Marketing, Public Relations, Political Advocacy Workgroup

Next meeting: Tues. May 20, 10-1 at HGIC.

State Marketing, Public Relations and Political Advocacy Work Group

Marketing and public relations has been recognized by the State Master Gardener Strategic Planning committee as a critical area for the MG program. The goal of the Marketing and Public Relations Committee is to develop a strategic marketing plan for the Maryland Master Gardener Program. Every county is seeking to do this in its own way, so let’s join forces, see what everyone is doing and come up with a plan that will move us all forward together. Every MG County/City program would benefit by attending this meeting. Specific tasks are to:

•   identify target audiences
•   identify how best to communicate with them
•   develop comprehensive strategic and tactical marketing and Public Relations programs

Currently, we are working with the 30th anniversary celebration committee to plan events and strategies to raise our visibility across the state.

In addition to targeting specific audiences, we are working on a new MG Bay-Wise Brochure, and encouraging each MG program to have MGs join their Extension Advisory Board or Extension Advisory Councils.

We absolutely need input from each county so that we understand the marketing and PR programs that are already in action – either formally or informally – throughout the state. If you can be the PR representative from your county, please contact us (whether you can come to work group meetings or not). Contact Paul Bearess via email or Robin via email or at 410-531-1754.

We need your help. So, come and learn from others and help us build a strong awareness and positive image of the program among all of our target audiences. that we effectively communicate with everyone in Maryland will know who we are and what we do, and why we are important.

Committee Members:

Paul Beares- Harford Co.

Esther Taylor-Mitchell- PG Co.

Edith Sakell- Queen Anne's Co.

Jane Chouinard- Howard Co.

Joe Ann Kuhn- Anne Arundel Co.

Madeleine Carmichael- Montgomery Co.

Robin Hessey- HGIC

Bob Nixon- Howard Co.

Debra Jarboe-Brooks- Howard Co.

For more information, contact Robin Hessey

Last updated: 03/11/2008