St. Helens to Proclaim Government Communicators Day (February 24, 2024)

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

February 15, 2024

St. Helens, Ore. - The City of St. Helens will honor the people of its Communications Team on February 24, 2024, a day proclaimed “Government Communicators Day” across the country. The St. Helens City Council will proclaim this day at their February 21, 2024 Regular Session.

Government Communicators Day is a day dedicated to recognizing and celebrating the invaluable contributions of public communicators across the nation. This special day falls on February 24, 2024, and serves as an opportunity to spotlight the tireless efforts of government communicators who work diligently behind the scenes.

“Government Communicators Day is a platform to showcase the pivotal role that public communicators play in shaping public perception, disseminating critical information and fostering community engagement,” said Scott Lehtonen, Executive Director of the City-County Communications & Marketing Association (3CMA). “For 364 days of the year, these professionals work tirelessly behind the scenes, and on this day, we aim to bring them into the spotlight they deserve.”

The City’s Communications Team is made of up Communications Officer Crystal King and Communications Support Specialist Cameron Burkhart. Crystal has been doing City communications since 2012 and Cameron has been working by her side part-time since 2020. Here is a list of just some of the things you’ll find our Team doing:

  • Leading the charge in public outreach and education campaigns when our agency is navigating issues like rate increase approvals or infrastructure projects – because communication is key in these moments.
  • They are the creative minds behind media advisories, press releases, and highlight videos when your agency achieves an award – making sure the spotlight shines on your agency and the accomplishments of your co-workers.
  • When crises strike or news outlets come knocking, they’re the strategic force handling responses, preparing talking points, and ensuring a newsworthy approach – because our City’s voice matters.
  • As the architect of communication plans, they steer the ship in promoting behavior change and educating the community on crucial topics like environmental impacts, land-use changes, or budget matters – because informing and engaging the public is their jam!

“As a public communicator, your impact is felt in various aspects of government operations. Whether it's spearheading public outreach and education campaigns during rate increase approvals, crafting media advisories for award ceremonies, or formulating strategic responses during crises, government communicators are the unsung heroes ensuring transparent and effective communication,” said Jennifer Bennerotte, Communications Director of Edina, Minnesota, and current President of 3CMA.

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For further information regarding Government Communicators Day, please contact St. Helens City Recorder Kathy Payne at kpayne@sthelensoregon.gov or 503-366-8217.