info for both The Excellence in Communications awards program was built to prepare members for the Savvys and it does just that I have no doubt that my experi-ence applying for NC3C awards helped us win the Savvy No doubt

Q How does it feel to win a Savvy

A Great Itrsquos funny because when I went before our Board of Commissioners to report that wersquod won two statewide conference awards our chairman told me to bring back a national award next Well we were able to do that Wersquove been so blessed

Q What recommendations would you give to members who are applying for one of our an Excellence in Communications awards or a Savvy

A Prepare well before itrsquos time to submit When you start a project begin documenting milestones achieved goals ndash everything that makes your project successful Believe that your project is award-worthy and learn from the past If you applied and didnrsquot place in a category last year then review your materials the judgesrsquo comments and the winning projects to see how you can improve next time

Remember itrsquos not just about getting the award because you may be able to better serve your citizens by incorporating what you learn from your review

And hellip apply You will never win if you donrsquot submit an application

Winning an Excellence in Communications Award and any of the Savvy awards is a big deal The awards re-inforce the fact that you are doing good work The awards remind your supervisor that you are doing going work And the awards give you a goal to work towards Since no one is likely to toot your horn for you you might as well join NC3C and win a few Excellence in Communications awards It does feel good to have your work recognized and awards will almost always impress your supervisor Itrsquos a win-win

NC3C began the Award of Excellence program almost five years ago to help us sharpen our skills and win more awards on the national level NC3C uses the same principles as the 3CMA Savvy competition and this gives North Carolina government communication professionals a chance to nominate a project on the state level and then the application is almost ready for the national level All NC3C nominations are sent to juries of past 3CMA winners outside of North Carolina which makes the process fair and equal

In 2011 more than 60 projects were nominated for NC3C awards and this year letrsquos surpass this by at least 15 ndash to make it 75 100 would be even better Itrsquos a simple process and gives us an opportunity to think through projects done throughout the year and promote their successes as well as include lessons learned All of us have several projects we are really proud of from 2012 so start thinking about them today - you have until the first week of February 2013 to turn them in

10

11

12

Congrats Savvy WinnersLetrsquos see who brought home national awards

13

eEach year 3CMA recognizes the top three entries in each category with the highest award named the ldquoSavvyrdquo the second place named ldquoSilver Circlerdquo and third place is named ldquoAward of Excellencerdquo Most categories are bro-ken up by population depending on the number of entries This year NC governments brought home one Savvy one Silver Circle and three Awards of Excellence We hope to have even more winners in 2013

Marketing and Tools ndash BrandingNew LogoGovernment Service Delivery SavvyTracy Dawson ndash Community Relations Coordinator - New Hanover County NCElementary School Civics Program ndash New Hanover County Serving our Community ndash New Hanover County Government plays a strong role in the community and provides many services upon which citizens depend New Hanover County had attempted various outreach efforts to educate and inform the community but de-cided a unique approach was needed to complement these efforts Elementary school students were recog-nized as an audience that had yet to be engaged and could potentially inform and influence their parents An interactive workbook with an accompanying PowerPoint presentation is used to teach students about New Hanover history geography budget municipalities county departments mandated services and citizenship Concepts such as maps percentage and graphs are also included This successful program was introduced to over 2600 students this school year Judgesrsquo Comments Outreach to students is excellent Great idea The letters from teachers and students helped show program success Very impressive

Most Creative Activity with Least Dollars SpentSilver CircleAnthony Perrone ndash Marketing Coordinator - Buncombe County NCVoter Lookup Campaign 2012 ndash In 2011 the General Assembly passed an Act that would substantially change the way our Board of Commissioners in Buncombe County was previously constituted With these new chang-es it was obvious that Buncombe County needed to come up with some sort of campaign that would help explain what was going on In early 2012 we decided to launch the 2012 Voter Lookup Campaign The cam-paign was designed to inform educate and assist all citizens with the 2012 election Judgesrsquo Comments Excellent example of blending new technology with traditional tools for a desired result Very good graphics lent to strong branding too

TV amp Videos ndash Regular Scheduled Programming Award of ExcellenceKiara Jones ndash Director of Public Information amp Media Relations - Pitt County NC A Walk in My Shoes ndash A Walk in My Shoes hellip and the supporting PSAs were produced to inform the public about the 2011 MS Walk MS Awareness Week and to raise awareness about multiple sclerosis The pieces highlight a Pitt County sheriffrsquos deputy and teacher who have the disease and how they cope with it Judgesrsquo Comments Raises awareness for disease and event good editing very stylistic choices nice videog-raphy and lighting Great production quality Serious dramatic style is appropriate for submit lighting is also very cinematic

TV amp Videos ndash Public Service AnnouncementAward of ExcellenceMark Boyer ndash Community Relations Coordinator New Hanover County NC

14

Savvyrsquos continued

Flu Shots ndash The New Hanover County Health Department was concerned about the low numbers of residents seeking free flu shots due to media reports about vaccine safety The series of three public service announce-ments also aired on the local NCB affiliate which also donated several thousand dollars in airtime By mid-January all doses of the vaccine had been distributed Judges Comments ndash Entertaining use of word art hellip quick and to the point (pun intended) hellip lotta fun

Overall WebsiteAward of ExcellenceApril Craddock ndash Technology Trainer - Greensboro NCGreensboro Website ndash The City of Greensbororsquos website provides an updated compelling visual design and information architecture while meeting the needs of local residents and businesses Driving principles of our community website include a focus on the needs of our target audiences the ability to showcase the resources and services the City of Greensboro provides and a web experience on par with other leading municipalities Judgesrsquo Comments Judges love the use of the sliding icons on the front page This system allows backend users to easily change out icons as new important topics arise that need to be marketed Navigation is sound and allows for ample information which is easily accessed through the drop-down menus The ldquoFind Servicesrdquo tab allows users to search the site in multiple ways What a great tool The color scheme chosen is warm and inviting Terrific use of logo used throughout site

2013 Conference UpdateA quick lowdown on what you can expect at next yearrsquos annual conference

Mandy Pitts|City of HickoryThis ldquoexpert in trainingrdquo is Hickoryrsquos Communications DirectorBrand Manager

mMake plans now for the Spring 2013 NC3C Conference to be held in Greensboro from March 20-22

NC3C Board Members recently met with representatives from the City of Greensboro (Donnie Turlington and Jake Keys) and the Greensboro Tran-sit Authority (Kevin Elwood) to discuss plans for the annual conference

The 2013 event is sure to be an exciting conference in the statersquos fourth largest city The host representatives have a lot of great ideas for topics accommodations restaurants and morehellip but of course we want YOUR feedback In the coming weeks we will email a Survey Monkey link to the membership to determine what topics yoursquod like to see included in the 2013 agenda

Please mark your calendars for this worthwhile conference As always we will learn a lot and have a lot of fun See you in Greensboro

Gary Herman|Alexander County Garyrsquos the VP of NC3C and helps plan the conference

15

MiscellaneousJobs invites and more

You are invited to attend The North Carolina Forum ndash All-America City Awards RevisitedCo-hosted by David Bradley Statesville NC Chamber of Commerce Mandy Pitts City of Hickory NC Hardin Watkins Town Manager Town of Garner NC and NCL Board member Dr Jarvis A Hall Director Institute for Civic Engagement and Social Change at North Carolina Central University

December 11 2012 Tuesday 11-2 pm at White Deer Park Nature Center - 2400 Aversboro Road Garner North Carolina (7 miles from Raleigh-Durham)

A gathering of North Carolina-area All-America Cities and prospective All-America City applicants

Learn about the promising practices of North Carolina All-America Cities Come tell us your story of success Share how you have succeeded since your All-America City bid If you are looking for new ideas you belong here If you are going to apply for the All-America City Awards you will get insights into the benefits of the program Lunch will be provided by the Town of Garner

RSVP by November 28 2012 to aacnclorg to register for the event and to reserve a lunch Space is limited Reserve your spot today For more about the All-America City Awards see wwwallamericacityawardcomCall Gloria Rubio-Cortes at 3035714343 or email gloriarcnclorg - Mandy Pitts City of Hickory

NC Baptist Men Disaster Relief is adding a new component to their volunteer leadership structure Public Information Officer Each year NCBM goes quietly about its business of sending teams to feed construct and care for people who are suffering from natural disasters usually along the Eastern seaboard and overseas

Everything is funded by donations - usually through churches in NC The organization only has a few staff members Their work is done by volunteers with the focus on getting as much of every dollar donated to the people who need it - not using it for administrative costs The organization has never tooted its own horn Now they would like to begin using volunteers to help them with media contacts at the scene of the disasters or from the origin of where teams are dispatched from They are asking us as Communication Professionals to attend a focus group to help them discuss this idea and how it might work for their organization If yoursquod like to be part of this effort see below and let me know if you would like to participate If you could not attend the focus group but would like to be a volunteer to help in the future - let me know as well Your help would be greatly appreciated

Please indicate all of the following dates that you could participate in a focus group to help shape the strategy goals and objectives of this position Dec 13 Dec 14 Dec 20 or Dec 21 The meetings will most likely be in Asheboro since itrsquos centrally located However the location may change depending on the location of the majority of participants The time will likely be 10ndash 2pm with lunch provided - Annette Privette-Keller Town of Matthews

Senior Public Affairs Specialist Public AffairsWater ManagementUnder general direction of the Office of Public Affairs and Water Management Department primary duties for this customer-focused role include development amp implementation of social media strategies and mes-sages for various departments throughout the City of Durham using appropriate media platforms This role also leads the employee and public information efforts for Water Management development planning and communication about the department and its various programs services and activities through appropriate media channels - Beverly Thompson City of Durham (see more jobs at nc3ccom)

reg copy para secttrade

wwwnc3ccomVisit us Then join us

NC3CNorth CarolinaCity amp CountyCommunicators

Presidentrsquos Message

Dear NC3C Members

As we roll into the holidays NC3C has exciting updates to share in this edition of NC|COM

We have regional meetings in December and January NC3C Award of Excellence entries are due the first of February and the 2013 annual conference will be held in March The board continues to focus on the four goals listed below

1 For the NC3C membership to use the communications tools in place to help members network and seek advice from peers throughout the year 2 Increase participation in the ldquoExcellence in Communicationsrdquo awards program 3 Increase NC3C retention and membership4 Hold three regional meetings

We are thrilled about holding our first regionals and hope that you will be able to attend and bring a prospec-tive member with you This is a great opportunity to network with peers and learn something new As our organization grows we learn more as we have communicators for cities and counties transit systems police and fire departments economic development experts in government television and video and more

We also had many North Carolina cites towns and counties bring home awards from the annual 3CMA (City-County Communicators and Marketing Association) conference in Portland that was held in September and we congratulate all the winners many were NC3C award winners too Speaking of NC3C Award of Excellence I know that all of you have been a part of spectacular projects in your organization so start writing your entries and nominate as many as you would like

I wish all of you blessed holidays and look forward to connecting with you soon

All my best

dDear NC3C Members NC3C President Mandy Pitts

a

7

The RegionalsWe made it No not to a championship but to a series of lunches that can make you a communications champion

All NC3C members and prospective members are invited to attend the first series of NC3C Regionals There is no cost to attend and lunch is provided The lunches provide an opportunity for members to get together between annual conferences and catch up on the latest projects best practices and experiences that only fellow communicators share

Some of these locations are more than an hour away from members but hopefully you can find a way to go to a meeting connect and reenergize Though the idea was to select common areasregions to make travel easy donrsquot feel restricted to attend a session nearest you If that date doesnrsquot work for you choose a lunch that does Make a day of it if yoursquore able after all this is a professional investment And the lunches are not only for NC3C members - feel free to invite potential members so they can see just how much our great or-ganization has to offer

A special thanks to those whorsquove volunteered to host our first ever Regionals If yoursquore interested in hosting one in the future please contact NC3C President Mandy Pitts at mpittshickoryncgov See below for the schedule See you there

StatesvilleHosts Nancy Davis (Statesville) and Annette-Privette Keller (Matthews)When Thursday December 6 20121100a ndash 200pWhere Historic Statesville City Hall 227 S Center St Statesville NCSpecial topic Engaging Citizens in the Budget Process What Works in Your CommunityRSVP by December 3 to Nancy Davis at ndavisstatesvillencnet or 7048783586

ApexHosts Stacie Galloway (Apex) and Deanna Boone (Cary)When Wednesday December 12 20121100a ndash 200pWhere Apex Town Hall 73 Hunter Street Apex NC (ample parking at Town Hall)Special Topic Emergency Communications with a Focus on Social MediaRSVP by December 5 to Stacie Galloway at 9192491135 or staciegallowayapexncorg

JacksonvilleHost Glenn Hargett (Jacksonville) Friday January 11 20131100a ndash 200pWhere Jacksonville City Hall 815 New Bridge Street Jacksonville NCSpecial Topics Whatrsquos New in Video Production and Staff Assignments in a Small ShopRSVP by January 4 to Glenn Hargett at 9109385220 or ghargettcijacksonvillencus

8

Should IWell of course

Join NC3C and get recognized

Why join NC3C Well for one thing at only $5000 for a membership itrsquos really affordable Also NC3C helps you network and build relationships with other communicators in North Carolina And in addition to those two excellent reasons a membership in NC3C gives you the opportunity to participate in our Excellence in Com-munications awards program

The NC3C Excellence in Communications awards program is designed to foster achievement among mem-bers showcase high-quality work and promote sharing and learning The program is modeled on the national City-County Communications and Marketing Association (3CMA) Savvy Awards The application process is very similar and the hope is that once you have applied for and won an NC3C Award of Excellence you will be prepared to apply for and win a Savvy

You can apply for recognition in categories including TV and Videos Printed Publications Communication Technology Marketing Tools Special Events Citizen Participation Community Visioning Most Creative Activ-ity with Least Dollars Spent and more Entries are judged by government communication professionals who have previously won first or second-place in the national Savvy Awards And perhaps most importantly win-ning an NC3C Excellence in Communication award isnrsquot easy Awards are only given to entries that merit the recognition

NC3C Secretary Kiara Jones has firsthand experience on how our Excellence in Communications awards pro-gram can prepare members to get recognized on the state and national level Kiara has been a member since 2008 and she has won four Excellence in Communications awards hellip so far

Here is a quick QampA about the awards program

Q Kiara why did you join NC3C

A Back in 2008 Steve Hawley told me about a new organization for communicators like us I felt it was impor-tant to be part of a group of your peers who can provide professional support and help you be successful at your job especially since I was just starting out as the PIO for Pitt County

OK that wasnrsquot about the awards program That was a plug for NC3C Here is the QampA about the awards pro-gram

Q What did you think of the application process

A Itrsquos pretty rigorous I had to learn the importance of documenting my achievement Although you may have a great product you need to be able to articulate why itrsquos great and how you set and reached your goals The first time I submitted an application we didnrsquot win anything After I learned how to document our projects we started winning

Q Did the Excellence in Communications awards program help you better prepare for the 3CMA Savvy Awards

9

Are You ExcellentWell let somebody know it Apply for a statewide award

Joshua Harris|City of MorgantonJoshua is NC3Crsquos Treasurer

A ABSOLUTELY The Excellence in Communications awards application questions mirror the 3CMA application questions so I was pretty much able to use the same info for both The Excellence in Communications awards program was built to prepare members for the Savvys and it does just that I have no doubt that my experi-ence applying for NC3C awards helped us win the Savvy No doubt

Q How does it feel to win a Savvy

A Great Itrsquos funny because when I went before our Board of Commissioners to report that wersquod won two statewide conference awards our chairman told me to bring back a national award next Well we were able to do that Wersquove been so blessed

Q What recommendations would you give to members who are applying for one of our an Excellence in Communications awards or a Savvy

A Prepare well before itrsquos time to submit When you start a project begin documenting milestones achieved goals ndash everything that makes your project successful Believe that your project is award-worthy and learn from the past If you applied and didnrsquot place in a category last year then review your materials the judgesrsquo comments and the winning projects to see how you can improve next time

Remember itrsquos not just about getting the award because you may be able to better serve your citizens by incorporating what you learn from your review

And hellip apply You will never win if you donrsquot submit an application

Winning an Excellence in Communications Award and any of the Savvy awards is a big deal The awards re-inforce the fact that you are doing good work The awards remind your supervisor that you are doing going work And the awards give you a goal to work towards Since no one is likely to toot your horn for you you might as well join NC3C and win a few Excellence in Communications awards It does feel good to have your work recognized and awards will almost always impress your supervisor Itrsquos a win-win

NC3C began the Award of Excellence program almost five years ago to help us sharpen our skills and win more awards on the national level NC3C uses the same principles as the 3CMA Savvy competition and this gives North Carolina government communication professionals a chance to nominate a project on the state level and then the application is almost ready for the national level All NC3C nominations are sent to juries of past 3CMA winners outside of North Carolina which makes the process fair and equal

In 2011 more than 60 projects were nominated for NC3C awards and this year letrsquos surpass this by at least 15 ndash to make it 75 100 would be even better Itrsquos a simple process and gives us an opportunity to think through projects done throughout the year and promote their successes as well as include lessons learned All of us have several projects we are really proud of from 2012 so start thinking about them today - you have until the first week of February 2013 to turn them in

10

11

12

Congrats Savvy WinnersLetrsquos see who brought home national awards

13

eEach year 3CMA recognizes the top three entries in each category with the highest award named the ldquoSavvyrdquo the second place named ldquoSilver Circlerdquo and third place is named ldquoAward of Excellencerdquo Most categories are bro-ken up by population depending on the number of entries This year NC governments brought home one Savvy one Silver Circle and three Awards of Excellence We hope to have even more winners in 2013

Marketing and Tools ndash BrandingNew LogoGovernment Service Delivery SavvyTracy Dawson ndash Community Relations Coordinator - New Hanover County NCElementary School Civics Program ndash New Hanover County Serving our Community ndash New Hanover County Government plays a strong role in the community and provides many services upon which citizens depend New Hanover County had attempted various outreach efforts to educate and inform the community but de-cided a unique approach was needed to complement these efforts Elementary school students were recog-nized as an audience that had yet to be engaged and could potentially inform and influence their parents An interactive workbook with an accompanying PowerPoint presentation is used to teach students about New Hanover history geography budget municipalities county departments mandated services and citizenship Concepts such as maps percentage and graphs are also included This successful program was introduced to over 2600 students this school year Judgesrsquo Comments Outreach to students is excellent Great idea The letters from teachers and students helped show program success Very impressive

Most Creative Activity with Least Dollars SpentSilver CircleAnthony Perrone ndash Marketing Coordinator - Buncombe County NCVoter Lookup Campaign 2012 ndash In 2011 the General Assembly passed an Act that would substantially change the way our Board of Commissioners in Buncombe County was previously constituted With these new chang-es it was obvious that Buncombe County needed to come up with some sort of campaign that would help explain what was going on In early 2012 we decided to launch the 2012 Voter Lookup Campaign The cam-paign was designed to inform educate and assist all citizens with the 2012 election Judgesrsquo Comments Excellent example of blending new technology with traditional tools for a desired result Very good graphics lent to strong branding too

TV amp Videos ndash Regular Scheduled Programming Award of ExcellenceKiara Jones ndash Director of Public Information amp Media Relations - Pitt County NC A Walk in My Shoes ndash A Walk in My Shoes hellip and the supporting PSAs were produced to inform the public about the 2011 MS Walk MS Awareness Week and to raise awareness about multiple sclerosis The pieces highlight a Pitt County sheriffrsquos deputy and teacher who have the disease and how they cope with it Judgesrsquo Comments Raises awareness for disease and event good editing very stylistic choices nice videog-raphy and lighting Great production quality Serious dramatic style is appropriate for submit lighting is also very cinematic

TV amp Videos ndash Public Service AnnouncementAward of ExcellenceMark Boyer ndash Community Relations Coordinator New Hanover County NC

14

Savvyrsquos continued

Flu Shots ndash The New Hanover County Health Department was concerned about the low numbers of residents seeking free flu shots due to media reports about vaccine safety The series of three public service announce-ments also aired on the local NCB affiliate which also donated several thousand dollars in airtime By mid-January all doses of the vaccine had been distributed Judges Comments ndash Entertaining use of word art hellip quick and to the point (pun intended) hellip lotta fun

Overall WebsiteAward of ExcellenceApril Craddock ndash Technology Trainer - Greensboro NCGreensboro Website ndash The City of Greensbororsquos website provides an updated compelling visual design and information architecture while meeting the needs of local residents and businesses Driving principles of our community website include a focus on the needs of our target audiences the ability to showcase the resources and services the City of Greensboro provides and a web experience on par with other leading municipalities Judgesrsquo Comments Judges love the use of the sliding icons on the front page This system allows backend users to easily change out icons as new important topics arise that need to be marketed Navigation is sound and allows for ample information which is easily accessed through the drop-down menus The ldquoFind Servicesrdquo tab allows users to search the site in multiple ways What a great tool The color scheme chosen is warm and inviting Terrific use of logo used throughout site

2013 Conference UpdateA quick lowdown on what you can expect at next yearrsquos annual conference

Mandy Pitts|City of HickoryThis ldquoexpert in trainingrdquo is Hickoryrsquos Communications DirectorBrand Manager

mMake plans now for the Spring 2013 NC3C Conference to be held in Greensboro from March 20-22

NC3C Board Members recently met with representatives from the City of Greensboro (Donnie Turlington and Jake Keys) and the Greensboro Tran-sit Authority (Kevin Elwood) to discuss plans for the annual conference

The 2013 event is sure to be an exciting conference in the statersquos fourth largest city The host representatives have a lot of great ideas for topics accommodations restaurants and morehellip but of course we want YOUR feedback In the coming weeks we will email a Survey Monkey link to the membership to determine what topics yoursquod like to see included in the 2013 agenda

Please mark your calendars for this worthwhile conference As always we will learn a lot and have a lot of fun See you in Greensboro

Gary Herman|Alexander County Garyrsquos the VP of NC3C and helps plan the conference

15

MiscellaneousJobs invites and more

You are invited to attend The North Carolina Forum ndash All-America City Awards RevisitedCo-hosted by David Bradley Statesville NC Chamber of Commerce Mandy Pitts City of Hickory NC Hardin Watkins Town Manager Town of Garner NC and NCL Board member Dr Jarvis A Hall Director Institute for Civic Engagement and Social Change at North Carolina Central University

December 11 2012 Tuesday 11-2 pm at White Deer Park Nature Center - 2400 Aversboro Road Garner North Carolina (7 miles from Raleigh-Durham)

A gathering of North Carolina-area All-America Cities and prospective All-America City applicants

Learn about the promising practices of North Carolina All-America Cities Come tell us your story of success Share how you have succeeded since your All-America City bid If you are looking for new ideas you belong here If you are going to apply for the All-America City Awards you will get insights into the benefits of the program Lunch will be provided by the Town of Garner

RSVP by November 28 2012 to aacnclorg to register for the event and to reserve a lunch Space is limited Reserve your spot today For more about the All-America City Awards see wwwallamericacityawardcomCall Gloria Rubio-Cortes at 3035714343 or email gloriarcnclorg - Mandy Pitts City of Hickory

NC Baptist Men Disaster Relief is adding a new component to their volunteer leadership structure Public Information Officer Each year NCBM goes quietly about its business of sending teams to feed construct and care for people who are suffering from natural disasters usually along the Eastern seaboard and overseas

Everything is funded by donations - usually through churches in NC The organization only has a few staff members Their work is done by volunteers with the focus on getting as much of every dollar donated to the people who need it - not using it for administrative costs The organization has never tooted its own horn Now they would like to begin using volunteers to help them with media contacts at the scene of the disasters or from the origin of where teams are dispatched from They are asking us as Communication Professionals to attend a focus group to help them discuss this idea and how it might work for their organization If yoursquod like to be part of this effort see below and let me know if you would like to participate If you could not attend the focus group but would like to be a volunteer to help in the future - let me know as well Your help would be greatly appreciated

Please indicate all of the following dates that you could participate in a focus group to help shape the strategy goals and objectives of this position Dec 13 Dec 14 Dec 20 or Dec 21 The meetings will most likely be in Asheboro since itrsquos centrally located However the location may change depending on the location of the majority of participants The time will likely be 10ndash 2pm with lunch provided - Annette Privette-Keller Town of Matthews

Senior Public Affairs Specialist Public AffairsWater ManagementUnder general direction of the Office of Public Affairs and Water Management Department primary duties for this customer-focused role include development amp implementation of social media strategies and mes-sages for various departments throughout the City of Durham using appropriate media platforms This role also leads the employee and public information efforts for Water Management development planning and communication about the department and its various programs services and activities through appropriate media channels - Beverly Thompson City of Durham (see more jobs at nc3ccom)

reg copy para secttrade

Presidentrsquos Message

Dear NC3C Members

As we roll into the holidays NC3C has exciting updates to share in this edition of NC|COM

We have regional meetings in December and January NC3C Award of Excellence entries are due the first of February and the 2013 annual conference will be held in March The board continues to focus on the four goals listed below

1 For the NC3C membership to use the communications tools in place to help members network and seek advice from peers throughout the year 2 Increase participation in the ldquoExcellence in Communicationsrdquo awards program 3 Increase NC3C retention and membership4 Hold three regional meetings

We are thrilled about holding our first regionals and hope that you will be able to attend and bring a prospec-tive member with you This is a great opportunity to network with peers and learn something new As our organization grows we learn more as we have communicators for cities and counties transit systems police and fire departments economic development experts in government television and video and more

We also had many North Carolina cites towns and counties bring home awards from the annual 3CMA (City-County Communicators and Marketing Association) conference in Portland that was held in September and we congratulate all the winners many were NC3C award winners too Speaking of NC3C Award of Excellence I know that all of you have been a part of spectacular projects in your organization so start writing your entries and nominate as many as you would like

I wish all of you blessed holidays and look forward to connecting with you soon

All my best

dDear NC3C Members NC3C President Mandy Pitts

a

7

The RegionalsWe made it No not to a championship but to a series of lunches that can make you a communications champion

All NC3C members and prospective members are invited to attend the first series of NC3C Regionals There is no cost to attend and lunch is provided The lunches provide an opportunity for members to get together between annual conferences and catch up on the latest projects best practices and experiences that only fellow communicators share

Some of these locations are more than an hour away from members but hopefully you can find a way to go to a meeting connect and reenergize Though the idea was to select common areasregions to make travel easy donrsquot feel restricted to attend a session nearest you If that date doesnrsquot work for you choose a lunch that does Make a day of it if yoursquore able after all this is a professional investment And the lunches are not only for NC3C members - feel free to invite potential members so they can see just how much our great or-ganization has to offer

A special thanks to those whorsquove volunteered to host our first ever Regionals If yoursquore interested in hosting one in the future please contact NC3C President Mandy Pitts at mpittshickoryncgov See below for the schedule See you there

StatesvilleHosts Nancy Davis (Statesville) and Annette-Privette Keller (Matthews)When Thursday December 6 20121100a ndash 200pWhere Historic Statesville City Hall 227 S Center St Statesville NCSpecial topic Engaging Citizens in the Budget Process What Works in Your CommunityRSVP by December 3 to Nancy Davis at ndavisstatesvillencnet or 7048783586

ApexHosts Stacie Galloway (Apex) and Deanna Boone (Cary)When Wednesday December 12 20121100a ndash 200pWhere Apex Town Hall 73 Hunter Street Apex NC (ample parking at Town Hall)Special Topic Emergency Communications with a Focus on Social MediaRSVP by December 5 to Stacie Galloway at 9192491135 or staciegallowayapexncorg

JacksonvilleHost Glenn Hargett (Jacksonville) Friday January 11 20131100a ndash 200pWhere Jacksonville City Hall 815 New Bridge Street Jacksonville NCSpecial Topics Whatrsquos New in Video Production and Staff Assignments in a Small ShopRSVP by January 4 to Glenn Hargett at 9109385220 or ghargettcijacksonvillencus

8

Should IWell of course

Join NC3C and get recognized

Why join NC3C Well for one thing at only $5000 for a membership itrsquos really affordable Also NC3C helps you network and build relationships with other communicators in North Carolina And in addition to those two excellent reasons a membership in NC3C gives you the opportunity to participate in our Excellence in Com-munications awards program

The NC3C Excellence in Communications awards program is designed to foster achievement among mem-bers showcase high-quality work and promote sharing and learning The program is modeled on the national City-County Communications and Marketing Association (3CMA) Savvy Awards The application process is very similar and the hope is that once you have applied for and won an NC3C Award of Excellence you will be prepared to apply for and win a Savvy

You can apply for recognition in categories including TV and Videos Printed Publications Communication Technology Marketing Tools Special Events Citizen Participation Community Visioning Most Creative Activ-ity with Least Dollars Spent and more Entries are judged by government communication professionals who have previously won first or second-place in the national Savvy Awards And perhaps most importantly win-ning an NC3C Excellence in Communication award isnrsquot easy Awards are only given to entries that merit the recognition

NC3C Secretary Kiara Jones has firsthand experience on how our Excellence in Communications awards pro-gram can prepare members to get recognized on the state and national level Kiara has been a member since 2008 and she has won four Excellence in Communications awards hellip so far

Here is a quick QampA about the awards program

Q Kiara why did you join NC3C

A Back in 2008 Steve Hawley told me about a new organization for communicators like us I felt it was impor-tant to be part of a group of your peers who can provide professional support and help you be successful at your job especially since I was just starting out as the PIO for Pitt County

OK that wasnrsquot about the awards program That was a plug for NC3C Here is the QampA about the awards pro-gram

Q What did you think of the application process

A Itrsquos pretty rigorous I had to learn the importance of documenting my achievement Although you may have a great product you need to be able to articulate why itrsquos great and how you set and reached your goals The first time I submitted an application we didnrsquot win anything After I learned how to document our projects we started winning

Q Did the Excellence in Communications awards program help you better prepare for the 3CMA Savvy Awards

9

Are You ExcellentWell let somebody know it Apply for a statewide award

Joshua Harris|City of MorgantonJoshua is NC3Crsquos Treasurer

A ABSOLUTELY The Excellence in Communications awards application questions mirror the 3CMA application questions so I was pretty much able to use the same info for both The Excellence in Communications awards program was built to prepare members for the Savvys and it does just that I have no doubt that my experi-ence applying for NC3C awards helped us win the Savvy No doubt

Q How does it feel to win a Savvy

A Great Itrsquos funny because when I went before our Board of Commissioners to report that wersquod won two statewide conference awards our chairman told me to bring back a national award next Well we were able to do that Wersquove been so blessed

Q What recommendations would you give to members who are applying for one of our an Excellence in Communications awards or a Savvy

A Prepare well before itrsquos time to submit When you start a project begin documenting milestones achieved goals ndash everything that makes your project successful Believe that your project is award-worthy and learn from the past If you applied and didnrsquot place in a category last year then review your materials the judgesrsquo comments and the winning projects to see how you can improve next time

Remember itrsquos not just about getting the award because you may be able to better serve your citizens by incorporating what you learn from your review

And hellip apply You will never win if you donrsquot submit an application

Winning an Excellence in Communications Award and any of the Savvy awards is a big deal The awards re-inforce the fact that you are doing good work The awards remind your supervisor that you are doing going work And the awards give you a goal to work towards Since no one is likely to toot your horn for you you might as well join NC3C and win a few Excellence in Communications awards It does feel good to have your work recognized and awards will almost always impress your supervisor Itrsquos a win-win

NC3C began the Award of Excellence program almost five years ago to help us sharpen our skills and win more awards on the national level NC3C uses the same principles as the 3CMA Savvy competition and this gives North Carolina government communication professionals a chance to nominate a project on the state level and then the application is almost ready for the national level All NC3C nominations are sent to juries of past 3CMA winners outside of North Carolina which makes the process fair and equal

In 2011 more than 60 projects were nominated for NC3C awards and this year letrsquos surpass this by at least 15 ndash to make it 75 100 would be even better Itrsquos a simple process and gives us an opportunity to think through projects done throughout the year and promote their successes as well as include lessons learned All of us have several projects we are really proud of from 2012 so start thinking about them today - you have until the first week of February 2013 to turn them in

10

11

12

Congrats Savvy WinnersLetrsquos see who brought home national awards

13

eEach year 3CMA recognizes the top three entries in each category with the highest award named the ldquoSavvyrdquo the second place named ldquoSilver Circlerdquo and third place is named ldquoAward of Excellencerdquo Most categories are bro-ken up by population depending on the number of entries This year NC governments brought home one Savvy one Silver Circle and three Awards of Excellence We hope to have even more winners in 2013

Marketing and Tools ndash BrandingNew LogoGovernment Service Delivery SavvyTracy Dawson ndash Community Relations Coordinator - New Hanover County NCElementary School Civics Program ndash New Hanover County Serving our Community ndash New Hanover County Government plays a strong role in the community and provides many services upon which citizens depend New Hanover County had attempted various outreach efforts to educate and inform the community but de-cided a unique approach was needed to complement these efforts Elementary school students were recog-nized as an audience that had yet to be engaged and could potentially inform and influence their parents An interactive workbook with an accompanying PowerPoint presentation is used to teach students about New Hanover history geography budget municipalities county departments mandated services and citizenship Concepts such as maps percentage and graphs are also included This successful program was introduced to over 2600 students this school year Judgesrsquo Comments Outreach to students is excellent Great idea The letters from teachers and students helped show program success Very impressive

Most Creative Activity with Least Dollars SpentSilver CircleAnthony Perrone ndash Marketing Coordinator - Buncombe County NCVoter Lookup Campaign 2012 ndash In 2011 the General Assembly passed an Act that would substantially change the way our Board of Commissioners in Buncombe County was previously constituted With these new chang-es it was obvious that Buncombe County needed to come up with some sort of campaign that would help explain what was going on In early 2012 we decided to launch the 2012 Voter Lookup Campaign The cam-paign was designed to inform educate and assist all citizens with the 2012 election Judgesrsquo Comments Excellent example of blending new technology with traditional tools for a desired result Very good graphics lent to strong branding too

TV amp Videos ndash Regular Scheduled Programming Award of ExcellenceKiara Jones ndash Director of Public Information amp Media Relations - Pitt County NC A Walk in My Shoes ndash A Walk in My Shoes hellip and the supporting PSAs were produced to inform the public about the 2011 MS Walk MS Awareness Week and to raise awareness about multiple sclerosis The pieces highlight a Pitt County sheriffrsquos deputy and teacher who have the disease and how they cope with it Judgesrsquo Comments Raises awareness for disease and event good editing very stylistic choices nice videog-raphy and lighting Great production quality Serious dramatic style is appropriate for submit lighting is also very cinematic

TV amp Videos ndash Public Service AnnouncementAward of ExcellenceMark Boyer ndash Community Relations Coordinator New Hanover County NC

14

Savvyrsquos continued

Flu Shots ndash The New Hanover County Health Department was concerned about the low numbers of residents seeking free flu shots due to media reports about vaccine safety The series of three public service announce-ments also aired on the local NCB affiliate which also donated several thousand dollars in airtime By mid-January all doses of the vaccine had been distributed Judges Comments ndash Entertaining use of word art hellip quick and to the point (pun intended) hellip lotta fun

Overall WebsiteAward of ExcellenceApril Craddock ndash Technology Trainer - Greensboro NCGreensboro Website ndash The City of Greensbororsquos website provides an updated compelling visual design and information architecture while meeting the needs of local residents and businesses Driving principles of our community website include a focus on the needs of our target audiences the ability to showcase the resources and services the City of Greensboro provides and a web experience on par with other leading municipalities Judgesrsquo Comments Judges love the use of the sliding icons on the front page This system allows backend users to easily change out icons as new important topics arise that need to be marketed Navigation is sound and allows for ample information which is easily accessed through the drop-down menus The ldquoFind Servicesrdquo tab allows users to search the site in multiple ways What a great tool The color scheme chosen is warm and inviting Terrific use of logo used throughout site

2013 Conference UpdateA quick lowdown on what you can expect at next yearrsquos annual conference

Mandy Pitts|City of HickoryThis ldquoexpert in trainingrdquo is Hickoryrsquos Communications DirectorBrand Manager

mMake plans now for the Spring 2013 NC3C Conference to be held in Greensboro from March 20-22

NC3C Board Members recently met with representatives from the City of Greensboro (Donnie Turlington and Jake Keys) and the Greensboro Tran-sit Authority (Kevin Elwood) to discuss plans for the annual conference

The 2013 event is sure to be an exciting conference in the statersquos fourth largest city The host representatives have a lot of great ideas for topics accommodations restaurants and morehellip but of course we want YOUR feedback In the coming weeks we will email a Survey Monkey link to the membership to determine what topics yoursquod like to see included in the 2013 agenda

Please mark your calendars for this worthwhile conference As always we will learn a lot and have a lot of fun See you in Greensboro

Gary Herman|Alexander County Garyrsquos the VP of NC3C and helps plan the conference

15

MiscellaneousJobs invites and more

You are invited to attend The North Carolina Forum ndash All-America City Awards RevisitedCo-hosted by David Bradley Statesville NC Chamber of Commerce Mandy Pitts City of Hickory NC Hardin Watkins Town Manager Town of Garner NC and NCL Board member Dr Jarvis A Hall Director Institute for Civic Engagement and Social Change at North Carolina Central University

December 11 2012 Tuesday 11-2 pm at White Deer Park Nature Center - 2400 Aversboro Road Garner North Carolina (7 miles from Raleigh-Durham)

A gathering of North Carolina-area All-America Cities and prospective All-America City applicants

Learn about the promising practices of North Carolina All-America Cities Come tell us your story of success Share how you have succeeded since your All-America City bid If you are looking for new ideas you belong here If you are going to apply for the All-America City Awards you will get insights into the benefits of the program Lunch will be provided by the Town of Garner

RSVP by November 28 2012 to aacnclorg to register for the event and to reserve a lunch Space is limited Reserve your spot today For more about the All-America City Awards see wwwallamericacityawardcomCall Gloria Rubio-Cortes at 3035714343 or email gloriarcnclorg - Mandy Pitts City of Hickory

NC Baptist Men Disaster Relief is adding a new component to their volunteer leadership structure Public Information Officer Each year NCBM goes quietly about its business of sending teams to feed construct and care for people who are suffering from natural disasters usually along the Eastern seaboard and overseas

Everything is funded by donations - usually through churches in NC The organization only has a few staff members Their work is done by volunteers with the focus on getting as much of every dollar donated to the people who need it - not using it for administrative costs The organization has never tooted its own horn Now they would like to begin using volunteers to help them with media contacts at the scene of the disasters or from the origin of where teams are dispatched from They are asking us as Communication Professionals to attend a focus group to help them discuss this idea and how it might work for their organization If yoursquod like to be part of this effort see below and let me know if you would like to participate If you could not attend the focus group but would like to be a volunteer to help in the future - let me know as well Your help would be greatly appreciated

Please indicate all of the following dates that you could participate in a focus group to help shape the strategy goals and objectives of this position Dec 13 Dec 14 Dec 20 or Dec 21 The meetings will most likely be in Asheboro since itrsquos centrally located However the location may change depending on the location of the majority of participants The time will likely be 10ndash 2pm with lunch provided - Annette Privette-Keller Town of Matthews

Senior Public Affairs Specialist Public AffairsWater ManagementUnder general direction of the Office of Public Affairs and Water Management Department primary duties for this customer-focused role include development amp implementation of social media strategies and mes-sages for various departments throughout the City of Durham using appropriate media platforms This role also leads the employee and public information efforts for Water Management development planning and communication about the department and its various programs services and activities through appropriate media channels - Beverly Thompson City of Durham (see more jobs at nc3ccom)

reg copy para secttrade

a

7

The RegionalsWe made it No not to a championship but to a series of lunches that can make you a communications champion

All NC3C members and prospective members are invited to attend the first series of NC3C Regionals There is no cost to attend and lunch is provided The lunches provide an opportunity for members to get together between annual conferences and catch up on the latest projects best practices and experiences that only fellow communicators share

Some of these locations are more than an hour away from members but hopefully you can find a way to go to a meeting connect and reenergize Though the idea was to select common areasregions to make travel easy donrsquot feel restricted to attend a session nearest you If that date doesnrsquot work for you choose a lunch that does Make a day of it if yoursquore able after all this is a professional investment And the lunches are not only for NC3C members - feel free to invite potential members so they can see just how much our great or-ganization has to offer

A special thanks to those whorsquove volunteered to host our first ever Regionals If yoursquore interested in hosting one in the future please contact NC3C President Mandy Pitts at mpittshickoryncgov See below for the schedule See you there

StatesvilleHosts Nancy Davis (Statesville) and Annette-Privette Keller (Matthews)When Thursday December 6 20121100a ndash 200pWhere Historic Statesville City Hall 227 S Center St Statesville NCSpecial topic Engaging Citizens in the Budget Process What Works in Your CommunityRSVP by December 3 to Nancy Davis at ndavisstatesvillencnet or 7048783586

ApexHosts Stacie Galloway (Apex) and Deanna Boone (Cary)When Wednesday December 12 20121100a ndash 200pWhere Apex Town Hall 73 Hunter Street Apex NC (ample parking at Town Hall)Special Topic Emergency Communications with a Focus on Social MediaRSVP by December 5 to Stacie Galloway at 9192491135 or staciegallowayapexncorg

JacksonvilleHost Glenn Hargett (Jacksonville) Friday January 11 20131100a ndash 200pWhere Jacksonville City Hall 815 New Bridge Street Jacksonville NCSpecial Topics Whatrsquos New in Video Production and Staff Assignments in a Small ShopRSVP by January 4 to Glenn Hargett at 9109385220 or ghargettcijacksonvillencus

8

Should IWell of course

Join NC3C and get recognized

Why join NC3C Well for one thing at only $5000 for a membership itrsquos really affordable Also NC3C helps you network and build relationships with other communicators in North Carolina And in addition to those two excellent reasons a membership in NC3C gives you the opportunity to participate in our Excellence in Com-munications awards program

The NC3C Excellence in Communications awards program is designed to foster achievement among mem-bers showcase high-quality work and promote sharing and learning The program is modeled on the national City-County Communications and Marketing Association (3CMA) Savvy Awards The application process is very similar and the hope is that once you have applied for and won an NC3C Award of Excellence you will be prepared to apply for and win a Savvy

You can apply for recognition in categories including TV and Videos Printed Publications Communication Technology Marketing Tools Special Events Citizen Participation Community Visioning Most Creative Activ-ity with Least Dollars Spent and more Entries are judged by government communication professionals who have previously won first or second-place in the national Savvy Awards And perhaps most importantly win-ning an NC3C Excellence in Communication award isnrsquot easy Awards are only given to entries that merit the recognition

NC3C Secretary Kiara Jones has firsthand experience on how our Excellence in Communications awards pro-gram can prepare members to get recognized on the state and national level Kiara has been a member since 2008 and she has won four Excellence in Communications awards hellip so far

Here is a quick QampA about the awards program

Q Kiara why did you join NC3C

A Back in 2008 Steve Hawley told me about a new organization for communicators like us I felt it was impor-tant to be part of a group of your peers who can provide professional support and help you be successful at your job especially since I was just starting out as the PIO for Pitt County

OK that wasnrsquot about the awards program That was a plug for NC3C Here is the QampA about the awards pro-gram

Q What did you think of the application process

A Itrsquos pretty rigorous I had to learn the importance of documenting my achievement Although you may have a great product you need to be able to articulate why itrsquos great and how you set and reached your goals The first time I submitted an application we didnrsquot win anything After I learned how to document our projects we started winning

Q Did the Excellence in Communications awards program help you better prepare for the 3CMA Savvy Awards

9

Are You ExcellentWell let somebody know it Apply for a statewide award

Joshua Harris|City of MorgantonJoshua is NC3Crsquos Treasurer

A ABSOLUTELY The Excellence in Communications awards application questions mirror the 3CMA application questions so I was pretty much able to use the same info for both The Excellence in Communications awards program was built to prepare members for the Savvys and it does just that I have no doubt that my experi-ence applying for NC3C awards helped us win the Savvy No doubt

Q How does it feel to win a Savvy

A Great Itrsquos funny because when I went before our Board of Commissioners to report that wersquod won two statewide conference awards our chairman told me to bring back a national award next Well we were able to do that Wersquove been so blessed

Q What recommendations would you give to members who are applying for one of our an Excellence in Communications awards or a Savvy

A Prepare well before itrsquos time to submit When you start a project begin documenting milestones achieved goals ndash everything that makes your project successful Believe that your project is award-worthy and learn from the past If you applied and didnrsquot place in a category last year then review your materials the judgesrsquo comments and the winning projects to see how you can improve next time

Remember itrsquos not just about getting the award because you may be able to better serve your citizens by incorporating what you learn from your review

And hellip apply You will never win if you donrsquot submit an application

Winning an Excellence in Communications Award and any of the Savvy awards is a big deal The awards re-inforce the fact that you are doing good work The awards remind your supervisor that you are doing going work And the awards give you a goal to work towards Since no one is likely to toot your horn for you you might as well join NC3C and win a few Excellence in Communications awards It does feel good to have your work recognized and awards will almost always impress your supervisor Itrsquos a win-win

NC3C began the Award of Excellence program almost five years ago to help us sharpen our skills and win more awards on the national level NC3C uses the same principles as the 3CMA Savvy competition and this gives North Carolina government communication professionals a chance to nominate a project on the state level and then the application is almost ready for the national level All NC3C nominations are sent to juries of past 3CMA winners outside of North Carolina which makes the process fair and equal

In 2011 more than 60 projects were nominated for NC3C awards and this year letrsquos surpass this by at least 15 ndash to make it 75 100 would be even better Itrsquos a simple process and gives us an opportunity to think through projects done throughout the year and promote their successes as well as include lessons learned All of us have several projects we are really proud of from 2012 so start thinking about them today - you have until the first week of February 2013 to turn them in

10

11

12

Congrats Savvy WinnersLetrsquos see who brought home national awards

13

eEach year 3CMA recognizes the top three entries in each category with the highest award named the ldquoSavvyrdquo the second place named ldquoSilver Circlerdquo and third place is named ldquoAward of Excellencerdquo Most categories are bro-ken up by population depending on the number of entries This year NC governments brought home one Savvy one Silver Circle and three Awards of Excellence We hope to have even more winners in 2013

Marketing and Tools ndash BrandingNew LogoGovernment Service Delivery SavvyTracy Dawson ndash Community Relations Coordinator - New Hanover County NCElementary School Civics Program ndash New Hanover County Serving our Community ndash New Hanover County Government plays a strong role in the community and provides many services upon which citizens depend New Hanover County had attempted various outreach efforts to educate and inform the community but de-cided a unique approach was needed to complement these efforts Elementary school students were recog-nized as an audience that had yet to be engaged and could potentially inform and influence their parents An interactive workbook with an accompanying PowerPoint presentation is used to teach students about New Hanover history geography budget municipalities county departments mandated services and citizenship Concepts such as maps percentage and graphs are also included This successful program was introduced to over 2600 students this school year Judgesrsquo Comments Outreach to students is excellent Great idea The letters from teachers and students helped show program success Very impressive

Most Creative Activity with Least Dollars SpentSilver CircleAnthony Perrone ndash Marketing Coordinator - Buncombe County NCVoter Lookup Campaign 2012 ndash In 2011 the General Assembly passed an Act that would substantially change the way our Board of Commissioners in Buncombe County was previously constituted With these new chang-es it was obvious that Buncombe County needed to come up with some sort of campaign that would help explain what was going on In early 2012 we decided to launch the 2012 Voter Lookup Campaign The cam-paign was designed to inform educate and assist all citizens with the 2012 election Judgesrsquo Comments Excellent example of blending new technology with traditional tools for a desired result Very good graphics lent to strong branding too

TV amp Videos ndash Regular Scheduled Programming Award of ExcellenceKiara Jones ndash Director of Public Information amp Media Relations - Pitt County NC A Walk in My Shoes ndash A Walk in My Shoes hellip and the supporting PSAs were produced to inform the public about the 2011 MS Walk MS Awareness Week and to raise awareness about multiple sclerosis The pieces highlight a Pitt County sheriffrsquos deputy and teacher who have the disease and how they cope with it Judgesrsquo Comments Raises awareness for disease and event good editing very stylistic choices nice videog-raphy and lighting Great production quality Serious dramatic style is appropriate for submit lighting is also very cinematic

TV amp Videos ndash Public Service AnnouncementAward of ExcellenceMark Boyer ndash Community Relations Coordinator New Hanover County NC

14

Savvyrsquos continued

Flu Shots ndash The New Hanover County Health Department was concerned about the low numbers of residents seeking free flu shots due to media reports about vaccine safety The series of three public service announce-ments also aired on the local NCB affiliate which also donated several thousand dollars in airtime By mid-January all doses of the vaccine had been distributed Judges Comments ndash Entertaining use of word art hellip quick and to the point (pun intended) hellip lotta fun

Overall WebsiteAward of ExcellenceApril Craddock ndash Technology Trainer - Greensboro NCGreensboro Website ndash The City of Greensbororsquos website provides an updated compelling visual design and information architecture while meeting the needs of local residents and businesses Driving principles of our community website include a focus on the needs of our target audiences the ability to showcase the resources and services the City of Greensboro provides and a web experience on par with other leading municipalities Judgesrsquo Comments Judges love the use of the sliding icons on the front page This system allows backend users to easily change out icons as new important topics arise that need to be marketed Navigation is sound and allows for ample information which is easily accessed through the drop-down menus The ldquoFind Servicesrdquo tab allows users to search the site in multiple ways What a great tool The color scheme chosen is warm and inviting Terrific use of logo used throughout site

2013 Conference UpdateA quick lowdown on what you can expect at next yearrsquos annual conference

Mandy Pitts|City of HickoryThis ldquoexpert in trainingrdquo is Hickoryrsquos Communications DirectorBrand Manager

mMake plans now for the Spring 2013 NC3C Conference to be held in Greensboro from March 20-22

NC3C Board Members recently met with representatives from the City of Greensboro (Donnie Turlington and Jake Keys) and the Greensboro Tran-sit Authority (Kevin Elwood) to discuss plans for the annual conference

The 2013 event is sure to be an exciting conference in the statersquos fourth largest city The host representatives have a lot of great ideas for topics accommodations restaurants and morehellip but of course we want YOUR feedback In the coming weeks we will email a Survey Monkey link to the membership to determine what topics yoursquod like to see included in the 2013 agenda

Please mark your calendars for this worthwhile conference As always we will learn a lot and have a lot of fun See you in Greensboro

Gary Herman|Alexander County Garyrsquos the VP of NC3C and helps plan the conference

15

MiscellaneousJobs invites and more

You are invited to attend The North Carolina Forum ndash All-America City Awards RevisitedCo-hosted by David Bradley Statesville NC Chamber of Commerce Mandy Pitts City of Hickory NC Hardin Watkins Town Manager Town of Garner NC and NCL Board member Dr Jarvis A Hall Director Institute for Civic Engagement and Social Change at North Carolina Central University

December 11 2012 Tuesday 11-2 pm at White Deer Park Nature Center - 2400 Aversboro Road Garner North Carolina (7 miles from Raleigh-Durham)

A gathering of North Carolina-area All-America Cities and prospective All-America City applicants

Learn about the promising practices of North Carolina All-America Cities Come tell us your story of success Share how you have succeeded since your All-America City bid If you are looking for new ideas you belong here If you are going to apply for the All-America City Awards you will get insights into the benefits of the program Lunch will be provided by the Town of Garner

RSVP by November 28 2012 to aacnclorg to register for the event and to reserve a lunch Space is limited Reserve your spot today For more about the All-America City Awards see wwwallamericacityawardcomCall Gloria Rubio-Cortes at 3035714343 or email gloriarcnclorg - Mandy Pitts City of Hickory

NC Baptist Men Disaster Relief is adding a new component to their volunteer leadership structure Public Information Officer Each year NCBM goes quietly about its business of sending teams to feed construct and care for people who are suffering from natural disasters usually along the Eastern seaboard and overseas

Everything is funded by donations - usually through churches in NC The organization only has a few staff members Their work is done by volunteers with the focus on getting as much of every dollar donated to the people who need it - not using it for administrative costs The organization has never tooted its own horn Now they would like to begin using volunteers to help them with media contacts at the scene of the disasters or from the origin of where teams are dispatched from They are asking us as Communication Professionals to attend a focus group to help them discuss this idea and how it might work for their organization If yoursquod like to be part of this effort see below and let me know if you would like to participate If you could not attend the focus group but would like to be a volunteer to help in the future - let me know as well Your help would be greatly appreciated

Please indicate all of the following dates that you could participate in a focus group to help shape the strategy goals and objectives of this position Dec 13 Dec 14 Dec 20 or Dec 21 The meetings will most likely be in Asheboro since itrsquos centrally located However the location may change depending on the location of the majority of participants The time will likely be 10ndash 2pm with lunch provided - Annette Privette-Keller Town of Matthews

Senior Public Affairs Specialist Public AffairsWater ManagementUnder general direction of the Office of Public Affairs and Water Management Department primary duties for this customer-focused role include development amp implementation of social media strategies and mes-sages for various departments throughout the City of Durham using appropriate media platforms This role also leads the employee and public information efforts for Water Management development planning and communication about the department and its various programs services and activities through appropriate media channels - Beverly Thompson City of Durham (see more jobs at nc3ccom)

reg copy para secttrade

8

Should IWell of course

Join NC3C and get recognized

Why join NC3C Well for one thing at only $5000 for a membership itrsquos really affordable Also NC3C helps you network and build relationships with other communicators in North Carolina And in addition to those two excellent reasons a membership in NC3C gives you the opportunity to participate in our Excellence in Com-munications awards program

The NC3C Excellence in Communications awards program is designed to foster achievement among mem-bers showcase high-quality work and promote sharing and learning The program is modeled on the national City-County Communications and Marketing Association (3CMA) Savvy Awards The application process is very similar and the hope is that once you have applied for and won an NC3C Award of Excellence you will be prepared to apply for and win a Savvy

You can apply for recognition in categories including TV and Videos Printed Publications Communication Technology Marketing Tools Special Events Citizen Participation Community Visioning Most Creative Activ-ity with Least Dollars Spent and more Entries are judged by government communication professionals who have previously won first or second-place in the national Savvy Awards And perhaps most importantly win-ning an NC3C Excellence in Communication award isnrsquot easy Awards are only given to entries that merit the recognition

NC3C Secretary Kiara Jones has firsthand experience on how our Excellence in Communications awards pro-gram can prepare members to get recognized on the state and national level Kiara has been a member since 2008 and she has won four Excellence in Communications awards hellip so far

Here is a quick QampA about the awards program

Q Kiara why did you join NC3C

A Back in 2008 Steve Hawley told me about a new organization for communicators like us I felt it was impor-tant to be part of a group of your peers who can provide professional support and help you be successful at your job especially since I was just starting out as the PIO for Pitt County

OK that wasnrsquot about the awards program That was a plug for NC3C Here is the QampA about the awards pro-gram

Q What did you think of the application process

A Itrsquos pretty rigorous I had to learn the importance of documenting my achievement Although you may have a great product you need to be able to articulate why itrsquos great and how you set and reached your goals The first time I submitted an application we didnrsquot win anything After I learned how to document our projects we started winning

Q Did the Excellence in Communications awards program help you better prepare for the 3CMA Savvy Awards

9

Are You ExcellentWell let somebody know it Apply for a statewide award

Joshua Harris|City of MorgantonJoshua is NC3Crsquos Treasurer

A ABSOLUTELY The Excellence in Communications awards application questions mirror the 3CMA application questions so I was pretty much able to use the same info for both The Excellence in Communications awards program was built to prepare members for the Savvys and it does just that I have no doubt that my experi-ence applying for NC3C awards helped us win the Savvy No doubt

Q How does it feel to win a Savvy

A Great Itrsquos funny because when I went before our Board of Commissioners to report that wersquod won two statewide conference awards our chairman told me to bring back a national award next Well we were able to do that Wersquove been so blessed

Q What recommendations would you give to members who are applying for one of our an Excellence in Communications awards or a Savvy

A Prepare well before itrsquos time to submit When you start a project begin documenting milestones achieved goals ndash everything that makes your project successful Believe that your project is award-worthy and learn from the past If you applied and didnrsquot place in a category last year then review your materials the judgesrsquo comments and the winning projects to see how you can improve next time

Remember itrsquos not just about getting the award because you may be able to better serve your citizens by incorporating what you learn from your review

And hellip apply You will never win if you donrsquot submit an application

Winning an Excellence in Communications Award and any of the Savvy awards is a big deal The awards re-inforce the fact that you are doing good work The awards remind your supervisor that you are doing going work And the awards give you a goal to work towards Since no one is likely to toot your horn for you you might as well join NC3C and win a few Excellence in Communications awards It does feel good to have your work recognized and awards will almost always impress your supervisor Itrsquos a win-win

NC3C began the Award of Excellence program almost five years ago to help us sharpen our skills and win more awards on the national level NC3C uses the same principles as the 3CMA Savvy competition and this gives North Carolina government communication professionals a chance to nominate a project on the state level and then the application is almost ready for the national level All NC3C nominations are sent to juries of past 3CMA winners outside of North Carolina which makes the process fair and equal

In 2011 more than 60 projects were nominated for NC3C awards and this year letrsquos surpass this by at least 15 ndash to make it 75 100 would be even better Itrsquos a simple process and gives us an opportunity to think through projects done throughout the year and promote their successes as well as include lessons learned All of us have several projects we are really proud of from 2012 so start thinking about them today - you have until the first week of February 2013 to turn them in

10

11

12

Congrats Savvy WinnersLetrsquos see who brought home national awards

13

eEach year 3CMA recognizes the top three entries in each category with the highest award named the ldquoSavvyrdquo the second place named ldquoSilver Circlerdquo and third place is named ldquoAward of Excellencerdquo Most categories are bro-ken up by population depending on the number of entries This year NC governments brought home one Savvy one Silver Circle and three Awards of Excellence We hope to have even more winners in 2013

Marketing and Tools ndash BrandingNew LogoGovernment Service Delivery SavvyTracy Dawson ndash Community Relations Coordinator - New Hanover County NCElementary School Civics Program ndash New Hanover County Serving our Community ndash New Hanover County Government plays a strong role in the community and provides many services upon which citizens depend New Hanover County had attempted various outreach efforts to educate and inform the community but de-cided a unique approach was needed to complement these efforts Elementary school students were recog-nized as an audience that had yet to be engaged and could potentially inform and influence their parents An interactive workbook with an accompanying PowerPoint presentation is used to teach students about New Hanover history geography budget municipalities county departments mandated services and citizenship Concepts such as maps percentage and graphs are also included This successful program was introduced to over 2600 students this school year Judgesrsquo Comments Outreach to students is excellent Great idea The letters from teachers and students helped show program success Very impressive

Most Creative Activity with Least Dollars SpentSilver CircleAnthony Perrone ndash Marketing Coordinator - Buncombe County NCVoter Lookup Campaign 2012 ndash In 2011 the General Assembly passed an Act that would substantially change the way our Board of Commissioners in Buncombe County was previously constituted With these new chang-es it was obvious that Buncombe County needed to come up with some sort of campaign that would help explain what was going on In early 2012 we decided to launch the 2012 Voter Lookup Campaign The cam-paign was designed to inform educate and assist all citizens with the 2012 election Judgesrsquo Comments Excellent example of blending new technology with traditional tools for a desired result Very good graphics lent to strong branding too

TV amp Videos ndash Regular Scheduled Programming Award of ExcellenceKiara Jones ndash Director of Public Information amp Media Relations - Pitt County NC A Walk in My Shoes ndash A Walk in My Shoes hellip and the supporting PSAs were produced to inform the public about the 2011 MS Walk MS Awareness Week and to raise awareness about multiple sclerosis The pieces highlight a Pitt County sheriffrsquos deputy and teacher who have the disease and how they cope with it Judgesrsquo Comments Raises awareness for disease and event good editing very stylistic choices nice videog-raphy and lighting Great production quality Serious dramatic style is appropriate for submit lighting is also very cinematic

TV amp Videos ndash Public Service AnnouncementAward of ExcellenceMark Boyer ndash Community Relations Coordinator New Hanover County NC

14

Savvyrsquos continued

Flu Shots ndash The New Hanover County Health Department was concerned about the low numbers of residents seeking free flu shots due to media reports about vaccine safety The series of three public service announce-ments also aired on the local NCB affiliate which also donated several thousand dollars in airtime By mid-January all doses of the vaccine had been distributed Judges Comments ndash Entertaining use of word art hellip quick and to the point (pun intended) hellip lotta fun

Overall WebsiteAward of ExcellenceApril Craddock ndash Technology Trainer - Greensboro NCGreensboro Website ndash The City of Greensbororsquos website provides an updated compelling visual design and information architecture while meeting the needs of local residents and businesses Driving principles of our community website include a focus on the needs of our target audiences the ability to showcase the resources and services the City of Greensboro provides and a web experience on par with other leading municipalities Judgesrsquo Comments Judges love the use of the sliding icons on the front page This system allows backend users to easily change out icons as new important topics arise that need to be marketed Navigation is sound and allows for ample information which is easily accessed through the drop-down menus The ldquoFind Servicesrdquo tab allows users to search the site in multiple ways What a great tool The color scheme chosen is warm and inviting Terrific use of logo used throughout site

2013 Conference UpdateA quick lowdown on what you can expect at next yearrsquos annual conference

Mandy Pitts|City of HickoryThis ldquoexpert in trainingrdquo is Hickoryrsquos Communications DirectorBrand Manager

mMake plans now for the Spring 2013 NC3C Conference to be held in Greensboro from March 20-22

NC3C Board Members recently met with representatives from the City of Greensboro (Donnie Turlington and Jake Keys) and the Greensboro Tran-sit Authority (Kevin Elwood) to discuss plans for the annual conference

The 2013 event is sure to be an exciting conference in the statersquos fourth largest city The host representatives have a lot of great ideas for topics accommodations restaurants and morehellip but of course we want YOUR feedback In the coming weeks we will email a Survey Monkey link to the membership to determine what topics yoursquod like to see included in the 2013 agenda

Please mark your calendars for this worthwhile conference As always we will learn a lot and have a lot of fun See you in Greensboro

Gary Herman|Alexander County Garyrsquos the VP of NC3C and helps plan the conference

15

MiscellaneousJobs invites and more

You are invited to attend The North Carolina Forum ndash All-America City Awards RevisitedCo-hosted by David Bradley Statesville NC Chamber of Commerce Mandy Pitts City of Hickory NC Hardin Watkins Town Manager Town of Garner NC and NCL Board member Dr Jarvis A Hall Director Institute for Civic Engagement and Social Change at North Carolina Central University

December 11 2012 Tuesday 11-2 pm at White Deer Park Nature Center - 2400 Aversboro Road Garner North Carolina (7 miles from Raleigh-Durham)

A gathering of North Carolina-area All-America Cities and prospective All-America City applicants

Learn about the promising practices of North Carolina All-America Cities Come tell us your story of success Share how you have succeeded since your All-America City bid If you are looking for new ideas you belong here If you are going to apply for the All-America City Awards you will get insights into the benefits of the program Lunch will be provided by the Town of Garner

RSVP by November 28 2012 to aacnclorg to register for the event and to reserve a lunch Space is limited Reserve your spot today For more about the All-America City Awards see wwwallamericacityawardcomCall Gloria Rubio-Cortes at 3035714343 or email gloriarcnclorg - Mandy Pitts City of Hickory

NC Baptist Men Disaster Relief is adding a new component to their volunteer leadership structure Public Information Officer Each year NCBM goes quietly about its business of sending teams to feed construct and care for people who are suffering from natural disasters usually along the Eastern seaboard and overseas

Everything is funded by donations - usually through churches in NC The organization only has a few staff members Their work is done by volunteers with the focus on getting as much of every dollar donated to the people who need it - not using it for administrative costs The organization has never tooted its own horn Now they would like to begin using volunteers to help them with media contacts at the scene of the disasters or from the origin of where teams are dispatched from They are asking us as Communication Professionals to attend a focus group to help them discuss this idea and how it might work for their organization If yoursquod like to be part of this effort see below and let me know if you would like to participate If you could not attend the focus group but would like to be a volunteer to help in the future - let me know as well Your help would be greatly appreciated

Please indicate all of the following dates that you could participate in a focus group to help shape the strategy goals and objectives of this position Dec 13 Dec 14 Dec 20 or Dec 21 The meetings will most likely be in Asheboro since itrsquos centrally located However the location may change depending on the location of the majority of participants The time will likely be 10ndash 2pm with lunch provided - Annette Privette-Keller Town of Matthews

Senior Public Affairs Specialist Public AffairsWater ManagementUnder general direction of the Office of Public Affairs and Water Management Department primary duties for this customer-focused role include development amp implementation of social media strategies and mes-sages for various departments throughout the City of Durham using appropriate media platforms This role also leads the employee and public information efforts for Water Management development planning and communication about the department and its various programs services and activities through appropriate media channels - Beverly Thompson City of Durham (see more jobs at nc3ccom)

reg copy para secttrade

9

Are You ExcellentWell let somebody know it Apply for a statewide award

Joshua Harris|City of MorgantonJoshua is NC3Crsquos Treasurer

A ABSOLUTELY The Excellence in Communications awards application questions mirror the 3CMA application questions so I was pretty much able to use the same info for both The Excellence in Communications awards program was built to prepare members for the Savvys and it does just that I have no doubt that my experi-ence applying for NC3C awards helped us win the Savvy No doubt

Q How does it feel to win a Savvy

A Great Itrsquos funny because when I went before our Board of Commissioners to report that wersquod won two statewide conference awards our chairman told me to bring back a national award next Well we were able to do that Wersquove been so blessed

Q What recommendations would you give to members who are applying for one of our an Excellence in Communications awards or a Savvy

A Prepare well before itrsquos time to submit When you start a project begin documenting milestones achieved goals ndash everything that makes your project successful Believe that your project is award-worthy and learn from the past If you applied and didnrsquot place in a category last year then review your materials the judgesrsquo comments and the winning projects to see how you can improve next time

Remember itrsquos not just about getting the award because you may be able to better serve your citizens by incorporating what you learn from your review

And hellip apply You will never win if you donrsquot submit an application

Winning an Excellence in Communications Award and any of the Savvy awards is a big deal The awards re-inforce the fact that you are doing good work The awards remind your supervisor that you are doing going work And the awards give you a goal to work towards Since no one is likely to toot your horn for you you might as well join NC3C and win a few Excellence in Communications awards It does feel good to have your work recognized and awards will almost always impress your supervisor Itrsquos a win-win

NC3C began the Award of Excellence program almost five years ago to help us sharpen our skills and win more awards on the national level NC3C uses the same principles as the 3CMA Savvy competition and this gives North Carolina government communication professionals a chance to nominate a project on the state level and then the application is almost ready for the national level All NC3C nominations are sent to juries of past 3CMA winners outside of North Carolina which makes the process fair and equal

In 2011 more than 60 projects were nominated for NC3C awards and this year letrsquos surpass this by at least 15 ndash to make it 75 100 would be even better Itrsquos a simple process and gives us an opportunity to think through projects done throughout the year and promote their successes as well as include lessons learned All of us have several projects we are really proud of from 2012 so start thinking about them today - you have until the first week of February 2013 to turn them in

10

11

12

Congrats Savvy WinnersLetrsquos see who brought home national awards

13

eEach year 3CMA recognizes the top three entries in each category with the highest award named the ldquoSavvyrdquo the second place named ldquoSilver Circlerdquo and third place is named ldquoAward of Excellencerdquo Most categories are bro-ken up by population depending on the number of entries This year NC governments brought home one Savvy one Silver Circle and three Awards of Excellence We hope to have even more winners in 2013

Marketing and Tools ndash BrandingNew LogoGovernment Service Delivery SavvyTracy Dawson ndash Community Relations Coordinator - New Hanover County NCElementary School Civics Program ndash New Hanover County Serving our Community ndash New Hanover County Government plays a strong role in the community and provides many services upon which citizens depend New Hanover County had attempted various outreach efforts to educate and inform the community but de-cided a unique approach was needed to complement these efforts Elementary school students were recog-nized as an audience that had yet to be engaged and could potentially inform and influence their parents An interactive workbook with an accompanying PowerPoint presentation is used to teach students about New Hanover history geography budget municipalities county departments mandated services and citizenship Concepts such as maps percentage and graphs are also included This successful program was introduced to over 2600 students this school year Judgesrsquo Comments Outreach to students is excellent Great idea The letters from teachers and students helped show program success Very impressive

Most Creative Activity with Least Dollars SpentSilver CircleAnthony Perrone ndash Marketing Coordinator - Buncombe County NCVoter Lookup Campaign 2012 ndash In 2011 the General Assembly passed an Act that would substantially change the way our Board of Commissioners in Buncombe County was previously constituted With these new chang-es it was obvious that Buncombe County needed to come up with some sort of campaign that would help explain what was going on In early 2012 we decided to launch the 2012 Voter Lookup Campaign The cam-paign was designed to inform educate and assist all citizens with the 2012 election Judgesrsquo Comments Excellent example of blending new technology with traditional tools for a desired result Very good graphics lent to strong branding too

TV amp Videos ndash Regular Scheduled Programming Award of ExcellenceKiara Jones ndash Director of Public Information amp Media Relations - Pitt County NC A Walk in My Shoes ndash A Walk in My Shoes hellip and the supporting PSAs were produced to inform the public about the 2011 MS Walk MS Awareness Week and to raise awareness about multiple sclerosis The pieces highlight a Pitt County sheriffrsquos deputy and teacher who have the disease and how they cope with it Judgesrsquo Comments Raises awareness for disease and event good editing very stylistic choices nice videog-raphy and lighting Great production quality Serious dramatic style is appropriate for submit lighting is also very cinematic

TV amp Videos ndash Public Service AnnouncementAward of ExcellenceMark Boyer ndash Community Relations Coordinator New Hanover County NC

14

Savvyrsquos continued

Flu Shots ndash The New Hanover County Health Department was concerned about the low numbers of residents seeking free flu shots due to media reports about vaccine safety The series of three public service announce-ments also aired on the local NCB affiliate which also donated several thousand dollars in airtime By mid-January all doses of the vaccine had been distributed Judges Comments ndash Entertaining use of word art hellip quick and to the point (pun intended) hellip lotta fun

Overall WebsiteAward of ExcellenceApril Craddock ndash Technology Trainer - Greensboro NCGreensboro Website ndash The City of Greensbororsquos website provides an updated compelling visual design and information architecture while meeting the needs of local residents and businesses Driving principles of our community website include a focus on the needs of our target audiences the ability to showcase the resources and services the City of Greensboro provides and a web experience on par with other leading municipalities Judgesrsquo Comments Judges love the use of the sliding icons on the front page This system allows backend users to easily change out icons as new important topics arise that need to be marketed Navigation is sound and allows for ample information which is easily accessed through the drop-down menus The ldquoFind Servicesrdquo tab allows users to search the site in multiple ways What a great tool The color scheme chosen is warm and inviting Terrific use of logo used throughout site

2013 Conference UpdateA quick lowdown on what you can expect at next yearrsquos annual conference

Mandy Pitts|City of HickoryThis ldquoexpert in trainingrdquo is Hickoryrsquos Communications DirectorBrand Manager

mMake plans now for the Spring 2013 NC3C Conference to be held in Greensboro from March 20-22

NC3C Board Members recently met with representatives from the City of Greensboro (Donnie Turlington and Jake Keys) and the Greensboro Tran-sit Authority (Kevin Elwood) to discuss plans for the annual conference

The 2013 event is sure to be an exciting conference in the statersquos fourth largest city The host representatives have a lot of great ideas for topics accommodations restaurants and morehellip but of course we want YOUR feedback In the coming weeks we will email a Survey Monkey link to the membership to determine what topics yoursquod like to see included in the 2013 agenda

Please mark your calendars for this worthwhile conference As always we will learn a lot and have a lot of fun See you in Greensboro

Gary Herman|Alexander County Garyrsquos the VP of NC3C and helps plan the conference

15

MiscellaneousJobs invites and more

You are invited to attend The North Carolina Forum ndash All-America City Awards RevisitedCo-hosted by David Bradley Statesville NC Chamber of Commerce Mandy Pitts City of Hickory NC Hardin Watkins Town Manager Town of Garner NC and NCL Board member Dr Jarvis A Hall Director Institute for Civic Engagement and Social Change at North Carolina Central University

December 11 2012 Tuesday 11-2 pm at White Deer Park Nature Center - 2400 Aversboro Road Garner North Carolina (7 miles from Raleigh-Durham)

A gathering of North Carolina-area All-America Cities and prospective All-America City applicants

Learn about the promising practices of North Carolina All-America Cities Come tell us your story of success Share how you have succeeded since your All-America City bid If you are looking for new ideas you belong here If you are going to apply for the All-America City Awards you will get insights into the benefits of the program Lunch will be provided by the Town of Garner

RSVP by November 28 2012 to aacnclorg to register for the event and to reserve a lunch Space is limited Reserve your spot today For more about the All-America City Awards see wwwallamericacityawardcomCall Gloria Rubio-Cortes at 3035714343 or email gloriarcnclorg - Mandy Pitts City of Hickory

NC Baptist Men Disaster Relief is adding a new component to their volunteer leadership structure Public Information Officer Each year NCBM goes quietly about its business of sending teams to feed construct and care for people who are suffering from natural disasters usually along the Eastern seaboard and overseas

Everything is funded by donations - usually through churches in NC The organization only has a few staff members Their work is done by volunteers with the focus on getting as much of every dollar donated to the people who need it - not using it for administrative costs The organization has never tooted its own horn Now they would like to begin using volunteers to help them with media contacts at the scene of the disasters or from the origin of where teams are dispatched from They are asking us as Communication Professionals to attend a focus group to help them discuss this idea and how it might work for their organization If yoursquod like to be part of this effort see below and let me know if you would like to participate If you could not attend the focus group but would like to be a volunteer to help in the future - let me know as well Your help would be greatly appreciated

Please indicate all of the following dates that you could participate in a focus group to help shape the strategy goals and objectives of this position Dec 13 Dec 14 Dec 20 or Dec 21 The meetings will most likely be in Asheboro since itrsquos centrally located However the location may change depending on the location of the majority of participants The time will likely be 10ndash 2pm with lunch provided - Annette Privette-Keller Town of Matthews

Senior Public Affairs Specialist Public AffairsWater ManagementUnder general direction of the Office of Public Affairs and Water Management Department primary duties for this customer-focused role include development amp implementation of social media strategies and mes-sages for various departments throughout the City of Durham using appropriate media platforms This role also leads the employee and public information efforts for Water Management development planning and communication about the department and its various programs services and activities through appropriate media channels - Beverly Thompson City of Durham (see more jobs at nc3ccom)

reg copy para secttrade

10

11

12

Congrats Savvy WinnersLetrsquos see who brought home national awards

13

eEach year 3CMA recognizes the top three entries in each category with the highest award named the ldquoSavvyrdquo the second place named ldquoSilver Circlerdquo and third place is named ldquoAward of Excellencerdquo Most categories are bro-ken up by population depending on the number of entries This year NC governments brought home one Savvy one Silver Circle and three Awards of Excellence We hope to have even more winners in 2013

Marketing and Tools ndash BrandingNew LogoGovernment Service Delivery SavvyTracy Dawson ndash Community Relations Coordinator - New Hanover County NCElementary School Civics Program ndash New Hanover County Serving our Community ndash New Hanover County Government plays a strong role in the community and provides many services upon which citizens depend New Hanover County had attempted various outreach efforts to educate and inform the community but de-cided a unique approach was needed to complement these efforts Elementary school students were recog-nized as an audience that had yet to be engaged and could potentially inform and influence their parents An interactive workbook with an accompanying PowerPoint presentation is used to teach students about New Hanover history geography budget municipalities county departments mandated services and citizenship Concepts such as maps percentage and graphs are also included This successful program was introduced to over 2600 students this school year Judgesrsquo Comments Outreach to students is excellent Great idea The letters from teachers and students helped show program success Very impressive

Most Creative Activity with Least Dollars SpentSilver CircleAnthony Perrone ndash Marketing Coordinator - Buncombe County NCVoter Lookup Campaign 2012 ndash In 2011 the General Assembly passed an Act that would substantially change the way our Board of Commissioners in Buncombe County was previously constituted With these new chang-es it was obvious that Buncombe County needed to come up with some sort of campaign that would help explain what was going on In early 2012 we decided to launch the 2012 Voter Lookup Campaign The cam-paign was designed to inform educate and assist all citizens with the 2012 election Judgesrsquo Comments Excellent example of blending new technology with traditional tools for a desired result Very good graphics lent to strong branding too

TV amp Videos ndash Regular Scheduled Programming Award of ExcellenceKiara Jones ndash Director of Public Information amp Media Relations - Pitt County NC A Walk in My Shoes ndash A Walk in My Shoes hellip and the supporting PSAs were produced to inform the public about the 2011 MS Walk MS Awareness Week and to raise awareness about multiple sclerosis The pieces highlight a Pitt County sheriffrsquos deputy and teacher who have the disease and how they cope with it Judgesrsquo Comments Raises awareness for disease and event good editing very stylistic choices nice videog-raphy and lighting Great production quality Serious dramatic style is appropriate for submit lighting is also very cinematic

TV amp Videos ndash Public Service AnnouncementAward of ExcellenceMark Boyer ndash Community Relations Coordinator New Hanover County NC

14

Savvyrsquos continued

Flu Shots ndash The New Hanover County Health Department was concerned about the low numbers of residents seeking free flu shots due to media reports about vaccine safety The series of three public service announce-ments also aired on the local NCB affiliate which also donated several thousand dollars in airtime By mid-January all doses of the vaccine had been distributed Judges Comments ndash Entertaining use of word art hellip quick and to the point (pun intended) hellip lotta fun

Overall WebsiteAward of ExcellenceApril Craddock ndash Technology Trainer - Greensboro NCGreensboro Website ndash The City of Greensbororsquos website provides an updated compelling visual design and information architecture while meeting the needs of local residents and businesses Driving principles of our community website include a focus on the needs of our target audiences the ability to showcase the resources and services the City of Greensboro provides and a web experience on par with other leading municipalities Judgesrsquo Comments Judges love the use of the sliding icons on the front page This system allows backend users to easily change out icons as new important topics arise that need to be marketed Navigation is sound and allows for ample information which is easily accessed through the drop-down menus The ldquoFind Servicesrdquo tab allows users to search the site in multiple ways What a great tool The color scheme chosen is warm and inviting Terrific use of logo used throughout site

2013 Conference UpdateA quick lowdown on what you can expect at next yearrsquos annual conference

Mandy Pitts|City of HickoryThis ldquoexpert in trainingrdquo is Hickoryrsquos Communications DirectorBrand Manager

mMake plans now for the Spring 2013 NC3C Conference to be held in Greensboro from March 20-22

NC3C Board Members recently met with representatives from the City of Greensboro (Donnie Turlington and Jake Keys) and the Greensboro Tran-sit Authority (Kevin Elwood) to discuss plans for the annual conference

The 2013 event is sure to be an exciting conference in the statersquos fourth largest city The host representatives have a lot of great ideas for topics accommodations restaurants and morehellip but of course we want YOUR feedback In the coming weeks we will email a Survey Monkey link to the membership to determine what topics yoursquod like to see included in the 2013 agenda

Please mark your calendars for this worthwhile conference As always we will learn a lot and have a lot of fun See you in Greensboro

Gary Herman|Alexander County Garyrsquos the VP of NC3C and helps plan the conference

15

MiscellaneousJobs invites and more

You are invited to attend The North Carolina Forum ndash All-America City Awards RevisitedCo-hosted by David Bradley Statesville NC Chamber of Commerce Mandy Pitts City of Hickory NC Hardin Watkins Town Manager Town of Garner NC and NCL Board member Dr Jarvis A Hall Director Institute for Civic Engagement and Social Change at North Carolina Central University

December 11 2012 Tuesday 11-2 pm at White Deer Park Nature Center - 2400 Aversboro Road Garner North Carolina (7 miles from Raleigh-Durham)

A gathering of North Carolina-area All-America Cities and prospective All-America City applicants

Learn about the promising practices of North Carolina All-America Cities Come tell us your story of success Share how you have succeeded since your All-America City bid If you are looking for new ideas you belong here If you are going to apply for the All-America City Awards you will get insights into the benefits of the program Lunch will be provided by the Town of Garner

RSVP by November 28 2012 to aacnclorg to register for the event and to reserve a lunch Space is limited Reserve your spot today For more about the All-America City Awards see wwwallamericacityawardcomCall Gloria Rubio-Cortes at 3035714343 or email gloriarcnclorg - Mandy Pitts City of Hickory

NC Baptist Men Disaster Relief is adding a new component to their volunteer leadership structure Public Information Officer Each year NCBM goes quietly about its business of sending teams to feed construct and care for people who are suffering from natural disasters usually along the Eastern seaboard and overseas

Everything is funded by donations - usually through churches in NC The organization only has a few staff members Their work is done by volunteers with the focus on getting as much of every dollar donated to the people who need it - not using it for administrative costs The organization has never tooted its own horn Now they would like to begin using volunteers to help them with media contacts at the scene of the disasters or from the origin of where teams are dispatched from They are asking us as Communication Professionals to attend a focus group to help them discuss this idea and how it might work for their organization If yoursquod like to be part of this effort see below and let me know if you would like to participate If you could not attend the focus group but would like to be a volunteer to help in the future - let me know as well Your help would be greatly appreciated

Please indicate all of the following dates that you could participate in a focus group to help shape the strategy goals and objectives of this position Dec 13 Dec 14 Dec 20 or Dec 21 The meetings will most likely be in Asheboro since itrsquos centrally located However the location may change depending on the location of the majority of participants The time will likely be 10ndash 2pm with lunch provided - Annette Privette-Keller Town of Matthews

Senior Public Affairs Specialist Public AffairsWater ManagementUnder general direction of the Office of Public Affairs and Water Management Department primary duties for this customer-focused role include development amp implementation of social media strategies and mes-sages for various departments throughout the City of Durham using appropriate media platforms This role also leads the employee and public information efforts for Water Management development planning and communication about the department and its various programs services and activities through appropriate media channels - Beverly Thompson City of Durham (see more jobs at nc3ccom)

reg copy para secttrade

11

12

Congrats Savvy WinnersLetrsquos see who brought home national awards

13

eEach year 3CMA recognizes the top three entries in each category with the highest award named the ldquoSavvyrdquo the second place named ldquoSilver Circlerdquo and third place is named ldquoAward of Excellencerdquo Most categories are bro-ken up by population depending on the number of entries This year NC governments brought home one Savvy one Silver Circle and three Awards of Excellence We hope to have even more winners in 2013

Marketing and Tools ndash BrandingNew LogoGovernment Service Delivery SavvyTracy Dawson ndash Community Relations Coordinator - New Hanover County NCElementary School Civics Program ndash New Hanover County Serving our Community ndash New Hanover County Government plays a strong role in the community and provides many services upon which citizens depend New Hanover County had attempted various outreach efforts to educate and inform the community but de-cided a unique approach was needed to complement these efforts Elementary school students were recog-nized as an audience that had yet to be engaged and could potentially inform and influence their parents An interactive workbook with an accompanying PowerPoint presentation is used to teach students about New Hanover history geography budget municipalities county departments mandated services and citizenship Concepts such as maps percentage and graphs are also included This successful program was introduced to over 2600 students this school year Judgesrsquo Comments Outreach to students is excellent Great idea The letters from teachers and students helped show program success Very impressive

Most Creative Activity with Least Dollars SpentSilver CircleAnthony Perrone ndash Marketing Coordinator - Buncombe County NCVoter Lookup Campaign 2012 ndash In 2011 the General Assembly passed an Act that would substantially change the way our Board of Commissioners in Buncombe County was previously constituted With these new chang-es it was obvious that Buncombe County needed to come up with some sort of campaign that would help explain what was going on In early 2012 we decided to launch the 2012 Voter Lookup Campaign The cam-paign was designed to inform educate and assist all citizens with the 2012 election Judgesrsquo Comments Excellent example of blending new technology with traditional tools for a desired result Very good graphics lent to strong branding too

TV amp Videos ndash Regular Scheduled Programming Award of ExcellenceKiara Jones ndash Director of Public Information amp Media Relations - Pitt County NC A Walk in My Shoes ndash A Walk in My Shoes hellip and the supporting PSAs were produced to inform the public about the 2011 MS Walk MS Awareness Week and to raise awareness about multiple sclerosis The pieces highlight a Pitt County sheriffrsquos deputy and teacher who have the disease and how they cope with it Judgesrsquo Comments Raises awareness for disease and event good editing very stylistic choices nice videog-raphy and lighting Great production quality Serious dramatic style is appropriate for submit lighting is also very cinematic

TV amp Videos ndash Public Service AnnouncementAward of ExcellenceMark Boyer ndash Community Relations Coordinator New Hanover County NC

14

Savvyrsquos continued

Flu Shots ndash The New Hanover County Health Department was concerned about the low numbers of residents seeking free flu shots due to media reports about vaccine safety The series of three public service announce-ments also aired on the local NCB affiliate which also donated several thousand dollars in airtime By mid-January all doses of the vaccine had been distributed Judges Comments ndash Entertaining use of word art hellip quick and to the point (pun intended) hellip lotta fun

Overall WebsiteAward of ExcellenceApril Craddock ndash Technology Trainer - Greensboro NCGreensboro Website ndash The City of Greensbororsquos website provides an updated compelling visual design and information architecture while meeting the needs of local residents and businesses Driving principles of our community website include a focus on the needs of our target audiences the ability to showcase the resources and services the City of Greensboro provides and a web experience on par with other leading municipalities Judgesrsquo Comments Judges love the use of the sliding icons on the front page This system allows backend users to easily change out icons as new important topics arise that need to be marketed Navigation is sound and allows for ample information which is easily accessed through the drop-down menus The ldquoFind Servicesrdquo tab allows users to search the site in multiple ways What a great tool The color scheme chosen is warm and inviting Terrific use of logo used throughout site

2013 Conference UpdateA quick lowdown on what you can expect at next yearrsquos annual conference

Mandy Pitts|City of HickoryThis ldquoexpert in trainingrdquo is Hickoryrsquos Communications DirectorBrand Manager

mMake plans now for the Spring 2013 NC3C Conference to be held in Greensboro from March 20-22

NC3C Board Members recently met with representatives from the City of Greensboro (Donnie Turlington and Jake Keys) and the Greensboro Tran-sit Authority (Kevin Elwood) to discuss plans for the annual conference

The 2013 event is sure to be an exciting conference in the statersquos fourth largest city The host representatives have a lot of great ideas for topics accommodations restaurants and morehellip but of course we want YOUR feedback In the coming weeks we will email a Survey Monkey link to the membership to determine what topics yoursquod like to see included in the 2013 agenda

Please mark your calendars for this worthwhile conference As always we will learn a lot and have a lot of fun See you in Greensboro

Gary Herman|Alexander County Garyrsquos the VP of NC3C and helps plan the conference

15

MiscellaneousJobs invites and more

You are invited to attend The North Carolina Forum ndash All-America City Awards RevisitedCo-hosted by David Bradley Statesville NC Chamber of Commerce Mandy Pitts City of Hickory NC Hardin Watkins Town Manager Town of Garner NC and NCL Board member Dr Jarvis A Hall Director Institute for Civic Engagement and Social Change at North Carolina Central University

December 11 2012 Tuesday 11-2 pm at White Deer Park Nature Center - 2400 Aversboro Road Garner North Carolina (7 miles from Raleigh-Durham)

A gathering of North Carolina-area All-America Cities and prospective All-America City applicants

Learn about the promising practices of North Carolina All-America Cities Come tell us your story of success Share how you have succeeded since your All-America City bid If you are looking for new ideas you belong here If you are going to apply for the All-America City Awards you will get insights into the benefits of the program Lunch will be provided by the Town of Garner

RSVP by November 28 2012 to aacnclorg to register for the event and to reserve a lunch Space is limited Reserve your spot today For more about the All-America City Awards see wwwallamericacityawardcomCall Gloria Rubio-Cortes at 3035714343 or email gloriarcnclorg - Mandy Pitts City of Hickory

NC Baptist Men Disaster Relief is adding a new component to their volunteer leadership structure Public Information Officer Each year NCBM goes quietly about its business of sending teams to feed construct and care for people who are suffering from natural disasters usually along the Eastern seaboard and overseas

Everything is funded by donations - usually through churches in NC The organization only has a few staff members Their work is done by volunteers with the focus on getting as much of every dollar donated to the people who need it - not using it for administrative costs The organization has never tooted its own horn Now they would like to begin using volunteers to help them with media contacts at the scene of the disasters or from the origin of where teams are dispatched from They are asking us as Communication Professionals to attend a focus group to help them discuss this idea and how it might work for their organization If yoursquod like to be part of this effort see below and let me know if you would like to participate If you could not attend the focus group but would like to be a volunteer to help in the future - let me know as well Your help would be greatly appreciated

Please indicate all of the following dates that you could participate in a focus group to help shape the strategy goals and objectives of this position Dec 13 Dec 14 Dec 20 or Dec 21 The meetings will most likely be in Asheboro since itrsquos centrally located However the location may change depending on the location of the majority of participants The time will likely be 10ndash 2pm with lunch provided - Annette Privette-Keller Town of Matthews

Senior Public Affairs Specialist Public AffairsWater ManagementUnder general direction of the Office of Public Affairs and Water Management Department primary duties for this customer-focused role include development amp implementation of social media strategies and mes-sages for various departments throughout the City of Durham using appropriate media platforms This role also leads the employee and public information efforts for Water Management development planning and communication about the department and its various programs services and activities through appropriate media channels - Beverly Thompson City of Durham (see more jobs at nc3ccom)

reg copy para secttrade

12

Congrats Savvy WinnersLetrsquos see who brought home national awards

13

eEach year 3CMA recognizes the top three entries in each category with the highest award named the ldquoSavvyrdquo the second place named ldquoSilver Circlerdquo and third place is named ldquoAward of Excellencerdquo Most categories are bro-ken up by population depending on the number of entries This year NC governments brought home one Savvy one Silver Circle and three Awards of Excellence We hope to have even more winners in 2013

Marketing and Tools ndash BrandingNew LogoGovernment Service Delivery SavvyTracy Dawson ndash Community Relations Coordinator - New Hanover County NCElementary School Civics Program ndash New Hanover County Serving our Community ndash New Hanover County Government plays a strong role in the community and provides many services upon which citizens depend New Hanover County had attempted various outreach efforts to educate and inform the community but de-cided a unique approach was needed to complement these efforts Elementary school students were recog-nized as an audience that had yet to be engaged and could potentially inform and influence their parents An interactive workbook with an accompanying PowerPoint presentation is used to teach students about New Hanover history geography budget municipalities county departments mandated services and citizenship Concepts such as maps percentage and graphs are also included This successful program was introduced to over 2600 students this school year Judgesrsquo Comments Outreach to students is excellent Great idea The letters from teachers and students helped show program success Very impressive

Most Creative Activity with Least Dollars SpentSilver CircleAnthony Perrone ndash Marketing Coordinator - Buncombe County NCVoter Lookup Campaign 2012 ndash In 2011 the General Assembly passed an Act that would substantially change the way our Board of Commissioners in Buncombe County was previously constituted With these new chang-es it was obvious that Buncombe County needed to come up with some sort of campaign that would help explain what was going on In early 2012 we decided to launch the 2012 Voter Lookup Campaign The cam-paign was designed to inform educate and assist all citizens with the 2012 election Judgesrsquo Comments Excellent example of blending new technology with traditional tools for a desired result Very good graphics lent to strong branding too

TV amp Videos ndash Regular Scheduled Programming Award of ExcellenceKiara Jones ndash Director of Public Information amp Media Relations - Pitt County NC A Walk in My Shoes ndash A Walk in My Shoes hellip and the supporting PSAs were produced to inform the public about the 2011 MS Walk MS Awareness Week and to raise awareness about multiple sclerosis The pieces highlight a Pitt County sheriffrsquos deputy and teacher who have the disease and how they cope with it Judgesrsquo Comments Raises awareness for disease and event good editing very stylistic choices nice videog-raphy and lighting Great production quality Serious dramatic style is appropriate for submit lighting is also very cinematic

TV amp Videos ndash Public Service AnnouncementAward of ExcellenceMark Boyer ndash Community Relations Coordinator New Hanover County NC

14

Savvyrsquos continued

Flu Shots ndash The New Hanover County Health Department was concerned about the low numbers of residents seeking free flu shots due to media reports about vaccine safety The series of three public service announce-ments also aired on the local NCB affiliate which also donated several thousand dollars in airtime By mid-January all doses of the vaccine had been distributed Judges Comments ndash Entertaining use of word art hellip quick and to the point (pun intended) hellip lotta fun

Overall WebsiteAward of ExcellenceApril Craddock ndash Technology Trainer - Greensboro NCGreensboro Website ndash The City of Greensbororsquos website provides an updated compelling visual design and information architecture while meeting the needs of local residents and businesses Driving principles of our community website include a focus on the needs of our target audiences the ability to showcase the resources and services the City of Greensboro provides and a web experience on par with other leading municipalities Judgesrsquo Comments Judges love the use of the sliding icons on the front page This system allows backend users to easily change out icons as new important topics arise that need to be marketed Navigation is sound and allows for ample information which is easily accessed through the drop-down menus The ldquoFind Servicesrdquo tab allows users to search the site in multiple ways What a great tool The color scheme chosen is warm and inviting Terrific use of logo used throughout site

2013 Conference UpdateA quick lowdown on what you can expect at next yearrsquos annual conference

Mandy Pitts|City of HickoryThis ldquoexpert in trainingrdquo is Hickoryrsquos Communications DirectorBrand Manager

mMake plans now for the Spring 2013 NC3C Conference to be held in Greensboro from March 20-22

NC3C Board Members recently met with representatives from the City of Greensboro (Donnie Turlington and Jake Keys) and the Greensboro Tran-sit Authority (Kevin Elwood) to discuss plans for the annual conference

The 2013 event is sure to be an exciting conference in the statersquos fourth largest city The host representatives have a lot of great ideas for topics accommodations restaurants and morehellip but of course we want YOUR feedback In the coming weeks we will email a Survey Monkey link to the membership to determine what topics yoursquod like to see included in the 2013 agenda

Please mark your calendars for this worthwhile conference As always we will learn a lot and have a lot of fun See you in Greensboro

Gary Herman|Alexander County Garyrsquos the VP of NC3C and helps plan the conference

15

MiscellaneousJobs invites and more

You are invited to attend The North Carolina Forum ndash All-America City Awards RevisitedCo-hosted by David Bradley Statesville NC Chamber of Commerce Mandy Pitts City of Hickory NC Hardin Watkins Town Manager Town of Garner NC and NCL Board member Dr Jarvis A Hall Director Institute for Civic Engagement and Social Change at North Carolina Central University

December 11 2012 Tuesday 11-2 pm at White Deer Park Nature Center - 2400 Aversboro Road Garner North Carolina (7 miles from Raleigh-Durham)

A gathering of North Carolina-area All-America Cities and prospective All-America City applicants

Learn about the promising practices of North Carolina All-America Cities Come tell us your story of success Share how you have succeeded since your All-America City bid If you are looking for new ideas you belong here If you are going to apply for the All-America City Awards you will get insights into the benefits of the program Lunch will be provided by the Town of Garner

RSVP by November 28 2012 to aacnclorg to register for the event and to reserve a lunch Space is limited Reserve your spot today For more about the All-America City Awards see wwwallamericacityawardcomCall Gloria Rubio-Cortes at 3035714343 or email gloriarcnclorg - Mandy Pitts City of Hickory

NC Baptist Men Disaster Relief is adding a new component to their volunteer leadership structure Public Information Officer Each year NCBM goes quietly about its business of sending teams to feed construct and care for people who are suffering from natural disasters usually along the Eastern seaboard and overseas

Everything is funded by donations - usually through churches in NC The organization only has a few staff members Their work is done by volunteers with the focus on getting as much of every dollar donated to the people who need it - not using it for administrative costs The organization has never tooted its own horn Now they would like to begin using volunteers to help them with media contacts at the scene of the disasters or from the origin of where teams are dispatched from They are asking us as Communication Professionals to attend a focus group to help them discuss this idea and how it might work for their organization If yoursquod like to be part of this effort see below and let me know if you would like to participate If you could not attend the focus group but would like to be a volunteer to help in the future - let me know as well Your help would be greatly appreciated

Please indicate all of the following dates that you could participate in a focus group to help shape the strategy goals and objectives of this position Dec 13 Dec 14 Dec 20 or Dec 21 The meetings will most likely be in Asheboro since itrsquos centrally located However the location may change depending on the location of the majority of participants The time will likely be 10ndash 2pm with lunch provided - Annette Privette-Keller Town of Matthews

Senior Public Affairs Specialist Public AffairsWater ManagementUnder general direction of the Office of Public Affairs and Water Management Department primary duties for this customer-focused role include development amp implementation of social media strategies and mes-sages for various departments throughout the City of Durham using appropriate media platforms This role also leads the employee and public information efforts for Water Management development planning and communication about the department and its various programs services and activities through appropriate media channels - Beverly Thompson City of Durham (see more jobs at nc3ccom)

reg copy para secttrade

Congrats Savvy WinnersLetrsquos see who brought home national awards

13

eEach year 3CMA recognizes the top three entries in each category with the highest award named the ldquoSavvyrdquo the second place named ldquoSilver Circlerdquo and third place is named ldquoAward of Excellencerdquo Most categories are bro-ken up by population depending on the number of entries This year NC governments brought home one Savvy one Silver Circle and three Awards of Excellence We hope to have even more winners in 2013

Marketing and Tools ndash BrandingNew LogoGovernment Service Delivery SavvyTracy Dawson ndash Community Relations Coordinator - New Hanover County NCElementary School Civics Program ndash New Hanover County Serving our Community ndash New Hanover County Government plays a strong role in the community and provides many services upon which citizens depend New Hanover County had attempted various outreach efforts to educate and inform the community but de-cided a unique approach was needed to complement these efforts Elementary school students were recog-nized as an audience that had yet to be engaged and could potentially inform and influence their parents An interactive workbook with an accompanying PowerPoint presentation is used to teach students about New Hanover history geography budget municipalities county departments mandated services and citizenship Concepts such as maps percentage and graphs are also included This successful program was introduced to over 2600 students this school year Judgesrsquo Comments Outreach to students is excellent Great idea The letters from teachers and students helped show program success Very impressive

Most Creative Activity with Least Dollars SpentSilver CircleAnthony Perrone ndash Marketing Coordinator - Buncombe County NCVoter Lookup Campaign 2012 ndash In 2011 the General Assembly passed an Act that would substantially change the way our Board of Commissioners in Buncombe County was previously constituted With these new chang-es it was obvious that Buncombe County needed to come up with some sort of campaign that would help explain what was going on In early 2012 we decided to launch the 2012 Voter Lookup Campaign The cam-paign was designed to inform educate and assist all citizens with the 2012 election Judgesrsquo Comments Excellent example of blending new technology with traditional tools for a desired result Very good graphics lent to strong branding too

TV amp Videos ndash Regular Scheduled Programming Award of ExcellenceKiara Jones ndash Director of Public Information amp Media Relations - Pitt County NC A Walk in My Shoes ndash A Walk in My Shoes hellip and the supporting PSAs were produced to inform the public about the 2011 MS Walk MS Awareness Week and to raise awareness about multiple sclerosis The pieces highlight a Pitt County sheriffrsquos deputy and teacher who have the disease and how they cope with it Judgesrsquo Comments Raises awareness for disease and event good editing very stylistic choices nice videog-raphy and lighting Great production quality Serious dramatic style is appropriate for submit lighting is also very cinematic

TV amp Videos ndash Public Service AnnouncementAward of ExcellenceMark Boyer ndash Community Relations Coordinator New Hanover County NC

14

Savvyrsquos continued

Flu Shots ndash The New Hanover County Health Department was concerned about the low numbers of residents seeking free flu shots due to media reports about vaccine safety The series of three public service announce-ments also aired on the local NCB affiliate which also donated several thousand dollars in airtime By mid-January all doses of the vaccine had been distributed Judges Comments ndash Entertaining use of word art hellip quick and to the point (pun intended) hellip lotta fun

Overall WebsiteAward of ExcellenceApril Craddock ndash Technology Trainer - Greensboro NCGreensboro Website ndash The City of Greensbororsquos website provides an updated compelling visual design and information architecture while meeting the needs of local residents and businesses Driving principles of our community website include a focus on the needs of our target audiences the ability to showcase the resources and services the City of Greensboro provides and a web experience on par with other leading municipalities Judgesrsquo Comments Judges love the use of the sliding icons on the front page This system allows backend users to easily change out icons as new important topics arise that need to be marketed Navigation is sound and allows for ample information which is easily accessed through the drop-down menus The ldquoFind Servicesrdquo tab allows users to search the site in multiple ways What a great tool The color scheme chosen is warm and inviting Terrific use of logo used throughout site

2013 Conference UpdateA quick lowdown on what you can expect at next yearrsquos annual conference

Mandy Pitts|City of HickoryThis ldquoexpert in trainingrdquo is Hickoryrsquos Communications DirectorBrand Manager

mMake plans now for the Spring 2013 NC3C Conference to be held in Greensboro from March 20-22

NC3C Board Members recently met with representatives from the City of Greensboro (Donnie Turlington and Jake Keys) and the Greensboro Tran-sit Authority (Kevin Elwood) to discuss plans for the annual conference

The 2013 event is sure to be an exciting conference in the statersquos fourth largest city The host representatives have a lot of great ideas for topics accommodations restaurants and morehellip but of course we want YOUR feedback In the coming weeks we will email a Survey Monkey link to the membership to determine what topics yoursquod like to see included in the 2013 agenda

Please mark your calendars for this worthwhile conference As always we will learn a lot and have a lot of fun See you in Greensboro

Gary Herman|Alexander County Garyrsquos the VP of NC3C and helps plan the conference

15

MiscellaneousJobs invites and more

You are invited to attend The North Carolina Forum ndash All-America City Awards RevisitedCo-hosted by David Bradley Statesville NC Chamber of Commerce Mandy Pitts City of Hickory NC Hardin Watkins Town Manager Town of Garner NC and NCL Board member Dr Jarvis A Hall Director Institute for Civic Engagement and Social Change at North Carolina Central University

December 11 2012 Tuesday 11-2 pm at White Deer Park Nature Center - 2400 Aversboro Road Garner North Carolina (7 miles from Raleigh-Durham)

A gathering of North Carolina-area All-America Cities and prospective All-America City applicants

Learn about the promising practices of North Carolina All-America Cities Come tell us your story of success Share how you have succeeded since your All-America City bid If you are looking for new ideas you belong here If you are going to apply for the All-America City Awards you will get insights into the benefits of the program Lunch will be provided by the Town of Garner

RSVP by November 28 2012 to aacnclorg to register for the event and to reserve a lunch Space is limited Reserve your spot today For more about the All-America City Awards see wwwallamericacityawardcomCall Gloria Rubio-Cortes at 3035714343 or email gloriarcnclorg - Mandy Pitts City of Hickory

NC Baptist Men Disaster Relief is adding a new component to their volunteer leadership structure Public Information Officer Each year NCBM goes quietly about its business of sending teams to feed construct and care for people who are suffering from natural disasters usually along the Eastern seaboard and overseas

Everything is funded by donations - usually through churches in NC The organization only has a few staff members Their work is done by volunteers with the focus on getting as much of every dollar donated to the people who need it - not using it for administrative costs The organization has never tooted its own horn Now they would like to begin using volunteers to help them with media contacts at the scene of the disasters or from the origin of where teams are dispatched from They are asking us as Communication Professionals to attend a focus group to help them discuss this idea and how it might work for their organization If yoursquod like to be part of this effort see below and let me know if you would like to participate If you could not attend the focus group but would like to be a volunteer to help in the future - let me know as well Your help would be greatly appreciated

Please indicate all of the following dates that you could participate in a focus group to help shape the strategy goals and objectives of this position Dec 13 Dec 14 Dec 20 or Dec 21 The meetings will most likely be in Asheboro since itrsquos centrally located However the location may change depending on the location of the majority of participants The time will likely be 10ndash 2pm with lunch provided - Annette Privette-Keller Town of Matthews

Senior Public Affairs Specialist Public AffairsWater ManagementUnder general direction of the Office of Public Affairs and Water Management Department primary duties for this customer-focused role include development amp implementation of social media strategies and mes-sages for various departments throughout the City of Durham using appropriate media platforms This role also leads the employee and public information efforts for Water Management development planning and communication about the department and its various programs services and activities through appropriate media channels - Beverly Thompson City of Durham (see more jobs at nc3ccom)

reg copy para secttrade

14

Savvyrsquos continued

Flu Shots ndash The New Hanover County Health Department was concerned about the low numbers of residents seeking free flu shots due to media reports about vaccine safety The series of three public service announce-ments also aired on the local NCB affiliate which also donated several thousand dollars in airtime By mid-January all doses of the vaccine had been distributed Judges Comments ndash Entertaining use of word art hellip quick and to the point (pun intended) hellip lotta fun

Overall WebsiteAward of ExcellenceApril Craddock ndash Technology Trainer - Greensboro NCGreensboro Website ndash The City of Greensbororsquos website provides an updated compelling visual design and information architecture while meeting the needs of local residents and businesses Driving principles of our community website include a focus on the needs of our target audiences the ability to showcase the resources and services the City of Greensboro provides and a web experience on par with other leading municipalities Judgesrsquo Comments Judges love the use of the sliding icons on the front page This system allows backend users to easily change out icons as new important topics arise that need to be marketed Navigation is sound and allows for ample information which is easily accessed through the drop-down menus The ldquoFind Servicesrdquo tab allows users to search the site in multiple ways What a great tool The color scheme chosen is warm and inviting Terrific use of logo used throughout site

2013 Conference UpdateA quick lowdown on what you can expect at next yearrsquos annual conference

Mandy Pitts|City of HickoryThis ldquoexpert in trainingrdquo is Hickoryrsquos Communications DirectorBrand Manager

mMake plans now for the Spring 2013 NC3C Conference to be held in Greensboro from March 20-22

NC3C Board Members recently met with representatives from the City of Greensboro (Donnie Turlington and Jake Keys) and the Greensboro Tran-sit Authority (Kevin Elwood) to discuss plans for the annual conference

The 2013 event is sure to be an exciting conference in the statersquos fourth largest city The host representatives have a lot of great ideas for topics accommodations restaurants and morehellip but of course we want YOUR feedback In the coming weeks we will email a Survey Monkey link to the membership to determine what topics yoursquod like to see included in the 2013 agenda

Please mark your calendars for this worthwhile conference As always we will learn a lot and have a lot of fun See you in Greensboro

Gary Herman|Alexander County Garyrsquos the VP of NC3C and helps plan the conference

15

MiscellaneousJobs invites and more

You are invited to attend The North Carolina Forum ndash All-America City Awards RevisitedCo-hosted by David Bradley Statesville NC Chamber of Commerce Mandy Pitts City of Hickory NC Hardin Watkins Town Manager Town of Garner NC and NCL Board member Dr Jarvis A Hall Director Institute for Civic Engagement and Social Change at North Carolina Central University

December 11 2012 Tuesday 11-2 pm at White Deer Park Nature Center - 2400 Aversboro Road Garner North Carolina (7 miles from Raleigh-Durham)

A gathering of North Carolina-area All-America Cities and prospective All-America City applicants

Learn about the promising practices of North Carolina All-America Cities Come tell us your story of success Share how you have succeeded since your All-America City bid If you are looking for new ideas you belong here If you are going to apply for the All-America City Awards you will get insights into the benefits of the program Lunch will be provided by the Town of Garner

RSVP by November 28 2012 to aacnclorg to register for the event and to reserve a lunch Space is limited Reserve your spot today For more about the All-America City Awards see wwwallamericacityawardcomCall Gloria Rubio-Cortes at 3035714343 or email gloriarcnclorg - Mandy Pitts City of Hickory

NC Baptist Men Disaster Relief is adding a new component to their volunteer leadership structure Public Information Officer Each year NCBM goes quietly about its business of sending teams to feed construct and care for people who are suffering from natural disasters usually along the Eastern seaboard and overseas

Everything is funded by donations - usually through churches in NC The organization only has a few staff members Their work is done by volunteers with the focus on getting as much of every dollar donated to the people who need it - not using it for administrative costs The organization has never tooted its own horn Now they would like to begin using volunteers to help them with media contacts at the scene of the disasters or from the origin of where teams are dispatched from They are asking us as Communication Professionals to attend a focus group to help them discuss this idea and how it might work for their organization If yoursquod like to be part of this effort see below and let me know if you would like to participate If you could not attend the focus group but would like to be a volunteer to help in the future - let me know as well Your help would be greatly appreciated

Please indicate all of the following dates that you could participate in a focus group to help shape the strategy goals and objectives of this position Dec 13 Dec 14 Dec 20 or Dec 21 The meetings will most likely be in Asheboro since itrsquos centrally located However the location may change depending on the location of the majority of participants The time will likely be 10ndash 2pm with lunch provided - Annette Privette-Keller Town of Matthews

Senior Public Affairs Specialist Public AffairsWater ManagementUnder general direction of the Office of Public Affairs and Water Management Department primary duties for this customer-focused role include development amp implementation of social media strategies and mes-sages for various departments throughout the City of Durham using appropriate media platforms This role also leads the employee and public information efforts for Water Management development planning and communication about the department and its various programs services and activities through appropriate media channels - Beverly Thompson City of Durham (see more jobs at nc3ccom)

reg copy para secttrade

15

MiscellaneousJobs invites and more

You are invited to attend The North Carolina Forum ndash All-America City Awards RevisitedCo-hosted by David Bradley Statesville NC Chamber of Commerce Mandy Pitts City of Hickory NC Hardin Watkins Town Manager Town of Garner NC and NCL Board member Dr Jarvis A Hall Director Institute for Civic Engagement and Social Change at North Carolina Central University

December 11 2012 Tuesday 11-2 pm at White Deer Park Nature Center - 2400 Aversboro Road Garner North Carolina (7 miles from Raleigh-Durham)

A gathering of North Carolina-area All-America Cities and prospective All-America City applicants

Learn about the promising practices of North Carolina All-America Cities Come tell us your story of success Share how you have succeeded since your All-America City bid If you are looking for new ideas you belong here If you are going to apply for the All-America City Awards you will get insights into the benefits of the program Lunch will be provided by the Town of Garner

RSVP by November 28 2012 to aacnclorg to register for the event and to reserve a lunch Space is limited Reserve your spot today For more about the All-America City Awards see wwwallamericacityawardcomCall Gloria Rubio-Cortes at 3035714343 or email gloriarcnclorg - Mandy Pitts City of Hickory

NC Baptist Men Disaster Relief is adding a new component to their volunteer leadership structure Public Information Officer Each year NCBM goes quietly about its business of sending teams to feed construct and care for people who are suffering from natural disasters usually along the Eastern seaboard and overseas

Everything is funded by donations - usually through churches in NC The organization only has a few staff members Their work is done by volunteers with the focus on getting as much of every dollar donated to the people who need it - not using it for administrative costs The organization has never tooted its own horn Now they would like to begin using volunteers to help them with media contacts at the scene of the disasters or from the origin of where teams are dispatched from They are asking us as Communication Professionals to attend a focus group to help them discuss this idea and how it might work for their organization If yoursquod like to be part of this effort see below and let me know if you would like to participate If you could not attend the focus group but would like to be a volunteer to help in the future - let me know as well Your help would be greatly appreciated

Please indicate all of the following dates that you could participate in a focus group to help shape the strategy goals and objectives of this position Dec 13 Dec 14 Dec 20 or Dec 21 The meetings will most likely be in Asheboro since itrsquos centrally located However the location may change depending on the location of the majority of participants The time will likely be 10ndash 2pm with lunch provided - Annette Privette-Keller Town of Matthews

Senior Public Affairs Specialist Public AffairsWater ManagementUnder general direction of the Office of Public Affairs and Water Management Department primary duties for this customer-focused role include development amp implementation of social media strategies and mes-sages for various departments throughout the City of Durham using appropriate media platforms This role also leads the employee and public information efforts for Water Management development planning and communication about the department and its various programs services and activities through appropriate media channels - Beverly Thompson City of Durham (see more jobs at nc3ccom)

reg copy para secttrade

NC3C | North Carolina City amp County Communicators | wwwnc3ccom 072012 Treasurer Joshua Harris | PO Box 3448 Morganton NC 28680-3448 | jharriscimorgantonmcus | (828) 432-2516

2012-2013 Membership Dues Invoice Please complete and return this form with membership dues of $5000 to NC City amp County Communicators co Joshua Harris Treasurer PO Box 3448 Morganton NC 28680-3448 Make checks payable to NC3C NC3C Tax ID Number 26-0265279

Membership Information

Name

Title

Jurisdiction

Address

City NC Zip

Phone

E-mail

Website NC3C 2012-2013 Officers President Mandy Pitts City of Hickory mpittshickoryncgov Vice-President Gary Herman Alexander County glhermanalexandercountyncgov Secretary Kiara Jones Pitt County kdjonespittcountyncgov Treasurer Joshua Harris City of Morganton jharriscimorgantonncus Past President Steve Hawley City of Greenville shawleygreenvillencgov

Shop TalkMaking a great holiday feast

Contributed by Kiara Jones Pitt County

Ok I know yoursquore used to this section actually being about tools we use in the communication trade but be-cause Thanksgiving is here and Christmas is right around the corner I thought Irsquod take a break from that stuff and talk about something really important Food

The holidays are filled with it If yoursquore like me you do more eating than cooking but for those of you who ac-tually use that thing called an oven herersquos a recipe that will help make your Thanksgiving or Christmas dinner a fantastic feast

Rice Stuffing with Apples Herbs and Bacon3 12 cups water divided1 12 cups low fat low sodium chickenbroth1 cup uncooked wild rice13 pound bacon3 cups diced onions3 cups diced celery1 tablespoon water

Directions1 In a medium saucepan over medium heat bring 1 12 cups water and the chicken broth to a boil Stir in wild rice Cover reduce heat and simmer 45 minutes2 Place bacon in a large deep skillet Cook over medium high heat until evenly brown Reserving drippings drain bacon crumble and set aside3 In the skillet with the reserved bacon drippings saute onions and celery with 1 tablespoon water Cook until very soft about 20 minutes4 Stir remaining water white rice currants cherries cranberries apricots and apples into the wild rice Con-tinue cooking 20 minutes or until wild rice and white rice are tender5 In a large bowl mix the bacon and the onion mixture into the rice mixture Season with the Italian parsley and dried mixed herbs (allrecipescom)

While this recipe is going to taste great on someonersquos table this year I wanted to remind us about something thatrsquos even more important than food - being grateful for what we have been blessed with Our jobs or fami-lies our lives Every day we can take a breath is a blessing and we should be sure to use it wisely And speaking of blessings why not be one to someone else and serve this holiday season Help out that elderly neighbor or invite that family from church over for dinner just to help them through a hard time Send a stranger a gift help someone whorsquos homeless or less fortunate than you While we may get some great gifts this year serving others will help you realize that it really is ldquomore blessed to give than to receiverdquo

God bless

1 cup uncooked long-grain white rice1 34 cups currants34 cup dried cherries34 cup dried cranberries12 ounce dried apricots1 cup diced unpeeled apples12 cup chopped Italian flat leaf parsley6 tablespoons dried mixed herbs

Shop TalkMaking a great holiday feast

Contributed by Kiara Jones Pitt County

Ok I know yoursquore used to this section actually being about tools we use in the communication trade but be-cause Thanksgiving is here and Christmas is right around the corner I thought Irsquod take a break from that stuff and talk about something really important Food

The holidays are filled with it If yoursquore like me you do more eating than cooking but for those of you who ac-tually use that thing called an oven herersquos a recipe that will help make your Thanksgiving or Christmas dinner a fantastic feast

Rice Stuffing with Apples Herbs and Bacon3 12 cups water divided1 12 cups low fat low sodium chickenbroth1 cup uncooked wild rice13 pound bacon3 cups diced onions3 cups diced celery1 tablespoon water

Directions1 In a medium saucepan over medium heat bring 1 12 cups water and the chicken broth to a boil Stir in wild rice Cover reduce heat and simmer 45 minutes2 Place bacon in a large deep skillet Cook over medium high heat until evenly brown Reserving drippings drain bacon crumble and set aside3 In the skillet with the reserved bacon drippings saute onions and celery with 1 tablespoon water Cook until very soft about 20 minutes4 Stir remaining water white rice currants cherries cranberries apricots and apples into the wild rice Con-tinue cooking 20 minutes or until wild rice and white rice are tender5 In a large bowl mix the bacon and the onion mixture into the rice mixture Season with the Italian parsley and dried mixed herbs (allrecipescom)

While this recipe is going to taste great on someonersquos table this year I wanted to remind us about something thatrsquos even more important than food - being grateful for what we have been blessed with Our jobs or fami-lies our lives Every day we can take a breath is a blessing and we should be sure to use it wisely And speaking of blessings why not be one to someone else and serve this holiday season Help out that elderly neighbor or invite that family from church over for dinner just to help them through a hard time Send a stranger a gift help someone whorsquos homeless or less fortunate than you While we may get some great gifts this year serving others will help you realize that it really is ldquomore blessed to give than to receiverdquo

God bless

1 cup uncooked long-grain white rice1 34 cups currants34 cup dried cherries34 cup dried cranberries12 ounce dried apricots1 cup diced unpeeled apples12 cup chopped Italian flat leaf parsley6 tablespoons dried mixed herbs

Wersquore looking for writers

If yoursquore interested in submitting an article for the Winter issue of NC|COM just send an e-mail to kdjonespittcountyncgov

Go ahead Donrsquot be afraid Share your knowledge with others

Go ahead

You can do it

Hit send already