Grey County is updating and modernizing how it communicates with the public.
At its meeting on July 28, county council approved an updated communications strategy for the organization.
“This year has proven to be an optimal time to revisit the strategy. There have been many challenges and changes over the past two and a half years and this project was a great opportunity to engage with our internal and external stakeholders to better understand how to adapt to the new communications preferences after the pandemic,” said Communications Manager Rob Hatten.
The strategy has identified seven goals for the county.
- Drive communications through strategic planning and analysis.
- Enable connections and support collaboration and the open exchange of ideas through communications.
- Ensure council, county and department messaging are communicated in a fulsome, timely, and effective manner.
- Explore and measure communication technology and opportunities against audience needs.
- Ensure stakeholders can receive or access information through preferred avenues.
- Promote the county’s brand in a positive and consistent way.
- Attract visitors and newcomers with compelling and evocative communications.
As part of the update process, Hatten said his department identified a customer service strategy as an opportunity going forward. He said his department would be exploring a formalized customer service strategy and reporting back to council in the future. Hatten said there will be opportunities for staff and council training as the project develops.
“I want to commend Rob and his staff for extremely well-organized communications for Grey County throughout the years,” said West Grey Mayor Christine Robinson.
Meaford Deputy Mayor Shirley Keaveney also commended the communications staff.
“We’re lucky to have you. Everything revolves around communications. There are much greater expectations from our residents. People want to get their information immediately,” she said.
